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Troubleshooting
Now check that everything is still working as it should. If
so, you can unplug all cables from the back of the com-
puter and begin to install the sound card.
If disaster strikes…
… your first priority should be to make a backup of your
most important documents. Attempt to copy your files
(lyrics, songs, tax declarations) to diskettes, hard, or re-
movable drives, without launching their associated appli-
cations. While you are at it, you should also make timely
backup copies of your software’s installation diskettes.
You can skip this step for CD-ROMs, but even CDs re-
quire extra care: neither of its two sides should be
scratched. Once you have made backups of your private
files, and programs, the chances of a true disaster are all
but eliminated. Never skip making regular backups, even
if everything is working perfectly—eventually, any hard
disk may crash. A system crash can be caused by:
– operator error,
– a software conflict (e. g. incompatibility between two
programs),
– overloading of the system’s resources,
– faulty cable connections (or missing termination), or
– a hardware defect.
Eliminate the first two causes before deciding to have your
hardware repaired.
If the problem persists, make precise note of the follow-
ing:
– what you were doing at the time of the error (which
program, which function, which applications were
open);
– the exact text of any error messages and/or error
numbers (if applicable);
– the version of the operating system, as well as of the
program where the error occurred;
– your system configuration.
– After each crash: Check the files and file structure of
your system hard disk with a suitable program like
Scandisk. If necessary, repair the files and file structure
of your system hard disk. We highly recommend
checking your hard disks with the Scandisk program
regularly, so as to rule out any hard disk related prob-
lems in the first place.
PCI Faults
PCI technology relies on highly accurate timing synchro-
nization in your computer’s data stream. Unfortunately,
there are certain PCI card combinations that will cause