Troubleshooting Guide Compaq Evo Desktop Family Compaq Evo Workstation Family Document Part Number: 177620-006 May 2002 This guide provides helpful hints and solutions for troubleshooting the above products as well as scenarios for possible hardware and software problems.
1 Computer Diagnostic Features Compaq Diagnostics for Windows ........1–1 Installing Compaq Diagnostics for Windows .
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Contents A Post Error Messages POST Numeric Codes and Text Messages ........A–1 POST Diagnostic Keyboard LEDs, Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes .
Compaq Diagnostics for Windows The Compaq Diagnostics for Windows (DFW) utility is a component of Intelligent Manageability that allows you to view information about the hardware and software configuration of your computer while running Microsoft Windows (Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows Me, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, and Microsoft Windows XP).
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Computer Diagnostic Features Menu Bar—File, Categories, Navigation, Level, Tab, Help At the top of the Compaq Diagnostics for Windows screen is the Menu Bar consisting of six pull-down menus: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ToolBar—Icons for Different Categories of Information Below the Menu Bar is a row of icons for each of the following categories of information about the computer: ■...
Log—The Log window displays a log of tests for each device. Error—The Error window displays any errors that occurred during device testing. The window lists the device being tested, the type and number of errors, and the error code. located on the Windows Desktop. Computer Diagnostic Features 1–3...
Computer Diagnostic Features 3. Click Next to install Compaq Diagnostics for Windows. 4. After the program has finished installing, you may be prompted ✎ If you want to upgrade an existing version of Compaq Diagnostics for Windows installed on your computer, visit www.compaq.com/support/files and click on an applicable product.
✎ To print the information, click File, then select Print. Select one of the following options: Detailed Report (All Categories), Summary Report (All Categories), or Current Category. Click OK to print the report you selected. ✎ To save the information, click File, then select Save As. Select one of the following options: Detailed Report (All Categories), Summary Report (All Categories), or Current Category.
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Computer Diagnostic Features 3. Select one of the following options: ✎ To test all subsystems, you must log in as the administrator. If you do not log in as the administrator, you will be unable to test some subsystems. The inability to test a subsystem will be indicated by an error message under the subsystem name in the Test window or by shaded boxes that cannot be checked.
Compaq management tools. It gathers critical hardware and software information from various computer subsystems to give a complete view of your desktop or workstation. Configuration Record Utility provides a means for automatically identifying and comparing configuration changes, and has the ability to maintain a configuration history.
Computer Diagnostic Features ✎ The Compaq Configuration Record Utility has two view options: Show Changed Items Only and Show All. The default view is Show Changed Items Only, therefore all the text is displayed in the color red since it shows only the differences. Switching to Show All displays the complete, comprehensive view of the system.
The Compaq Remote Diagnostics Enabling Agent provides a Web browser interface to Compaq Diagnostics for Windows. This enables remote control of the diagnostics and facilitates easy transfer of computer information from remote machines to a service provider. The Compaq Remote Diagnostics Enabling Agent captures hardware configuration and provides the ability to perform tests remotely to diagnose computer problems.
Computer Diagnostic Features Protecting Your Software To protect software from loss or damage, you should keep a backup copy of all system software, applications, and related files stored on the hard drive. See the operating system or backup utility documentation for instructions on making backup copies of data files. Restoring Your Software The operating system and software can be restored to its original state as when you purchased the computer by using your Compaq Restore...
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics This guide provides information on how to identify and correct minor disk, graphics, memory, and software problems. It also explains many of the messages that may be displayed on the screen, including specific error messages that may appear during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) at startup.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Helpful Hints If you encounter some minor problems with your computer, monitor, or software, see the following list of general suggestions before taking further action: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Ä CAUTION: When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, there is always voltage applied to the system board.
Solving General Problems You may be able to easily resolve the general problems described in this section. If a problem persists and you are unable to resolve it yourself or if you feel uncomfortable about performing the operation, contact your Compaq authorized dealer or reseller. Solving General Problems Problem Cause...
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Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving General Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Computer date and RTC (real-time clock) time display is battery may need to be incorrect. replaced. Battery life is approximately 3–5 years. Computer powered off The unit temperature was automatically and the exceeded.
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Solving General Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Computer appears to Network driver is loaded pause periodically. and no network connection is established. Cannot remove Smart Cover Lock, computer cover or featured on some access panel. computers, is locked. Poor performance is Processor is hot.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Power Supply Problems Solving Power Supply Problems Problem Computer won’t turn on (Power LED on front of computer not on). Power LED flashes Red or Yellow every 2 seconds on most models. 2–6 Cause Solution Computer is not Connect to an external power connected to an source.
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Solving Power Supply Problems (Continued) Problem Power LED flashes Red or Yellow every 2 seconds on most models. (continued) Power supply shuts down intermittently. Computer powered off automatically and the Power LED is: 1. Flashing Red or Yellow four times per second, 2.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Diskette Problems Common causes and solutions for diskette problems are listed in the following table. ✎ You may need to reconfigure the computer when you add or remove hardware, such as an additional diskette drive. See “Solving Hardware Installation Problems”...
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Solving Diskette Problems (Continued) Problem Drive not found. (continued) Diskette drive cannot write to a diskette. Cannot format diskette. Troubleshooting Guide Cause Solution You attempted to hot Shut down Windows and turn off plug a removable the computer. Insert the drive into hard drive that has the MultiBay, if it is not already DriveLock security...
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Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Diskette Problems (Continued) Problem A problem has occurred with a disk transaction. Diskette drive cannot read a diskette. “Invalid system disk” message is displayed. 2–10 Cause Solution The directory structure In Windows 98 run ScanDisk. is bad, or there is a Click Start >...
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Solving Diskette Problems (Continued) Problem Nonsystem disk/NTLDR missing message. Cannot Boot to Diskette. Troubleshooting Guide Cause Solution The system is trying Remove the diskette from the to start from a drive. nonbootable diskette. Diskette is not Replace with a bootable diskette. bootable.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Hard Drive Problems Solving Hard Drive Problems Problem Hard drive error occurs. Disk transaction problem. Drive not found (identified). 2–12 Cause Solution Hard disk has bad Use a utility to locate and block sectors or has failed. usage of bad sectors.
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Solving Hard Drive Problems (Continued) Problem Drive not found (identified). (continued) Nonsystem disk/NTLDR missing message. Troubleshooting Guide Cause Solution Drive jumper settings If the drive is a secondary drive that may be incorrect. has just been installed on the same cable as the primary drive, verify that the jumpers for both drives are set correctly.
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Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Hard Drive Problems (Continued) Problem Nonsystem disk/NTLDR missing message. (continued) Second Ultra ATA hard drive does not perform optimally. Computer will not start. Computer seems to be locked up. 2–14 Cause Solution Hard drive boot has Run Computer Setup and enable been disabled in the hard drive entry in the...
System ROM is bad; Reflash the ROM using a ROMPaq system is running in diskette. See the “Failsafe Boot Block ROM” section of the Desktop Failsafe Boot Block mode (indicated by one Management Guide for more long beep and three information.
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Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Display Problems (Continued) Problem Blank screen. (continued) Monitor does not function properly when used with energy saver features. Graphics colors are wrong. Dim characters. 2–16 Cause Solution Monitor cable is If the computer system has both an plugged into the wrong integrated graphics connector and connector.
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Solving Display Problems (Continued) Problem Blurry video or requested resolution cannot be set. Screen goes blank. The picture is broken up, or it rolls, jitters, or flashes. Monitor overheats. Troubleshooting Guide Cause Solution If the graphics Install the video drivers on the controller was diskette included in the upgrade kit.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Audio Problems If your computer has audio features and you encounter audio problems, see the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Solving Audio Problems Problem Sound does not come out of the speaker or headphones.
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Solving Audio Problems (Continued) Problem Sound does not come out of the speaker or headphones. (continued) Noise or no sound comes out of the speakers or headphones. Troubleshooting Guide Cause Solution Computer is in Stand Press the power button to resume By mode.
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Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics ✎ If you set digital as your Output Mode, the internal speaker and external analog speakers will no longer output audio until you switch back to an auto-sense or analog mode. If you set analog as your Output Mode, external digital speakers will not function until you change the output mode back to an auto-sense or digital mode.
Solving Printer Problems If you encounter printer problems, see the documentation that came with your printer and to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Solving Printer Problems Problem Printer will not print. Printer will not turn on. Printer prints garbled information.
2–22 Cause Solution Keyboard connector 1. On the Windows desktop, is not properly connected. 2. Click Shut Down or Turn Off 3. Select Shut Down or Turn Off. 4. After the shutdown is complete,...
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Solving Mouse Problems Problem Mouse does not respond to movement or is too slow. Mouse will only move vertically, horizontally, or movement is jerky. Troubleshooting Guide Cause Solution Mouse connector is Shut down your computer using the not properly plugged keyboard.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Hardware Installation Problems You may need to reconfigure the computer when you add or remove hardware, such as an additional diskette drive. If you install a plug and play device, Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows XP automatically recognize the device and configure the computer.
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Solving Hardware Installation Problems (Continued) Problem A new device is not recognized as part of the system. (continued) Computer will not start. Troubleshooting Guide Cause Solution A plug and play board Use Windows 98, Windows 2000, may not automatically or Windows XP Device Manager to configure when deselect the automatic settings for added if the default...
Network driver is not properly loaded. Solution Use an RJ-45 network connection. Use the Network control application to enable Remote Wakeup. See the Desktop Management Guide. Run Computer Setup and enable network controller. Check the network controller documentation for the correct driver or obtain the latest driver from the manufacturers Web site.
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Solving Network Problems (Continued) Problem Network status link light does not turn on or it never flashes. (continued) Diagnostics reports a failure. Diagnostics passes, but the computer does not communicate with the network. Network controller stopped working when an expansion board was added to the computer.
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Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Network Problems (Continued) Problem Network controller stopped working when an expansion board was added to the computer. (continued) Network controller stops working without apparent cause. New network card will not boot. Cannot connect to network server when attempting Remote System Installation.
Solving Processor Problems If you encounter processor problems, a common cause and solution are listed in the following table. Solving Processor Problems Problem Poor performance is experienced. Computer does not recognize the second processor just installed. Troubleshooting Guide Cause Solution Processor is hot.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Memory Problems If you encounter memory problems, some common causes and solutions are listed in the following table. Ä CAUTION: Some models support ECC memory and non-ECC memory. Other models support only non-ECC memory. For those systems that do support ECC memory, Compaq does not support mixing ECC and non-ECC memory.
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Solving Memory Problems (Continued) Problem Out of memory error. Memory count during POST is wrong. Insufficient memory error during operation. Unit is on but there is no video and, on most models, the Power LED is flashing Red or Yellow. Troubleshooting Guide Cause Solution...
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving SCSI Problems If you encounter SCSI device problems, see the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Solving SCSI Problems Problem System with UATA and SCSI drives will not boot from SCSI hard drive. System without a UATA drive will not boot from a SCSI drive.
Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems If you encounter CD-ROM or DVD problems, see the common causes and solutions listed in the following table or to the documentation that came with the optional device. Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems Problem System will not boot from CD-ROM or DVD drive.
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Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems Problem CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, or DVD-R/RW drive cannot read a disc or takes too long to start. (continued) Recording audio CDs is difficult or impossible. 2–34 Cause Solution The DVD-ROM drive Wait at least 30 seconds to let the takes longer to start DVD-ROM drive determine the type because it has to...
Where available, run the Compaq Configuration Record Utility to determine if any changes have been made to the software which may be causing a problem. See the Desktop Management Guide on the Documentation Library CD for more information. If you encounter software installation problems using a SCSI hard...
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Software Problems Problem Computer will not start. “Illegal Operation has Occurred” error message is displayed. Contacting Compaq Customer Support For help and service, contact your Compaq authorized reseller or dealer. To locate a Compaq reseller or dealer near you, visit the Compaq Web site at ✎...
This appendix lists the error codes, error messages, and the various indicator light and audible sequences that you may encounter during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) or computer restart, the probable source of the problem, and what steps you can take to resolve the error condition.
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Post Error Messages Numeric Codes and Text Messages Code/Message Beeps 102-System None Board Failure 103-System None Board Failure 150-SafePost None Active 162-System Options Not Set *L = Long, S = Short A–2 Probable Cause Recommended Action DMA, timers, and so 1.
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Numeric Codes and Text Messages Code/Message Beeps 163-Time & Date Not Set 164-Memory Size Error 183-Invalid Processor Jumper Setting *L = Long, S = Short Troubleshooting Guide Probable Cause Recommended Action Invalid time or date in Reset the date and time under configuration memory.
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Post Error Messages Numeric Codes and Text Messages Code/Message Beeps 201-Memory None Error 202-Memory None Type Mismatch 207-ECC Corrected Single Bit Errors in Memory Module Socket(s) y,y, … 212-Failed None Processor *L = Long, S = Short A–4 Probable Cause Recommended Action RAM failure.
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Numeric Codes and Text Messages Code/Message Beeps 213-Incompatible Memory Module in Memory Socket(s) X, X, ... 214-Memory None Device Failure. Error code: XX, Memory Module Socket(s): XX 215-RIMM None Configuration Error 301-Keyboard None Error *L = Long, S = Short Troubleshooting Guide Probable Cause Recommended Action...
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Post Error Messages Numeric Codes and Text Messages Code/Message Beeps 303-Keyboard None Controller Error 304-Keyboard or None System Unit Error 401-Parallel Port 1 Address Assignment Conflict 402-Monochrome 1L,2S* Adapter Failure 403-Parallel Port 3 Address Conflict Detected 404-Parallel Port Address Conflict Detected 410-Audio Interrupt Conflict...
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Numeric Codes and Text Messages Code/Message Beeps 501-Display 1L, 2S* Adapter Failure 510-Splash None Screen image corrupted 511-CPU, Rear, None or Front Fan not detected 601-Diskette None Controller Error 602-Diskette None Boot Record Error *L = Long, S = Short Troubleshooting Guide Probable Cause Recommended Action...
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Post Error Messages Numeric Codes and Text Messages Code/Message Beeps 605-Diskette Drive Type Error 610-External None Storage Device Failure 611-Primary Floppy Port Address Assignment Conflict 612-Secondary Floppy Port Address Assignment Conflict 660-Display None cache is detected unreliable 912-Computer None Cover Has Been Removed Since Last System Startup...
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Numeric Codes and Text Messages Code/Message Beeps 914-Hood Lock None Coil is not Connected 916-Thermal None Sensor from Processor Heatsink is not Connected 917-Expansion None Riser not Detected 1151-Serial Port 1 Address Conflict Detected 1152-Serial Port 2 Address Conflict Detected *L = Long, S = Short Troubleshooting Guide Probable Cause...
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Post Error Messages Numeric Codes and Text Messages Code/Message Beeps 1155-Serial Port Address Conflict Detected 1201-System Audio Address Conflict Detected 1202-MIDI Port Address Conflict Detected 1203-Game Port Address Conflict Detected 1611-Fan failure None detected 1720-SMART None Hard Drive Detects Imminent Failure *L = Long, S = Short A–10...
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Numeric Codes and Text Messages Code/Message Beeps 1721-SMART None SCSI Hard Drive Detects Imminent Failure 1782-Disk None Controller Failure 1800-Tempera- None ture Alert Troubleshooting Guide Probable Cause Recommended Action Hard drive is about to 1. Determine if hard drive fail. (Some hard drives have a firmware patch that will fix an 2.
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Post Error Messages Numeric Codes and Text Messages Code/Message Beeps 1801 None 1998-Master 1L, 2S* Boot Record has been lost. 1999-Master Boot Record has changed. 2000-Master 1L, 2S* Boot Record Hard Drive has changed. *L = Long, S = Short A–12 Probable Cause Recommended Action...
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Numeric Codes and Text Messages Code/Message Beeps Invalid Electronic None Serial Number. ECC Multiple Bit None Error Detected in Memory Module. Parity Check 2. None Troubleshooting Guide Probable Cause Recommended Action Electronic serial 1. Run Computer Setup. If number has become corrupted.
Reflash the ROM using a system is running ROMPaq diskette. See the in Failsafe Boot “Failsafe Boot Block ROM” Block mode. section of the Desktop Management Guide. Graphics controller not 1. Clear CMOS. present or incorrectly 2. If graphics card has been initialized.
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2. Remove and reseat 3. See the “Solving Memory Failed Boot Block. Reflash the ROM using a ROMPaq diskette. See the “Failsafe Boot Block ROM” section of the Desktop Management Guide. System board hardware Replace system board. failure (prior to graphics).
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Post Error Messages Diagnostic Keyboard LEDS, Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes Activity Beeps Red or Yellow None Power LED flashes every 2 seconds (on select models.) Flashing Power None and Hard Drive Green LEDs. A–16 Probable Cause Recommended Action Power supply 1.
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Diagnostic Keyboard LEDS, Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes Activity Beeps Yellow or Green None Power LED flashes every second (on select models.) Red or Yellow None Power LED On Red or Yellow None Power LED is: 1. Flashing four times per second, Or 2.
Password Security and Resetting CMOS This computer supports security password features, which can be established through the Computer Setup Utilities menu. This computer supports two security password features that are established through the Computer Setup Utilities menu: setup password and power-on password. When you establish only a setup password, any user can access all the information on the computer except Computer Setup.
Password Security and Resetting CMOS Resetting the Password Jumper To disable the power-on or setup password features, or to clear the power-on or setup passwords, complete the following steps: 1. Shut down the operating system properly, then turn off the 2.
6. Replace the computer cover or access panel. 7. Reconnect the external equipment. 8. Plug in the computer and turn on power. Allow the operating 9. To re-enable the password features, repeat steps 1-4, then replace 10. Repeat steps 6-8, then establish new passwords. See the Clearing and Resetting the CMOS The computer’s configuration memory (CMOS) stores password information and information about the computer’s configuration.
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Password Security and Resetting CMOS Ä CAUTION: Static electricity can damage the electronic components of the computer or optional equipment. Before beginning these procedures, ensure that you are discharged of static electricity by briefly touching a grounded metal object. See the Safety & Regulatory Information Guide for more information.
You will need to reset your passwords and any special system setups along with the date and time. See the Desktop Management Guide for further instructions on reestablishing passwords. For instructions on Computer Setup, see the Computer Setup (F10) Utility Guide.
Introducing the Drive Protection System The Compaq Drive Protection System (DPS) is a diagnostic tool built into the hard drives installed in select Evo Desktops and Evo Workstations. DPS is designed to help diagnose problems that might result in unwarranted hard drive replacement. When these systems are built, each installed hard drive is tested using DPS, and a permanent record of key information is written onto the drive.
Drive Protection System (DPS) Accessing DPS Through Compaq Diagnostics for Windows To access DPS through Compaq Diagnostics for Windows, perform the following steps: 1. Turn on the computer and select My Computer > Control 2. Select Test > Type of Test. 3.
Accessing DPS Through Computer Setup When the computer does not power on properly you should use Computer Setup to access the DPS program. To access DPS, perform the following steps: 1. Turn on or restart the computer. 2. When the F10 Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of ✎...
Setting up Analog/Digital Audio Output Some computers or workstations may have an integrated audio solution that supports analog or digital external stereo speakers. These systems are capable of auto-sensing the speaker type and outputting the correct signal. To manually change between analog, digital and auto-sense, complete the following set of procedures based on your operating system.
Setting up Analog/Digital Audio Output 7. In the Configuration area of the Settings tab, change the Output 8. Click OK to close the Properties panel. 9. Close the System Properties panel. 10. Close the Control Panel. Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 1.
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8. Click Properties. 9. Click Settings. 10. Change the Output Mode to the desired setting. 11. Click OK to close the Properties panel. 12. Close the Control Panel. Troubleshooting Guide Setting up Analog/Digital Audio Output D–3...
Installing SCSI Drivers for Windows NT The information in this appendix applies to Evo Workstations only. ✎ The following information does not apply if you are completing the initial setup of the preinstalled software or if you are restoring your preinstalled image from the Compaq Restore CD.
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Installing SCSI Drivers for Windows NT Installation On your primary system: 1. Place the OS CD in the CD-ROM drive and boot the system. 2. When the message “Setup is inspecting your computer’s 3. Insert the diskette containing the drivers. When prompted, 4.
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audio output D–1 audio problems 2–18 battery real-time clock 2–4 Blank screen 2–15 booting options Full Boot 2–1 Quick Boot 2–1 cabling, checking connections 2–2 CD-ROM or DVD problems 2–33 CMOS backing up B–1 clearing and resetting B–3 CMOS button B–1 using B–3 Compaq Configuratoin Record Utility overview 1–7...
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Index LEDs 2–4 2–6 2–7 2–31 blinking power A–16 A–17 flashing caps lock A–14 flashing Num lock A–15 flashing power and hard drive A–16 flashing Scroll lock A–15 memory error A–3 A–4 memory problems 2–30 MIDI port A–10 minor problems 2–2 monitor blurry video 2–17 dim characters 2–16...
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SCSI device problems 2–32 SCSI drivers installing E–1 security password B–1 serial port A–9 setup password B–1 SMART Hard Drive A–10 software Troubleshooting Guide protecting 1–10 restoring 1–10 software problems 2–35 System Board A–2 temperature alert A–11 Time & Date A–3 Index Index–3...
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