About This Book WARNING! Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions could result in bodily harm or loss of life. CAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions could result in damage to equipment or loss of information.
Table of contents 1 Computer Diagnostic Features HP Insight Diagnostics ......................... 1 Accessing HP Insight Diagnostics ..................1 Survey Tab .......................... 2 Test Tab ..........................3 Status Tab ........................... 3 Log Tab ..........................4 Help Tab ..........................4 Saving and Printing Information in HP Insight Diagnostics ..........5 Downloading the Latest Version of HP Insight Diagnostics ..........
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Interpreting POST Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes ..........57 Appendix B Password Security and Resetting CMOS Resetting the Password Jumper ......................61 Clearing and Resetting the CMOS ..................... 62 Using Computer Setup to Reset CMOS ................62 Using the CMOS Button ....................62 Appendix C Drive Protection System (DPS) Accessing DPS Through Computer Setup ..................
Computer Diagnostic Features HP Insight Diagnostics NOTE: HP Insight Diagnostics is included on CD with some computer models only. The HP Insight Diagnostics utility allows you to view information about the hardware configuration of the computer and perform hardware diagnostic tests on the subsystems of the computer. The utility simplifies the process of effectively identifying, diagnosing, and isolating hardware issues.
NOTE: It is recommended that you accept the assigned default keyboard for your language unless you want to test your specific keyboard. In the End User License Agreement page, click Agree if you agree with the terms. The HP Insight Diagnostics utility launches with the Survey tab displayed.
Test Tab The Test tab allows you to choose various parts of the system to test. You can also choose the type of test and testing mode. There are three types of tests to choose from: ● Quick Test—Provides a predetermined script where a sample of each hardware component is exercised and requires no user intervention in either Unattended or Interactive mode.
After testing has completed, the Cancel Testing button is replaced with a Retest button. The Retest button will retest the last set of tests executed. This enables you to re-run the set of tests without having to re-enter the data in the Test tab. The Status tab also shows: ●...
Saving and Printing Information in HP Insight Diagnostics You can save the information displayed in the HP Insight Diagnostics Survey and Log tabs to a diskette or a USB 2.0 HP Drive Key (64MB or higher). You can not save to the hard drive. The system will automatically create an html file that has the same appearance as the information displayed on the screen.
HP Backup and Recovery Manager NOTE: The features described below are only available on systems shipped with Microsoft Windows XP. The HP Backup and Recovery Manager included with Microsoft Windows Vista is a more limited version. Check for updates by clicking the Software & Driver Downloads link at http://www.hp.com.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics This chapter provides information on how to identify and correct minor problems, such as diskette drive, hard drive, optical drive, graphics, audio, memory, and software problems. If you encounter problems with the computer, refer to the tables in this chapter for probable causes and recommended solutions. NOTE: For information on specific error messages that may appear on the screen during Power-On Self-Test (POST) at startup, refer to Appendix A,...
● If you recently installed new software, uninstall the software and see if the computer functions properly. ● Boot the computer to the Safe Mode to see if it will boot without all of the drivers loaded. When booting the operating system, use “Last Known Configuration.” ●...
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● Check the Power LED on the front of the computer to see if it is flashing red. The flashing lights are error codes that will help you diagnose the problem. Refer to Appendix A, POST Error Messages on page 49 for more information.
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 an authorized dealer or reseller. WARNING! When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, voltage is always applied to the system board.
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Table 2-1 Solving General Problems (continued) Cursor will not move using the arrow keys on the keypad. Cause Solution Num Lock key may be on. Press the Num Lock key. The Num Lock light should not be on if you want to use the arrow keys.
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Table 2-1 Solving General Problems (continued) Poor performance is experienced. Cause Solution Virus resident on the hard drive. Run virus protection program. Too many applications running. Close unnecessary applications to free up memory. Add more memory. Some applications run in the background and can be closed by right-clicking on their corresponding icons in the task tray.
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Table 2-1 Solving General Problems (continued) System does not power on and the LEDs on the front of the computer are not flashing. Cause Solution Press and hold the power button for less than 4 seconds. If the hard drive LED does not turn on green then: Check that the unit is plugged into a working AC outlet.
Solving Power Problems Common causes and solutions for power problems are listed in the following table. Table 2-2 Solving Power Problems Power supply shuts down intermittently. Cause Solution Voltage selector switch on rear of computer chassis (some Select the proper AC voltage using the selector switch. models) not switched to correct line voltage (115V or 230V).
Solving Diskette Problems Common causes and solutions for diskette problems are listed in the following table. NOTE: You may need to reconfigure the computer when you add or remove hardware, such as an additional diskette drive. See Solving Hardware Installation Problems on page 32 instructions.
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Table 2-3 Solving Diskette Problems (continued) Cannot format diskette. Cause Solution Invalid media reported. When formatting a disk in MS-DOS, you may need to specify diskette capacity. For example, to format a 1.44-MB diskette, type the following command at the MS-DOS prompt: FORMAT A: /F:1440 Disk may be write-protected.
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Table 2-3 Solving Diskette Problems (continued) Cannot Boot to Diskette. Cause Solution Diskette boot has been disabled in Computer Setup. Run Computer Setup and enable diskette boot in Storage > Boot Order. Run Computer Setup and enable diskette boot in Storage >...
Solving Hard Drive Problems Table 2-4 Solving Hard Drive Problems Hard drive error occurs. Cause Solution Hard disk has bad sectors or has failed. In Microsoft Windows XP, right-click Start, click Explore, and select a drive. Select File > Properties > Tools.
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Table 2-4 Solving Hard Drive Problems (continued) Nonsystem disk/NTLDR missing message. Cause Solution The system is trying to start from a diskette that is not bootable. Remove the diskette from the diskette drive. The system is trying to start from the hard drive but the hard Insert a bootable diskette into the diskette drive and drive may have been damaged.
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Table 2-4 Solving Hard Drive Problems (continued) Computer seems to be locked up. Cause Solution off the power. To restart the computer, press the power button again. The removable hard drive has no power to the hard drive enclosure. Cause Solution The lock on the enclosure is not turned to the “ON”...
Solving Media Card Reader Problems Table 2-5 Solving Media Card Reader Problems Media card will not work in a digital camera after formatting it in Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows Vista. Cause Solution By default, Windows XP and Windows Vista will format any Either format the media card in the digital camera or select FAT media card with a capacity greater than 32MB with the FAT32 file system to format the media card in a computer with...
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Table 2-5 Solving Media Card Reader Problems (continued) After installing the media card reader and booting to Windows, the reader and the inserted cards are not recognized by the computer. Cause Solution The operating system needs time to recognize the device if the Wait a few seconds so that the operating system can recognize reader was just installed into the computer and you are turning the reader and the available ports, and then recognize...
Solving Display Problems If you encounter display problems, see the documentation that came with the monitor and to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-6 Solving Display Problems Blank screen (no video). Cause Solution Monitor is not turned on and the monitor light is not on. Turn on the monitor and check that the monitor light is on.
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Table 2-6 Solving Display Problems (continued) Blank screen and the power LED flashes Red five times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps five times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.) Cause Solution Pre-video memory error.
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Table 2-6 Solving Display Problems (continued) Blurry video or requested resolution cannot be set. Cause Solution If the graphics controller was upgraded, the correct graphics Install the video drivers included in the upgrade kit. drivers may not be loaded. Monitor is not capable of displaying requested resolution. Change requested resolution.
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Table 2-6 Solving Display Problems (continued) Vibrating or rattling noise coming from inside a CRT monitor when powered on. Cause Solution Monitor degaussing coil has been activated. None. It is normal for the degaussing coil to be activated when the monitor is powered on. Clicking noise coming from inside a CRT monitor.
Solving Audio Problems If the computer has audio features and you encounter audio problems, see the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-7 Solving Audio Problems Sound cuts in and out. Cause Solution Processor resources are being used by other open Shut down all open processor-intensive applications.
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Table 2-7 Solving Audio Problems (continued) Sound does not come out of the speaker or headphones. Cause Solution Headphones or devices connected to the line-out connector Turn on and use headphones or external speakers, if mute the internal speaker. connected, or disconnect headphones or external speakers. Computer is in standby mode.
Solving Printer Problems If you encounter printer problems, see the documentation that came with the printer and to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-8 Solving Printer Problems Printer will not print. Cause Solution Printer is not turned on and online. Turn the printer on and make sure it is online.
Solving Keyboard and Mouse Problems If you encounter keyboard or mouse problems, see the documentation that came with the equipment and to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-9 Solving Keyboard Problems Keyboard commands and typing are not recognized by the computer. Cause Solution Keyboard connector is not properly connected.
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Table 2-10 Solving Mouse Problems Mouse does not respond to movement or is too slow. Cause Solution Mouse connector is not properly plugged into the back of the Shut down the computer using the keyboard. computer. Press the Ctrl keys at the same time (or press Windows logo key) to display the Start menu.
Solving Hardware Installation Problems You may need to reconfigure the computer when you add or remove hardware, such as an additional drive or expansion card. If you install a plug and play device, Windows automatically recognizes the device and configures the computer. If you install a non–plug and play device, you must reconfigure the computer after completing installation of the new hardware.
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Table 2-11 Solving Hardware Installation Problems (continued) Power LED flashes Red five times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps five times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.) Cause Solution Memory is installed incorrectly or is bad. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the DIMMs or the system board, you must unplug the computer power...
Solving Network Problems Some common causes and solutions for network problems are listed in the following table. These guidelines do not discuss the process of debugging the network cabling. Table 2-12 Solving Network Problems Wake-on-LAN feature is not functioning. Cause Solution Wake-on-LAN is not enabled.
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Table 2-12 Solving Network Problems (continued) Network status link light never flashes. NOTE: The network status light is supposed to flash when there is network activity. Cause Solution No active network is detected. Check cabling and network equipment for proper connection. Network controller is not set up properly.
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Table 2-12 Solving Network Problems (continued) Network controller stopped working when an expansion board was added to the computer. Cause Solution Network controller interrupt is shared with an expansion board. Under the Computer Setup Advanced menu, change the resource settings for the board. The network controller requires drivers.
Solving Memory Problems If you encounter memory problems, some common causes and solutions are listed in the following table. CAUTION: Power may still be supplied to the DIMMs when the computer is turned off (depending on the Management Engine (ME) settings). To avoid damage to the DIMMs or the system board, you must unplug the computer power cord before attempting to reseat, install, or remove a DIMM module.
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Table 2-13 Solving Memory Problems (continued) Insufficient memory error during operation. Cause Solution Too many Terminate and Stay Resident programs (TSRs) are Delete any TSRs that you do not need. installed. You have run out of memory for the application. Check the memory requirements for the application or add more memory to the computer.
Solving Processor Problems If you encounter processor problems, common causes and solutions are listed in the following table. Table 2-14 Solving Processor Problems Poor performance is experienced. Cause Solution Processor is hot. Make sure the airflow to the computer is not blocked. Make sure the fans are connected and working properly (some fans only operate when needed).
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. Table 2-15 Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems System will not boot from CD-ROM or DVD drive.
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Table 2-15 Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems (continued) Movie will not play in the DVD drive. Cause Solution Movie may be regionalized for a different country. See the documentation that came with the DVD drive. Decoder software is not installed. Install decoder software.
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USDT computer boots too slow after removing a CD-ROM or DVD drive. Cause Solution The system is searching for the drive during boot because the Disconnect the drive cable from the system board. drive cable is still attached to the system board. Chapter 2 Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics ENWW...
Solving Drive Key Problems If you encounter Drive Key problems, common causes and solutions are listed in the following table. Table 2-16 Solving Drive Key Problems USB Drive Key is not seen as a drive letter in Windows. Cause Solution The drive letter after the last physical drive is not available.
Solving Front Panel Component Problems If you encounter problems with devices connected to the front panel, refer to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-17 Solving Front Panel Component Problems A USB device, headphone, or microphone is not recognized by the computer. Cause Solution Device is not properly connected.
Solving Internet Access Problems If you encounter Internet access problems, consult your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or refer to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-18 Solving Internet Access Problems Unable to connect to the Internet. Cause Solution Internet Service Provider (ISP) account is not set up properly.
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Table 2-18 Solving Internet Access Problems (continued) Internet takes too long to download Web sites. Cause Solution Modem is not set up properly. Verify that the modem is connected and communicating properly. Windows XP Select Start > Control Panel. Double-click System. Click the Hardware tab.
Solving Software Problems Most software problems occur as a result of the following: ● The application was not installed or configured correctly. ● There is insufficient memory available to run the application. ● There is a conflict between applications. ● Be sure that all the needed device drivers have been installed.
Contacting Customer Support For help and service, contact an authorized reseller or dealer. To locate a reseller or dealer near you, visit http://www.hp.com. NOTE: If you take the computer to an authorized reseller, dealer, or service provider for service, remember to provide the setup and power-on passwords if they are set. Refer to the number listed in the warranty or in the Support Telephone Numbers guide on the Documentation and Diagnostics CD for technical assistance.
POST Error Messages This appendix lists the error codes, error messages, and the various indicator light and audible sequences that you may encounter during Power-On Self-Test (POST) or computer restart, the probable source of the problem, and steps you can take to resolve the error condition. POST Message Disabled suppresses most system messages during POST, such as memory count and non-error text messages.
POST Numeric Codes and Text Messages This section covers those POST errors that have numeric codes associated with them. The section also includes some text messages that may be encountered during POST. NOTE: The computer will beep once after a POST text message is displayed on the screen. Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages Control panel message...
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Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action or contact an authorized dealer or reseller for RTC battery replacement. 163-Time & Date Not Set Invalid time or date in configuration memory. Reset the date and time under Control Panel (Computer Setup can also be used).
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Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action 301-Keyboard Error Keyboard failure. Reconnect keyboard with computer turned off. Check connector for bent or missing pins. Ensure that none of the keys are depressed. Replace keyboard. 303-Keyboard Controller Error I/O board keyboard controller.
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Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action 512-Chassis, Rear Chassis, or Front Chassis Chassis, rear chassis, or front chassis fan is Reseat chassis, rear chassis, or front Fan not Detected not connected or may have malfunctioned. chassis fan.
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Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action 1151-Serial Port A Address Conflict Detected Both external and internal serial ports are Remove any serial port expansion assigned to COM1. cards. Clear CMOS. (See Appendix B, Password Security and Resetting CMOS on page 60.)
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Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action ensure Drivelock is Disabled. Lastly, change Storage > Storage Options > SATA Emulation back to RAID and select File > Save Changes and Exit. 1801-Microcode Patch Error Processor is not supported by ROM BIOS.
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Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action 2204-Inventory error during MEBx execution BIOS information passed to the MEBx Reboot the computer. resulted in a failure. If the error persists, update to the latest BIOS version.
Interpreting POST Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes This section covers the front panel LED codes as well as the audible codes that may occur before or during POST that do not necessarily have an error code or text message associated with them. WARNING! When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, voltage is always applied to the system board.
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Table A-2 Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes (continued) Activity Beeps Possible Cause Recommended Action Red Power LED flashes four Power failure (power Open the hood and ensure the 4 or 6-wire times, once every second, supply is overloaded). power supply cable is seated into the followed by a two second connector on the system board.
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Table A-2 Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes (continued) Activity Beeps Possible Cause Recommended Action Red Power LED flashes nine System powers on but is Check that the voltage selector, located on times, once every second, unable to boot. the rear of the power supply (some models), followed by a two second is set to the appropriate voltage.
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.
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: Shut down the operating system properly, then turn off the computer and any external devices, and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet. With the power cord disconnected, press the power button again to drain the system of any residual power.
Clearing and Resetting the CMOS The computer’s configuration memory (CMOS) stores information about the computer’s configuration. Using Computer Setup to Reset CMOS Using Computer Setup to reset CMOS also clears the power-on and setup passwords. To reset CMOS through Computer Setup, you must first access the Computer Setup Utilities menu. When the Computer Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of the screen, press the key.
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CAUTION: Pushing the CMOS button will reset CMOS values to factory defaults. It is important to back up the computer CMOS settings before resetting them in case they are needed later. Back up is easily done through Computer Setup. See the Computer Setup (F10) Utility Guide on the Documentation and Diagnostics CD for information on backing up the CMOS settings.
Drive Protection System (DPS) The Drive Protection System (DPS) is a diagnostic tool built into the hard drives installed in some computers. 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.
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: Turn on or restart the computer. When the F10 Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of the screen, press the key.