Section 5 TROUBLE SHOOTING

SECTION 5
TROUBLE SHOOTING

In this section, you will learn how to solve common

hardware and software problems.

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Your notebook has been fully tested and complies with

the system specifications before shipping. However, incorrect
operations and/or mishandling during shipment may cause
problems.

This section provides a reference for identifying and

correcting common hardware and software problems that you
may encounter.

When you encounter a problem, you should first try to go

through the recommendations in this section. Instead of
returning the notebook and waiting for repair, you may easily
solve the problems by considering the following problems
and possible solutions. If the error continues, contact your
reseller for service information.

Before taking further actions, consider the following

suggestions:

Check to see if the problem persists when all the

external devices are removed.
Check to see that the green light indicator on the AC
adapter is lit.
Check to see the power cord is properly plugged to the
wall outlet and to the notebook.
Check to see the power indicator of the notebook is on.
Check the brightness control on the keyboard if the LCD
display appears dim.
Check to see if your keyboard is operational by pressing
and holding any key. An audible beep indicates the
keyboard is functioning correctly.
Check for any incorrect or loose cable connections.
Make sure the latches on the connectors latch securely
on to the receptor end.

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Be sure you have not performed an incorrect setting on

the hardware devices in the BIOS Setup utility. A faulty
setting may cause the system to misbehave. If you are
not sure of the changes you made, try to restore all the
settings to factory defaults.
Be sure all the device drivers are installed properly. For
example, without the audio driver properly installed, the
speakers and microphone will not work.
If external devices such as USB camera, scanner, SCSI
card do not function correctly when connected to the
system, it is usually the device’s own problem. Consult
the device’s manufacturer first.
Some software programs, which have not gone through
rigorous coding and testing, may cause problems during
your routine use. Consult the software vendor for
problem solving.
Not all peripheral are plug-and-play capable. You need
to restart the system with these devices powered up and
connected first.
Be sure to go to BIOS SETUP and load DEFAULT
SETTING after any BI OS updated.

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Audio Problems

No speaker output –

Software volume control is turned down in Microsoft

Sound System. Double-click the speaker icon on the
lower right corner of the taskbar to see if the speaker
has been muted.

Press Fn+F5 Up increase the volume.

Most audio problems are software-related. If your

notebook worked before, chances are software may
have been set incorrectly.

Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel] and double-click

the Multimedia icon (or Sounds and Audio Device
Property icon). In the Volume page, make sure that SiS
7012 Wave is the playback device.

Sound can not be recorded –

Double-click the speaker icon on the lower right corner

of the taskbar to see if the microphone has been muted
or the Line-in level has been lowered to the minimum.
1. Click Options and select Properties.
2. Select Recording and click the OK button.
3. After Click OK button, the recording volume control
panel will appear.

Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel] and double-click

the Multimedia icon (or Sounds and Audio Device
Property icon). In the Volume page, make sure that SiS
7012 Wave is the playback device.

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Hard Disk Problems

The hard disk drive does not work or is not recognizable

-
If you had just performed a hard disk upgrade, make
sure the hard drive connector is not loose and the hard
disk drive is also correctly seated. Remove it and
reinsert it firmly, and restart your PC. (Refer to Section 4
for details.)
The new HDD may need to be partitioned and
reformatted. O/S and drivers will need to be re-installed
as well.
Check the hard disk indicator LED. When you access a
file, the LED lamp should light up momentarily.
The new HDD may be defective.
If your notebook has been subjected to static electricity
or physical shock, you may damaged the disk drive.

The hard drive is making abnormal whining noises –

You should back up your files as soon as possible.
Make sure the source of noise is indeed from the hard
drive and not the fan or other devices.

The hard disk drive has reached its capacity –

Run Disk Cleanup utility in Windows. [Start > Programs
> Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup] The
system will prompt you for what to do.
Archive files or programs that you had no longer used by
moving them to an alternative storage medium (floppy
disk, optical recordable disk, etc.) or uninstall programs
that no longer use.
The Internet browsers store files in the hard drive as a
cache to speed up the performance. Check the
program’s Online Help for instructions on decreasing the
cache size or on removing temporary Internet files.
Empty the Recycle Bin to create more disk space. When
you delete files, Windows saves them to the Recycle
Bin.

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The hard disk takes longer to read a file -

If you have been using the drive for a period, the files
may be fragmented. Go to [Start > Programs >
Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter] to
perform a disk defragment. This operation may take a
while.

The files are corrupted -

Run the Error-checking utility in Windows to check the
HDD. Double-click My Computer. Right-click C: and
select Properties. Click Check Now in Error-checking in
Tools.

CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Problems

The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive does not work -

Try rebooting the system.
The disk is damaged or files are not readable.
After you have inserted a CD-ROM disk, it may take a
moment before you can access its content.

The drive dose not read any disks -

The CD may not be properly seated in the tray. Make
sure the disk is firmly seated onto the spindle.
The disk is damaged or not readable.

The disk can not be ejected -

Normally, it takes a few seconds to eject the disk.
If the disk can not be ejected, it may be mechanically
jammed. Straighten out a paper clip and insert it to a tiny
hole next to the eject button. This should reject the disk
tray. If not, return the unit for repair. Do not forcefully pull
on the disk tray.

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Display Problems

The display panel is blank when the system is turned on

-
Make sure the notebook is not in the Standby or
Hibernate suspend modes. The display is turned off to
conserve energy in these modes.
Press Fn+F7 to increase the screen brightness.
Press Fn+F4 to make sure the notebook is not in the
CRT-output only mode.

The screen is difficult to read -

Press Fn+F7 to increase the screen brightness.
The display resolution should at least be set to
1024x768 for optimal viewing.
1. Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel] and
double-click on the Display icon.
2. Under the Settings page, set screen resolution to
1024x768 and choose at least 256 colors.

The screen flickers -

It is normal if the display flickers a few times during
shutting down or powering up.

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Keyboard and Pointing Device (Mouse) Problems

The built-in keyboard accepts no input -

This notebook is designed to use only one keyboard at
once time. If you are connecting an external keyboard to
the system, the built-in keyboard may not work.
Try restarting the system.

The built-in touch pad does not work -

Make sure the internal PS/2 port (pointing device) is
enabled (or set to Auto Detect) in the BIOS Setup. Go to
Section 2 BIOS Setup for details on how to enable the
PS/2 mouse.

The built-in touch pad performs eratically -

Make sure there is no excess perspiration or humidity on
your hand when using the touch pad. Keep the surface
of the touch pad clean and dry.
Do not rest your palm or wrist on the surface of the
touch pad while typing or using the touch pad.

The characters on the screen repeat while I type.

You may be holding the keys down too long while you’re
typing.
Keep the keyboard clean. Dust and dirt under the keys
could cause them to stick.
Configure the keyboard to wait longer before the auto
repeat feature starts. To adjust this feature, Go to [Start
> Settings > Control Panel], and double-click on the
Keyboard icon. A dialogue box shows up with the
adjustable settings for t he keyboard.

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CMOS Problem

A message “CMOS Checksum Failure” displays during

the booting process -
Try to reboot the system.
If the message “CMOS Checksum Failure” appears
during the booting procedure, it may indicate failure of
the CMOS battery. If so, you need to replace the battery.
This battery normally lasts one to two years on
continuous operation. However, for a typical user, the
battery lasts three to five years. The battery is of type
CR2025 (3V). You may replace it by yourself. The
battery is located underneath the keyboard. See Section
4 on how to remove the keyboard. If you are not sure
how this i s done, return the notebook to the dealer.

Infrared Problems
The infrared communication port does not work -
The system supports fast IR transmission.
Windows NT 4.0 does not support infrared devices.
Remove any objects that sit between the communicating
path.
Make sure the communicating devices are not more
than 1 meter apart and are aligned in a straight-line
fashion.
Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > System >
Hardware > Device Manager] and click Infrared devices
icon. If there is a yellow or red mark, the device may
have resource conflict. See Windows on-line Help for
instructions on how to resolve the device conflict.

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Memory Problems

The POST does not show an increased memory capacity

when you have already installed additional memory -
Certain brands of memory module may not be
compatible with your system. You should ask your
vendor for a list of compatible DIMM.
The memory module may not be installed properly. Go
back to Section 4 to review the details of this operation.
The memory module may be defective.
This system’s graphic engine shares a portion of the
system’s DRAM as its frame buffer. How much is being
shared depends on the setting in the BIOS setup. Go to
Section 2 for details.

The O/S issues an insufficient memory error message

during operation -
This is often a software or Windows-related problem.
Close the application programs you’re not using and
restart the system.
Otherwise, you have to install additional memory
module.
For instructions, go to Section 4 Upgrading Your
Notebook.

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Modem Problems

The built-in modem does not respond -

Make sure the modem driver is loaded properly.
Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > Modem
Settings] and go to Modem Helper. Make sure
SmartLink 56K Voice Modem or Uniwill V.90 Modem is
listed. Otherwise, click the Add button to add the modem
drive, which is located in the factory CD-ROM (or floppy
diskette).
Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > System] and
click Device Manager button in the Hardware page to
check for possible resource or driver conflict. See
Windows on-line help or manual for how to handle such
problems.
Make sure the phone line the notebook is connected to
is working.

Connection difficulties -
Be sure to disable Call Waiting.
Be sure to have the correct country setting where your
notebook is used. [Start > Settings > Control Panel >
Modem Settings > Configuration] In the Country
pull-down manual, select the appropriate country setting.
Excessive line noise might cause the connection to be
dropped. To check this, put the regular phone handset
on the line and placing a phone call. If you do hear
abnormal noise, try to make the modem connection with
a different line or contact your local telephony company
for service.
Make sure the RJ-11 cable (the one that goes from the
modem to the telephone line) is firmly connected to the
modem's RJ-11 jack and the telephone line socket.
Check the serial port settings. Make sure the hardware
and software are referring to the same COM port.
Try a different receiver number and see if the problem
persists.
Be sure the line has a dial tone.

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Network Adapter Problems

The Ethernet adapter does not work –

Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > System >
Hardware > Device Manager]. Double-click on Network
Adapters and check if SiS 900 PCI Fast Ethernet
Adapter appears as one of the adapters. If it does not
exist, Windows has not detected the SiS Ethernet
adapter or the device driver has not been installed
properly. If there is a yellow mark or red cross on the
SiS network adapter, there may be a device or resource
conflict. Replace / update the device driver from the
factory CD-ROM disk or consult Windows manual on
how to solve this problem.
Make sure the physical connections on both ends of the
cable are good.
The hub or concentrator may not be working properly.
Check to see if other workstations connected to the
same hub or concentrator are working.

The Ethernet adapter does not appear to operate in the

100Mbps transmission mode –
Make sure the hub you are using supports 100Mbps
operation.
Make sure that your RJ-45 cable meets the 100Base-TX
requirements.
Make sure the Ethernet cable is connected to the hub‘s
socket that supports 100Base-TX mode. The hub may
have both 100Base-TX and 100Base-T sockets.

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Performance Problems

The notebook becomes hot -

In a 35°C environment, the notebook’s bottom case is
expected to reach 50 degrees.
Make sure the air vents are not blocked.
If the fan does not seem to be working at high
temperature (50 degrees Celsius and up), contact the
service center.
Certain programs that are processor-intensive may
increase the notebook temperature to a degree where
the notebook automatically slows down its CPU clock to
protect itself from thermal damage.

The program appears stopped or runs very slowly -

Press CTRL+ALT+DEL to see if an application is still
responding.
Restart the notebook.
This may be normal for Windows when it is processing
other CPU-intensive programs in the background.
You may be running too many applications. Try to close
some applications or increase system memory for higher
performance.
The processor may have been overheated due to the
system’s inability to regulate its internal heat. Make sure
the notebook’s ventilation grills are not blocked.

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Power, Start, and Battery Problems

The notebook powers down as soon as it is powered on -

Battery power may be extremely low. The circuitry
prevents a complete power drain, which is not intended
for Lithium Ion batteries. Use the adapter to charge it for
several hours before trying again.

The notebook beeps intermittently -

When battery charge is low, an audible beep warns you.
Press Fn+F3 to turn off the warning beep, if desired.

The battery life gets shorter and shorter -

The battery has a finite life of about 500 charge cycles. If
your battery is over one or two years old, it may be time
to have it replaced.
Try a higher power saving setting in the BIOS or in the
Windows Power Management.

The battery does not charge -

Make sure the AC adapter is plugged into a valid power
source.
The battery charge indicator LED on the notebook
should be lit when you plug in the AC adapter.
Make sure the battery module is fully inserted in its bay;
make sure the battery latch is in locked position.
If the battery is operating at a very high temperature, it
may not charge.

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Printing Problems

The printer does not print -

Make sure the cable connection is secured and the
printer is powered up.
Run the printer self test to see if it reports any problem.
Check if the printer displays any error messages. A
paper jam may have occurred.
Make sure you have already installed the printer driver.
Most printer (using parallel or serial port) problems are
software-related. Consult Windows on-line help or
contact the printer vendor for assistance.
Try rebooting the system with the printer powered up
and connected first.

The printer does not print what’s on the screen -

The information displayed on the screen may not exactly
be the same as what is printed.
If the printer print extra and strange symbols, it is the
result of the cache (garbage) in the printer memory
buffer. Cancel all the printer tasks and toggle off the
printer power switch to clear up the memory buffer. Then,
turn the printer back online and print again.
Make sure you install the correct printer driver.

The printer does not respond to infrared communication

-
See Infrared Problems listed elsewhere in this section.

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Firewire (IEEE1394), USB, and S/PDIF Problems

The USB device does not work -

Windows NT 4.0 does not support USB protocols
Check the settings in the Windows Control Panel.
Make sure you have installed the necessary device
drivers.
Contact the device vendor for additional support.

The IEEE1394 port does not work -

Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > System >
Hardware > Device Manager]. You should see an entry
which reads `IEEE 1394 Bus host controllers`. If it does
not exist, Windows has not detected the host controller
or the device driver has not been installed properly. If
there is a yellow mark or red cross on the 1394 host
controller, there may be a device or resource conflict.
Replace / update the device driver from the factory
CD-ROM disk or consult Windows manual on how to
solve this problem.
Make sure the cable is fully connected.
Make sure you have installed the necessary device
drivers.
Contact the device vendor for additional support.

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