| General
PC Troubleshoot Guide |
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Most problems
related to PCs can be solved or at least pinpointed using
a systematic approach. Also, try the simplest fix first.
And always read the friendly manual! |
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A majority
of problems can be attributed to changes to CMOS of the
motherboard or the addition of new hardware to a system.
Familiarize yourself with system devices and resources
that are used in your system by checking System Device
Manager in Windows’ Control Panel before adding any new
hardware. For a comprehensive view of your system resources
(for Windows 98) go to Start> Programs> Accessories> System
Tools> System Information. It’s a good idea to get a hardcopy
of your system configuration/resources before performing
any major hardware upgrade to the system. |
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If you recently
changed a CMOS setting and cannot get the system to boot,
you can clear the CMOS with the Clear CMOS Jumper on the
motherboard (with the system powered down, of course),
which is usually located closest to the button battery.
The Clear CMOS Jumper can also be used as a last resort
if you set password to limit CMOS access and later forget
the password. |
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If
you get no video and no beeps when you start the system,
do the following steps and try to boot the system after
each step: |
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| 1. |
Check
carefully for all cables and connections to the
motherboard and power supply to make sure that
they are connected properly.
Plug in PC speaker to assist in problem identification. |
| 2. |
Clear
CMOS with the Clear CMOS Jumper. After CMOS is cleared
make sure to return the jumper back to “Normal”
position. |
| 3. |
Remove
all non-essential components from the motherboard
and reseat CPU, memory module, and video card. |
| 4. |
Take
the motherboard outside of the computer case and
test again. |
| 5. |
Change
the power supply. The power supply can also be a
major source of stability issues if it doesn’t have
enough power to begin with, or due to aging and
thermal-breakdown of internal electronics. |
| 6. |
Change
the components (CPU, memory, video card) with other
known good parts one at a time. |
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If you have
a dead system where even the power supply fan does not
turn, then remove every component from the motherboard
and take the motherboard outside the case and test again.
If power supply fan turns then either the case or one
of the components is shorted. |
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To avoid
common IRQ conflicts, the following AMD recommended procedure
could help you prevent it from happening: |
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http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/ProductInformation/0,,30_118_756_759^1039^3055,00.html |
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