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Troubleshooting          Back

This section contains a brief list of solutions to some problems you may face. For more information, use the Windows troubleshooting section (select Start > Help and Support)For customer service, contact the manufacturer of your PC. If you have internet access, visit the Microsoft Professional Support Center Web site at: http://support.microsoft.com

I. Display Problems
If the computer is on (the power light is lit), but the screen is blank

  • Make sure the monitor is on, then move the mouse or hit Enter. If the screen is difficult to read.

  • Try setting the display resolution to its default setting of 1024 * 768 or higher, (select Start > Control Panel > Appearance and Themes > Display)

  • To learn more about products available for people with disabilities, click Start > Help and Support > Accessibility.

If an external display does not work

  • Check the connections.

  • The external monitor may not be detected. In the BIOS Setup utility, try setting Video Display Device to Both in the System Devices Menu.

II. Hard drive Problems
If the computer hard drive does not spin

  • Make sure the computer has power. Make sure the computer is fully plugged into a power source and into the back of the computer.

  • Remove and reinsert the hard drive If files are corrupted

  • Open My Computer, select the disk you want to scan, select File > Properties, then click the Check Now bow under the error Error-Checking section of the Tools Tab.

  • Run the virus-scanning program.

III. Keyboard and pointing device problems
If the mouse is difficult to control

  • Adjust the mouse controls. Select Start> Control Panel > Printers and Other Hardware > Mouse

IV. Performance Problems
If the computer stops responding

  • Press CTRL+ALT+DEL, then use Task Manager to end the application that is not responding.

  • Hold down the power button for at least 4 seconds to turn off computer. Unsaved data will be lost! Then press the power button again to turn notebook back on.

  • If nothing happens, insert the tip of a paper clip into the reset button on the main part of the machine. Then press the power button to turn the computer back on.

  • To avoid lockup problems, avoid turning off the computer or putting I into Standby while applications are running.

V. Startup Problems
If the computer does not respond when you turn it on

  • Make sure it is plugged in.

  • Reset the computer by inserting the tip of a paper clip into the reset button on the main part of the machine. Then press the power button to turn the computer back on.

  • Open My Computer, select the disk you want to scan, select File > Properties, then click the Check Now bow under the error Error-Checking section of the Tools Tab.

  • If available, try another power source.