G7VP2 Rev.
Copyright This publication contains information that is protected by copyright. No part of it may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any transformation/adaptation without the prior written permission from the copyright holders. This publication is provided for informational purposes only.
Battery: • Danger of explosion if battery incorrectly replaced. • Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommend by the manufacturer. • Dispose of used batteries according to the batter y manufacturer’s instructions. FCC and DOC Statement on Class B This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Table of Contents Chapter 1 - Introduction 1.1 Features and Specifications.................................................................................. 6 1.2 Package Checklist......................................................................................................... 10 Chapter 2 - Hardware Installation 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 System Board Layout ............................................................................................. System Memory........................
Chapter 4 - Supported Softwares 4.1 Desktop Management Interface.................................................................... 57 4.2 System Health Monitor Utility.......................................................................... 60 4.3 Drivers................................................................................................................................... 61 Appendix A - Watchdog Timer A.1 Using the Watchdog Timer Function.....................................................
1 Introduction Chapter 1 - Introduction 1.1 Features and Specifications 1.1.1 Features Chipset • VIA Apollo 598MVP AGP system chipset Processor The system board is equipped with a switching voltage regulator that supports 2.0V to 3.5V core voltage for various processors.
Introduction 1 Level 2 Cache Memory • 512KB pipeline burst, direct map write-through cache installed on the system board. Expansion Slots The system board is equipped with 1 dedicated PCI slot, 5 dedicated 16-bit ISA slots and 1 shared PCI/ISA slot. All PCI and ISA slots are bus masters. Desktop Management Interface (DMI) The system board comes with a DMI 2.0 built into the BIOS.
1 Introduction • Bus mastering reduces CPU utilization during disk transfer • Supports ATAPI CD-ROM, LS-120, ZIP and SCSI sequential boot-up IrDA Interface The system board is equipped with an IrDA connector for wireless connectivity between your computer and peripheral devices. It supports infrared peripheral devices that meet the ASKIR or HPSIR standard. USB Ports The system board is equipped with two connectors for external USB ports.
Introduction 1 Dual Function Power Button (ATX power supply only) Depending on the setting in the BIOS setup, this switch will allow your system to enter the Soft-Off or Suspend mode. RTC Timer to Power-on the System (ATX power supply only) The RTC installed on the system board allows your system to automatically power-on on the set date and time. Watchdog Timer The system board is designed for Industrial PC applications.
1 Introduction 1.
Hardware Installation 2 Chapter 2 - Hardware Installation 2.
2 Hardware Installation 2.2 System Memory 2.3 DIP Switch and Jumper Settings of the Processors Make sure SW1 and JP5 are set correctly before applying power or you may damage the processor or system board. There are 10 switches on SW1. The black rectangle in the diagram denotes the part that is protruding, the “adjustable” switch.
Hardware Installation 2 DIP Switch Settings for Intel Processors Intel Processors SW1: 1-6 Intel Processors 90MHz 60MHz - 1.5x 166MHz 66MHz - 2.5x 100MHz 66MHz - 1.5x 200MHz 66MHz - 3x 120MHz 60MHz - 2x MMX166MHz* 66MHz - 2.5x 133MHz 66MHz - 2x MMX200MHz 66MHz - 3x 150MHz 60MHz - 2.5x MMX233MHz 66MHz - 3.5x SW1: 1-6 * Default DIP Switch Settings for IDT Processors IDT Processors SW1: 1-6 IDT Processors C6-180 60MHz - 3x WinChip2-225 75MHz - 3x C6-200 66MHz - 3x WinChip2-233 66MHz - 3.
2 Hardware Installation DIP Switch Settings for IBM Processors IBM Processors SW1: 1-6 IBM Processors 6x86MX-PR200 66MHz - 2.5x 6x86MX-PR300 66MHz - 3.5x 6x86MX-PR233 75MHz - 2.5x 6x86MX-PR300 75MHz - 3x 6x86MX-PR266 83MHz - 2.5x 6x86MX-PR333 83MHz - 3x SW1: 1-6 DIP Switch Settings for Cyrix Processors Cyrix Processors 14 SW1: 1-6 Cyrix Processors 6x86L PR166+ 66MHz - 2x M II-300 75MHz - 3x 6x86L PR200+ 75MHz - 2x M II-333 66MHz - 4x 6x86MX-PR200 66MHz - 2.5x M II-333 75MHz - 3.
Hardware Installation 2 DIP Switch Settings for AMD Processors AMD Processors SW1: 1-6 AMD Processors K5 PR90 60MHz - 1.5x K6-2/300 100MHz - 3x K5 PR100 66MHz - 1.5x K6-2/333 66MHz - 5x K5 PR120 60MHz - 2x K6-2/333 95MHz - 3.5x K5 PR133 66MHz - 2x K6-2/350 100MHz - 3.5x K5 PR166 66MHz - 2.5x K6-2/366 66MHz - 5.5x K6-166 66MHz - 2.5x K6-2/380 95MHz - 4x K6-200 66MHz - 3x K6-2/400, K6-III/400 100MHz - 4x K6-233 66MHz - 3.5x K6-2/450 100MHz - 4.5x K6-266 66MHz - 4x K6-III/450 100MHz - 4.
2 Hardware Installation External System Bus Clock / Frequency Ratio - DIP Switch Settings If the processor you are using is not shown in the previous tables, please refer to the following tables and set SW1 according to the external system bus clock and frequency ratio of your processor.
Hardware Installation 2 Frequency Ratio Settings for IDT Processors Frequency Ratio SW1: 4-6 Frequency Ratio 3.5x 4x 2x / 3.3x 4.5x 2.5x 2.33x / 5x 3x 2.66x / 5.
2 Hardware Installation DIP Switch and Jumper Settings for Core Voltage Voltage 18 JP5 SW1: 7-10 Voltage 2.0V 2.8V 2.1V 2.9V 2.2V 3.0V 2.3V 3.1V 2.4V 3.2V 2.5V 3.3V 2.6V 3.4V 2.7V 3.
Hardware Installation 2 2.4 Jumper Settings for Clearing CMOS Data Jumper JP1 Clear CMOS Data If, for some reason, the CMOS data becomes corrupted, the system can be reconfigured with the default values stored in the ROM BIOS. To load the default values, power off your system and unplug the power cord. If you are using an AT power supply, you do not need to unplug the power cord. Set JP1 pins 1 and 2 to On. Wait for a few seconds and set JP1 back to its default setting, pins 2 and 3 On.
2 Hardware Installation 2.5 Jumper Settings for Power Supply Type Jumper JP2 Power Supply Type The Baby AT form factor system board is designed to fit into an ATX form factor chassis. It is equipped with ATX and AT power supply connectors. Set JP2 according to the type of power supply installed. ATX Power Supply If you are using an ATX power supply, set pins 1 and 2 to On then set jumper JPP according to the method you would like the computer to power-on/off.
Hardware Installation 2 2.6 Jumper Settings for ATX Power On/Off Select (ATX power supply only) Jumper JPP ATX Power On/Off Select Jumper JPP is applicable only for computers using an ATX power supply. It is used to select the method of powering-on/off the computer. Pins 1 and 2 On (ATX Switch) Uses the power button to power-on the computer. To power-off the computer, you can either press the power button or execute the Shut Down command in the Windows 95/98 operating system.
2 Hardware Installation 2.7 Jumper Settings for SDRAM Clock (DIMM) Jumper JP4 SDRAM Clock JP4 is used to set the SDRAM’s clock according to the CPU clock or AGP clock. If you are using PC-100 SDRAM DIMMs, it is recommended that you set the SDRAM clock according to the CPU clock (2-3 On). This setting will provide better system performance specially when used with 75/83/95/ 100MHz processors.
Hardware Installation 2 2.8 Jumper Settings for Watchdog Timer Jumper JP10 Watchdog Timer The system board suppor ts the Watchdog Timer function. It allows your application to regularly “clear” the system at the set time interval. If the system hangs or fails to function, it will reset at the set time interval so that your system will continue to operate. You may set the time interval in 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 or 64 sec. Time 1-2 3-4 5-6 0.
2 Hardware Installation 2.9 Connecting the Ribbon Cables and Wires of the Ports and Connectors 2.9.1 Serial Ports The built-in serial ports are RS-232C asynchronous communication ports with 16C550A-compatible UARTs that can be used with modems, serial printers, remote display terminals, and other serial devices. You can set the serial ports’ I/O address in the Integrated Peripherals setup of the Award BIOS.
Hardware Installation 2 2.9.2 Keyboard Port/Connector The system board allows you to connect a standard AT keyboard by connecting it to the standard AT keyboard port or the 5-pin connector at location J14. AT keyboard port J14 AT keyboard connector Pin Function 1 CLK 2 Data 3 N. C.
2 Hardware Installation 2.9.3 PS/2 Mouse Port The PS/2 mouse port is a 6-pin connector on the system board. Attach the 6-pin mouse port cable, which is mounted on a cardedge bracket, to connector J1. Make sure the red wire on the PS/2 mouse connector is aligned with pin 1 of connector J1. Mount the card-edge bracket to the system chassis. Pin Function 1 Mouse Data 2 Reserved 3 Ground 4 +5V 5 Mouse Clock 6 Reserved 2.9.
Hardware Installation 2 2.9.5 Floppy Disk Drive Controller 1. Install the 34-pin header connector into the shrouded floppy disk header (J11) on the system board. The colored edge of the ribbon should be aligned with pin 1 of connector J11. 2. Install the other 34-pin header connector(s) into the disk dr ive(s). Align the colored edge of the daisy chained ribbon cable with pin 1 of the drive edge connector(s). The end-most connector should be attached to the drive you want to designate as Drive A. 2.9.
2 Hardware Installation Adding a Second IDE Hard Drive When using two IDE drives, one must be set as the master and the other as the slave. Follow the instructions provided by the drive manufacturer for setting the jumpers and/or switches on the drives. We recommend that you use Enhanced IDE or ATA-2, ATA-3 and Ultra DMA hard drives be from the same manufacturer. In a few cases, drives from two different manufacturers will not function properly when used together.
Hardware Installation 2 Connecting the USB Ports As an option, one card-edge bracket mounted with two USB port cables may be provided with the system board. The ends of the cables are attached to a connector. Connect the USB cable connector to J2 and J3 on the system board. The USB port cables can be inserted only if pin 1 of the cable (red wire) is aligned with pin 1 of J2 and J3.
2 Hardware Installation 2.9.9 CPU Fan Connector The processor must be kept cool by using a fan with heatsink. Connect the CPU fan to the 3-pin fan connector at location J8 on the system board. Pin Function 1 GND 2 +12V 3 Sense 2.9.10 Chassis Fan Connector The system board is equipped with a chassis fan connector. If you are installing a fan in the system unit, connect the fan’s connector to location J7 on the system board.
Hardware Installation 2 2.9.11 J13 (LEDs and Switches) SP-LED - ATX 5VSB Standby LED This LED will light when the 5VSB power is active. ATX-SW - ATX Power Switch Depending on the setting in the BIOS setup, this switch is a “dual function power button” that will allow your system to enter the SoftOff or Suspend mode. Refer to “Soft-Off By PWRBTN” in the Power Management Setup (Chapter 3) of the Award BIOS. HD-LED - Primary/Secondary IDE LED This LED will light when the hard drive is being accessed.
2 Hardware Installation KEYLOCK - Keylock and Power LED Connector This is used to connect to the keyboard lock of the system chassis. Use pins 24 to 26 to connect to the Power LED.
Hardware Installation 2 2.9.12 Power Supply Connectors PL1 PL2 The pin assignment of the ATX power connector is shown below. Pin Function Pin Function 1 3.3V/14A 11 3.3V/14A 2 3.
3 Award BIOS Setup Utility Chapter 3 - Award BIOS Setup Utility 3.1 The Basic Input/Output System The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a program that takes care of the basic level of communication between the processor and peripherals. In addition, the BIOS also contain codes for various advanced features found in this system board. This chapter explains the Setup Utility for the Award BIOS. After you power up your system, the BIOS message appears on your screen and the memory count begins.
Award BIOS Setup Utility 3 ROM PCI/ISA BIOS STANDARD CMOS SETUP AWARD SOFTWARE, INC. Date (mm:dd:yy) : Fri, Jul 17 1998 Time (hh:mm:ss) : 13: 27: 50 HARD DISKS Primary Master Primary Slave Secondary Master Secondary Slave : : : : TYPE SIZE CYLS HEAD PRECOMP LANDZ SECTOR MODE Auto 0 0 0 0 0 Auto 0 Auto 0 0 0 0 0 Auto 0 Auto 0 0 0 0 0 Auto 0 Auto 0 0 0 0 0 Auto 0 Drive A : 1.44M, 3.5 in.
3 Award BIOS Setup Utility Drive A and Drive B These categories identify the types of floppy disk drives installed. None No floppy drive is installed 360K, 5.25 in. 5-1/4 in. standard drive; 360KB capacity 1.2M, 5.25 in. 5-1/4 in. AT-type high-density drive; 1.2MB capacity 720K, 3.5 in. 3-1/2 in. double-sided drive; 720KB capacity 1.44M, 3.5 in. 3-1/2 in. double-sided drive; 1.44MB capacity 2.88M, 3.5 in. 3-1/2 in. double-sided drive; 2.
Award BIOS Setup Utility 3 Memory The base memory size, extended memory size and the other memory size cannot be altered; your computer automatically detects and displays them. Base Memory The POST will determine the amount of base (or conventional) memory installed in the system. The value of the base memory is typically 512K for systems with 512K memor y installed on the motherboard or 640K for systems with 640K or more memory installed on the motherboard.
3 Award BIOS Setup Utility 3.1.2 BIOS Features Setup The BIOS Features Setup allows you to configure your system for basic operation. Some entries are defaults required by the system board, while others, if enabled, will improve the performance of your system or let you set some features according to your preference. ROM PCI/ISA BIOS BIOS FEATURES SETUP AWARD SOFTWARE, INC.
Award BIOS Setup Utility 3 CPU Internal Cache and External Cache These categories speed up the memory access. The default value is enabled. Enable the External Cache for better performance. Quick Power On Self Test This category speeds up Power On Self Test (POST) after you power on your system. When Enabled, the BIOS will shorten or skip some check items during POST. Boot Sequence This category determines which drive to search first for the disk operating system. The default is A, C, SCSI.
3 Award BIOS Setup Utility Memory ECC Function If you are using x72 (72-bit) DIMMs, which are DIMMs that support the ECC (Error Checking and Correction) function, set this field to Enabled. Typematic Rate Setting When disabled, continually holding down a key on your keyboard will cause the BIOS to report that the key is down.
Award BIOS Setup Utility 3 OS Select for DRAM > 64MB This item allows you to access the memory that is over 64MB in OS/2. The options are: Non-OS/2 and OS/2. HDD S.M.A.R.T. Capability The system board supports SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) hard drives. SMART is a reliability prediction technology for ATA/IDE and SCSI drives. The drive will provide sufficient notice to the system or user to backup data prior to the drive’s failure. The default is Disabled.
3 Award BIOS Setup Utility 3.1.3 Chipset Features Setup ROM PCI/ISA BIOS CHIPSET FEATURES SETUP AWARD SOFTWARE, INC.
Award BIOS Setup Utility 3 System Health Monitor Note: The system board comes with a System Health Monitor utility. Once this utility is installed, the system will ignore the settings in the “System Health Monitor” field of the Chipset Features Setup. Both methods serve the same function and that is to monitor the system’s “health” conditions. If you are using Windows 95/98 or Windows NT 4.0, you may select between using the utility and the Chipset Features Setup.
3 Award BIOS Setup Utility sound of the alarm resembles that of the siren of an ambulance. The “failure detection” circuit requires a fan to operate at greater than 3600 RPM. +3.3V, +5V and +12V Voltages Set these fields to “Monitor” if you want the system board to detect the output voltage of the power supply. If the output voltage is over or under +3.3V/+5V/+12V (±10%), an alarm will sound warning you of voltage issue.
Award BIOS Setup Utility 3 Power Management This category allows you to select the type (or degree) of power saving by changing the length of idle time that elapses before the Standby mode and Suspend mode are activated. Disable No power management. Disables the Standby and Suspend modes. Min. Power Saving Minimum power management. Standby Mode = 1 hr., and Suspend Mode = 1 hr. Max. Power Saving Maximum power management. Standby Mode = 1 min., and Suspend Mode = 1 min.
3 Award BIOS Setup Utility Standby Mode This is user configurable only when the Power Management category is set to User Defined. When enabled and after the set time of system inactivity, the CPU clock will run at a slower speed (1/3 of full speed) while all other devices still operate at full speed. Suspend Mode This is user configurable only when the Power Management category is set to User Defined.
Award BIOS Setup Utility 3 Resume On Alarm Enabled When Enabled, “Date (of Month)” and “Timer (hh:mm:ss)” will appear right below this field. You can set the date and time you would like the Soft Power Down (Soft-Off) PC to power-on. Disabled Disables the automatic power-on function. (default) Date (of Month) 0 1-31 The system will power-on everyday according to the time set in the “Timer (hh:mm:ss)” field. Select a date you would like the system to power-on.
3 Award BIOS Setup Utility 3.1.5 PNP/PCI Configuration This section describes configuring the PCI bus system. It covers some ver y technical items and it is strongly recommended that only experienced users should make any changes to the default settings. ROM PCI/ISA BIOS PNP/PCI CONFIGURATION AWARD SOFTWARE, INC.
Award BIOS Setup Utility 3 PCI IRQ Actived By This category is used to set the method by which the PCI bus recognizes that an IRQ service is being requested by a device. Under all circumstances, you should retain the default configuration unless a different setting is needed. Assign IRQ for VGA When Enabled, the system automatically assigns an IRQ for the VGA card installed. Your VGA card will need an IRQ only when using the video capture function of the card.
3 Award BIOS Setup Utility 3.1.6 Load Fail-Safe Settings The “Load Fail-Safe Settings” option loads the troubleshooting default values permanently stored in the ROM chips. These settings are not optimal and turn off all high performance features. You should use these values only if you have hardware problems. Highlight this option on the main menu and press . The message below will appear. Load Fail-Safe Settings (Y/N)? N If you want to proceed, type and press .
Award BIOS Setup Utility 3 Onboard Primary PCI IDE and Onboard Secondary PCI IDE These categories allow you to enable or disable the primary and secondary IDE controller. The default is Enabled. Select Disabled if you want to add a different hard drive controller. IDE Prefetch Mode This allows data and addresses to be stored in the internal buffer of the chip, thus reducing access time. Enable this field to achieve better performance. IDE HDD Block Mode Enabled The IDE HDD uses the block mode.
3 Award BIOS Setup Utility Auto The BIOS will automatically detect the settings for you. Disabled The BIOS will not detect these categories. USB Controller We recommend that you leave this field in its default setting - Enabled. USB Keyboard Support By default, this field is Disabled. If you are using a USB keyboard, please enable this function. Onboard FDC Controller Enabled Enables the onboard floppy disk controller. Disabled Disables the onboard floppy disk controller.
Award BIOS Setup Utility 3 IR Duplex Mode Half Full Data is completely transmitted before receiving data. Transmits and receives data simultaneously. Use IR Pins Set this field according to the IR pins of your IrDA peripheral/ device. Onboard Parallel Port 378H/IRQ7, 3BCH/IRQ7, 278H/IRQ5 Selects the I/O address and IRQ for the onboard parallel port. Disabled Disables the onboard parallel port.
3 Award BIOS Setup Utility 3.1.9 Supervisor Password If you want to protect your system and setup from unauthorized entry, set a supervisor’s password with the “System” option selected in the BIOS Features Setup. If you want to protect access to setup only, but not your system, set a supervisor’s password with the “Setup” option selected in the BIOS Features Setup. You will not be prompted for a password when you cold boot the system.
Award BIOS Setup Utility 3 3.1.11 IDE HDD Auto Detection Use this option to detect the parameters for the hard disk drives installed in your system. These parameters will then be automatically entered into the "Standard CMOS Setup". The IDE HDD Auto Detection screen displays the following categories of information: Size, Cylinders, Heads, Precomp, LandZone, Sectors and Mode. ROM PCI/ISA BIOS CMOS SETUP UTILITY AWARD SOFTWARE, INC.
3 Award BIOS Setup Utility 3.1.12 Save & Exit Setup When all the changes have been made, highlight “Save & Exit Setup” and press . The message below will appear: Save to CMOS and Exit (Y/N)? N Type “Y” and press . The modifications you have made will be written into the CMOS memory, and the system will reboot. You will once again see the initial diagnostics on the screen.
Supported Softwares 4 Chapter 4 - Supported Softwares 4.1 Desktop Management Interface (DMI) The system board comes with a DMI built into the BIOS. DMI, along with the appropriately networked software, is designed to make inventory, maintenance and troubleshooting of computer systems easier. With DMI, a network administrator or MIS engineer can remotely access some information about a particular computer system without physically going to it.
4 Supported Softwares 4.1.
Supported Softwares 4 Add DMI 1. Use the ← or → arrow keys to select the Add DMI menu. 2. Highlight the item on the left screen that you would like to add by using the ↑ or ↓ arrow keys, then press . 3. The cursor will move to the screen you select allowing you to enter information about the added item. 4. Press to save information into the flash ROM. To view information about the added items, go to the Edit DMI menu. Load DMI File 1.
4 Supported Softwares 4.2 System Health Monitor Utility The system board comes with a System Health Monitor utility. This utility shows the current temperature of the processor, power voltages, and CPU/Chassis fan speed. The utility also allows you to manually set the range of the processor’s temperature, power voltages, and CPU/Chassis fan speed. If the settings/values are over or under the set range, an error message will pop-up and an alarm will sound.
Supported Softwares 4 Important: Once the utility is installed, the system will ignore the settings in the “System Health Monitor” field of the Chipset Features Setup. If you are using Windows 95/98 or Windows NT 4.0, you may select between using the utility and the Chipset Features Setup. For other operating systems, you may only use the Chipset Features Setup. 4.2.1 Installing the Utility Insert the CD that came with the system board into a CD-ROM drive.
A System Error Message Appendix A - Watchdog Timer A.1 Using the Watchdog Timer Function The following are the parameters for enabling or disabling the Watchdog Timer function when using ASSEMBLY or GWBASIC applications. When enabled, the application accesses read port 443 (HEX). When disabled, it accesses read port 43 (HEX). To set the timer, see Jumper Settings for Watchdog Timer in chapter 2. The default setting is 1 sec. To initiate the program, you must type the following.
Identifying Processors B Appendix B - Identifying Processors B.1 Intel Processors SXXXX/RSS R (voltage range) V for VRE voltage range S for Standard voltage range SXXXX/KLM K = V for VRE voltage range, S for Standard voltage range L = M for min valid MD timings, S for min valid standard timings M = U is not tested for DP, S is tested for DP, UP and MP B.2 Cyrix Processors 6x86MX-PR166 60MHz Bus 2.
B Identifying Processors B.3 IBM Processor 6x86MX-PR266 2.5x 83MHz-2.9V CORE Product P-rating name Processor Core clock voltage speed B.4 AMD Processors AMD-K6-233ANR K6 = Processor core 233 = Performance rating A = Package type: Type A = CPGA B = Operating voltage: N: 3.1V-3.3V (core)/3.135V-3.6V (I/O) L: 2.755V-3.045V (core)/3.135V-3.
Identifying Processors B B.5 IDT Processors C6-PSME200GA Product name Processor clock speed 3.52Vcc (66MHz clock) Processor External system bus clock voltage WinChip2-233 Product Processor name clock speed 3.
C System Error Message Appendix C - System Error Message When the BIOS encounters an error that requires the user to correct something, either a beep code will sound or a message will be displayed in a box in the middle of the screen and the message, PRESS F1 TO CONTINUE, CTRL-ALT-ESC or DEL TO ENTER SETUP, will be shown in the information box at the bottom. Enter Setup to correct the error. C.1 POST Beep There are two kinds of beep codes in the BIOS.
System Error Message C setting than indicated in Setup. Determine which setting is correct, either turn off the system and change the jumper or enter Setup and change the VIDEO selection. FLOPPY DISK(S) fail (80) Unable to reset floppy subsystem. FLOPPY DISK(S) fail (40) Floppy type mismatch. Hard Disk(s) fail (80) HDD reset failed. Hard Disk(s) fail (40) HDD controller diagnostics failed. Hard Disk(s) fail (20) HDD initialization error. Hard Disk(s) fail (10) Unable to recalibrate fixed disk.
D Troubleshooting Appendix D - Troubleshooting D.1 Troubleshooting Checklist This chapter of the manual is designed to help you with problems that you may encounter with your personal computer. To efficiently troubleshoot your system, treat each problem individually. This is to ensure an accurate diagnosis of the problem in case a problem has multiple causes. Some of the most common things to check when you encounter problems while using your system are listed below. 1.
Troubleshooting D The picture seems to be constantly moving. 1. The monitor has lost its vertical sync. Adjust the monitor’s vertical sync. 2. Move away any objects, such as another monitor or fan, that may be creating a magnetic field around the display. 3. Make sure your video card’s output frequencies are supported by this monitor. The screen seems to be constantly wavering. 1. If the monitor is close to another monitor, the adjacent monitor may need to be turned off.
D Troubleshooting Hard Drive Hard disk failure. 1. Make sure the correct drive type for the hard disk drive has been entered in the BIOS. 2. If the system is configured with two hard drives, make sure the bootable (first) hard drive is configured as Master and the second hard drive is configured as Slave. The master hard drive must have an active/bootable partition. Excessively long formatting period. 1.
Troubleshooting D Serial Port The serial device (modem, printer) doesn’t output anything or is outputting garbled characters. 1. Make sure that the serial device’s power is turned on and that the device is on-line. 2. Verify that the device is plugged into the correct serial port on the rear of the computer. 3. Verify that the attached serial device works by attaching it to a serial port that is working and configured correctly.
