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Analyzing the problem – Toshiba Computer L300 User Manual

Page 136

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9-2

User’s Manual

L300/L300D series

Inspect all connecting cables for loose wires and all connectors for

loose pins.

Check that your diskette is correctly inserted and that the diskette’s

write protect tab is correctly set.

Make notes of your observations and keep them in a permanent error log.

This will help you describe your problems to your dealer. If a problem

recurs, the log will help you identify the problem faster.

Analyzing the problem

Sometimes the system gives clues that can help you identify why it is

malfunctioning. Keep the following questions in mind:

Which part of the system is not operating properly: keyboard, diskette

drives, hard disk drive, printer, display. Each device produces different

symptoms.

Is the operating system configuration set properly? Check the

configuration options.

What appears on the display screen? Does it display any messages or

random characters? Print a copy of the screen if you have a printer

attached. Look up the messages in the software and operating system

documentation. Check that all connecting cables are correctly and

firmly attached. Loose cables can cause erroneous or intermittent

signals.

Do any icons light? Which ones? What color are they? Do they stay on

or blink? Write down what you see.

Record your observations so you can describe them to your dealer.

Software

The problems may be caused by your software or

diskette. If you cannot load a software package, the

media (usually a diskette) may be damaged or the

program might be corrupted. Try loading another copy

of the software.
If an error message appears while you are using a

software package, check the software documentation.

These documents usually include a problem solving

section or a summary of error messages.
Next, check any error messages in the OS

documentation.

Hardware

If you cannot find a software problem, check your

hardware. First run through the items in the preliminary

checklist above. If you still cannot correct the problem,

try to identify the source. The next section provides

checklists for individual components and peripherals.