Toshiba Satellite L40 - Manual (Page 96)

User’s Manual 8-2
Troubleshooting
■ Check that the optical disc drive is correctly inserted. 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, disk
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.
■ Does any indicators light up? Which ones? What color are they? Do
they stay on or blink? Write down what you see.
■ Do you hear any beeps? How many? Are they long or short? Are they
high pitched or low? Is the computer making any unusual noises? Write
down what you hear.
Record your observations so you can describe them to your dealer.
Software The problems may be caused by your software.
If you cannot load a software package, the media
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 troubleshooting section or a summary
of error messages.
Next, check any error messages in the operating
system 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.