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Analyzing the problem – Toshiba Satellite P200 (PSPBL) User Manual

Page 152

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User’s Manual

10-2

Troubleshooting

Check all cables. Are they correctly and firmly attached? Loose cables

can cause signal errors.

Inspect all connecting cables for loose wires and all connectors for

loose pins.

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.

Do any indicators light? 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 problem solving

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.

This manual is related to the following products: