compaq prosignia 170 User Manual

							Initiate Hibernation or turn 
the computer off until AC 
power or a fully charged 
battery is available.
Computer battery 
charge light blinks to 
indicate low battery 
condition, but 
computer does not 
beep.Volume turned down too low.Turn up the volume using 
the Fn+F5 hotkeys.
Battery pack will not 
charge.Battery pack was exposed to 
temperature extremes.Allow time for the battery 
pack to return to room 
temperature.
Battery pack is already 
charged.No action required.
Battery pack has exceeded 
its useful life cycle.Use a different battery 
pack.
Computer shut down 
and memory was lost 
when replacing the 
battery pack.Hibernation was not initiated 
before removing the battery 
pack.Work is lost.
Battery charge does 
not last very long.Battery is exposed to high 
temperatures.Put the computer in a 
cooler place and recharge 
the battery pack.
Battery is exposed to 
extremely cold 
temperatures.Put the computer in a 
warmer place and 
recharge the battery pack.
NOTE:The recommended operating temperature range for the battery is from 
10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F). The recommended storage temp\
erature 
range for the battery is from 0°C to 30°C (32°F to 86°F).
 Battery conservation is 
disabled or set to drain.Reset the battery 
conservation level.
An external device is 
draining the battery.Turn off or remove any 
external device or PC 
Cards when not in use.
Battery gauge may be 
inaccurate and require 
recalibration.Recalibrate the gauge.
Date and time must 
be set every time 
computer is turned on.The Real Time Clock battery 
has reached the end of its 
useful life.Restore power, then turn 
on the computer with the 
power switch. Contact 
your Compaq authorized 
service provider to replace 
the Real Time Clock 
battery.
Battery gauge seems 
inaccurate.The battery pack may need 
calibration.Recalibrate the battery.
The battery pack has 
reached the end of its useful 
life.Replace the battery pack. 
						

							Battery pack is warm 
after charging.Warming occurs during 
charging.No action required.
Return to the top.
 
Solving CD and DVD Problems
ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Drive cannot read a disc.Disc is not properly 
seated in the drive.Open the loading tray, insert 
the disc, then close the tray.
Disc is loaded in the 
loading tray upside 
down.Open the loading tray, turn 
over the disc (label facing 
up), then close the tray.
Disc has a scratch on its 
surface.Insert a different disc.
CD-ROM drive or 
DVD-ROM drive is not 
detected by the 
computer.Drive is not connected 
properly.If you are running a version 
of Windows that was 
preinstalled by Compaq, 
remove the drive from the 
MultiBay and reinsert it.
If you are running a version 
of Windows that was not 
preinstalled by Compaq, 
turn off the computer. Then 
remove the drive from the 
MultiBay and reinsert it.
Return to the  top.
 
Solving Diskette Drive/SuperDisk LS-120 Drive Problems
ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Drive cannot write 
to a diskette.Diskette is not formatted.Format the diskette: 
If you are using Windows 95 
or Window 98: 
1. From the Windows 
desktop, select  My
Computer .
2. Select 3.5-in. Floppy (A). 
3. Select  File, then  Format .
4. Fill in the appropriate 
information, then select 
Start .
If you are using Windows NT 
4.0, format the diskette by 
entering format a: at the 
system prompt. 
						

							Diskette is write-protected.Use another diskette that is 
not write-protected or 
disable the write-protect 
feature.
Writing to the wrong drive.Check the drive letter in your 
path statement.
Not enough space is left on 
the diskette.Save the information to 
another diskette.
Drive is disabled.Enable the proper drive 
through Device Manager.
Disable diskette write ability is 
turned on.Run Computer Setup. Select 
the Storage icon. Make sure 
Disable diskette write ability 
is not checked.
System cannot 
start up from 
diskette or 
SuperDisk LS-120 
drive.A bootable diskette is not in 
the drive.Verify that a diskette with 
the necessary system files is 
in the drive.
Diskette bootability is disabled 
in Computer Setup.Enable diskette bootability in 
Computer Setup, Security 
menu.
Return to the top.
 
Hard Drive Problems
ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Accessing information 
on the hard drive is 
much slower than 
usual.Hard drive entered low power 
state due to timeout and is 
now exiting from it.Wait for the system to 
restore the previously 
saved data to its state prior 
to initiating a low power 
state.
Hard drive is fragmented/not 
optimized or has errors.Run ScanDisk and Disk 
Defragmenter.
Hard drive does not 
work.Hard drive is not seated 
properly.Turn off and unplug the 
computer, remove the hard 
drive, and reinsert the hard 
drive.
Errors occur after starting 
from an additional hard drive.Additional hard drive has 
not been specially prepared 
with necessary software. 
Boot from the original hard 
drive or a specially 
prepared hard drive.
System does not 
recognize a hard 
drive.The drive is not seated 
properly.Remove, then reinsert the 
drive.
The drive is damaged.Try using the hard drive in 
another bay to verify that 
the problem is with the 
drive. 
						

							Run ScanDisk on the drive.
The drive was inserted while 
system was on or in Suspend 
or Hibernation.Shut down the computer 
before inserting removing a 
hard drive.
DriveLock settings 
cannot be accessed 
in Computer Setup.The DriveLock settings are 
accessible only when you 
enter Computer Setup by 
turning on (not restarting) 
the computer.Completely turn off the 
computer. Turn the 
computer back on, then 
run Computer Setup by 
pressing F10 when the
blinking cursor light 
appears upper-right on the 
screen.
Return to the  top.
 
Solving Infrared Problems
ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Cannot 
communicate 
with another 
computer.The appropriate 
software is not running 
on both computers.Install the appropriate software on 
the second device, start the second 
device, and start the program on 
both computers.
The other computer 
does not have an 
IrDA-compliant infrared 
port.Your Compaq computer uses the IrDA 
communications protocol. 
Communication between infrared 
devices must use the same 
communications protocol. Check the 
manufacturers instructions for 
connecting with infrared devices or 
try connecting with a device you 
know to be IrDA-compliant.
The pathway between 
the infrared ports is 
obstructed, one port is 
more than 30 degrees 
(plus or minus 15 
degrees off the center 
line) from the other, or 
the ports are more than 
one meter apart.Remove the obstruction, align the 
infrared ports to within 30 degrees, 
and position computers within 1.5 
feet (about 0.5 meter) of each other.
There is an interrupt 
request (IRQ) conflict.Check for IRQ conflicts in the Device 
Manager. If two devices have the 
same IRQ address, reassign one of 
the devices.
There is a baud rate 
conflict.Select the same baud rate for both 
computers.
There is a conflict with 
the # bits.Select the same # bits setting for 
both computers.
There is a stop byte 
conflict.Select the same stop byte for both 
computers. 
						

							There is a parity 
conflict.Select the same parity setting for 
both computers
Cannot transmit 
data.Direct sunlight, 
fluorescent light, or 
flashing incandescent 
light is close to the 
infrared connections.Remove the interfering light 
source(s).
There is interference 
from other wireless 
devices.Keep remote control units such as 
wireless headphones and other audio 
devices away from the infrared 
connections.
There is a physical 
obstruction in the way.Do not place objects that will 
interfere with a line-of-sight data 
transmission between the two units.
One of the units was 
moved during data 
transmission.Do not move either unit during data 
transmission.
The orientation of the 
units is wrong.Adjust the devices so that they point 
directly at each other.
The distance between 
the units is too great.Verify that devices are not more than 
1.5 feet (0.5 meter) apart.
Infrared port 
doesnt work.Direct sunlight, 
fluorescent light, or 
flashing incandescent 
light is close to the 
infrared connections.Remove the interfering light 
source(s).
There is interference 
from other wireless 
devices.Keep remote control units such as 
wireless headphones and other audio 
devices away from the infrared 
connections.
IR has been disabled.Run IR configuration utility in Control 
Panel.
Return to the top.
Troubleshooting without Diagnostics Continued.
  
						

							MAINTENANCE & SERVICE GUIDE
PROSIGNIA NOTEBOOK 170
INDEX PAGELEGAL NOTICEHOW TO USE THIS GUIDEPRODUCT DESCRIPTION
TROUBLESHOOTINGREMOVAL & REPLACEMENTILLUSTRATED PARTS CATALOGSPECIFICATIONS
Troubleshooting
Without Diagnostics: Solving Minor Problems
Click on a link below for Troubleshooting information on:
>Audio>Keyboard
>Battery>Modem
>CD/DVD drive>PC Card
>Diskette/LS 120>Power
>Hard Drive>Screen
>Infrared>USB
Solving Keyboard Problems
ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Screen is blank and 
keyboard is working.A screen timeout has 
been initiated.Press any key to refresh the 
screen.
QuickLock/QuickBlank 
has been initiatedTo enable the keyboard and 
return your information to 
the screen, enter your 
power-on password.
LCD has been 
disabled.Press Fn+F4  to cycle from
external monitor to internal 
LCD.
Embedded numeric 
keypad on computer 
keyboard is disabled. 
Num Lock function is 
not turned onPress  Fn+Num  Lk  to enable
the Num Lock function and 
embedded numeric keypad.
Return to the  top.
 
Solving Modem Problems
ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Modem loses 
connection.The cable connection 
from the phone line to 
the modem is loose.Check to make sure the 
telephone cable is properly 
connected. 
						

							Call Waiting has not 
been disabled.Disable Call Waiting: 
1. Select Start -> Setting
->  Control  Panel  -> select
Modems. 
2. From the General tab of 
the Modems Properties page, 
select Dialing Properties. 
From the My Locations tab of 
the Dialing Properties page, 
check the box labeled This 
location has call waiting. 
Select *70, 70#, or 1170 
from the drop-down list to 
disable call waiting.
There is noise or 
excessive traffic on the 
phone line.Try connecting at a later 
time.
Modem not respondingModem is not set up 
correctly in system 
BIOS.Check the computer BIOS 
setup. If it requires specific 
settings for modems, be 
sure that they have been 
enabled.
Modem does not dial 
correctly.Telephone number is not 
entered correctly in the 
modems dialing 
software.Make sure the telephone 
number you dialed is correct 
if you are using the dialing 
directory or the terminal 
mode.
Dial 1 if using dialing 
long distance.
l   
The other line could be 
busy or not answering.l   
Make sure call waiting 
is disabled.l   
The modem may not 
recognize an 
international dial tone. 
Try the ATX3DT 
command and the 
telephone numberl   
Characters are 
garbled/transfer rates 
are slow.There is noise in the 
telephone line.Check your telephone and 
modem cable connections. If 
they are a little loose, they 
can cause noise on the line. 
Check with your local 
telephone company for a 
phone line filter. 
						

							Phone line noise causing 
a disconnection.Hang-up Delay S 
Register (S10) set too 
low.Change S10 default to 150. 
To set S10=150: 
1. Select Start ->
Programs  -> Accessories
->  HyperTerminal , then go
to Command Mode. 
2. Type ATS10=150 and 
press  Enter.
This command causes the 
modem to take longer to 
disconnect even if there is 
noise on the line.
No dial tonePhone service is not 
connected to the 
telephone wall jack.Verify that service from the 
local phone company by 
following these steps: 
1. Unplug the telephone 
cable from the telephone 
wall jack. 
2. Connect a telephone to 
the jack, pick up the 
handset, and listen for a dial 
tone. If there is a dial tone, 
reconnect the modem to the 
telephone wall jack with the 
telephone cable and make 
sure all connections are 
secure. 
3. If there is still no dial 
tone, contact your local 
phone company or building 
manager.
The modem is not 
responding to commands 
from the computer 
keyboard.Verify the modem and 
computer are connected: 
1. Select  Start ->
Programs  -> Accessories
->  HyperTerminal , then go
to Terminal Mode. 
2. Type  AT and press the
Enter  key. If the modem
displays OK, the modem and 
computer are working 
together. If the modem 
displays ERROR, or does not 
respond, restart the 
computer and repeat step 1. 
3. Type  ATDT and listen for
dial tone. 
4. Type  ATH0 to hang up. 
						

							Modem does not connect 
at highest speed.Line conditions in your 
area or in the area you 
are calling may not 
support the highest 
connect speeds.Have your telephone line 
checked by your local 
telephone service 
provider.Try dialing an 
alternate telephone number 
for the service you are 
using.
Another device on your 
telephone line may be 
causing interference.Hang up an extension 
telephone and disconnect 
any other devices that may 
be using the same telephone 
line, then redial.
The service or site called 
does not support 56K or 
supports an incompatible 
56K implementation.An internal modem supports 
K56flex.
To find an Internet service 
provider (ISP) that supports 
K56flex, go the Compaq Web
site at www.compaq.com .
There is noise on the 
telephone line.The 56K protocol of an 
internal modem will fall back 
to lower speeds if the 
telephone line is too noisy 
for a high-speed connection. 
Try using another telephone 
line. 
Change the Hang-up Delay S 
Register: 
1. Select Start-> Programs
-> Accessories ->
HyperTerminal .
2. Go to Command Mode, 
type  ATS10=150 , then
press  Enter.
NOTE: This command causes the modem to take longer to disconnect even if 
there is no noise on the line.
The telephone line does 
not support 56K 
implementation.The 56K protocol 
requires that the 
telephone line contain no 
more than one 
analog-to-digital 
conversion.Try connecting from an 
alternate site.
Return to the 
top.
 
Solving PC Card Problems
ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Computer does not 
beep when a PC Card isPC Card is not 
inserted properly.Try reinserting the card. 
						

							inserted.Ensure that the PC Card is 
inserted in the correct 
orientation. Insert the card gently 
to prevent damage to the pins.
Speakers are turned 
off or volume is 
turned down.Adjust the volume control on the 
computer.
PC Card or card 
driver is not PCMCIA 
compliant.Contact your Compaq authorized 
dealer, reseller, or service 
provider for a list of PC Cards 
tested successfully in Compaq PC 
Card platforms.
Computer beeps only 
once when a PC Card is 
inserted.The computer beeps 
once to indicate that 
a PC Card is 
recognized but not 
properly configured.Before a new PC Card can be 
used, it may be necessary to 
perform an initial setup 
procedure. Follow the PC Card 
manufacturers instructions for 
formatting a hard drive card or 
installing PC Card-specific drivers 
for a network card.
Network PC Card does 
not work.Necessary drivers 
are not installed 
(turned on).Refer to the instructions that 
came with the PC Card or contact 
the vendor for information on 
installing the correct drivers.
PC Card is not fully 
inserted or is upside 
down.Ensure the PC Card is inserted 
correctly.
Network PC Card or 
driver is not PCMCIA 
compliant.Contact your Compaq authorized 
dealer, reseller, or service 
provider for a list of PC Cards 
tested successfully in Compaq PC 
Card platforms.
Storage PC Card does 
not work.SRAM and flash 
memory PC Cards 
require the memory 
card driver to be 
loaded.Memory cards can only be 
accessed using DOS real mode 
drivers.
You are trying to 
access the storage 
PC Card using the 
wrong drive letter.If you are running Windows 
95, change the drive letter 
assignment in Device 
Manager.l   
If you are running Windows 
NT 4.0, change the drive 
letter assignment through 
the Control Panel.l