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You see a “Data error” message

This may be the result of a defective area on the hard drive. To fix hard 
drive problems, run the Error checking program. For more information, 
see “Checking the hard drive for errors” on page 189.
The hard drive cannot be accessed, or you see a “General failure 
reading drive C” error message

If a diskette is in the diskette drive, eject it and restart your notebook.

Make sure that the hard drive is installed correctly....

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Make sure that you do not have a problem with your modem. For more 
information, see “Modem” on page 235.
You see an “Unable to locate host” message and are unable to browse 
the Internet
This problem can occur when you have typed a URL (Web address) incorrectly, 
you have lost your Internet connection, or your ISP is having technical 
difficulties.
Double-check the URL or try a different URL. If the error message still appears, 
disconnect from the ISP connection and...

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Keyboard
The external keyboard does not work

Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged in correctly.

Remove all extension cables and switchboxes.

Clean the keyboard by using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like 
extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys.

Try a keyboard that you know works to make sure that the keyboard port 
works.

If you spilled liquid in the keyboard, turn off your notebook and unplug 
the keyboard. Clean...

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Memory card reader
Drive letters for the memory card slots do not appear in the My 
Computer window

Reboot your notebook.
Modem 
Your modem does not dial or does not connect

Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not 
the Ethernet network jack. See “Back” on page 6 to make sure that the 
connections have been made correctly.

Make sure that your notebook is connected to the telephone line and the 
telephone line has a dial tone.

Make sure...

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2Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon, then click the 
Dialing Rules tab.
3Click the location from which you are dialing, then click Edit.
4Make sure that all settings are correct.

Disconnect any answering machine, fax machine, or printer that is on the 
same line as the modem. Do not connect these devices to the same 
telephone line as the modem.

Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBX line. These lines 
do not work...

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See if the modem works with a different communications program. The 
problem may be with just one program.
Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K
Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates over public telephone 
lines to 53K. Other factors, such as line noise, telephone service provider 
equipment, or ISP limitations, may lower the speed even further.
If your notebook has a v.90 modem, the speed at which you can upload (send) 
data is limited to...

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If the modem shares the telephone line with another device, make sure 
that the telephone line is not in use (for example, someone is on the 
telephone, or another modem is in use).

Use the modem cable that came with your notebook. Some telephone 
cables do not meet required cable standards and may cause problems with 
the modem connection.

Shut down and restart your notebook.

Run Windows modem diagnostics.
To run modem diagnostics:
1Close all open...

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The modem is noisy when it dials and connects
When your modem tries to connect to another modem, it begins handshaking. 
Handshaking is a digital “getting acquainted” conversation between the two 
modems that establishes connection speeds and communication protocols. You 
may hear unusual handshaking sounds when the modems first connect. If the 
handshaking sounds are too loud, you can turn down the modem volume.
To turn down the modem volume:
1Click Start, then click...

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Networks
You cannot connect to your company network

Every network is unique. Contact your company computer department or 
network administrator for help.
Passwords
Your notebook does not accept your password

Make sure that CAPS LOCK and PAD LOCK are turned off, then retype the 
password.
You forgot your startup password

The password feature (which is set in the BIOS Setup utility) is very secure, 
with no easy way to recover a forgotten password. You...

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Power
Your notebook is not working on AC power

Make sure that your AC power adapter is connected correctly to your 
notebook. For more information, see “Connecting the AC adapter” on 
page 16.

If your notebook is plugged into a surge protector, make sure that the surge 
protector is connected securely to an electrical outlet, turned on, and 
working correctly. To test the outlet, plug a working device, such as a lamp, 
into the outlet and turn it on.

Make sure that...