Special consideration must be taken when a system is inoperable. In a totally inoperable system, there are no symptoms to give clues where to begin the isolated process. In addition, it is impossible to use troubleshooting software or other system aids to help isolated the problem.
The following discussion covers a standard method of troubleshooting dead microprocessor based equipment. The first step in troubleshooting any dead system is to visually inspect the system. Check for unseated cards, loose cables, or foreign objects within the system unit.
When the system exhibits no signs of life including the absence of lights the best place to start looking for the problem is at the power supply. The operation of this unit affects virtually every part of the system. Also , the absence of any lights working usually indicates that no power is being supplied to the system by the power supply.
1. Begin by checking the external connections of the power supply. This is the first step in checking any electrical equipment that shows no signs of life.
2. Confirm that the power supply cord is plugged into a functioning outlet.
3. Check the position of the ON/Off switch.
4. Examine the power cord for good connection at the rear of the unit.
5. Check the setting of the 110/220 switch setting on the outside of the power supply. The normal setting for equipment used in India is 22O.
6. Check the power at the commercial receptacle using a voltmeter, or by plugging in a lamp (or other 220v device) into the outlet.
If power is reaching the power supply and nothing is happening, the next step in isolating the cause of the problem is to determine which component is causing the problem. The most likely; cause of the problems is a totally dead system is the power supply itself. However, in a ATX system, if the cable that connects the system board to the power switch has become loose, the power supply will appear dead. Use a voltmeter to check for the proper voltages at one of the systems option power connectors. If any voltage is missing. check the power supply by substitution.
If the main power supply is not the reason the system is dead, one of the other components must be overloading the systems power supply. Under such conditions, it is normal for the system to trip the breaker, or to blow the fuse, in the commercial power system. You must sort out which components is affecting the power supply. Remove the peripheral devices so that only the basic system needs to be checked.
Divide the system into basic and optional sections for testing. Remove all external options from the system and restart the system. If the system begins to work, troubleshoot the optional portions of the system.
Finally, divide the basic system into optional and basic components. Remove all optional adapter cards from their expansion slots and restart the system. If the system begins to work, troubleshoot the various optional adapters by reinstalling them one at a time until the system fails again.
Note:
Before changing any board or connection, always turn the system off first. In an ATX style system, you should also disconnect the power cable from the power supply. This is necessary because even with the power switch off, there are still some levels of voltages applied to the system board in these units.
The following discussion covers a standard method of troubleshooting dead microprocessor based equipment. The first step in troubleshooting any dead system is to visually inspect the system. Check for unseated cards, loose cables, or foreign objects within the system unit.
When the system exhibits no signs of life including the absence of lights the best place to start looking for the problem is at the power supply. The operation of this unit affects virtually every part of the system. Also , the absence of any lights working usually indicates that no power is being supplied to the system by the power supply.
1. Begin by checking the external connections of the power supply. This is the first step in checking any electrical equipment that shows no signs of life.
2. Confirm that the power supply cord is plugged into a functioning outlet.
3. Check the position of the ON/Off switch.
4. Examine the power cord for good connection at the rear of the unit.
5. Check the setting of the 110/220 switch setting on the outside of the power supply. The normal setting for equipment used in India is 22O.
6. Check the power at the commercial receptacle using a voltmeter, or by plugging in a lamp (or other 220v device) into the outlet.
If power is reaching the power supply and nothing is happening, the next step in isolating the cause of the problem is to determine which component is causing the problem. The most likely; cause of the problems is a totally dead system is the power supply itself. However, in a ATX system, if the cable that connects the system board to the power switch has become loose, the power supply will appear dead. Use a voltmeter to check for the proper voltages at one of the systems option power connectors. If any voltage is missing. check the power supply by substitution.
If the main power supply is not the reason the system is dead, one of the other components must be overloading the systems power supply. Under such conditions, it is normal for the system to trip the breaker, or to blow the fuse, in the commercial power system. You must sort out which components is affecting the power supply. Remove the peripheral devices so that only the basic system needs to be checked.
Divide the system into basic and optional sections for testing. Remove all external options from the system and restart the system. If the system begins to work, troubleshoot the optional portions of the system.
Finally, divide the basic system into optional and basic components. Remove all optional adapter cards from their expansion slots and restart the system. If the system begins to work, troubleshoot the various optional adapters by reinstalling them one at a time until the system fails again.
Note:
Before changing any board or connection, always turn the system off first. In an ATX style system, you should also disconnect the power cable from the power supply. This is necessary because even with the power switch off, there are still some levels of voltages applied to the system board in these units.
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