BASIC PC/Windows Trouble Shooting Guide


These instructions were developed using a Digital (IBM) 433dx PCs
running Dos 6.0 and Windows for Workgroups using an Ethernet connection.
Please forward any comments to: ls3h@andrew.cmu.edu

Table of Contents

Turning on your PC

The light on the PC isn't on and I can't hear the fan running.
 The PC is turned on but the screen isn't working.

Error Messages

Error messages that occur before windows start up.
Error messages that occur after windows start up.

General Protection Fault

I have a General Protection Fault message.

Windows Didn't Start


The only thing on my screen is a C: prompt.
PC/TCP Didn't Start

My Mouse isn't working.

The mouse doesn't do anything.
The mouse movement is erratic.

The Screen/Keyboard is stuck.

Keyboard connection
Program Lock-up

My priner isn't working.

None of the lights are on.
Printing from Windows
Printing from Dos to a local printer (for those who know how to go to DOS)

I can't run my Mail.

I get a message when I click on the MAIL ICON that the network is down


Turning on your PC

The light on the PC doesn't come on and I can't hear the fan running.

Make sure the Power Switch is turned on.
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Make sure the Power Cord is plugged into the Power outlet.

Make sure the Power Cord is plugged into the PC.

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When possible check the Power Outlet and make sure it's on.
(Is anything else plugged in that has power?)
On occasion the movement of equipment on the desk will
loosen the connection and it will appear to be in place.
Make sure the unit is turned off then push the plugs into
the sockets and turn the unit back on before calling for service.

The PC is turned on but the screen isn't working.
Make sure the Screen Power Switch is turned on.

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Make sure the unit is turned off then push the plug into the
socket and turn the unit back on before calling for service.

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Make sure the Video Cable is plugged into the PC.

Push the plug into the socket before calling for service.

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Error Messages

Error messages that occur before windows start up.
Most messages that occur before Windows start up can, and probably will, cause problems with the overall operation of the system. When possible, write down the message exactly as it appears on the screen.
Check the statement made in the error message against the information contained in this guide for a possible solution to the problem. (i.e. Keyboard Screen, Mouse)

Error messages that occur after windows start up.
In general most of the error messages that are displayed in the Windows environment are very descriptive, and following the instructions can normally resolve the problem.
Check the statement made in the error message against the information contained in this guide for possible solution to the problem. (i.e. Keyboard Screen, Mouse)

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General Protection Fault

I have a General Protection Fault message.

One of the most frequent error messages that you will see is a General Protection Fault. This means that the computer has had a problem accessing a part of a program, a network, or a file. The message will instruct you to save your files and restart Windows. One of the main causes of a General Protection Fault is having too many programs or files open at one time. To avoid this problem open only the program or programs needed to complete your task. If this doesn't solve your problem try closing all of your programs, exit Windows and reboot your computer.

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Windows Didn't Start

The only thing on my screen is a C: prompt.
Most of the computers have been setup to automatically start Windows. If Windows didn't start and your PC has a C: prompt on the screen, simply type in the word WIN then press enter.

PC/TCP Didn't Start
One of the most common Error Messages displayed during the Windows boot up is about the PC/TCP not loading. The message tells you to press any key to continue.
Pressing any key will allow Windows to load into the computer without connecting to the network. Once Windows has loaded, exit the program and turn off your PC.
Make sure your Ethernet cable is correctly attached to the PC and the IBM Wall Box or Delni.
( **** If you don't know how to check the Ethernet cable ask for help.****).

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My Mouse isn't working.

The mouse doesn't do anything.
Make sure the cable connector for the mouse is firmly pluged into the mouse port.

Check to see if the cable has been pulled loose at the mouse end.
When possible, try using another mouse.

The mouse movement is erratic.

Clean the mouse ball. Make sure the area that you are using is clean and smooth.

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The Screen/Keyboard is stuck.

Program Lock-up
Make sure the cable connector for the keyboard is firmly connected to the keyboard port on the back of the PC.

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Keyboard connection
Check to see if the cable has been pulled loose at the keyboard end.
If you are using a Wedge styleBarcode Reader the keyboard should be plugged into the reader and the reader is plugged into the PC.
Make sure that the plugs are firmly in place.

When you can no longer access the program you are running (none of the keys do anything) and you checked the keyboard cable, the program is locked.

*** Anything that wasn't saved is lost. ***
SAVE Your Work OFTEN

Press the (Ctrl)(Alt)(Del) keys at the same time. This is called a warm boot. A warm boot should display a message screen, follow the instruction, close your Windows session and turn off your computer. Allow about 15 seconds before turning your computer back on.
If you still have a problem after a warm boot and the Windows system will not allow you to continue, press the (Ctrl)(Alt)(Del) a second time. This should close the Windows Session for you. Again, turn off your computer and allow about 15 seconds before turning your computer back on.
A System Halted message will not accept the (Ctrl)(Alt)(Del) command. All you can do is turn off your computer and allow about 15 seconds before turning your computer back on.

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My printer isn't working.

None of the lights are on.
Make sure the printer power switch is turned on.
(The location of the power switch and power cord is dependent upon the printer.)
Make sure the Power Cord is plugged into a Power outlet.
Make sure the Power Cord is plugged into the Printer.
When possible check the Power Outlet and make sure it's on.
(Is anything else plugged in that has power?)

Make sure the Printer Cable is plugged into the PC.
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Printing from Windows

Your computer is setup to print either to a local printer (a printer attached to your PC)
or a remote printer (a printer attached to the network).
Make sure you have a printer selected in the print manager.
To determine your current print configuration you will need to look
at the printer setup in your control panel.
Selecting a Printer From the Program Manager window double click on the main icon.

Double click on the icon labeled Print Manager.

The highlighted selection will describe the printer that your system thinks its using.

Printing from Dos to a local printer (for those who know how to go to DOS)

*** When possible check printing from dos before reporting print problems from Windows. ***

To check the operation of your printer from dos. Exit all programs and close Windows.
At the c:> prompt press the shift key and the print screen key at the same time.
The printer should duplicate what is on the screen.
If the printing appears to be ok your computer is communicating with the printer.

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I can't run my Mail.

I get a message when I click on the MAIL ICON that the network is down

A frequent cause for not getting into the mail system is that the network is down.
I will assume that the mail program is loaded and you have correctly input your ID and Password.
The first thing do is to write down the message as it appears on the screen.
Retry entering your ID and password.
If you still can't access the mail system, see if anyone else in your area is having a problem with the mail.
Most of the time a burp in the network will cause a loss of communication.
Turning off your computer and restarting it will restore your connection if the network is back up.

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(Revised November 11th 1995)
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