Toshiba SATELLITE P500 User Manual

9-2

User’s Manual

Troubleshooting

Consider the simplest solution first. The items in this checklist are easy to 

fix and yet can cause what appears to be a serious problem. 

■

Make sure you turn on all peripheral devices before you turn on the 

computer. This includes your printer and any other external device you 

are using. 

■

Before you attach an external device, turn the computer off. When you 

turn the computer back on, it will recognize the new device. 

■

Make sure all options are set properly in the setup program. 

■

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 your CD/DVD/BD 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. 

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, hard disk 

drive, optical media drive or 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.