D–20 376220-001 Service Reference Guide, dc5100
Solving Hardware Installation Problems
You may need to reconfigure the computer when you add or remove hardware, such as an 
additional diskette drive. If you install a plug and play device, Windows 2000 and Windows XP 
automatically recognize the device and configure the computer. If you install a non–plug and 
play device, you must reconfigure the computer after completing installation of the new 
hardware. In Windows 2000, select the Add New Hardware icon in the Control Panel (for 
Windows XP, use the Add Hardware Wizard) and follow the instructions that appear on the 
screen.
Solving Hardware Installation Problems 
Problem Cause Solution
A new device is not 
recognized as part of 
the
 system.
Device is not seated or 
connected properly. 
Ensure that the device is properly 
and securely connected and that 
pins in the connector are not 
bent
 down.
Cable(s) of new 
external device are 
loose or power cables 
are unplugged.
Ensure that all cables are properly 
and securely connected and that 
pins in the cable or connector are 
not bent down.
Power switch of new 
external device is not 
turned on.
Turn off the computer, turn on the 
external device, then turn on the 
computer to integrate the device 
with the computer system.
When the system 
advised you of changes 
to the configuration, you 
did not accept them.
Reboot the computer and follow the 
instructions for accepting the 
changes.
A plug and play board 
may not automatically 
configure when 
added
 if the default 
configuration conflicts 
with other devices.
Use Windows 2000 or Windows XP 
Device Manager to deselect the 
automatic settings for the board and 
choose a basic configuration that 
does not cause a resource conflict. 
You can also use Computer Setup to 
reconfigure or disable devices to 
resolve the resource conflict.
Computer will not start. Wrong memory 
modules were used in 
the upgrade or memory 
modules were installed 
in the wrong location.
1. Review the documentation that 
came with the system to 
determine if you are using the 
correct memory modules and to 
verify the proper installation.
2. Observe the beeps and LED 
lights on the front of the 
computer. See Appendix C 
“POST Error Messages” to 
determine possible causes.