Solving Problems with Your Computer
Troubleshooting Techniques
104 Reference Guide
• Install additional memory if Windows is spending a lot of time swapping to disk.
• Check the amount of available free disk space.
Port replicator problems
If a port on a port replicator isn’t working
• Check that AC power is connected.
• While undocked, try using the corresponding notebook port.
• See the manual for the port replicator.
Power and battery problems
If the computer turns off immediately after it turns on
• Battery power is probably extremely low. Plug in the AC adapter or insert a newly
charged battery.
If the computer keeps beeping
• The computer beeps for 15 seconds when the battery is low. Save your work, shut
down Windows immediately, and insert a charged battery or plug in the AC adapter.
If the computer has a short operating time
• Try conserving power by setting power timeouts to shorter periods. In Windows, you
can adjust these settings in the Power Management applet in Control Panel.
• If you are running any applications with an automatic save feature, such as MS Word
for Windows, you can extend the save time or disable this feature to reduce hard disk
access.
• If the operating time has become shorter and the battery is more than a year or two
old, you may need to replace the battery.
• Set the display brightness to the lowest comfortable level.
• Heavy modem use can affect battery operating time.
• PC card use can affect battery operating time.