IBM PC 300GL

Chapter 7. Troubleshooting
This chapter describes diagnostic tools that you can use to identify and
correct problems that might come up as you use your computer. This
chapter also contains information about option diskettes and how to recover
from a BIOS update failure.
Note
If your computer does not start when you press the power switch, do
the following:
 Make sure your computer and monitor are connected to working
electrical outlets.
 Make sure all cables are securely connected to the correct locations.
If this does not correct the problem, have the computer serviced.
Computer problems can be caused by hardware, software, or user error (for
example, pressing the wrong key). You can use the diagnostic aids
discussed in this chapter to help you solve such problems yourself or gather
helpful information you can pass on to a service technician.
You can check the hardware by following the procedures in this chapter.
You can also use the diagnostic programs provided with your computer
(see “IBM Enhanced Diagnostics program” on page 108 for a description of
these programs).
If the hardware checks out, and you have not made a user error, you might
have a software problem. If you suspect that you have a software problem
and your computer comes with IBM-preinstalled software, see “IBM
Enhanced Diagnostics program” on page 108 for information about how to
run the IBM Enhanced Diagnostics program provided by IBM. Also see the
operating system documentation supplied with your computer. If you have
installed software applications yourself, see the documentation supplied
with the software.
The following tools are available to diagnose hardware-related problems:
 Power-on self-test (POST)
 Troubleshooting MAP
 Error codes and messages
 Troubleshooting charts
 IBM Enhanced Diagnostics program
 Copyright IBM Corp. 1999 87