Quick Reference Guide

Troubleshooting 293
The Computer Does not Start up
CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See "Power Lights for Desktop Computers" on
page 273 or "Diagnostic Lights for Desktop Computers" on page 274 or "Diagnostic
Lights for Laptop Computers" on page 275.
E
NSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO
THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET
The Computer Stops Responding
NOTICE: You may lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system
shutdown.
T
URN THE COMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on
your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to
10 seconds (until the computer turns off), and then restart your computer.
A Program Stops Responding
END THE PROGRAM —
1 Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously to access the Task Manager.
2 Click the Applications tab.
3 Click to select the program that is no longer responding.
4 Click End Task .
A Program Crashes Repeatedly
NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a
CD or DVD.
C
HECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall
the program.
A Program is Designed for an Earlier Windows Operating System
RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —
Windows Vista
The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an
environment similar to non-Windows Vista operating system environments.
1 Click Start → Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Use an
older program with this version of Windows.
2 In the welcome screen, click Next .
3 Follow the instructions on the screen.