Here is a troubleshooting procedure you can use to track down the problem:- If you can boot the system and the problem is that a new card or an existing
device is not working correctly, use the operating system’s device manager to
verify that no system resource conflicts exist. On a Windows system, access the
Device Manager through either My Computer’s properties or the System icon
on the Control Panel. Figure 11-20 shows the Computer Properties screen.
To view the system resource assignments for an individual device: highlight
the device in the installed device list (you may need to open a certain device
type family by clicking on the “+” symbol by the name of the family); click
the Properties button to display the device’s properties; and click the View
Resources tab. The display should be similar to that shown in Figure 11-21.
A red X or a yellow exclamation point in front of the device or resource name
indicates conflicts in the Device Manager. If any conflicts are identified, which
are likely to be IRQs, reconfigure the newer device or the one used less
frequently to an available resource setting. Retest the system. - If the problem cannot be fixed with software or requires a hardware solution,
always begin by organizing a workspace around the PC as much as possible and
preparing the workspace, the PC, and yourself against ESD as outlined in Chapter
14. This can’t be emphasized too much. Even the smallest static discharge can inflict
enough damage to have caused the problem you are now trying to track down. - Power down the PC and unplug it from the AC power source. Turn off all
peripheral devices connected to the PC and remove their power cords from
their AC outlets as well. It isn’t enough to just switch off the plug strip. If there
are any phone cables, network cables, or any other telecommunications lines
connected to the PC, disconnect them as well. - Remove enough of the PC’s case to allow unobstructed access to the expansion
slots on the motherboard. On most new case designs, the to por one side of the case
lifts off easily to provide access to the motherboard and internal components. - Verify that every expansion card, not just the last one you installed, is firmly
seated in its slot. The heat-u pand cool-down cycles that the electronics on the
motherboard go through constantly can cause cards to creep (push) out of their
slots over time. And as careful as you try to be, you can accidentally push a
card out of its slot slightly when installing another. If any of the cards are loose
or not seated completely, you may have found the problem. Without putting
the case back on, power on the PC and test to see if the error is gone. - Check the connecting cables on each of the expansion cards to verify that each end
of the cable is snuggly connected. Disconnect and reconnect the cable connector of
each card one end at a time. Never force connectors, and pay attention to the keys
on the connectors that are meant to prevent you from connecting it incorrectly. You
have a choice now: you can power the PC up after reconnecting each card, or you
can wait until you have completed checking all of the cards. If the error is gone
when you reboot the system, the problem was obviously a loose connector.
(^246) PC Hardware: A Beginner’s Guide