Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
replacing the system power supply; an overloaded or marginal power supply might not provide
reliable power to USB ports.
A USB 3.0 device can run at USB 3.0 speeds only when connected to a USB 3.0 port. If you connect
the device to a USB 2.0 port, it will run at USB 2.0 speeds.
I installed an additional memory module, but the system doesn't recognize it.
Verify that the memory is compatible with your motherboard. Many subtle variations exist on memory
types that can appear to be identical on the surface. Just because it fits in the slot does not mean the
memory will work properly with your system. Check your motherboard manual for the specific type
of memory your system requires, and possibly for a list of supported modules. You can visit
www.crucial.com
and use its Memory Advisor Tool to determine the exact type of memory for a
specific system or motherboard. Also note that all motherboards have limits to the amount of memory
they support. Consult the motherboard manual or manufacturer for information on the limits for your
board.
If you are sure you have the correct type of memory, follow the memory troubleshooting steps listed
previously for intermittent memory problems.
I installed a new drive, but it doesn't work, and the drive LED remains lit.
This is the classic symptom of a cable plugged in backward. Both PATA and floppy drives are
designed to use cables with keyed connectors; however, some cables are available that lack this
keying, which means they can easily be installed backward. When the cable is installed backward
into either the motherboard or the drive, the LED on the drive remains lit and the drive does not
function. In some cases, this can also cause the entire system to freeze. Check the cables to ensure that
they are plugged in properly at both ends; the stripe on the cable indicates pin-1 orientation. On the
drive, pin 1 typically is oriented toward the power connector. On the motherboard, look for
orientation marks silk-screened on the board or observe the orientation of the other cables plugged in.
(All cables follow the same orientation.)
While I was updating my BIOS, the system froze, and now the system is dead!
This can occur when a flash ROM upgrade goes awry. Fortunately, most motherboards have a
recovery routine that can be enabled via a jumper on the board. When enabled, the recovery routine
causes the system to look for a floppy or optical disc with the BIOS update program on it. If you
haven't done so already, you need to download an updated BIOS from the motherboard manufacturer
and follow its directions for placing the BIOS update program on a bootable floppy or optical disc.
Then set BIOS recovery mode via the jumper on the motherboard, power on the system, and wait until
the procedure completes. It usually take up to 5 minutes, and you might hear beeping to indicate the
start and end of the procedure. When the recovery is complete, turn off the system and restore the
recovery jumper to the original (normal) settings.
If your motherboard does not feature BIOS recovery capability, you might have to send the board to
the manufacturer for repair.
I installed a new motherboard in an older Dell system, and nothing works.
Many older Dell Dimension systems built before 2001 (Dimension 4100, 8100, or older systems) do
not fully conform to the ATX specification with respect to their power supplies and the power
connectors on their motherboards. If you replace one of these nonstandard Dell power supplies with a
standard ATX type, or replace the nonstandard Dell motherboard with a standard ATX type, you risk
