Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
is bus powered, try 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
Verifythatthememoryiscompatiblewithyourmotherboard.Manysubtlevariationsexist
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 mother-
board 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
Thisistheclassicsymptomofacablepluggedinbackward.BothPATAandfloppydrives
aredesignedtousecables withkeyedconnectors; however,somecables areavailable 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 to-
ward 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 com-
pletes.Itusuallytakeupto5minutes,andyoumighthearbeepingtoindicatethestartand
