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Maintenance & Service Guide
Presario 3500 Series Personal Computers

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Compaq Utilities & Setup

This section explains how to use Compaq Utilities and Setup.

Windows 95, Windows 98, and MS-DOS have configuration and diagnostics utilities that you should access in the following instances:

Click on a selection below for more information on the following utilities:

Preparing the Computer
Computer Setup
Compaq Utilities
Computer Checkup (TEST)
View System (INSPECT)


Preparing the Computer

If you encounter an error condition, complete the following steps before starting problem isolation procedures:

  1. Ensure proper ventilation. The computer should have a 3-inch (7.6 cm) clearance
    at the back of the system unit.
  2. Turn off the computer and peripheral devices.

CAUTION:  Always ensure that the power is off before disconnecting or reconnecting the mouse, keyboard, or any other peripheral devices. Disconnecting or connecting the keyboard or mouse while the unit power is on can damage the system board.
  1. Disconnect any peripheral devices other than the monitor and keyboard. Do not disconnect the printer if you want to test it or use it to log error messages.
  2. Install loop-back and terminating plugs for complete testing.

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Setup

The Setup utility provides a snapshot of the computer's hardware configuration, aids in troubleshooting, and sets custom features. Setup recognizes a new internal component or an external device and automatically updates the configuration screens. You should use the Setup utility in the following instances:

Running Setup

To access the Setup utility, turn on the computer and press the F10 key when the cursor appears in the upper right corner of the screen. The following menu will appear:

NOTE: The actual menu displayed on your computer may vary slightly, depending on your configuration.

System Communications Storage Input Devices Video Exit

>Item Specific Help

PCI Bus Master [Enabled] <Tab>, <Shift-Tab>, or
System POST [Fast] <Enter> selects field.
Power Management [Enabled]
Power On Password
Setup Password
Memory Speed [Fast]
Alternative Memory Reporting [Disabled]
System Inactivity Timeout [30 min]

F1 Help ^ Select Item -/+ Change Values F9 Setup Defaults
Esc Exit Select Menu Enter Select  > Sub-Menu F10 Previous Values

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Compaq Utilities

This section provides information about the menu options accessible from the Compaq Utilities menu.

Create a Compaq Utilities Diskette

A Compaq Utilities diskette must be created to configure the system. To create a Compaq Utilities diskette, complete the following steps:

  1. Insert the QuickRestore CD into the CD drive.
  2. From the Windows desktop, click on Start, then Programs, then Windows Explorer.
  3. Click on the CD drive icon.
  4. Double-click on the PCdiags folder.
  5. Insert a diskette in the diskette drive.
  6. Double-click on the QRST5.exe icon.
  7. Press Enter when the QuickRestore label appears.
  8. After the CD has completed copying to the diskette, eject the QuickRestore CD.

Running Compaq Utilities

To run Compaq Utilities, turn on or reboot the computer with the Compaq Utilities diskette in the diskette drive. The following menu will appear:

Compaq Utilities>

Computer Checkup (TEST)

----------------------------------------------------------------------
View System Information (INSPECT)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Exit from this Utility

Press F1 for Help

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Computer Checkup (TEST)

Computer Checkup (TEST) is a utility that determines if the various computer components installed in the system are recognized by the system and functioning properly. Running TEST after connecting a new device is optional, but we recommend that you do it.

TEST helps analyze the system. This information allows the technician to reproduce the configuration of your computer on another computer for testing.

Running TEST

To run TEST, complete the following steps:

  1. From the Compaq Utilities menu, select the Computer Checkup (TEST) option. A Test Option menu is displayed.

  2. Select the option to view the device list. A list of the installed hardware devices is displayed.

  3. Verify that the TEST utility correctly detected the devices installed.

NOTE: This utility may not detect all non-Compaq devices.

  1. Select one of the following from the Test Option menu:

Quick Check Diagnostics runs a quick, general test on each device with a minimal number of prompts. If errors occur, they are displayed when the testing is complete.

IMPORTANT: Choosing attended testing allows data-destructive tests.

NOTE: When you run the TEST utility, record the error message numbers.

  1. Follow the instructions on the screen as the diagnostic tests are run on the devices.
    When the testing is complete, the Test Option menu is displayed again.
  2. Exit to the Compaq Utilities menu.

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View System Information (INSPECT)

The View System Information (INSPECT) utility provides information about the system once it has been configured. INSPECT operates with MS-DOS and provides information about the system operating environment including:

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Revised: 19 Nov. 1999