TROUBLESHOOTING Configuration
This section explains how to use Setup and Compaq
Utilities which should be accessed in the following instances:
- When a system configuration error is detected
during the Power-On Self-Test (POST)
- To change factory default settings for some of the
computer features
- To change the system configuration, which is
sometimes necessary when you add or remove optional hardware
- To set system configuration features
Click a link below to go to the appropriate
subsection.
Preparing
the Computer
Setup
Accessing Compaq Utilities Options
View System Information (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. |
3 |
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. |
4 |
Install loop-back and
terminating plugs for complete testing. |
Setup
The Setup utility gives 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. Use the Setup utility to:
- Modify settings for audio, storage, power
management, communications, and input devices
- Get an overall picture of the computer's hardware
configuration
- Verify configuration parameters in determining
problems
- Set time and date
Running Setup
To access the Setup utility, turn on the computer
and press the F10 key when the Compaq logo appears. The following menu will appear:
NOTE: |
The actual menu
displayed on your computer may vary slightly, depending on your configuration. |

Accessing Compaq Utilities Options
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
troubleshoot 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 Program, 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. |
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:
- Contents of the operating system startup files
- Current memory configuration
- ROM version
- Type of processor and coprocessor
- Diskette and hard drives
- Active printer and communications interfaces
- Modem
|