Problem Solving 5-5After System Has Been Running CorrectlyProblems that occur after the system hardware and software have been runningcorrectly often indicate equipment failure. However, many situations that are easy tocorrect can also cause such problems. If you have problems after the system has beenrunning correctly, check the following:! If you are running the software from a diskette or CD-ROM, try a new copy of thesoftware.! If you are running the software from a hard disk drive, try running it from a floppy.If the software runs correctly, there may be a problem with the copy on the harddisk. Reinstall the software on the hard disk drive and try running it again. Makesure all the necessary files are installed.! If the problem recurs, you may need to reformat the hard disk drive. The hard diskdrive, the drive controller, or the system board may be defective.! If the problems are intermittent, there may be a loose cable, dirt in the keyboard (ifkeyboard input is incorrect), a marginal power supply, or other random componentfailures.! If you suspect that a transient voltage spike, power outage, or brownout might haveoccurred, reload the software and try running it again. Symptoms of voltage spikesinclude a flickering video display, unexpected system reboots, and the system notresponding to user commands.Note: Voltage spikes can corrupt or destroy data files on thedrive. If you are experiencing voltage spikes on the power line, installa surge suppresser between the power outlet and the system powercord.If the problem recurs after you have checked and corrected all of the above items, referto “Diagnostic Testing” in this chapter.
