How to Use Compaq Utilities Installed on the Computer or on Diskettes

Instructions:
Table of Contents

Preparing the Computer
Configuration and Diagnostics Menu
Accessing Configuration and Diagnostics Menu Options

NOTE: If you are running UNIX, you must configure your system using the Compaq Setup and Diagnostics diskettes. Failure to do so can result in loss of data and reduced hard drive capacity.

Both Windows 95 and MS-DOS have configuration and diagnostics utilities that you should access:

• 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.

Preparing the Computer

If you encounter an error, complete the following steps before isolating the problem:

1. Make sure your computer has 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.
5. Run the Diagnostics program.

Configuration and Diagnostics Menu

To display the Compaq Utilities menu, complete the following steps:

1. Turn on or restart the computer.
2. Press F10 as soon as the cursor moves to the upper-right corner of the screen. [This occurs almost immediately. The Power-On Self-Test (POST) runs, you hear two beeps, then the cursor moves.]
3. If prompted, select the desired language.

Accessing Configuration and Diagnostics Menu Options

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

Computer Setup

The Computer Setup utility gives you a quick overview of your computer's hardware configuration, aids in troubleshooting, and allows you to set custom features.

Access Computer Setup when you want to:

• Modify settings for audio, storage, communications, and input devices.
• Gain an overall picture of the computers hardware configuration.
• Verify configuration parameters in determining problems.

Running Computer Setup

The Computer Setup utility resides in a hidden partition on the hard drive. Run Computer Setup for the following situations:

• When configuring options
• When updating time, date, or password information

To run Computer Setup, complete the following steps:

1. From the Compaq Utilities menu, select the Computer Setup option.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Computer Checkup (TEST)

The Computer Checkup (TEST) utility checks your computer components to make sure that they run properly and that your system recognizes them. Although you do not have to run TEST after connecting a new device, you can use it to ensure the device is working properly.

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. The Test Option menu is displayed.
2. Select the option to view the device list. You will see a list of the installed hardware devices.
3. Verify that the TEST utility correctly detected the devices installed.
   NOTE: This utility may not detect non-Compaq devices.
   • If the list is correct, select OK. The Test Option menu is displayed again.
   • If the list is incorrect, make sure that any new devices are installed properly.
4. 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.
   • Automatic Diagnostics runs unattended, maximum testing of each device with minimal prompts. You can choose how many times to run the tests, to stop on errors, or to print or file a log of errors.
   • Prompted Diagnostics allows maximum control over the device testing process. You can choose attended or unattended testing, decide to stop on errors, or choose to print or file a log of errors.
     IMPORTANT: Choosing attended testing allows data-destructive tests.
     NOTE: When you run the TEST utility, record the error message numbers.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen as the diagnostic tests run on the devices. When the testing is complete, the Test Option menu is displayed again.
6. Exit to the Compaq Utilities menu.

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 to provide system operating environment information including:

• Contents of the operating system startup files
• Current memory configuration
• ROM version
• Type of processor and processor
• Diskette and hard drives
• Active printer and communications interfaces
• Modem

Prepare Computer for a Compaq Service Call

The RemotePaq option is only available in certain geographical areas and requires a modem. This option allows a Compaq Technical Support Agent to dial into your computer and run diagnostics remotely.

Create a Diagnostics Diskette

This option allows you to back up the diagnostics software onto two diskettes.

IMPORTANT: Compaq highly recommends that you create diagnostics diskettes as soon as you configure the system. You will need this software to troubleshoot the system if the hard drive cannot be accessed or must be replaced.

Manage Diagnostics Partition

This option allows you to create, delete, or upgrade the diagnostics software on your computer.

CAUTION: Creating a diagnostics partition involves performing a low-level format on the hard drive. This is normally only done to add diagnostics to a new replacement hard drive. If the diagnostics software is deleted, you will no longer be able to access the Compaq Utilities menu until you create the partition from your backup Diagnostics diskettes.

To create a diagnostics/setup partition, complete the following steps:

1. Turn off your system. Put your Setup or Diagnostics diskette into the diskette drive, and power on your system.
2. Select Yes to create a partition.