IBM Aptiva C66
(250-0458)              Before You Panic              Faxback Doc. # 34528

Step 1

Are the power indicator lights on the system unit and monitor lit?

Note:  The locations of the power indicator lights may be different from
       those shown in these pictures.

Yes
       Power is reaching the system unit and monitor.  Go to Step 2.

No
         a.  Press the on/off buttons on the system unit and monitor to
             make sure they are turned on.

         b.  Make sure your system unit and monitor cables are correctly
             and securely connected.  Make sure the system unit and
             monitor power cords are plugged into electrical outlets.
             Your Read me first book shows how the cables and cords should
             be connected.

         c.  Make sure the electrical outlets you are using are not
             controlled by a wall or dimmer switch.

         d.  If you are using a multiple outlet device (for example, a
             power surge protector or power strip), make sure it is
             plugged in and turned on.

If the problem continues, check your Guide to HelpWare and All the Extras
folder for information on obtaining service.

Step 2

Did the system unit beep after it was turned on?

Yes, once

    The system unit has passed the power-on self test (POST).
    Go to Step 3.

Yes, more than once

    There is a problem with the system unit.  Find the code in "Responding
    to error codes" on page 149 and take the action listed.

No

    There is a hardware problem.  If you added hardware, remove it and
    restart the computer to see if the problem is corrected.  If the
    problem is corrected, you may have installed your hardware
    incorrectly.  Reinstall your hardware.

For instructions on installing hardware in your desktop system unit, see
"Working with the hardware in the desktop system unit" on page 86.  For
instructions on installing hardware in your minitower system unit, see
"Working with the hardware in the minitower system unit" on page 108.  For
instructions on installing hardware on your system board, see "Adding and
replacing system board components" on page 63.

If the problem continues, check your Guide to HelpWare and All the Extras
folder for information on obtaining service.

No

Step 3

Is anything displayed on the monitor?

Yes

    There is a problem with the system unit if:

      A three or four digit error code appears.  Find the code in
      "Responding to error codes" on page 149 and take the action listed.

      A box containing an error code and message appears.  Follow the
      instructions in the message.  For instructions on using the Setup
      Utility, see "Using the Setup Utility" on page 31.

      A blinking cursor appears.  Check your Guide to HelpWare and All the
      Extras folder for information on obtaining service.

      The image on the screen is unreadable (the image is scrolling,
      blinking, or flashing).  You may have selected a monitor setting
      that your monitor does not support.  Follow these steps to
      reconfigure your monitor:

        a.  Restart the computer.  If necessary, turn off the system unit,
            pause for 15 seconds, and then turn the system unit back on.

        b.  When you see "Starting Windows 95" appear on the screen during
            startup, press F8.  This opens the Microsoft Windows 95
            Startup Menu.

        c.  Select Choice 3 for Safe Mode and press Enter.  This starts
            your computer using the factory configuration settings.

        d.  When your computer has completed startup, double-click on the
            My Computer desktop icon.

        e.  In the My Computer window, double-click on the Control Panel
            icon.

        f.  In the Control Panel window, double-click on the Display icon.

        g.  In the Display Properties window, click on the Settings tab.

        h.  See "Changing display settings" on page 12 for instructions on
            selecting new monitor settings.

        i.  Restart the computer again.  Your computer may take a little
            longer than usual to restart.

Step 3

Is anything displayed on the monitor?

    The colors displayed are wrong.  Check to make sure the monitor cable
    is correctly and securely connected to the system unit.  Your Read me
    first book shows how the cable should be connected.

If the problem continues, check your Guide to HelpWare and All the Extras
folder for information on obtaining service.

    Nothing happens when you use the mouse or keyboard.

      a.  Make sure the keyboard and mouse cables are correctly and
          securely connected to the ports on the back of the system unit.

          The keyboard port has this symbol next to it:

          The mouse port has this symbol next to it:

      b.  Turn off the system unit, and then turn it on again.

If the problem you are having continues, or if it does not appear in this
list, look for a description of the problem in the troubleshooting tables
that begin on page 135.

No

    There may be a problem with the monitor.

      a.  Make sure your monitor cables are correctly and securely
          connected.

      b.  Adjust the brightness and contrast controls.  For instructions,
          see the documentation that came with your monitor.

    There may be a problem with the battery on your system board.  See
    "Replacing the system battery" on page 78 for instructions on how to
    replace the battery.

If the problem continues, check your Guide to HelpWare and All the Extras
folder for information on obtaining service.

(BR/BKL-09/05/96)

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