Acronis 리소스 센터

뉴스레터

My Computer Has Gone Flaky. What Should I Do?

Has your computer recently picked up a "flutter?" Have you recently opened the case and upgraded the system, or moved any cables on the back of your system?

A loose card (such as a video card, modem card or other device that connect to the motherboard via a PCI, PCI Express or AGP slot), connector or memory module is a fairly common problem, especially with brand new systems or systems which have just been worked on. Unfortunately improperly seated components can produce an absolutely bewildering array of symptoms. Fortunately, the fix is usually so easy that it's worth re-seating the cards almost as soon as you open the case.

With the power off, static protection in place and the case open, put one hand on the each end of each card and firmly push the card into its slot. Don't try to hammer it in but don't be afraid to give each card a solid shove. If you find a device that suddenly slips in deeper, you have probably found the problem. If your system fails to boot at all, or you get an error message that the system cannot find any hard disks, there's a good chance that the ribbon cable from your hard disks is not seated properly. Repeat the process you did with the circuit boards with all the plugs and connectors from the power supply, disk drives and other components.

Put the case back on, reboot the system and see if the problem is fixed.

Simple as the procedure is, there are a few things to watch out for. For one thing, many connectors, some cards and all memory modules are designed to fit in their slot in only one way. Check for "keys" and make sure you have the connector or card in the proper orientation. (In the case of disk drive cables, for example, a key might be a blocked connector so that the pins from your disk drive won't go into the connector. On a graphics board, it might be a little lip that fits under a clip before the card is seated. Some memory modules also have keys so that they will only go in one direction.)

If the card won't go, don't try to force it. Instead carefully remove it from the case and examine it for proper orientation. If you're suspicious of a card or connector even though it seems to fit, take it out or unplug it and re-seat or re-plug it to make sure. (Some people advise taking every card out before re-seating it. However this can create more problems if you don't get the cards back in properly.) Only use a moderate amount of force. These components aren't a force-free fit, but they shouldn't take overwhelming force either. Make sure your press down both ends of the card at the same time to seat all the contacts completely.

Sometimes the problem is dirty contacts. Purchase a package of lint-free foam swabs at your local electronic parts store and use them to carefully scrub the contacts of suspect cards with cleaning solution. (Cotton swabs, such as Q-Tips, can leave fibers that interfere with the connections.) You can use either a special contact cleaning solution for electronics (not the cleaner for electrical equipment) or ordinary rubbing alcohol. Just be sure you have taken precautions against static electricity before doing this.

And remember — a loose connection might be on the outside of your case too. If your monitor is acting up, check the connector from the monitor to the video port and make sure that's secure too. A loose connection on a USB cable (especially one that goes to a USB hub) can cause a mouse, keyboard or printer not to work too.