Computer cannot find modem
There is a simple check to see if your modem is installed correctly. Go to start on your Windows screen, setting and control panel. Double click on the modems icon. Go to the diagnostics tab. Your modem should be listed on a com port. If not, your modem is not installed, call us. If there is a modem listed, click on the correlating com port and then click on "More Info". A white box should return with AT commands. If this shows up your modem is installed correctly.

Modem does not dial out
Most PCMCIA modems are connected to COM 3, check which communication port you are using in your communications package. In AOL, use the Hayes general driver, COM 3.

Computer is locked and will not respond
On occasion your computer may lock up, try pressing ctrl, alt and del keys at the same time and computer will reboot. If this does not work try turning the computer off with the power button, then restart. If the computer does not respond to the power button, unplug the AC adapter and take the battery out. As the computer restarts, it will run through Scandisk and then back into Windows 95/98.

The laptop only operates on battery power for a few minutes
Most of the newer batteries may need conditioning when first being used. Charge the battery all the way up and then run it down three times. This should fix the short battery life.

Should I upgrade to Windows 98?
We do not recommend the 486 computers to operate with Windows 98. The newer systems have very few problems. We usually recommend doing a full install of Windows 98 instead of an upgrade. If you have a question on your hardware, call the manufacturer and see if it is compatible for Windows 98.

The screen is black
There are a few possible reasons for no screen. If you can still hear the laptop operating, then check for the external monitor hot key. It is usually a Fn + F? button. Also check to see if the screen works on an external monitor. If it works on an external monitor, but not on the laptop screen it may require service.

Laptop will not print
Check to make sure all cabling is secure. Make sure the printer driver is loaded correctly. If it is printing, but the print is unreadable, you probably have the incorrect print driver. To check your hardware, restart the computer in DOS mode. Type in the following command:

DIR>LPTI and press the enter key.

The printer should print, any errors call the manufacturer.

CD Rom is not responding
Place a CD in the CD Rom. Check to make sure that you still have an icon in "My Computer" for the CD Rom. Double click on that icon and see if the CD information pops up on the screen. If the CD is removable on your unit, reseat the CD Rom. Reboot and try again. If you still do not have a drive letter in windows, restart in DOS mode and type D: (with D being the drive letter for the CD). Type dir and if the directory of the CD comes up on the screen, reinstall the Windows CD drivers.

Floppy drive does not work
If you have a Windows 95 / 98 bootable floppy disk, place that in your floppy and see if the computer can start off of the floppy. You can create a boot disk from any computer by going to control panel, add/remove programs, and click on the start-up disk command. Follow the directions. If the floppy works with a bootable floppy, reinstall the floppy drivers for Windows. If not call us.

Computer says "Missing Operating System"
Follow the directions above for a bootable floppy. After you boot off of the floppy disk, you will be at an A: prompt. Type c: and see if it accesses the hard drive. If it does not, check your manual on resetting factory settings in your BIOS setup. Then when the computer reboots try and access the C drive once again. If it does not access the C drive, you may need to re-install the operation system, or the machine needs to be serviced.

How do I know the battery in my notebook is working?
Your battery is likely working if the following conditions exist:
1. The computer turns on (for any period of time over a few seconds) using the battery only.
2. The computer continues to work (for any period of time over a few seconds) after the AC adapter is disconnected.
3. The system recognizes a battery is present. Most systems have an LED that illuminates when the AC adapter is connected (with the computer turned off). Some systems have an onboard power meter. Windows will also recognize a battery is present (it will either report a percentage for “Smart” batteries or an unknown power source). Check your documentation or contact your reseller to find out which lights will illuminate.
4. The battery percentage increases while charging ("Smart" batteries).
5. If the battery has a power meter showing a charge.

How do I know the battery in my notebook is NOT working?
Your battery may not be working if the following conditions exist:
1. The system does not recognize a battery (no LED’s when connected to AC).
2. The battery does not accept a charge (this can also mean the battery needs to be reconditioned).
3. The system immediately shuts down when the AC adapter is removed (after a couple of seconds).
4. The system shuts down when the battery is inserted (initially running on AC power). The battery shorts the system.

NOTE: In some cases, the problem could be related to the AC adapter. If the AC adapter isn’t working properly, the battery will not charge properly.

How long should the battery last on a full charge?
The amount of time a notebook lasts on a full charge depends on several factors.
1. The hardware configuration of your notebook. High-end notebooks (with high-tech features) require a lot of power to run. A system using a DVD-ROM, a large LCD screen and other features shorten the charge time considerably.
2. Usage. When the system has to perform a task, power is required. Spinning the CPU fan, CD/DVD drive, transferring data from the hard drive and even typing on the keyboard affect the charge time. A system running a screen saver requires the CPU to process data and run the LCD screen, meaning just sitting can draw power.
3. The type of battery. Most systems use Lithium Ion (LI-ION) or Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MI) batteries. LI-ION batteries last between one and four hours depending on usage. Ni-MH batteries last between forty-five minutes and two hours.

How long should the battery take to charge completely?
The battery will take between two and four hours to fully charge (depending on usage, type of battery, and the current charge percentage.

NOTE: It will take longer to fully charge the battery if the notebook is in use. The AC adapter must also supply current to the system (in addition to charging the battery).

What is the procedure to recondition the battery?
A battery’s circuitry and storage cells can become corrupt over time and usage. In some cases, the battery won’t last a reasonable amount of time or give false readings on its charge status. This process can require several cycles before the battery finally works properly.
1. Allow the battery to drain completely (0%). It may be necessary to disable power saving features.
2. Charge the battery as much as possible. Only allow the battery to charge for as much time as it takes to fully charge. Over charging the battery can be the cause of the problem.

NOTE: If the battery stops charging the battery before 100 percent, drain the battery (start with step 1. The battery will begin to reach a higher percentage. 3. Repeat this process until the battery lasts the amount of time for the type of battery (LI-ION, Ni-MH).

What is the difference between a "Smart" battery and a "non-Smart" battery?
"Smart" batteries are capable of relaying information about its charge status to the notebook and operating system (or software battery utility). Some "Smart" batteries have onboard power meters allowing you to check the charge outside the notebook. Check your documentation for specific details about your battery. Some "Smart" batteries know when to stop accepting current when the charge status is 100%. Regular batteries (sometimes called "non-Smart") won’t tell you how much battery power is left. You must pay attention to how long you have been using the computer, and rely on LED’s on the notebook for charge status. Some "non-smart" batteries do not know when to stop accepting current from the charging circuitry. It is possible to over-charge, corrupt, or ruin these batteries if not maintained properly.

How can I tell if mine is a "Smart" battery?
Aside from an obvious label, onboard power meter or other documentation, a "Smart" battery will relay information about its charge status to the system (and/or operating system). You will either see a charge percentage or charge time in the appropriate software.

Why does my notebook shut down when the battery has a charge?
Here are two possibilities:
1. Most notebooks have power saving features designed to conserve battery charge. Some of these features include screen, memory, and hard drive suspend modes. Depending on the power savings features of your notebook, the computer will power down to conserve power. When the battery charge drops to a certain level, the system will force one of these suspend modes. Check your hardware and software documentation for specific details on the power savings features of your computer.
2. The battery needs to be reconditioned. If the battery appears to make large leaps from one percentage to another, the system could get the message the battery charge is low and accordingly.

Why does my notebook beep (battery warning) when the battery is not low?
Here are two possibilities:
1. The system is set to warn the user too early about a low battery. Windows (95 and 98) allows you to configure the battery warning (under the Power Management icon in Control Panel). The system will warn you visually and audibly based on the set percentage for the battery.
2. The battery needs to be reconditioned (see the previous question).

Why won’t my notebook stay on even after it has been charging overnight?
If the system does not turn on (using battery only) after charging overnight, check to see if the charge percentage changed. Also check the AC adapter and cord to determine if they are working properly (plugged in, etc). The battery may need to be reconditioned.

Why did the battery percentage drop significantly in just a few minutes?
If the battery appears to make large leaps from one percentage to another, the system could be getting the wrong information about the charge percentage. Try reconditioning the battery. If this process does not work you may need to speak to a technician.

Why did the battery charge drop five to ten percent (from any percent) when it was just started?
The battery will lose up to fifteen percent when booting using the battery. When the computer starts, the system activates all the systems components. The hard drive CD-ROM and CPU fan are spinning, The LCD is on, and the computer is doing a system check. This process will draw more power than normal usage.