Solving power problems
Common causes and solutions for power problems are listed in the following table.
Computer powered o automatically and the Power LED ashes Red two times, once every second, followed by a two second
pause, and the computer beeps two times. (Beeps stop after fth iteration but LEDs continue ashing.)
Cause Solution
Processor thermal protection activated:
A fan may be blocked or not turning.
OR
The heat sink is not properly attached to the processor.
1. Ensure that the computer air vents are not blocked and the
processor cooling fan is running.
2. Open the access panel, press the power button, and see if
the processor fan spins. If the fan does not spin, make sure
the fan cable is plugged onto the system board header.
3. If fan is plugged in and not spinning, replace it.
Solving audio problems
If the computer has audio features and you encounter audio problems, see the common causes and solutions
listed in the following table.
Sound cuts in and out.
Cause Solution
Processor resources are being used by other open applications. Shut down all open processor-intensive applications.
Sound does not come out of the speaker or headphones.
Cause Solution
Software volume control is turned down or muted. Double-click the Speaker icon on the taskbar, then make sure
that Mute is not selected and use the volume slider to adjust the
volume.
Audio is hidden in Computer Setup. Enable the audio in Computer Setup: Advanced > Built-in Device
Options.
The external speakers are not turned on. Turn on the external speakers.
Computer is in Sleep state. Press the power button to resume from Sleep state.
CAUTION: When attempting to resume from Sleep state, do not
hold down the power button for more than four seconds.
Otherwise, the computer will shut down and you will lose any
unsaved data.
Internal speaker is disabled in Computer Setup. Enable the internal speaker in Computer Setup. Select Advanced >
Built-in Device Options.
The application is set to use a dierent audio device than
speakers.
Some graphics cards support audio over the DisplayPort
connection (if applicable), so multiple audio devices may be listed
in Device Manager. Make sure the correct device is being used.
To access Device Manager in Windows 10, type device
manager in the taskbar search box, and then select Device
Manager from the list of applications.
64 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting without diagnostics