Verify that you have adequate power

Verify that you have adequate power

Document number: 30006

If you are unable to start your machine at all and you can't even get to a point where you can try a reset try the steps below before submitting the machine for repair. A high pitched beeping sound indicates that your machine is running low on power. A slow flashing orange light indicates that your machine has been in suspend mode, perhaps due to lack of power.

Confirm each of the following:

Check that your power cord is in good condition and is securely plugged into your computer as well as into an active power outlet.
If your power is plugged to the port replicator bar try plugging it in directly to the computer. You may have a bad port replicator bar.
Check that your battery is inserted tightly into the computer. It may be helpful to remove the battery and re-seat it into the computer to ensure that all connections are solid.

Remove all power sources and restart (if you skip this step no fair complaining that it didn't work)
1. Unplug the machine, remove all cables.
2. Remove the battery from the machine.
3. Reinstall the battery, reinstall cables, and power source.
4. Try restarting the machine.
If you don't plug into a power source before the battery completely runs out of power, the computer automatically turns itself off. No data is lost if you plug to a power source within 8 hours. So if you have the beeping sound and a black screen then plug the machine in. Wait a few seconds and if the machine does not power up on its own press the power button.
Make sure your computer is not overheated. For more information see Eureka! document 39060 — How to reduce computer failures.
You can view which power source (battery or AC) is currently being used . Place your mouse over the power cord or battery icon (located next to the time display) on the taskbar to see how much time remains on the battery.
If the icon for your power source does not appear in your system tray take the following steps:

Click on the Start button, then Settings, then Control Panel.
Double-click on the Power Options icon.
Click on the Advanced tab.
If under Options the box next to Always show icon on the taskbar is not checked then click in the box to check it.
Click OK to close.

If the problem you experienced was because of inadequate power, the steps above should correct the problem. For information about improving power performance, see document 39011 — How to increase battery life on the Toshiba Tecra.

If you cannot start the machine, if the problem reoccurs, if the machine starts but then freezes or crashes, or if the problem is not resolved then open a NorthStar ticket to make an appointment for service. Be sure to include your contact number. Describe the problem in detail, especially the steps you took to try to correct the problem. You will be contacted by the appropriate party. For more information on creating the NorthStar ticket, see Eureka! document 39068 — How to submit a computer or peripheral for repair.