Check the Device Hardware

Correct a device hardware problem by:

• Checking the Device Connections
• Checking the Ready State of a Device
• Running Diagnostics on a Device

Checking the Device Connections

Follow these steps to check your device connections:

1. Check that power is available at the electrical outlet.
2. Check that the device power cable is correctly attached to the device and to the electrical outlet.
3. Check that the device signal cable is attached correctly to the device and to the correct connection on the system unit.
4. For SCSI devices, check that the SCSI terminator is correctly attached and the SCSI address setting is correct.
5. For communications devices, check that the device is correctly attached to the communications line.
6. Check that the device is turned on.

Refer to the publications for the specific device for cabling and configuring procedures and for further troubleshooting information.

Did your checks correct the problem with the device?

Checking the Ready State of a Device

To determine whether the device is in a ready state:

1. Check that the device's Ready indicator is on.
2. Check that removable media, such as tape, diskette, and optical devices, are inserted correctly.
3. Check the ribbon, the paper supply, and the toner supply for printers and plotters.
4. Check that the write medium is write-enabled if you are trying to write to the device.

Did your checks correct the problem with the device?

Running Diagnostics on a Device

You might have a defective device. Go to "Hardware Diagnostics" to find the hardware problem with your device.

If running hardware diagnostics fails to find a problem with your device, go to "Check the Device Software" . If your device passes the diagnostic tests, you might have a problem with the way your device works with your system software. If it is possible that the preceding problem exists, report the problem to your software service organization.

Go back to Device Problems.