The leading causes of PNA customer complaints are operating system and software faults on the PNA Hard Disk Drive (HDD). These problems are usually preventable, and in many cases, recoverable (see Recovering from PNA HDD Problems). The following could save you weeks of downtime and the cost of replacing your PNA HDD.
The Microsoft Windows operating system has been modified and optimized by Agilent to improve the performance of the PNA.
Do NOT install a standard version of the Windows operating system on the PNA.
Do NOT change advanced performance settings or group policies.
Do NOT add or delete any hard disk drive partitions on the PNA.
Do NOT delete the Agilent user account. (except in very high security areas)
Do NOT modify any of the Agilent software registry entries.
The PNA does NOT have antivirus protection when shipped. Use of an antivirus program is strongly recommended if you connect the PNA to the Internet.
In addition, the use of a firewall could help to protect the PNA from viruses. However, some firewalls could limit DCOM connectivity of the PNA.
The PNA is always shipped with the latest service packs and critical updates that were available at the time that the PNA is produced. We recommend that you maintain the latest available protection for your PNA. NOTE: Windows XP users - Upgrade immediately to SP2.
Install the latest critical security patches from the Microsoft Windows Update website: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
If your PNA is connected to the Internet, use AgileUpdate to obtain the latest firmware. On the PNA, click System, Service, AgileUpdate to automatically update your firmware to the current revision.
If your PNA is NOT connected to the Internet, you must update firmware using a CDROM or pen drive. When updating, NEVER skip a major PNA firmware revision. For example, to update from A.02.xx to A.04.xx, first install any version of A.03.xx, then update to A.04.xx.
Unexpected shutdowns, crashes, and sometimes just normal use, can result in a highly fragmented disk drive. This can then cause other problems. It is highly recommended that you run the disk defragmenter tool in Accessories, System Tools on a regular basis. A full "scandisk" should also be performed occasionally; 2-4 times per year. This can be accessed by double-clicking on My Computer, right-clicking on the C: drive, selecting properties, selecting Tools, and clicking on Check Now under Error-checking. Select both boxes. The PNA will then reboot in order for scanning to begin. This process may take an hour to complete.
Unplugging the power cord, or otherwise removing power when the power button is green, can damage the PNA HDD. The damage is somewhat cumulative as it fragments the MFT portion of the hard drive. Removing the power unexpectedly may not appear to do any damage initially, but doing it 10-20 times may result in an unbootable hard drive. If power is removed unexpectedly several times, you should run the disk defragmenter tool (see above). This helps restore the MFT portion of the hard drive. See PNA Help to learn more about powering the PNA ON and OFF.
If you are experiencing problems which may be caused by a faulty PNA HDD, please see Recovering from PNA HDD Problems.