Ciara KRONOS 540 Series User manual

User Guide
KRONOS 540 Workstation

CIARA KRONOS 540 Workstation
- 2 -
9300 Trans-Canada Highway
Montreal, Quebec H4S 1K5
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Microsoft, Windows 10, Windows Server 2016
are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
Intel and Core are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation
Asus is a trademark of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
All other names, brands, and trademarks are trademarks of their respective companies
Third printing April 2018
Printed in Canada

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Contents
ABOUT THIS GUIDE .......................................................................................................5
1.0 INSTALLING AND UPGRADING YOUR SYSTEM .........................................................6
1.1 Unpacking your workstation ........................................................................................................6
1.2 Choosing a site for the system...................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Peripheric installation ..................................................................................................................8
1.3.1 Recovery from CIARA recovery DVD.............................................................................................. 9
1.3.2 Windows 10 Recovery from Startup Settings .............................................................................. 11
1.3.3 Corrupted BIOS recovery ............................................................................................................. 13
1.3.4 System maintenance.................................................................................................................... 13
1.3.5 Using the CIARA KRONOS 540...................................................................................................... 14
1.4 Troubleshooting your system after first install............................................................................ 15
1.4.1 Helpful hints................................................................................................................................. 15
1.5 Solving general problems ........................................................................................................... 16
1.5.1 Solving power supply problems................................................................................................... 17
1.5.2 Solving hard drive problems ........................................................................................................ 18
1.5.3 Solving display problems.............................................................................................................. 19
1.5.4 Solving audio problems................................................................................................................ 20
1.5.5 Solving printer problems.............................................................................................................. 20
1.5.6 Solving keyboard and mouse problems....................................................................................... 21
1.5.7 Solving hardware installation problems ...................................................................................... 22
1.5.8 Solving memory problems ........................................................................................................... 23
1.5.9 Solving processor problems ......................................................................................................... 23
1.5.10 Solving optical drive problems................................................................................................... 24
1.6 Component installation guide .................................................................................................... 25
1.6.1 Precautions against static electricity............................................................................................ 25
1.6.2 Opening and accessing the chassis .............................................................................................. 26
1.6.3 Insertion of the processor............................................................................................................ 27
1.6.4 Installation of the memory modules............................................................................................ 30
1.6.5 Installation of the optical drive module....................................................................................... 34
1.6.6 Installation of the hard drive ....................................................................................................... 35
1.6.7 Chassis Characteristics ................................................................................................................. 36
2.0 CERTIFICATION AND DECLARATION ......................................................................37
2.1 Radio interference precautions .................................................................................................. 37
2.2 Declaration of conformity .......................................................................................................... 38
2.3 FCC Information to User............................................................................................................. 39
2.4 ENERGY STAR®........................................................................................................................... 40
3.0 ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ............................................................................41
3.1 Procedures to be followed for service during the warranty period:............................................. 42
3.2 Limited Warranty....................................................................................................................... 43
3.3 Documenting your workstation.................................................................................................. 44
3.3.1 Base System Details ..................................................................................................................... 44

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4.0 TECHNICAL PRODUCT SPECIFICATION CIARA KRONOS 540....................................45
4.1 Upgrading.................................................................................................................................. 47
4.2 Networking................................................................................................................................ 47
4.3 The CIARA KRONOS 540 BIOS ..................................................................................................... 48
4.3.1 BIOS configuration and installation ............................................................................................. 48
4.3.2 BIOS set-up program menu bar ................................................................................................... 48
4.3.3 BIOS menu screen................................................................................................................... 49
4.3.4 PCI auto configuration ................................................................................................................. 51
4.3.5 Legacy USB support...................................................................................................................... 51
4.3.6 BIOS updates................................................................................................................................ 51
4.3.7 Language support......................................................................................................................... 51
4.3.8 BIOS recovery............................................................................................................................... 52
4.3.9 Boot options................................................................................................................................. 52
4.3.10 Adjusting boot speed ................................................................................................................. 53
4.3.11 BIOS security features................................................................................................................ 54
4.4 Motherboard configuration & layout –KRONOS 540 main board................................................ 55
4.4.1 Back panel connectors ............................................................................................................ 57
4.5 The PCI Express and PCI bus ....................................................................................................... 58
4.6 Storage ...................................................................................................................................... 61
4.6.1 Serial ATA interface...................................................................................................................... 61
4.6.2 Optical drives ............................................................................................................................... 62
4.7 Keyboard ................................................................................................................................... 62
4.8 Graphics subsystem ................................................................................................................... 63
4.8.1 PCI Express 3.0 x16 256 bits graphics card................................................................................... 63
4.8.2 HDMI 2.0 port .............................................................................................................................. 63
4.8.3 DisplayPort 1.4............................................................................................................................. 63
4.8.4 Dual link Digital Visual Interface (DVI) ......................................................................................... 63
4.9 Audio subsystem........................................................................................................................ 64
4.10 I/O Port set-up......................................................................................................................... 64
4.11 LAN subsystem......................................................................................................................... 65
4.11.1 Intel® I210-AT 1 Gigabit Ethernet controllers ............................................................................ 65
4.11.2 RJ-45 LAN connectors LEDs........................................................................................................ 65
4.12 Trusted Platform Module (TPM)............................................................................................... 66
4.13 Intrusion detector .................................................................................................................... 66
4.14 Replacing the system battery ................................................................................................... 66
4.15 Installing an upgrade CPU......................................................................................................... 67
4.16 Configuration jumper block...................................................................................................... 67
4.16.1 Setting the BIOS configuration jumper ...................................................................................... 67
4.16.2 Clearing or changing passwords................................................................................................. 67
4.17 Installing an upgrade flash BIOS ............................................................................................... 68
GLOSSARY...................................................................................................................69

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ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Please read this User's Guide before using your CIARA KRONOS 540 workstation.
This User's Guide is divided into four chapters that provide information on Installation, trouble shooting, certification, detailed
description and a Glossary. Please remember to fill out the Equipment Log and keep a copy in a safe place.
With proper care and operating procedures your CIARA KRONOS 540 will give you many years of service and high performance
computing.

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1.0 Installing and upgrading your system
1.1 Unpacking your workstation
Your workstation is packed with ecologic moulded recycled newspaper end caps to keep it in place during transit.
The keyboard is on the side of the box, the other accessories are completely on the top.
Carefully unpack your workstation and be sure to save all boxboards and moulded end caps for future shipping and transportation.
To repack the workstation it may be easier to place the moulded cushioning on the ends of the workstation, and then slide the box
over the workstation together with the cushioning, rather than lifting the workstation.

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1.2 Choosing a site for the system
All CIARA workstations operate reliably in a typical office or home environment. Choose a location that is readily accessible and meets
the following requirements :
Is near a grounded, three pronged power outlet.
The socket-outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.
Is clean and dust free.
Is well-ventilated and lighted and away from sources of heat.
Is isolated from strong electromagnetic fields produced by electrical devices.
(I.e. air conditioners, large fans, large electric motors, radio and TV transmitters)
Has an appropriate table or desk that will allow you to work without physical discomfort and strain.
The power supply input should be 120 V, 10 A and 60 Hz.
A few general precautions should always be observed :
Never connect any peripheral such as a monitor to the system unit if the power is turned "ON". Always shut down the system
first.
Never remove any internal adapter cards in the system unit if the power is turned "ON" as this will ruin the Card/Workstation
and Void the Warranty.
Never install and connect more peripherals than available power supply plugs to avoid exceeding the maximum power of the
system.
NOTE The KRONOS 540 model comes either with or without a power supply On/OFF switch. For those systems that do not have a
switch, make sure to shut down the system through Windows before proceeding to any repair or replacement work inside the system.

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1.3 Peripheral installation

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1.3.1 Recovery from CIARA recovery DVD
Before you start this procedure please back up all your important information, the recovery media will erase all data on HDD
before installation.
Insert the Recovery DVD and restart the system.
1- When prompted, press any key to boot from the DVD.
The recovery image will then start.
2- Accept the EULA and press on Continue.
3- Select 32 bit or 64 bit and press Start System Recovery
4- A pop up will then open warning you that all the data will be lost.
If all your files are already saved, press OK.
5- The recovery will take around 30 minutes to complete. A window
will show you the process of the recovery, once completed Eject the
DVD then press OK. The system will then reboot.
NOTE: All drivers required for your system will be already installed except
for components that were not part of your original purchase

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1.3.2 Windows 10 Recovery from Startup Settings
With the Windows Startup Settings screen (formerly advanced boot options) you can start Windows in different advanced
troubleshooting modes so you can find and fix problems on your PC. In previous versions of Windows, you could get to this screen by
pressing F8 before Windows started up. Windows 10 PCs start up quickly so there's not enough time to press F8.
There are two ways to get to the Windows Startup Settings screen in Windows 10 :
If you're not signed in to Windows, tap or click the power icon from the sign-in screen, hold Shift, and then tap or click Restart.
Or, if you're already signed in:
1. Click on Windows button, select Settings, and then select Update security.
2. From left select Recovery.
3. Under Advanced startup, tap or click Restart now.
4. On the Choose an option screen, tap or click Troubleshoot.
5. Select Advanced options and then Startup Settings
6. Tap or click Restart.
7. On the Startup Settings screen, choose the startup setting you want.
8. Sign in to your PC with a user account that has administrator rights.
Choose Troubleshoot
Choose Reset your PC

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Choose Remove everything
Press next
Then follow the regular Windows 10 Installation process.

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1.3.3 Corrupted BIOS recovery
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the
updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the
updated BIOS file.
NOTE: Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into X299WS1.CAP
Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/WS-X299-PRO-SE/HelpDesk_BIOS/
.
Recovering the BIOS
To recover the BIOS :
1. Turn on the system.
2. Insert the support DVD to the optical drive or the USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file to the USB port.
3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash
3 utility automatically.
4. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS settings. To ensure system compatibility and stability, we
recommend that you press <F5> to load default BIOS values.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause system boot failure.
1.3.4 System maintenance
Read and follow carefully all the instructions and warnings in this manual and on these products!
Only use a damp cloth to clean your system unit and monitor case. Do not use detergents!
Position your system unit, monitor and cables/wires away from direct sunlight, moisture, dust, oil, and thoroughfares.
Ensure that all ventilation outlets are always free from obstruction.
In the event of mechanical/power failure or damage, do not attempt to repair the system unit, monitors, cables /wires. Refer all such
problems to experienced service personnel.
Ensure that the back of the system unit is at least 6" away from anything that might obstruct the ventilation outlets and cause
overheating.
Ensure that the power source is grounded correctly. This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug. This plug will only fit
into a grounded power outlet.

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1.3.5 Using the CIARA KRONOS 540
1.3.5.1 Introduction
The CIARA KRONOS 540 is a powerful workstation that has the ability to run a variety of operating systems. Unless you have specified
something different, your system comes configured with a Windows operating system pre-loaded onto the hard drive. Each operating
system comes with its own user manuals, and you should refer to these for information specific to your system.
1.3.5.2 A caution about viruses
Due to the prevalence of computer viruses, we strongly recommend that you take precautions to protect your workstation from them.
Purchase and use a reputable virus-checking program. Ensure that the program is kept up to date by registering the program, and
installing updates as they become available. Please be aware, however, that even the best virus checking programs cannot be
regarded as the perfect solution. It is possible for even the best program to fail, particularly if it is not updated. Please contact your
CIARA account representative for more information.
1.3.5.3 Windows
Windows is a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that provides a screen composed of icons. You select or “click” on the icons to run
programs. As noted above, Windows has been installed on your workstation. For further information about using Windows, please
consult the appropriate Microsoft software manual provided with your CIARA KRONOS 540.
1.3.5.4 Windows Server 2016 and Linux
Windows Server 2016 and Linux are operating systems that provide sophisticated networking capabilities to Windows based
computers. The onboard Network Interface Card (NIC) in the workstation allows the user to connect the CIARA KRONOS 540 to a
network server computer running Windows 2016 Server or Linux.
Microsoft and Linux provide workstations on the network with access to files and applications stored on the file server (a dedicated
computer running the Windows Server 2016 or Linux operating systems), as well as access to shared printers on the network.
Sophisticated tools are built into the Windows Server 2016 and Linux operating systems to manage the network, and to restrict access
to resources on the file server.
For further information about Windows Server 2016 or Linux, please consult the manuals provided with the network operating system
(NOS), or speak to your service representative.

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1.4 Troubleshooting your system after first install
1.4.1 Helpful hints
If you encounter some minor problems with the workstation, monitor, or software, see the following list of general suggestions before
taking further action:
Check that the workstation and monitor are plugged into a working electrical outlet.
When available check to see if power supply button is switched on.
Check to see that the workstation is turned on and the power light is on.
Check to see that the monitor is turned on and the monitor light is on.
Turn up the brightness and contrast controls of the monitor if the monitor is dim.
Press and hold any key. If the system beeps, then the keyboard should be operating correctly.
Check all cable connections for loose connections or incorrect connections.
Wake the workstation by pressing any key on the keyboard or pressing the power button. If the system remains in suspend
mode, shut down the workstation by pressing and holding the power button for at least four seconds then press the power
button again to restart the workstation. If the system will not shut down, unplug the power cord, wait a few seconds, and
then plug it in again. The workstation will restart if automatic start on power loss is set in the BIOS. If it does not restart, press
the power button to start the workstation.
Be sure that all the needed device drivers have been installed. For example, if you are using a printer, you need a driver for
that model of printer.
If you have installed an operating system other than the factory-installed operating system, check to be sure that it is
supported on the system.
The system has multiple video sources, the monitor must be plugged into one of the five video connectors of the system, i.e.
DVI, mini HDMI or mini DisplayPort. Your system can support four independent monitors using any of the five available video
connectors. This type of configuration will require adjustments to the BIOS parameters.

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1.5 Solving general problems
You should be able to easily resolve the general problems described in this section. If a problem persists and you are unable
to resolve it, or if you feel uncomfortable about performing the operation, contact CIARA at 1-877-242-7272 and ask for the
Customer Service department.
Solving general problems
Problem
Cause
Solution
Workstation appears locked up
and will not turn off when the
power button is pressed.
Software control of the power
switch is not functional.
Press and hold the power button for at least four
seconds until the workstation turns off.
Workstation will not respond to
USB keyboard or mouse.
Workstation is in Last State
mode.
Press the power button to resume from Last State
mode.
CAUTION : When attempting to resume from Last State mode, do not hold down the power button for more than four
seconds. Otherwise, the workstation will shut down and you will lose your data.
Workstation date and time
display is incorrect.
RTC (real-time clock) battery
may need to be replaced.
►Connecting the workstation
to a live AC outlet prolongs the
life of the RTC battery.
Reset the date and time under Control Panel
(Workstation Setup can also be used to update
the RTC date and time). If the problem persists,
replace the RTC battery.
Cursor will not move using the
arrow keys on the keypad.
The Num Lock key may be on.
Press the Num Lock key. The Num Lock light
should not be on if you want to use the arrow
keys.
Poor performance is
experienced.
Processor is hot.
1. Make sure the airflow to the workstation is
not blocked.
2. Make sure the fans are connected and
working properly (some fans only operate
when needed)
3. Make sure the processor heat sink is installed
properly.
4. The system might be infected with a virus
and that it would need to be cleaned with an
antivirus software.
Hard drive is full.
Transfer data from the hard drive to create more
space on the hard drive.

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1.5.1 Solving power supply problems
Solving power supply problems
Problem
Cause
Solution
Power supply shuts down
intermittently.
Power supply will not turn
on because of internal power
supply fault.
Contact CIARA for the replacement of the power supply.
Workstation powered off
automatically and the Power LED
flashes two times, once every
second, followed by a two second
pause.
Processor thermal protection
activated : A fan may be
blocked or not turning.
OR
The heat sink/fan assembly is
not properly attached to the
processor.
Ensure that the workstation air vents are not blocked and
the processor-cooling fan is running.
Open hood, press the power button, and see if the
processor fan spins. If the processor fan is not spinning,
make sure the fan's cable is plugged onto the system
board header. Ensure the fan is fully/properly seated or
installed.
If fan is plugged in and seated properly, but is not
spinning, then replace the processor fan. (See article 1.6.3
of this Guide)
Reseat processor heat sink and verify that the fan
assembly is properly attached.
Power LED flashes, once every
two seconds.
OR
Power LED flashes four times,
once every second, followed by a
two second pause.
Power failure (power supply
is overloaded)
Check the power supply voltage. Proper voltage setting
depends on your region. (See section 1.2)
Open the hood (See article 1.6.2) and ensure the 4-wire
power supply cable is seated into the connector on the
system board.
Check if a device is causing the problem by removing ALL
attached devices (such as hard or optical drives, and
expansion cards). Power on the system. If the system
enters the POST, then power off and replace one device
at a time and repeat this procedure until failure occurs.
Replace the device that is causing the failure. Continue
adding devices one at a time to ensure all devices are
functioning properly.
If the problem persists, contact CIARA since the problem
may necessitate the replacement of the power supply or
the motherboard.
System does not power on and
LEDs are not flashing.
The system is unable to
power on.
Press and hold the power button for more than 4
seconds. If the hard drive LED turns on, check if the
voltage selector located on the rear of the power supply,
is set to the appropriate voltage. Proper voltage setting
depends on your region.
OR
Press and hold the power button for less than 4 seconds.
If the hard drive LED does not turn on then :
1. Check that the unit is plugged into a working AC
outlet.
2. Open hood and check that the power button harness
is properly connected to the system board.
3. Check that both power supply cables are properly
connected to the system board.
4. Ensure the 4-wire power supply cable is seated into
the connector on the system board.
5. If the problem persists, contact CIARA since the
problem may necessitate the replacement of the
power supply or the motherboard.

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1.5.2 Solving hard drive problems
Solving hard drive problems
Problem
Cause
Solution
Hard drive error occurs.
Hard disk has bad sectors or has
failed.
Use a utility to locate and block usage of bad
sectors. If necessary, reformat the hard disk.
Disk transaction problem.
Either the directory structure is
bad or there is a problem with a
file.
In Windows, right-click Start, click Explore, and
select a drive. Select File > Properties > Tools.
Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
Drive not found.
Cable could be loose.
Check cable connections.
System files missing or not
properly installed.
For Windows 7, the system will need to be
booted with a system DVD and the repair
option selected to try and fix problems.
Workstation seems to be locked
up.
Program in use has stopped
responding to commands.
Attempt the normal Windows “Shut Down”
procedure. If this fails, press the power button
for four or more seconds to turn off the power.
To restart the workstation, press the power
button again.

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1.5.3 Solving display problems
Solving display problems
Problem
Cause
Solution
Blank screen (no video).
Monitor is not turned on and the
monitor light is not on.
Turn on the monitor and check that the
monitor light is on.
The cable connections are not
correct.
Check the cable connection from the monitor
to the workstation and to the electrical outlet.
See section 1.3.
You may have a screen blanking
utility installed or energy saver
features are enabled.
Press any key or click the mouse button and, if
set, type your password.
You are using a fixed-sync
monitor and it will not sync at the
resolution chosen.
Be sure that the monitor can accept the same
horizontal scan rate as the resolution chosen.
Workstation is in Last State
mode.
Press the power button to resume from Last
State mode.
CAUTION : When attempting to resume from Last State mode, do not hold down the power button for more than four
seconds. Otherwise, the workstation will shut down and you will lose your data.
Power LED flashes six times, once
every second, followed by a two
second pause, and the
workstation beeps six times.
Pre-video graphics error.
For systems with a graphics card :
1. Reseat the graphics card. Power on the
system.
2. If the problem persists, contact CIARA
since the problem may necessitate the
replacement of the graphics card or the
motherboard.
Dim characters.
The brightness and contrast
controls are not set properly.
Adjust the monitor brightness and contrast
controls.
Cables are not properly
connected.
Check that the graphics cable is securely
connected to the graphics card and the
monitor. See section 1.3
Blurry video or requested
resolution cannot be set.
If the graphics controller was
upgraded, the correct graphics
drivers may not be loaded.
Install the video drivers included in the upgrade
kit.
Monitor is not capable of
displaying requested resolution.
Change requested resolution.
The picture is broken up, or it
rolls, jitters, or flashes.
The monitor connections may be
incomplete or the monitor may
be incorrectly adjusted.
1. Be sure the monitor cable is securely
connected to the workstation. See section
1.3
2. In a two-monitor system or if another
monitor is in close proximity, be sure the
monitors are not interfering with each
other’s electromagnetic field by moving
them apart.
3. 3. Fluorescent lights or fans may be too
close to the monitor.
High-pitched noise coming from
inside a flat panel monitor.
Brightness and/or contrast
settings are too high.
Lower brightness and/or contrast settings.

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1.5.4 Solving audio problems
Solving audio problems
Problem
Cause
Solution
Sound does not come out of the
speaker or headphones.
Software volume control is
turned down.
Double-click the Speaker icon on the taskbar,
and then make sure that Mute is not selected
and use the volume slider to adjust the volume.
The external speakers are not
turned on.
Turn on the external speakers.
External speakers plugged into
the wrong audio jack.
Only one of the three audio ports is reserved
for speakers.
Workstation is in Last State
mode.
Press the power button to resume from Last
State mode.
CAUTION : When attempting to resume from Last State mode, do not hold down the power button for more than four
seconds. Otherwise, the workstation will shut down and you will lose your data.
Sound cuts in and out.
Processor resources are being
used by other open applications.
Shut down all open processor-intensive
applications.
Workstation appears to be locked
up while recording audio.
The hard disk may be full.
Before recording, make sure there is enough
free space on the hard disk. You can also try
recording the audio file in a compressed
format.
1.5.5 Solving printer problems
Printer will not print.
Printer is not turned on and
online.
Turn the printer on and make sure it is online.
The correct printer drivers for the
application are not installed.
Install the correct printer driver for the
application.
If you are on a network, you may
not have made the connection to
the printer.
Make the proper network connections to the
printer.
Printer may have failed.
Run printer self-test.
Printer will not turn on.
The cables may not be connected
properly.
Reconnect all cables and check the power cord
and electrical outlet.
Printer prints garbled
information.
The correct printer driver for the
application is not installed.
Install the correct printer driver for the
application.
The cables may not be
connected properly.
Reconnect all cables.
Printer memory may be
overloaded.
Reset the printer by turning it off for one
minute and then turn it back on.
Printer is offline.
The printer may be out of paper.
Check the paper tray and refill it if it is empty.
Select online.