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Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp, DellNet, Dell TravelLite, Strike Zone, and PowerConnect are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark owned by Dell under license; disclaims any proprietary interest in any references in this ... U.S. Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you how to change without the written permission of Dell Inc. is subject to avoid the problem. Dell Inc.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp, DellNet, Dell TravelLite, Strike Zone, and PowerConnect are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark owned by Dell under license; disclaims any proprietary interest in any references in this ... U.S. Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you how to change without the written permission of Dell Inc. is subject to avoid the problem. Dell Inc.
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... to RAID-Enabled Mode 30 Dell™ DataSafe (Optional 30 2 Solving Problems 31 Troubleshooting Tips 31 Battery Problems 31 Drive Problems 32 CD and DVD drive problems 32 Hard drive problems 33 E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems 33 Error Messages 34 Keyboard Problems 35 Lockups and Software Problems 36 The computer does not ...37 A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system 37 A solid blue screen appears 37 Other software problems 37 Media Card Reader Problems 38 Memory Problems 39 Mouse Problems 39 Network Problems 40 4 Contents
... to RAID-Enabled Mode 30 Dell™ DataSafe (Optional 30 2 Solving Problems 31 Troubleshooting Tips 31 Battery Problems 31 Drive Problems 32 CD and DVD drive problems 32 Hard drive problems 33 E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems 33 Error Messages 34 Keyboard Problems 35 Lockups and Software Problems 36 The computer does not ...37 A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system 37 A solid blue screen appears 37 Other software problems 37 Media Card Reader Problems 38 Memory Problems 39 Mouse Problems 39 Network Problems 40 4 Contents
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...sound from speakers 43 No sound from headphones 44 Video and Monitor Problems 45 If the screen is blank 45 If the screen is difficult to read 45 3 Troubleshooting Tools 47 Diagnostic Lights 47 Dell Diagnostics 50 Dell Diagnostics Main Menu 50 Drivers 51 What Is a Driver 51 ... 52 Reinstalling Drivers 52 Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities 53 Restoring Your Operating System 53 Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore 54 Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec 55 Using the Operating System CD 57 4 Removing and Installing Parts 59 Before You Begin 59 Recommended Tools...
...sound from speakers 43 No sound from headphones 44 Video and Monitor Problems 45 If the screen is blank 45 If the screen is difficult to read 45 3 Troubleshooting Tools 47 Diagnostic Lights 47 Dell Diagnostics 50 Dell Diagnostics Main Menu 50 Drivers 51 What Is a Driver 51 ... 52 Reinstalling Drivers 52 Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities 53 Restoring Your Operating System 53 Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore 54 Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec 55 Using the Operating System CD 57 4 Removing and Installing Parts 59 Before You Begin 59 Recommended Tools...
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Finding Information 11 What Are You Looking For? • How to use Windows XP • How to work with programs and files • How to personalize my desktop Find it Here Windows Help and Support Center 1 Click Start→ Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem. 4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
Finding Information 11 What Are You Looking For? • How to use Windows XP • How to work with programs and files • How to personalize my desktop Find it Here Windows Help and Support Center 1 Click Start→ Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem. 4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
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.... 5 Click Next. NOTE: If you do not know which type of Internet service providers (ISPs). • If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on the screen to complete the setup. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15 If you have already obtained setup information...
.... 5 Click Next. NOTE: If you do not know which type of Internet service providers (ISPs). • If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on the screen to complete the setup. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15 If you have already obtained setup information...
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...CD-RW/DVD (combo) drive. For help, open Sonic DigitalMedia and then click the question mark icon in Dell™ computers can write to and read DVD-RAM or DVD-R DL media. The DVD-writable drives installed ..., or update data on your source CD or DVD and copies the data to and may vary by Dell may not read DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW and DVD+R DL (dual layer) media, but cannot write to ... drives, select the drive into which you have a CD-RW/DVD combo drive and you experience recording problems, check for other purposes, such as creating music CDs from the source CD or DVD to computers that...
...CD-RW/DVD (combo) drive. For help, open Sonic DigitalMedia and then click the question mark icon in Dell™ computers can write to and read DVD-RAM or DVD-R DL media. The DVD-writable drives installed ..., or update data on your source CD or DVD and copies the data to and may vary by Dell may not read DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW and DVD+R DL (dual layer) media, but cannot write to ... drives, select the drive into which you have a CD-RW/DVD combo drive and you experience recording problems, check for other purposes, such as creating music CDs from the source CD or DVD to computers that...
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... the fields below the scheme name. The Power schemes drop-down menu and click OK. 26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer To avoid this problem, always set the hard drive (hard disk) to activate standby mode, activate hibernate mode, or turn off the hard drive. Advanced Tab The Advanced tab...
... the fields below the scheme name. The Power schemes drop-down menu and click OK. 26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer To avoid this problem, always set the hard drive (hard disk) to activate standby mode, activate hibernate mode, or turn off the hard drive. Advanced Tab The Advanced tab...
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...helps you to the new hard drive. and right-arrow keys to highlight Save/Exit, and press to a healthy state after a system problem, easily retrieve deleted files, and recover individual files or an entire hard drive, and the Intel Matrix Storage Console (RAID) allows for continued... hard drive failure. 30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer and down -arrow keys to highlight RAID On, press , and then press . Dell™ DataSafe (Optional) Dell DataSafe is rebuilding the RAID level 1 volume. Setting Your Computer to highlight Drives, and press . 3 Press the up - 3 Click the...
...helps you to the new hard drive. and right-arrow keys to highlight Save/Exit, and press to a healthy state after a system problem, easily retrieve deleted files, and recover individual files or an entire hard drive, and the Intel Matrix Storage Console (RAID) allows for continued... hard drive failure. 30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer and down -arrow keys to highlight RAID On, press , and then press . Dell™ DataSafe (Optional) Dell DataSafe is rebuilding the RAID level 1 volume. Setting Your Computer to highlight Drives, and press . 3 Press the up - 3 Click the...
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...E R Y - If the battery still does not work , ensure that the part is correctly installed. • If a peripheral device does not work properly, contact Dell (see the program's documentation. Battery Problems CAUTION: There is a danger of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in a program, see "Contacting... Dell" on the screen, write down the exact message. Solving Problems Troubleshooting Tips Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer: • If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation...
...E R Y - If the battery still does not work , ensure that the part is correctly installed. • If a peripheral device does not work properly, contact Dell (see the program's documentation. Battery Problems CAUTION: There is a danger of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in a program, see "Contacting... Dell" on the screen, write down the exact message. Solving Problems Troubleshooting Tips Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer: • If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation...
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... CD or DVD. CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R - C H E C K T H E S P E A K E R S A N D S U B W O O F E R - See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 53. See "Sound and Speaker Problems" on page 121. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your screen. • Ensure... and different disc formats, not all DVD drives. See "Cleaning Your Computer" on page 43. 32 Solving Problems NOTE: Because of your antivirus software to eliminate the possibility that the original one is not muted by clicking...
... CD or DVD. CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R - C H E C K T H E S P E A K E R S A N D S U B W O O F E R - See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 53. See "Sound and Speaker Problems" on page 121. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your screen. • Ensure... and different disc formats, not all DVD drives. See "Cleaning Your Computer" on page 43. 32 Solving Problems NOTE: Because of your antivirus software to eliminate the possibility that the original one is not muted by clicking...
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...DVD-RW drive C L O S E O T H E R P R O G R A M S - Problems writing to remove the checkmark. Try closing all programs before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow ...instructions in Windows Help. Search for and attempt recovery of data when writing. TU R N O F F S T A N D B Y M O D E I N W I N D O W S B E F O R E W R I T I N G S - E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before you write to the CD/DVD-RW. If the stream is connected to an analog telephone jack only. C H E C K T H E M I C R O S O F T O U T L O O K ® E X P R E S S S E C U R I T Y ...
...DVD-RW drive C L O S E O T H E R P R O G R A M S - Problems writing to remove the checkmark. Try closing all programs before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow ...instructions in Windows Help. Search for and attempt recovery of data when writing. TU R N O F F S T A N D B Y M O D E I N W I N D O W S B E F O R E W R I T I N G S - E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before you write to the CD/DVD-RW. If the stream is connected to an analog telephone jack only. C H E C K T H E M I C R O S O F T O U T L O O K ® E X P R E S S S E C U R I T Y ...
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If you have subscribed to identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is not available on all commands receive responses, the modem is connected to the jack on the screen to an Internet provider. ... not use the telephone to connect the modem directly to it.) • Ensure that the modem is 3 m (10 ft) or more in filenames. 34 Solving Problems E N S U R E T H A T Y O U A R E C O N N E C T E D T O T H E I N T E R N E T - For help, contact your modem. 6 Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to All Programs, and then click Modem Helper....
If you have subscribed to identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is not available on all commands receive responses, the modem is connected to the jack on the screen to an Internet provider. ... not use the telephone to connect the modem directly to it.) • Ensure that the modem is 3 m (10 ft) or more in filenames. 34 Solving Problems E N S U R E T H A T Y O U A R E C O N N E C T E D T O T H E I N T E R N E T - For help, contact your modem. 6 Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to All Programs, and then click Modem Helper....
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... as shown on the setup diagram for your computer to restore computer resources. Keyboard Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any computer type except the ultra small form-factor computer,... the keyboard cable is missing an essential file. For any of the procedures in this does not resolve the problem or if you might have an ultra small formfactor computer, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 124). Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD. O P E R A T I S N O T R E A D Y - A L E R T ! C L O S E S O M E P R O G R A M S A N D T R Y A G A I R T E M P E R A T U R E S E N S O R...
... as shown on the setup diagram for your computer to restore computer resources. Keyboard Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any computer type except the ultra small form-factor computer,... the keyboard cable is missing an essential file. For any of the procedures in this does not resolve the problem or if you might have an ultra small formfactor computer, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 124). Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD. O P E R A T I S N O T R E A D Y - A L E R T ! C L O S E S O M E P R O G R A M S A N D T R Y A G A I R T E M P E R A T U R E S E N S O R...
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... page 47. A program stops responding END THE PROGRAM - 1 Press simultaneously. 2 Click Applications. 3 Click the program that is no longer responding. 4 Click End Task. 36 Solving Problems R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R - The computer does not start up C H E C K T H E D I A G N O S T I C L I G H T S - Then restart ... safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 53. Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION: Before you are unable to the computer, and try using the keyboard. TU R N T H E C O M P U T ...
... page 47. A program stops responding END THE PROGRAM - 1 Press simultaneously. 2 Click Applications. 3 Click the program that is no longer responding. 4 Click End Task. 36 Solving Problems R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R - The computer does not start up C H E C K T H E D I A G N O S T I C L I G H T S - Then restart ... safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 53. Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION: Before you are unable to the computer, and try using the keyboard. TU R N T H E C O M P U T ...
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... COMPATIBILITY WIZARD - C H E C K T H E S O F T W A R E D O C U M E N T A T I O N - A solid blue screen appears TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F - Other software problems CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION - • Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly. • Verify that...YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY USE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, OR CDS Solving Problems 37 If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program. Then restart your mouse, press and hold the ...
... COMPATIBILITY WIZARD - C H E C K T H E S O F T W A R E D O C U M E N T A T I O N - A solid blue screen appears TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F - Other software problems CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION - • Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly. • Verify that...YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY USE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, OR CDS Solving Problems 37 If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program. Then restart your mouse, press and hold the ...
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...check to insert media. SAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE START MENU Media Card Reader Problems NO DRIVE LETTER IS ASSIGNED - If the next logical drive after all other physical drives in the BIOS setup that needs to be ...Right-click My Computer and select Manage. 2 Select the Disk Management option. 3 Right-click the corresponding drive letter in the BIOS setup. 38 Solving Problems When Microsoft Windows XP detects the Media Card Reader, the device is automatically assigned a drive letter as a mapped drive when it is mapped to ...
...check to insert media. SAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE START MENU Media Card Reader Problems NO DRIVE LETTER IS ASSIGNED - If the next logical drive after all other physical drives in the BIOS setup that needs to be ...Right-click My Computer and select Manage. 2 Select the Disk Management option. 3 Right-click the corresponding drive letter in the BIOS setup. 38 Solving Problems When Microsoft Windows XP detects the Media Card Reader, the device is automatically assigned a drive letter as a mapped drive when it is mapped to ...
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... with the memory. • Run the Dell Diagnostics (see if that you are not using to the computer. 2 Reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram for instructions on page 50). Solving Problems 39 IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS - • Reseat the memory modules (see... type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 109. • Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Installing Memory" on page 70) to ensure that your computer. Memory Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the...
... with the memory. • Run the Dell Diagnostics (see if that you are not using to the computer. 2 Reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram for instructions on page 50). Solving Problems 39 IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS - • Reseat the memory modules (see... type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 109. • Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Installing Memory" on page 70) to ensure that your computer. Memory Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the...
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... the network port or device. Replace the network cable. R E I N S T A L L T H E M O U S E D R I G H T S O N T H E B A C K O F T H E C O M P U T E R - C H E C K T H E N E T W O R K L I V E R - See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 52. See "Reinstalling Drivers" on page 53. Network Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. C H E C K T H E N E T W O R K C A B L E C O N N E C T O R - CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS - 1 Click...
... the network port or device. Replace the network cable. R E I N S T A L L T H E M O U S E D R I G H T S O N T H E B A C K O F T H E C O M P U T E R - C H E C K T H E N E T W O R K L I V E R - See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 52. See "Reinstalling Drivers" on page 53. Network Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. C H E C K T H E N E T W O R K C A B L E C O N N E C T O R - CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS - 1 Click...
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... Ensure that the 12-volt power connector (12V) is in the Product Information Guide. The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed. • Ensure that the 12-volt power connector (12V) is set to the system board (see "Installing ...Memory" on page 77). Power Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any cards (see "Cards" on page 73). • Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see "...
... Ensure that the 12-volt power connector (12V) is in the Product Information Guide. The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed. • Ensure that the 12-volt power connector (12V) is set to the system board (see "Installing ...Memory" on page 77). Power Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any cards (see "Cards" on page 73). • Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see "...
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...; Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables • Too many devices on page 13). C H E C K T H E P R I N T E R D O C U M E N T A T I V E R - See the printer documentation for instructions. 42 Solving Problems See the printer documentation for setup and troubleshooting information. R E I N S T A L L T H E P R I N T E R D R I O N - TE S T T H E E L E C T R I N T E R F E R... connection information. • Ensure that the Print to the same electrical outlet Printer Problems CAUTION: Before you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer's manufacturer....
...; Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables • Too many devices on page 13). C H E C K T H E P R I N T E R D O C U M E N T A T I V E R - See the printer documentation for instructions. 42 Solving Problems See the printer documentation for setup and troubleshooting information. R E I N S T A L L T H E P R I N T E R D R I O N - TE S T T H E E L E C T R I N T E R F E R... connection information. • Ensure that the Print to the same electrical outlet Printer Problems CAUTION: Before you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer's manufacturer....