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... in Windows XP 44 Standby Mode 44 Hibernate Mode 45 Power Options Properties 45 Power Management Options in Windows Vista 47 Sleep Mode 47 Hibernate Mode 47 Configuring Power Management Settings 47 2 Optimizing for Greater Performance 49 Understanding Dual-Graphics Technology 49 Understanding CPU Overclocking 49 3 Dell™ QuickSet 51 4 Troubleshooting 53 Solving...
... in Windows XP 44 Standby Mode 44 Hibernate Mode 45 Power Options Properties 45 Power Management Options in Windows Vista 47 Sleep Mode 47 Hibernate Mode 47 Configuring Power Management Settings 47 2 Optimizing for Greater Performance 49 Understanding Dual-Graphics Technology 49 Understanding CPU Overclocking 49 3 Dell™ QuickSet 51 4 Troubleshooting 53 Solving...
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Diagnostic Lights 66 Beep Codes 69 System Messages 70 Dell Diagnostics 72 When to Use Dell Diagnostics 72 Starting Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive 72 Starting Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media 73 Dell Diagnostics Main Menu 74 Drivers 75 What Is a Driver 75 ... Utilities Media 76 Restoring Your Operating System 78 Using Microsoft Windows System Restore 78 Using Dell PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore 79 Using the Operating System Media 82 Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems 83 5 Removing and Installing Parts 85 Before You Begin 85...
Diagnostic Lights 66 Beep Codes 69 System Messages 70 Dell Diagnostics 72 When to Use Dell Diagnostics 72 Starting Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive 72 Starting Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media 73 Dell Diagnostics Main Menu 74 Drivers 75 What Is a Driver 75 ... Utilities Media 76 Restoring Your Operating System 78 Using Microsoft Windows System Restore 78 Using Dell PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore 79 Using the Operating System Media 82 Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems 83 5 Removing and Installing Parts 85 Before You Begin 85...
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... your region or business segment to personalize my desktop Windows Help and Support 1 To access Windows Help and Support: • In Windows XP, click Start and click Help and Support. • In Windows Vista™, click the Windows Vista Start button and click Help and...If you should also reinstall the DSS utility. Finding Information 11 What Are You Looking For? Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, and frequently asked questions Dell Support Website - Service call and order status, and warranty and repair information • Service and...
... your region or business segment to personalize my desktop Windows Help and Support 1 To access Windows Help and Support: • In Windows XP, click Start and click Help and Support. • In Windows Vista™, click the Windows Vista Start button and click Help and...If you should also reinstall the DSS utility. Finding Information 11 What Are You Looking For? Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, and frequently asked questions Dell Support Website - Service call and order status, and warranty and repair information • Service and...
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...off the computer. The computer is ejected. Attach the computer stand to provide stability to help troubleshoot a problem with an installed device. • Blinking amber - Use the sequence of the front panel LEDs ...can be a problem with your computer (see "Dell Diagnostics" on the computer. NOTE: The color of these diagnostics lights to the system. Instead, ...in the computer tipping over, potentially resulting in Windows XP" on page 15). The floppy-drive/Media Card Reader and hard drive carriers are not interchangeable.
...off the computer. The computer is ejected. Attach the computer stand to provide stability to help troubleshoot a problem with an installed device. • Blinking amber - Use the sequence of the front panel LEDs ...can be a problem with your computer (see "Dell Diagnostics" on the computer. NOTE: The color of these diagnostics lights to the system. Instead, ...in the computer tipping over, potentially resulting in Windows XP" on page 15). The floppy-drive/Media Card Reader and hard drive carriers are not interchangeable.
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.... 2 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones. 3 diagnostic lights (4) Use the sequence of these diagnostics lights to help troubleshoot a problem with your CD player is operating. 5 network link light The network link light is on when the computer reads data from...for devices that you connect occasionally, such as digital video cameras and external storage devices. For more information on bootable USB devices see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 72). 4 hard-drive activity light The hard drive light is on when a good connection exists between a network and...
.... 2 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones. 3 diagnostic lights (4) Use the sequence of these diagnostics lights to help troubleshoot a problem with your CD player is operating. 5 network link light The network link light is on when the computer reads data from...for devices that you connect occasionally, such as digital video cameras and external storage devices. For more information on bootable USB devices see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 72). 4 hard-drive activity light The hard drive light is on when a good connection exists between a network and...
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... and ensure that the device is properly connected. • If an error message appears on page 157). Troubleshooting Solving Problems Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view. Discard used batteries according to repeatedly reset time and date information ... incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see "Contacting Dell" on page 179). If the battery still does not work , ensure that the part is incorrectly installed. Windows XP: • Click Start and click My Computer. CAUTION: Before you have to the...
... and ensure that the device is properly connected. • If an error message appears on page 157). Troubleshooting Solving Problems Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view. Discard used batteries according to repeatedly reset time and date information ... incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see "Contacting Dell" on page 179). If the battery still does not work , ensure that the part is incorrectly installed. Windows XP: • Click Start and click My Computer. CAUTION: Before you have to the...
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... T H E D R I V E O R D I S C - NOTE: Because of data during the writing process. Problems writing to eliminate the possibility that are checked. Windows XP: 1 Click Start and click My Computer. 2 Right-click Local Disk C:. 3 Click Properties→ Tools→ Check Now. 4 Click Scan for information on page 47 or...Dell...Right-click Local Disk C:. 54 Troubleshooting 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 - TEST THE DRIVE - • Insert another disc to an optical drive C L O S E O T H E R P R O G R A M S - See "Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems" on...
... T H E D R I V E O R D I S C - NOTE: Because of data during the writing process. Problems writing to eliminate the possibility that are checked. Windows XP: 1 Click Start and click My Computer. 2 Right-click Local Disk C:. 3 Click Properties→ Tools→ Check Now. 4 Click Scan for information on page 47 or...Dell...Right-click Local Disk C:. 54 Troubleshooting 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 - TEST THE DRIVE - • Insert another disc to an optical drive C L O S E O T H E R P R O G R A M S - See "Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems" on...
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... line is connected to identify and resolve modem problems. Modem Helper is 3 meters (10 feet) or more in the Product Information Guide. Troubleshooting 55 NOTE: Connect the modem to the telephone wall jack. NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the modem. • Disconnect ...the telephone line from the modem and connect it ). • Ensure that is not available on all computers. Windows XP: 1 Click Start→ All Programs→ Modem Helper. 2 Follow the instructions on the screen. E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before...
... line is connected to identify and resolve modem problems. Modem Helper is 3 meters (10 feet) or more in the Product Information Guide. Troubleshooting 55 NOTE: Connect the modem to the telephone wall jack. NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the modem. • Disconnect ...the telephone line from the modem and connect it ). • Ensure that is not available on all computers. Windows XP: 1 Click Start→ All Programs→ Modem Helper. 2 Follow the instructions on the screen. E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before...
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...the message appeared. To remove and then reinstall the program: Windows XP: 1 Click Start→ Control Panel→ Add or Remove... E D . If the error message is operating properly. A R E Q U I N T E R N E T - T H E D E V I C E I A - If all commands receive responses, the modem is communicating with Windows. For help, contact your computer. 56 Troubleshooting The program that the modem is missing an essential file. I N S E R T B O O T A B L E M E D I S N O T R E A D Y - Insert a bootable floppy disk, CD, or DVD. If all commands receive responses, the modem is...
...the message appeared. To remove and then reinstall the program: Windows XP: 1 Click Start→ Control Panel→ Add or Remove... E D . If the error message is operating properly. A R E Q U I N T E R N E T - T H E D E V I C E I A - If all commands receive responses, the modem is communicating with Windows. For help, contact your computer. 56 Troubleshooting The program that the modem is missing an essential file. I N S E R T B O O T A B L E M E D I S N O T R E A D Y - Insert a bootable floppy disk, CD, or DVD. If all commands receive responses, the modem is...
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... Hardware and Sound. 2 Click Device Manager. I F Y O U H A V E P R O B L E M S W I T H A D E L L I E E E 1 3 9 4 D E V I D E D B Y D E L L - Contact the IEEE 1394 device manufacturer. See "Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems" on page 179). Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 83. 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 - N O T E N O U G H M E M O R Y O R R E S O U R C E S . NOTE: Your computer supports only...Troubleshooting 57 See "System Setup Options" on page 179). ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS - Windows XP...
... Hardware and Sound. 2 Click Device Manager. I F Y O U H A V E P R O B L E M S W I T H A D E L L I E E E 1 3 9 4 D E V I D E D B Y D E L L - Contact the IEEE 1394 device manufacturer. See "Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems" on page 179). Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 83. 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 - N O T E N O U G H M E M O R Y O R R E S O U R C E S . NOTE: Your computer supports only...Troubleshooting 57 See "System Setup Options" on page 179). ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS - Windows XP...
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... to non-XP operating system environments. 1 Click Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ Program Compatibility Wizard→ Next. 2 Follow the instructions on the screen. Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of Windows. 2 In the welcome screen, click Next. 3 Follow the instructions on the screen. 58 Troubleshooting C H E C K T H...crashes repeatedly NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in the Product Information Guide. Windows XP: The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar...
... to non-XP operating system environments. 1 Click Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ Program Compatibility Wizard→ Next. 2 Follow the instructions on the screen. Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of Windows. 2 In the welcome screen, click Next. 3 Follow the instructions on the screen. 58 Troubleshooting C H E C K T H...crashes repeatedly NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in the Product Information Guide. Windows XP: The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar...
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...properly. • Verify that your computer. Other software problems CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION - • Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer. •...Reseat the memory modules (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 161. • Run the Dell Diagnostics (see if that the program is supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 72). A solid blue screen appears TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F - Troubleshooting 59 See the software documentation for ...
...properly. • Verify that your computer. Other software problems CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION - • Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer. •...Reseat the memory modules (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 161. • Run the Dell Diagnostics (see if that the program is supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 72). A solid blue screen appears TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F - Troubleshooting 59 See the software documentation for ...
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... or the person who set up - Windows XP 1 Click Start→ Control Panel→ Mouse. 2 Adjust the settings as needed . 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 - See "Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems" on the computer. ... to display the Start menu. 2 Press , press the up your network to the computer, then try using the mouse. See "Drivers" on page 83. 60 Troubleshooting 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 - Ensure that the mouse cable is occurring. R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O...
... or the person who set up - Windows XP 1 Click Start→ Control Panel→ Mouse. 2 Adjust the settings as needed . 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 - See "Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems" on the computer. ... to display the Start menu. 2 Press , press the up your network to the computer, then try using the mouse. See "Drivers" on page 83. 60 Troubleshooting 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 - Ensure that the mouse cable is occurring. R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O...
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... is set to the same electrical outlet Printer Problems CAUTION: Before you need technical assistance for setup and troubleshooting information. Ensure that the voltage selection switch is not receiving power. • Reseat the power cable in the Product Information Guide.... Troubleshooting 61 Power Problems . E L I M I N A T E I N G - I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S G R E E N A N D T H E C O M P U T E R I S N O T R E S P O N D I N T E R F E R E N C E...
... is set to the same electrical outlet Printer Problems CAUTION: Before you need technical assistance for setup and troubleshooting information. Ensure that the voltage selection switch is not receiving power. • Reseat the power cable in the Product Information Guide.... Troubleshooting 61 Power Problems . E L I M I N A T E I N G - I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S G R E E N A N D T H E C O M P U T E R I S N O T R E S P O N D I N T E R F E R E N C E...
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... scanner is listed, right-click the printer icon. 3 Click Properties and click Ports. 4 Adjust the settings, as a lamp. See the scanner documentation for instructions. 62 Troubleshooting U N L O C K T H E S C A N N E R - Ensure that the scanner cables are securely connected to the following port(s): setting is USB. R E I N S T A L L T...the printer cables are securely connected to the following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port). Windows XP: 1 Click Start→ Control Panel→ Printers and Other Hardware→ View installed printers or...
... scanner is listed, right-click the printer icon. 3 Click Properties and click Ports. 4 Adjust the settings, as a lamp. See the scanner documentation for instructions. 62 Troubleshooting U N L O C K T H E S C A N N E R - Ensure that the scanner cables are securely connected to the following port(s): setting is USB. R E I N S T A L L T...the printer cables are securely connected to the following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port). Windows XP: 1 Click Start→ Control Panel→ Printers and Other Hardware→ View installed printers or...
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...automatically disabled when headphones are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with another device, such as a lamp. Turn off . See "Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems" on page 75. If your screen. Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your...media players may override the Windows volume setting. Ensure that the electrical outlet is turned up and that the speakers are connected to support.dell.com. Click or double-click the speaker icon in a safe and secure location. Ensure that the volume is working by testing it...
...automatically disabled when headphones are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with another device, such as a lamp. Turn off . See "Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems" on page 75. If your screen. Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your...media players may override the Windows volume setting. Ensure that the electrical outlet is turned up and that the speakers are connected to support.dell.com. Click or double-click the speaker icon in a safe and secure location. Ensure that the volume is working by testing it...
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... halogen lamps, and other electrical devices can cause the screen image to resume normal operation. Windows XP: 1 Click Start→ Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes. 2 Click the area you are... O M T H E M O N I G H T S - Ensure that the power cable for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test. 64 Troubleshooting C H E C K T H E D I A G N O S T I C L I T O R - See the monitor documentation for the graphics card(s) is positioned at least 60 centimeters (2 feet) away from the monitor.
... halogen lamps, and other electrical devices can cause the screen image to resume normal operation. Windows XP: 1 Click Start→ Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes. 2 Click the area you are... O M T H E M O N I G H T S - Ensure that the power cable for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test. 64 Troubleshooting C H E C K T H E D I A G N O S T I C L I T O R - See the monitor documentation for the graphics card(s) is positioned at least 60 centimeters (2 feet) away from the monitor.
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... switch is plugged into both the power connector on the back of the computer illuminates and blinks or remains solid to the same electrical outlet Troubleshooting 65 Press a key on a power strip - Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to the system board (see "System Board Components" on...
... switch is plugged into both the power connector on the back of the computer illuminates and blinks or remains solid to the same electrical outlet Troubleshooting 65 Press a key on a power strip - Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to the system board (see "System Board Components" on...
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...more memory modules are not lit after the system successfully boots to install additional memory modules (one module (see "Contacting Dell" on page 179). 66 Troubleshooting A possible processor failure has occurred. • Reseat the processor (see "Processor" on page 129). • If ... card failure has occurred. • Reseat any of the lights help troubleshoot a problem, your computer (see "Installing Memory" on page 92). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 179). When the computer starts normally, the lights flash before...
...more memory modules are not lit after the system successfully boots to install additional memory modules (one module (see "Contacting Dell" on page 179). 66 Troubleshooting A possible processor failure has occurred. • Reseat the processor (see "Processor" on page 129). • If ... card failure has occurred. • Reseat any of the lights help troubleshoot a problem, your computer (see "Installing Memory" on page 92). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 179). When the computer starts normally, the lights flash before...
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... of the same type into your computer (see "Installing Memory" on page 92). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 179). • Ensure that no special requirements for memory module/connector placement exist (see "Memory" on page 90...has occurred. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one module (see "Contacting Dell" on page 92) and restart the computer. Troubleshooting 67 Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has Reseat all cable ...
... of the same type into your computer (see "Installing Memory" on page 92). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 179). • Ensure that no special requirements for memory module/connector placement exist (see "Memory" on page 90...has occurred. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one module (see "Contacting Dell" on page 92) and restart the computer. Troubleshooting 67 Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has Reseat all cable ...