Dell PowerVault MD3620i – страница 3

Инструкция к Компьютерным аксессуарам Dell PowerVault MD3620i

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Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive

CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when

writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the

CD/DVD-RW.

TURN OFF STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A CD/DVD-RW DISC See

"Standby Mode" on page 33 or search for the keyword standby in Windows Help and Support Center.

for information on power management modes. For information on accessing window Help, see

"Windows Help and Support Center" on page 12.

Hard drive problems

RUN CHECK DISK

1

Click the

Start

button and click

My Computer

.

2

Right-click

Local Disk C:

.

3

Click

Properties

.

4

Click the

Tools

tab.

5

Under

Error-checking

, click

Check Now

.

6

Click

Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors

.

7

Click

Start

.

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the

Product Information Guide.

NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is

connected to a digital telephone network.

®

CHECK THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK

EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS If you cannot open your e-mail

attachments:

1

In Outlook Express, click

Tools

, click

Options

, and then click

Security

.

2

Click

Do not allow attachments

to remove the checkmark.

Solving Problems 41

CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION

C

HECK THE TELEPHONE JACK

C

ONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK

U

SE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE

Verify that the telephone line is connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label

or a connector-shaped icon next to it.)

Ensure that you hear a click when you insert the telephone line connector into the modem.

Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.

If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge

protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the telephone to connect the modem directly to the

telephone wall jack. If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.

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RUN THE MODEM HELPER DIAGNOSTICS Click the Start button, point to All Programs, and then

click Modem Helper. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems.

(Modem Helper is not available on all computers.)

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS

1

Click the

Start

button and click

Control Panel

.

2

Click

Printers and Other Hardware

.

3

Click

Phone and Modem Options

.

4

Click the

Modems

tab.

5

Click the COM port for your modem.

6

Click

Properties

, click the

Diagnostics

tab, and then click

Query Modem

to verify that the modem is

communicating with Windows.

If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.

ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET Ensure that you have subscribed to an

Internet provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a

checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact

your Internet service provider.

Error Messages

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that

was running when the message appeared.

42 Solving Problems

A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | Do not

use these characters in filenames.

A REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUND The program that you are trying to open is missing an

essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program:

1

Click the

Start

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Add or Remove Programs

.

2

Select the program you want to remove.

3

Click the

Change or Remove Program

icon.

4

See the program documentation for installation instructions.

drive letter :\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY The drive cannot read the disk.

Insert a disk into the drive and try again.

INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.

NON-SYSTEM DISK ERROR Remove the floppy disk from the drive and restart your computer.

NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. CLOSE SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN Close all

windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you might have to restart your

computer to restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first.

OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 142).

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

ENSURE THAT THE CABLE FOR THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS PROPERLY INSERTED INTO THE DEVICE AND

INTO THE CONNECTOR ON THE COMPUTER

ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS ENABLED WITHIN SYSTEM SETUP See "System Setup

Options" on page 132.

Solving Problems 43

ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS

1

Click the

Start

button and click

Control Panel

.

2

Click

Printers and Other Hardware

.

If your IEEE 1394 device is listed, Windows recognizes the device.

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A DELL IEEE 1394 DEVICE Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on

page 142).

I

F YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH AN IEEE 1394 DEVICE NOT PROVIDED BY DELL Contact the

IEEE 1394 device manufacturer.

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Keyboard Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE

Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to the computer.

Shut down the computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 69), reconnect the keyboard cable

as shown on the setup diagram for your computer, and then restart the computer.

Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent

pins.

Remove keyboard extension cables and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.

TEST THE KEYBOARD Connect a properly working keyboard to the computer, and try using the

keyboard.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities"

on page 64.

Lockups and Software Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

44 Solving Problems

The computer does not start up

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 55.

ENSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL

OUTLET

The computer stops responding

NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.

TURN THE COMPUTER OFF If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or

moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer

turns off. Then restart your computer.

A program stops responding

END THE PROGRAM

1

Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.

2

Click

Applications

.

3

Click the program that is no longer responding.

4

Click

End Task

.

A program crashes repeatedly

NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.

CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

Solving Problems 45

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system

RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD

The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to

non-Windows XP operating system environments.

1

Click the

Start

button, point to

All Programs

Accessories

, and then click

Program Compatibility

Wizard

.

2

In the welcome screen, click

Next

.

3

Follow the instructions on the screen.

A solid blue screen appears

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TURN THE COMPUTER OFF If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or

moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer

turns off. Then restart 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.

Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See

the software documentation for information.

Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.

Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.

If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY

USE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, OR CDS

SAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE

S

TART MENU

46 Solving Problems

Memory Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

IF YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE

Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the

problem.

See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional

memory (see "Minimum memory" on page 127).

Reseat the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 79) to ensure that your computer is successfully

communicating with the memory.

Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 58).

IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS

Reseat the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 79) to ensure that your computer is successfully

communicating with the memory.

Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see "Installing Memory" on page 80).

Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For more information about the type of memory supported by

your computer, see "Memory" on page 127.

Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 58).

Mouse Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

CHECK THE MOUSE CABLE

1

Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent

pins.

2

Remove mouse extension cables, if used, and connect the mouse directly to the computer.

3

Shut down the computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 69), reconnect the mouse cable as

shown on the setup diagram for your computer, and then restart the computer.

Solving Problems 47

RESTART THE COMPUTER

1

Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the

Start

menu.

2

Ty p e

u

, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight

Shut down

or

Turn O f f

, and then press <Enter>.

3

After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram for your

computer.

4

Start the computer.

TEST THE MOUSE Connect a properly working mouse to the computer, and try using the mouse.

CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS

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1

Click the

Start

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

.

2

Click

Mouse

.

3

Try adjusting the settings.

REINSTALL THE MOUSE DRIVER See "Reinstalling Drivers" on page 61.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities"

on page 64.

Network Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into

both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack.

CHECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF THE COMPUTER If the link integrity light is off,

that indicates no network communication exists. Replace the network cable. For a description of

network lights, see "Connectors" on page 129.

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND LOG ON TO THE NETWORK AGAIN

CHECK YOUR NETWORK SETTINGS Contact your network administrator or the person who set up

your network to verify that your network settings are correct and that the network is functioning.

48 Solving Problems

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities"

on page 64.

Power Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS GREEN AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT RESPONDING See "Diagnostic Lights"

on page 55.

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING GREEN The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the

keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS OFF The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.

Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical

outlet.

If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical

outlet and that the power strip is turned on. Also bypass power protection devices, power strips, and

power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.

Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see

"System Board Components" on page 78).

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING AMBER The computer is receiving electrical power, but an

internal power problem might exist.

Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location (if applicable).

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS STEADY AMBER A device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.

Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the system board power connector

(POWER12V) (see "System Board Components" on page 78).

Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 79).

Remove and then reinstall any cards (see "Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards" on page 89).

Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see "Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards"

on page 89).

Solving Problems 49

ELIMINATE INTERFERENCE Some possible causes of interference are:

Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables

Too many devices on a power strip

Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet

Printer Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located

in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer’s manufacturer.

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CHECK THE PRINTER DOCUMENTATION See the printer documentation for setup and

troubleshooting information.

ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON

CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS

See the printer documentation for cable connection information.

Ensure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another

device, such as a lamp.

VERIFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS

1

Click the

Start

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

.

2

Click

View installed printers or fax printers

.

If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.

3

Click

Properties

and click the

Ports

tab. For a parallel printer, ensure that the

Print to the following

port(s):

setting is

LPT1 (Printer Port)

. For a USB printer, ensure that the

Print to the following port(s):

setting is

USB

.

REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER See the printer documentation for instructions.

50 Solving Problems

Scanner Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, contact the scanner’s manufacturer.

CHECK THE SCANNER DOCUMENTATION See the scanner documentation for setup and

troubleshooting information.

UNLOCK THE SCANNER Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a locking tab or button.

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND TRY THE SCANNER AGAIN

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS

See the scanner documentation for cable connection information.

Ensure that the scanner cables are securely connected to the scanner and the computer.

VERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT WINDOWS

1

Click the

Start

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

.

2

Click

Scanners and Cameras

.

If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.

REINSTALL THE SCANNER DRIVER See the scanner documentation for instructions.

Sound and Speaker Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

No sound from speakers

NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been

listening to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume down or off.

CHECK THE SPEAKER CABLE CONNECTIONS Ensure that the speakers are connected as shown on

the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If you purchased a sound card, ensure that the speakers

are connected to the card.

Solving Problems 51

ENSURE THAT THE SUBWOOFER AND THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED ON See the setup diagram

supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to

eliminate distortion.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right

corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

DISCONNECT HEADPHONES FROM THE HEADPHONE CONNECTOR Sound from the speakers is

automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer’s front-panel headphone

connector.

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TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another

device, such as a lamp.

ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to

check for interference.

RUN THE SPEAKER DIAGNOSTICS

REINSTALL THE SOUND DRIVER See "Drivers" on page 60.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities"

on page 64.

No sound from headphones

CHECK THE HEADPHONE CABLE CONNECTION Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted

into the headphone connector (see "Front View (Doors Open)" on page 72).

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right

corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

52 Solving Problems

Video and Monitor Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

If the screen is blank

NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.

CHECK THE MONITOR CABLE CONNECTION

If you have the optional second PCI-Express graphics card, ensure that the monitor cable is connected

to the correct card.

If you have the optional DVI adapter, ensure that it is correctly attached to the graphics card.

Ensure that the monitor cable is connected as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.

If you are using a extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is defective.

Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.

Check the connector for bent or broken pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have missing

pins.)

CHECK THE MONITOR POWER LIGHT If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that

the monitor is turned on. If the power light is lit or blinking, the monitor has power. If the power light is

blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another

device, such as a lamp.

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 55.

If the screen is difficult to read

CHECK THE MONITOR SETTINGS See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the

contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test.

MOVE THE SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE MONITOR If your speaker system includes a subwoofer,

ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor.

MOVE THE MONITOR AWAY FROM EXTERNAL POWER SOURCES Fans, fluorescent lights, halogen

lamps, and other electrical devices can cause the screen image to appear "shaky." Turn off nearby devices

to check for interference.

Solving Problems 53

ROTATE THE MONITOR TO ELIMINATE SUNLIGHT GLARE AND POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE

ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS

1

Click the

Start

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Appearance and Themes

.

2

Click

Display

and click the

Settings

tab.

3

Try different settings for

Screen resolution

and

Color quality.

If 3-D image quality is poor

CHECK THE GRAPHICS CARD POWER CABLE CONNECTION Ensure that the power cable for each

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graphics card is correctly attached to the card.

CHECK THE MONITOR SETTINGS See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the

contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test.

54 Solving Problems

Advanced Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Lights

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "1," "2," "3," and "4"

on the front panel (see "Front View (Doors Open)" on page 72). When the computer starts

normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts, all four lights display solid green. If the

computer malfunctions, the color and sequence of the lights identify the problem.

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

The computer is in a normal "off" condition or

Plug the computer into a working electrical

a possible pre-BIOS failure has occurred.

outlet. Also see "Power Problems" on page 49.

The diagnostic lights are not lit after the

system successfully boots to the operating

system.

A possible processor failure has occurred. Reinstall the processor (see "Processor" on

page 113) and restart the computer.

Memory modules are detected, but a memory

If you have two or more memory modules

failure has occurred.

installed, remove the modules, reinstall one

module (see "Installing Memory" on

page 80), and then restart the computer. If

the computer starts normally, reinstall an

additional module. Continue until you have

identified a faulty module or reinstalled all

modules without error.

If available, install properly working memory

of the same type into your computer (see

"Installing Memory" on page 80).

If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

).

Advanced Troubleshooting 55

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

A possible graphics card failure has occurred.

If the computer has a graphics card, remove

the card (see "Removing PCI and PCI

Express Cards" on page 89), reinstall it, and

then restart the computer.

If the problem still exists, install a graphics

card that you know works and restart the

computer.

If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

).

A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has

Reseat all power and data cables and restart

occurred.

the computer.

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A possible USB failure has occurred. Reinstall all USB devices, check cable

connections, and then restart the computer.

No memory modules are detected.

If you have two or more memory modules

installed, remove the modules, reinstall one

module (see "Installing Memory" on

page 80), and then restart the computer. If

the computer starts normally, reinstall an

additional module. Continue until you have

identified a faulty module or reinstalled all

modules without error.

If available, install properly working memory

of the same type into your computer (see

"Installing Memory" on page 80).

If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

).

Memory modules are detected, but a memory

Ensure that no special memory

configuration or compatibility error exists.

module/memory connector placement

requirements exist (see "Memory" on

page 79).

Verify that the memory modules that you are

installing are compatible with your computer

(see "Memory" on page 79).

If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

56 Advanced Troubleshooting

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

A possible expansion card failure has occurred. 1

Determine if a conflict exists by removing a

card (not a graphics card) and restarting the

computer (see "Removing PCI and PCI

Express Cards" on page 89).

2

If the problem persists, reinstall the card that

you removed, remove a different card, and

then restart the computer.

3

Repeat this process for each card. If the

computer starts normally, troubleshoot the

last card removed from the computer for

resource conflicts (see "Resolving Software

and Hardware Incompatibilities" on

page 64).

4

If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

).

Another failure has occurred.

Ensure that the cables are properly

connected to the system board from the hard

drive, CD drive, and DVD drive (see "System

Board Components" on page 78).

If there is an error message on your screen

identifying a problem with a device (such as

the floppy drive or hard drive), check the

device to make sure it is functioning properly.

The operating system is attempting to boot

from a device (such as the floppy drive or

hard drive); check system setup (see "System

Setup" on page 131) to make sure the boot

sequence is correct for the devices installed

on your computer.

If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

).

The computer is in a normal operating

None.

condition after POST.

Advanced Troubleshooting 57

Dell Diagnostics

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" on

page 39 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 58) or

from the Dell ResourceCD.

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Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

1

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2

When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell

Diagnostics from your ResourceCD

(see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the ResourceCD" on

page 58).

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the

®

®

Microsoft

Windows

desktop. Then shut down your computer (see "Turning Off Your

Computer" on page 69) and try again.

3

When the boot device list appears, highlight

Boot to Utility Partition

and press <Enter>.

4

When the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

appears, select the test you want to run (see "Dell

Diagnostics Main Menu" on page 59).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the ResourceCD

1

Insert the ResourceCD.

2

Shut down and restart the computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 69).

When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the

Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on

page 69) and try again.

NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer

boots according to the devices specified in system setup.

3

When the boot device list appears, highlight

IDE CD-ROM Device

and press <Enter>.

4

Select the

IDE CD-ROM Device

option from the CD boot menu.

5

Select the

Boot from CD-ROM

option from the menu that appears.

58 Advanced Troubleshooting

6

Ty p e

1

to start the ResourceCD menu.

7

Ty p e

2

to start the Dell Diagnostics.

8

Select

Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics

from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed,

select the version appropriate for your computer.

9

When the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

appears, select the test you want to run (see "Dell

Diagnostics Main Menu" on page 59).

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

1

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the

Main

Menu

screen appears, click the button for the

option you want.

Option Function

Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to

20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run

Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the

problem quickly.

Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes

an hour or more and requires you to answer questions

periodically.

Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want

to run.

Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you

to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are

having.

2

If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a

description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow

the instructions on the screen.

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

).

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,

technical support will ask for your Service Tag.

3

If you run a test from the

Custom Test

or

Symptom Tree

option, click the applicable tab

described in the following table for more information.

Tab Function

Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions

encountered.

Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the

problem description.

Advanced Troubleshooting 59

Tab Function

Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running

the test.

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all

devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests,

and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane

of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all

the components installed on your computer or all devices

attached to your computer.

Parameters Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.

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4

When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the ResourceCD

,

remove the CD.

5

Close the test screen to return to the

Main

Menu

screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and

restart the computer, close the

Main

Menu

screen.

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices

require a driver program.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device.

Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation

or configuration is needed.

NOTICE: The Dell ResourceCD may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your computer.

Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.

®

®

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft

Windows

operating

system. You may need to install drivers if you:

Upgrade your operating system.

Reinstall your operating system.

Connect or install a new device.

Identifying Drivers

If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your

problem and, if necessary, update the driver.

60 Advanced Troubleshooting