Dell 150D, 1N016 User Manual
Dell™ SmartStep™ 150D
FILE LOCATION:
FILE LOCATION: C:\Wolverine 150D\PDF web\1N016tp0.fm
FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:
DELL CONFIDENTI
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINAR
DELL CONFIDENTIDELL CONFIDENTI
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
AL – PRELIMINARY 2/19/02
AL – PRELIMINARAL – PRELIMINAR
Y 2/19/02
Y 2/19/02Y 2/19/02
FILE LOCATION:
FILE LOCATION: C:\Wolverine 150D\PDF web\1N016tp0.fm
FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:
HINT: A HINT indicates important information that helps you make better
use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of
data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage,
personal injury, or death.
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help
file. To access help files, see page 22.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2002 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer
Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, SmartStep, Dimension, Inspiron, Latitude,
OptiPlex, Dell Precision, DellPlus, and DellNet are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation;
Intel is a registered trademark and Celeron is a trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and
Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities
claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of
certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation
and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by
Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless
otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is
prohibited.
February 2002 P/N 1N016 Rev. A00
DELL
DELL CONFIDENTIA
DELL DELL
CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINAR
CONFIDENTIACONFIDENTIA
L – PRELIMINARY 2/19/02
L – PRELIMINARL – PRELIMINAR
Y 2/19/02
Y 2/19/02Y 2/19/02
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
When Using Your Computer
Ergonomic Computing Habits
When Working Inside Your Computer
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
1 Setting Up
Connecting a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Parallel Printer
USB Printer
Installing the Printer Driver
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
. . . . . . . . . . . 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Transferring Information to a New Computer
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Turning Off the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2 Solving Problems
Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Accessing Help Files
Power Problems
Start-Up Error Messages
Video and Monitor Problems
If the screen is blank
If the screen is difficult to read
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Contents 3
Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
If your computer has speakers, use this section
to solve speaker problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Printer Problems
If you cannot print to a parallel port printer
If you cannot print to a USB printer
Scanner Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Modem Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Mouse Problems
Keyboard Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk
. . . . . . . . . . . . 31
If you cannot play a music CD or install
a program from a CD
If you have a hard drive problem
Network Problems
Microsoft
®
Windows® Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
General Program Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
A program crashes
A program stops responding
A program error causes the system to lock up
A solid blue screen appears
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
A program is designed for an earlier
Windows operating system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4 Contents
Internet Connection Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
If you have a problem with your Internet connection
E-Mail Problems
Resolving Other Technical Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. . . . . . 36
Reinstalling Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Using the Windows XP Device Driver Rollback
. . . . . . . . . 39
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Using System Restore
Creating a Restore Point
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
Undoing the Last System Restore
Reinstalling Windows XP
3 Adding Parts
Front and Back View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Removing the Computer Cover
Rotating the Power Supply
Looking Inside Your Computer
System Board
Adding a 3.5-Inch Drive
Adding Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Removing Cards
. . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
. . . . . . 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Adding Memory
Replacing the Computer Cover
4 Appendix
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Standard Settings
Viewing Settings
System Setup Program Screens
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Contents 5
Clearing Forgotten Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals
Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals
Contacting Dell
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Contact Numbers and Addresses
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
. . . . . . . . . . . . 82
. . . . . 83
. . . . . . 83
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
. . . . . . . . . 99
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
FCC Notices (U.S. Only)
Battery Disposal
NOM Information (Mexico Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Limited Warranties and Return Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
90-Day Limited Warranty (United States Only)
. . . . . . . . 105
One-Year Limited Warranty (United States
and Canada Only)
"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (United States Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
. . . . . 110
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
6 Contents
FILE LOCATION:
FILE LOCATION: C:\Wolverine 150D\PDF web\1N016si0.fm
FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:
Use the following safety guidelines to protect yourself and your computer.
When Using Your Computer
CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s)
(including the computer cover, filler brackets, front-panel inserts,
and so on) removed or opened.
• To help avoid damaging your computer, be sure that the voltage
selection switch is set to match the AC power available at your
location:
– 115 V/60 Hz in most of North and South America and some Far
Eastern countries such as South Korea and Taiwan
– 100 V/50 Hz in eastern Japan and 100 V/60 Hz in western Japan
NOTE: The voltage selection switch must be set to the 115V position
even though the AC supply in Japan is 100 V.
– 230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East
11 5 V
Also be sure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically
rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.
• To avoid shorting out your computer when disconnecting a network
cable, first unplug the cable from the network adapter on the back of
your computer, and then from the network jack. When reconnecting a
network cable to your computer, first plug the cable into the network
jack, and then into the network adapter.
• To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds
after turning off the computer before disconnecting or connecting a
non-USB device from the computer.
DELL
DELL CONFIDENTIA
DELL DELL
CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINAR
CONFIDENTIACONFIDENTIA
L – PRELIMINARY 2/19/02
L – PRELIMINARL – PRELIMINAR
Y 2/19/02
Y 2/19/02Y 2/19/02
Safety Instructions 7
FILE LOCATION:
FILE LOCATION: C:\Wolverine 150D\PDF web\1N016si0.fm
FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
• To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and device power
cables into properly grounded power sources. These cables are
equipped with 3-prong plugs to help ensure proper grounding. Do not
use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from a cable. If you
must use an extension cable, use a 3-wire cable with properly grounded
plugs.
• To help protect your computer from sudden, transient increases and
decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner,
or uninterruptible power supply.
• Be sure that nothing rests on your computer’s cables and that the
cables are not located where they can be stepped on or tripped over.
• Do not spill food or liquids on your computer. If the computer gets
wet, contact Dell (see page 84).
• Do not push any objects into the openings of your computer. Doing so
can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.
• Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not
block cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your
computer; do not place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on a
bed, sofa, or rug.
DELL
DELL CONFIDENTIA
DELL DELL
8 Safety Instructions
CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINAR
CONFIDENTIACONFIDENTIA
Ergonomic Computing Habits
CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in
injury.
CAUTION: Viewing the monitor screen for extended periods of
time may result in eye strain.
For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines
when setting up and using your computer:
• Position your computer so that the monitor and keyboard are directly
in front of you as you work. Special shelves are available (from Dell and
other sources) to help you correctly position your keyboard.
• Set the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance (usually 510 to 610
millimeters [20 to 24 inches] from your eyes).
• Make sure the monitor screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you
are sitting in front of the monitor.
L – PRELIMINARY 2/19/02
L – PRELIMINARL – PRELIMINAR
Y 2/19/02
Y 2/19/02Y 2/19/02
FILE LOCATION:
FILE LOCATION: C:\Wolverine 150D\PDF web\1N016si0.fm
FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:
• Adjust the tilt of the monitor, its contrast and brightness settings, and
the lighting around you (such as overhead lights, desk lamps, and the
curtains or blinds on nearby windows) to minimize reflections and
glare on the monitor screen.
• Use a chair that provides good lower back support.
• Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral,
comfortable position while using the keyboard or mouse.
• Always leave space to rest your hands while using the keyboard or
mouse.
• Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides.
• Sit erect with your feet resting on the floor and your thighs level.
• When sitting, make sure the weight of your legs is on your feet and not
on the front of your chair seat. Adjust your chair’s height or use a
footrest, if necessary, to maintain proper posture.
• Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not
have to type for extended periods of time. When you stop typing, try
to do things that use both hands.
DELL
DELL CONFIDENTIA
DELL DELL
CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINAR
CONFIDENTIACONFIDENTIA
L – PRELIMINARY 2/19/02
L – PRELIMINARL – PRELIMINAR
Y 2/19/02
Y 2/19/02Y 2/19/02
Safety Instructions 9
FILE LOCATION:
FILE LOCATION: C:\Wolverine 150D\PDF web\1N016si0.fm
FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
monitor screen at or
below eye level
wrists relaxed
and flat
computer positioned
directly in front of
user
arms at desk
level
feet flat on the
floor
DELL
DELL CONFIDENTIA
DELL DELL
10 Safety Instructions
CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINAR
CONFIDENTIACONFIDENTIA
When Working Inside Your Computer
As you use your computer, observe the following safe-handling guidelines.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to service the computer yourself,
except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell
documentation. Always follow installation and service
instructions closely.
Perform an orderly computer shutdown using the operating system
1
menu (see page 18).
2 Turn off your computer and any devices.
L – PRELIMINARY 2/19/02
L – PRELIMINARL – PRELIMINAR
Y 2/19/02
Y 2/19/02Y 2/19/02
FILE LOCATION:
FILE LOCATION: C:\Wolverine 150D\PDF web\1N016si0.fm
FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:
3 Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface at the back of
the computer before touching anything inside your computer.
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the
computer to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal
components.
4 Disconnect any devices connected to the computer, including the
monitor, from their electrical outlets to reduce the potential for
personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or
telecommunication lines from the computer.
5 Disconnect the power cable to your computer, and then press the
power button to ground the system board.
In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:
• When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector, not on the cable
itself. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid
bending any pins. Also, before you connect a cable, make sure that
both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
• Handle components and cards with care. Don’t touch the components
on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal bracket.
CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is
incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or
equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used
batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before
you touch anything inside your computer and periodically while you work
inside the computer. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface
on the back of the computer.
You can also take the following steps to prevent static damage:
• Do not remove items from their antistatic packing material until you
are ready to install them in your computer. Just before unwrapping the
antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your
body.
• When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic
container or packaging.
DELL
DELL CONFIDENTIA
DELL DELL
CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINAR
CONFIDENTIACONFIDENTIA
L – PRELIMINARY 2/19/02
L – PRELIMINARL – PRELIMINAR
Y 2/19/02
Y 2/19/02Y 2/19/02
Safety Instructions 11
FILE LOCATION:
FILE LOCATION: C:\Wolverine 150D\PDF web\1N016si0.fm
FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
DELL
DELL CONFIDENTIA
DELL DELL
12 Safety Instructions
CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINAR
CONFIDENTIACONFIDENTIA
L – PRELIMINARY 2/19/02
L – PRELIMINARL – PRELIMINAR
Y 2/19/02
Y 2/19/02Y 2/19/02
SECTION 1
Connecting a Printer
Transferring Information to a New Computer
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Turning Off the Computer
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
See the documentation that came with the printer for any recommended
preparation procedures, such as:
• Removing the packaging
• Installing the toner or ink cartridge
• Loading paper
Then follow the instructions that came with the printer to connect it to the
computer. If no information is provided, see the following sections.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Parallel Printer
Follow the instructions that came with the parallel printer to connect it to
the computer. If no information is provided, then follow the instructions in
this section.
1 Turn off the computer (see page 18).
NOTICE: Use only a standard IEEE parallel cable measuring 3 m (10 ft) or
less to connect the printer to the computer. Use of a nonstandard cable may
prevent the printer from working.
Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the
2
computer and tighten the two screws. Attach the cable to the parallel
connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the two notches.
14 Setting Up
screws (2)
parallel connector
on computer
parallel connector
on printer
parallel printer
cable
notches (2)
3 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New
clips (2)
Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.
4 Install the printer driver if necessary (see "Installing the Printer Driver"
on this page).
USB Printer
Follow the instructions that came with the USB printer to connect it to the
computer. If no information is provided, then follow the instructions in this
section.
Install the printer driver if necessary (see the following section).
1
2 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connector on the computer
and the printer. The USB connectors only fit one way.
HINT: You can connect
USB devices while the
computer is turned on.
Setting Up 15
HINT: Your computer has
four USB connectors on
the back panel (see
page 48).
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
USB connector
on computer
USB printer
cable
USB connector
on printer
Installing the Printer Driver
Follow the instructions that came with the printer to install printer drivers.
If no information was provided with the printer, then refer to the following
instructions.
16 Setting Up
If you need to install a printer driver, insert the printer installation CD into
the CD drive. Then follow the prompts on the screen using the instructions
that came with the printer.
If your printer installation CD does not automatically run, click the Start
®
button on the Microsoft
x:\setup.exe (where x is the letter of your CD drive [usually drive D]).
Windows® desktop, click Run, and type
Then click OK and follow the prompts on your screen. If your printer
installation CD still does not run, check the documentation that came with
your printer for instructions on how to start the printer installation CD.
If you connect an older printer and it doesn’t work after you install the
driver, access the system setup program (see page 78) and ensure that the
parallel port is set to operate in bidirectional mode.
To check if your printer driver is installed on a computer running the
Windows XP operating system, click the Start button, click Control Panel,
click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click View installed printers
or fax printers. If your printer is listed in the Printers window, the printer is
ready to use.
Windows XP provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data,
such as e-mails, window sizes, toolbar settings, and Internet bookmarks,
from one computer to another. First you collect the data from the source
computer, and then you import the data to the new computer.
If the source computer uses another Windows operating system, the wizard
can be launched from the Windows XP operating system CD or from a
floppy disk created on the Windows XP computer. You may transfer the
data to the new computer over a network or serial connection, or you may
store it on a removable medium, such as a floppy disk, a Zip disk, or a
writable CD.
1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs—> Accessories—>
System Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
2 On the welcome screen, click Next.
3 On the Which computer is this? screen, select New Computer, and
then click Next.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
Windows XP provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the
process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between
computers in a home or small office.
1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs—>
Accessories—> Communications, and then click Network Setup
Wizard.
2 On the welcome screen, click Next.
HINT: The CD that you
need to place in your CD
drive is titled Operating
System.
Setting Up 17
3 Click checklist for creating a network.
HINT: Selecting the
connection method This
computer connects
directly to the Internet
enables the integrated
firewall provided with
Windows XP.
HINT: If you are having
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
difficulty turning off your
computer, see "General
Program Problems" on
page 35.
Complete the checklist and required preparations, and then return to
4
the Network Setup Wizard.
5 Follow the instructions on the screen.
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must turn off your computer through the
Start menu rather than by pressing the power button.
Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
1
2 Click the Start button and then click Turn off Computer.
3 Click Tur n o f f.
The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process
finishes.
4 Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power.
18 Setting Up
SECTION 2
Finding Solutions
Accessing Help Files
Power Problems
Start-Up Error Messages
Video and Monitor Problems
Sound and Speaker Problems
Printer Problems
Scanner Problems
Modem Problems
Mouse Problems
Keyboard Problems
Drive Problems
Network Problems
Microsoft
General Program Problems
Internet Connection Problems
E-Mail Problems
Resolving Other Technical Problems
Reinstalling Drivers
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Using System Restore
Reinstalling Windows XP
®
Windows® Error Messages
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out where to go for answers. Use this chart
to help you quickly find the answers to your questions.
See page 22.
Get technical assistance from
Dell. See page 84.
See page 23.
20 Solving Problems
See page 23.
See page 25.
See page 27.
See page 29.
See page 30.
See page 31.
See page 31.
See page 33.
See page 28.
See page 34.
See page 35.
See page 37.
See page 36.
See page 37.
Solving Problems 21
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
HINT: See the Tell M e
How help file for
information on the
standby mode.
TO ACCESS THE Tell Me How HELP FILE
Microsoft® Windows® XP
1 Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support.
2 Click User and system guides, and then click User’s guides.
3 Click Tell Me How.
TO ACCESS HELP IN WINDOWS XP
1 Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support.
2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem, and then click the arrow
icon.
3 Click the topic that describes your problem.
4 Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
CHECK THE POWER LIGHT— When the power light is lit or blinking, the
computer has power. If the power light is blinking, the computer is in standby
mode—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.
22 Solving Problems
CHECK THE POWER CABLE CONNECTION— Be sure that the power cable is
firmly inserted into the electrical outlet and the computer power connector.
CONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET—
Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify
that the computer turns on.
SWAP THE COMPUTER AND MONITOR POWER CABLES— Swap the
computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.
CHECK FOR INTERFERENCE— Electrical appliances on the same circuit or
operating near the computer can cause interference. Other causes of
interference: power extension cables, keyboard and mouse extension cables, too
many devices on a power strip, or multiple power strips connected to the same
electrical outlet.
CHECK THE POWER PROPERTIES— See the Tell Me How help file or search
for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center. To access help files, see
page 22.
OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND— Call Dell for technical assistance (see
page 84).
INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA— The operating system is trying to boot to a
nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.
NON-SYSTEM DISK ERROR— There is a floppy disk in the floppy drive.
Remove the floppy disk and restart the computer.
If the screen is blank
CHECK THE VIDEO CABLE CONNECTION— Check for bent pins (most video
cable connectors have missing pins, but not bent pins). Ensure that the video
cable is connected as shown on the START HERE sheet for your computer.
PRESS THE MONITOR POWER BUTTON— Be sure that you firmly pressed the
monitor power button.
HINT: See the
documentation that came
with your monitor for
fault indications and
troubleshooting
procedures specific to
your monitor.
Solving Problems 23
CHECK THE POWER LIGHT— When 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.
SWAP THE COMPUTER AND MONITOR POWER CABLES— Swap the
computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
TEST THE VIDEO EX TENS ION CABLE (IF USED)—If you are using a video
extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is defective.
TEST THE MONITOR— If another monitor is available, connect it to the
computer.
CHECK THE BACK PANEL LIGHTS— If all four lights below the serial
connector are not green, call Dell for technical assistance (see page 84).
CHECK THE POWER PROPERTIES— See the Tell Me How help file or search
for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center. To access help files, see
page 22.
If the screen is difficult to read
ADJUST THE CONTRAST AND BRIGHTNESS— See the documentation that
came with your monitor for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness.
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.
24 Solving Problems
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.
ROTATE THE MONITOR TO FACE A DIFFERENT DIRECTION— Eliminate
sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality.
DEGAUSS (DEMAGNETIZE) THE MONITOR— See the documentation that
came with your monitor.
RUN THE MONITOR SELF-TEST— See the documentation that came with
your monitor.
RESTORE THE RECOMMENDED SETTINGS— Restore the original resolution
and refresh rate settings. See the Tell Me How help file for instructions. To access
help files, see page 22.
CHECK FOR ADDITIONAL ADJUSTMENTS— See the documentation that
came with your monitor for any additional adjustments that your monitor may
require.
ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS
1 Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
2 Click Appearance and Themes.
3 Click Display, and then click the Settings tab.
4 Try different settings for Screen resolution and Color quality.
CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS— See page 40.
If your computer has speakers, use this section to solve speaker
problems
ENSURE THAT THE SUBWOOFER AND THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED
ON— See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.
HINT: The volume
control in some MP3
players overrides the
Windows volume setting.
If you have been listening
to MP3 songs, make sure
that you did not turn the
player volume down or off.
Solving Problems 25
ADJUST THE SPEAKER CONTROLS— Adjust the volume, bass, or treble
controls to eliminate distortion.
VERIFY THE SPEAKER CABLE CONNECTIONS— Ensure that the speakers
are connected as shown on the START HERE sheet for your computer and the
setup diagram supplied with the speakers.
ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL— Click the speaker icon in the
lower-right corner of your screen. Be sure that the volume is turned up and that
the sound is not muted.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
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.
RUN THE SPEAKER DIAGNOSTICS— Some speaker systems have self-
contained diagnostics. See the speaker documentation for diagnostics
instructions.
ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE— Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent
lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working
by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
REINSTALL THE SOUND (AUDIO) DRIVER— See page 38.
CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS— See page 40.
26 Solving Problems
If you cannot print to a parallel port printer
VERIFY THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS— Ensure that the printer
cable is connected as described on page 14.
ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON— See the documentation
supplied with the printer.
VERIFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS
1 Click the Start button.
2 Click Control Panel.
3 Click Printers and Other Hardware.
4 Click View installed printers or fax printers. If the printer is listed, right-click
the printer icon.
5 Click Properties, and then select the Ports tab. Ensure that the Print to the
following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port).
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working
by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER— See page 16.
HINT: If you need
technical assistance for
your printer, call the
printer’s manufacturer
(see the documentation
that came with the printer
for the correct phone
number). Dell does not
cover the printer’s
warranty.
CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS— See page 40.
Solving Problems 27
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
If you cannot print to a USB printer
VERIFY THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS— Ensure that the printer
cable is connected as described on page 15.
ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON— See the documentation
supplied with the printer.
VERIFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS
1 Click the Start button.
2 Click Control Panel.
3 Click Printers and Other Hardware.
4 Click View installed printers or fax printers. If the printer is listed, right-click
the printer name.
5 Click Properties, and then select the Ports tab. Ensure that the Print to the
following port(s): setting is USB.
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working
by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER— See page 16.
HINT: If you need
technical assistance for
your scanner, call the
scanner’s manufacturer
(see the documentation
that came with the
scanner for the correct
phone number). Dell does
not cover the scanner’s
warranty.
28 Solving Problems
CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS— See page 40.
CHECK THE POWER CABLE CONNECTION— Ensure that the scanner power
cable is firmly connected to a working electrical power source and that the
scanner is turned on.
CHECK THE SCANNER CABLE CONNECTION— Ensure that the scanner
cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the scanner.
UNLOCK THE SCANNER— Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a
locking tab or button.
REINSTALL THE SCANNER DRIVER— Reinstall the scanner driver. See the
scanner documentation for instructions.
CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS— See page 40.
CHECK THE CONNECTION— Verify that the telephone line is connected to the
green connector on the modem. (The green line-in connector has either a LINE
IN label or a connector-shaped icon next to it.) Make sure you hear a click when
you insert the telephone line connector.
CHECK THE TELEPHONE JACK— Disconnect the telephone line from the
modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.
CONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK— 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 connect the
modem directly to the telephone wall jack with the telephone line.
HINT: 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 TELEPHONE LINE— Try using a different telephone line. If you
are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.
VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS
1 Click the Start button, and then 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.
Solving Problems 29
BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE SUBSCRIBED TO AN INTERNET SER VICE
PROVIDER— Contact an Internet service provider to subscribe.
CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS— See page 40.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
IF YOU CONNECTED THE MOUSE BEFORE TURNING ON THE
COMPUTER, RECONNECT THE MOUSE CABLE
1 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 ff , and
then press <Enter>.
3 After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the
START HERE sheet for your computer.
4 Start the computer.
IF YOU CONNECTED THE MOUSE AFTER TURNING ON THE COMPUTER,
REMOVE THE POWER CABLE, AND THEN RECONNECT THE MOUSE
CABLE— If the mouse is connected after the power is turned on, the mouse will
appear to be nonfunctional. To make the mouse function properly:
1 While your computer is on, remove the power cable from the back of the
computer.
2 Connect the mouse to the computer.
3 Reconnect the power cable.
4 Turn on your computer.
Pressing the power button does not clear the computer’s settings and does not
restore mouse functionality.
CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS
1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other
Hardware.
2 Click Mouse.
3 Try adjusting the settings.
30 Solving Problems
CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS— See page 40.
Loading...