Dell DIMENSION 8100 User Manual

Dell™ Dimension™ 8100

www.dell.com
support.dell.com

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 potentially hazardous situation

which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

For a complete listing of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary in
the Tell Me How help file. To open the file, click the Start button on the
Windows desktop, point to Programs

—> User’s Guides, and then click

TellMe How.

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2000-2001 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, Dimension, Inspiron, Dell Precision, OptiPlex,
Latitude, DellPlus, DellNet, and DellWare are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel
and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; 3Com is a registered trademark of 3Com
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.

September 2001 P/N 65JDG Rev. A04

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

When Using Your Computer

When Working Inside Your Computer

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

1 Setting Up

Connecting a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Parallel Printer

USB Printer

Installing the Printer Driver

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

. . . . . . . . . . . 9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Turning Off the Computer

Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) and Windows
Millennium Edition (Me)

Windows 2000

2 Solving Problems

Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Help Files

Power Problems

Start-Up Error Messages

Video and Monitor Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

If the screen is blank

If the screen is difficult to read

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Contents 3

Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

If you cannot print to a parallel port printer

If you cannot print to a USB printer

. . . . . . . . . . 23

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Modem Problems

Mouse Problems

Keyboard Problems

Drive Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk

If you cannot play a music CD or install a program
from a CD

If you cannot play a DVD movie

If the CD-RW drive stops writing

If you have a hard drive problem

Network Problems

Windows Error Messages

General Program Problems

A program crashes

A program stops responding

A solid blue screen appears

Internet Connection Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4 Contents

E-Mail Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Resolving Other Technical Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Reinstalling Windows 98

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Reinstalling Windows Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Reinstalling Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

3 Adding Parts

Removing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Looking Inside Your Computer

System Board

Rotating the Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Removing and Replacing the Front Panel

Adding Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Installing a Card

Removing Cards

Removing and Replacing the AGP Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Adding Memory

Adding or Replacing Other Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Replacing the Computer Cover

4 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Standard Settings

Viewing Settings

System Setup Screens

Clearing Forgotten Passwords

Replacing the Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Contents 5

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals

Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

. . . . . 67

. . . . . . 68

Contacting Dell

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit

Regulatory Information

FCC Notices (U.S. Only)

Battery Disposal

NOM Information (Mexico Only)

Información para NOM (únicamente para México)

Warranty and Return Policy Information

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

. . . . . . . . . 82

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

. . . . . . . 88

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

6 Contents

Use the following safety guidelines to protect yourself and your computer.
For comfort and efficiency, observe the ergonomic guidelines provided in
the Tell Me How help file.

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.

• To help avoid damaging your computer, the power voltage is

automatically sensed to match the AC power available at your
location. If your computer does not automatically sense the power
voltage, please set it to the proper voltage for your location.

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 NIC on the back of your
computer, and then from the network jack on the wall. When
reconnecting a network cable to your computer, first plug the cable
into the network jack, and then into the NIC.

• 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.

• 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 68).

Safety Instructions 7

• 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.

When Working Inside Your Computer

Before you remove the computer cover, perform the following steps in the
sequence indicated.

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NOTICE: 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.

Turn off your computer and all devices.

1

2 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.

3 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.

4 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.

8 Safety Instructions

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.

Safety Instructions 9

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10 Safety Instructions

SECTION 1

Connecting a Printer

Turning Off the Computer

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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.

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Parallel Printer

1 Turn off the computer (see page 14).

NOTICE: Use only a standard IEEE 1284 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.

parallel connector on

screws (2)

parallel printer
cable

computer

parallel
connector on
printer

clips (2)

12 Setting Up

notches (2)

3 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New

Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.

4 Install the printer driver if necessary (see page 13).

USB Printer

1 Install the printer driver if necessary (see page 13).

2 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connector on the computer

and the printer. The USB connectors only fit one way.

USB connector on
computer

USB printer
cable

USB connector
on printer

Installing the Printer Driver

HINT: You can connect

USB devices while the
computer is turned on.

If you need to install a printer driver, insert the installation CD into the CD
or DVD 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 Windows

®

desktop, click Run, and type x:\setup.exe

(where x is the letter of your CD or DVD drive [usually drive D]). Then
click OK and follow the prompts on your screen.

HINT: Dell installs

drivers for some new
printers. Click the Start
button, point to Settings,
and then click Printers. If
your printer is listed in the
Printers window, the
printer is ready to use.

Setting Up 13

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If you connect an older printer and it doesn’t work after you install the
driver, access the system setup program (see page 64) and ensure that the
parallel port is set to operate in bidirectional mode.

NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must perform the Microsoft® Windows

shutdown procedure.

Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) and Windows Millennium
Edition (Me)

1 Save and exit any programs and files you have open.

2 Click the Start button, and then click Shut Down.

3 In the Shut Down Windows window, click Shut down and then click

OK.

The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process
finishes.

4 Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power.

Windows 2000

14 Setting Up

1 Save and exit any programs and files you have open.

2 Click the Start button, and then click Shut Down.

3 Click the pull-down menu under What do you want the computer to

do?.

4 Click Shut down and then click OK.

The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process
finishes.

5 Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power.

SECTION 2

Finding Solutions

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

Windows Error Messages

General Program Problems

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Internet Connection Problems

E-Mail Problems

Resolving Other Technical Problems

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

Reinstalling Windows 98

Reinstalling Windows Me

Reinstalling Windows 2000

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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 18.

Get technical assistance from
Dell. See page 68.

See page 29.

16 Solving Problems

See page 20.

See page 22.

See page 23.

See page 24.

See page 25.

See page 26.

See page 26.

See page 28.

See page 24.

See page 29.

See page 30.

See page 31.

See page 30.

See page 31.

Solving Problems 17

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HINT: See the Tel l M e

How help file for

information on standby
mode.

ACCESS THE TELL ME HOW HELP FILE

1 Click the Start button, point to Programs—> User’s Guides, and then click

Tell Me How.

ACCESS MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® 2000 HELP

1 Click the Start button and then click Help.
2 Click the Search tab.
3 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and then click List Topics.
4 Click the topic that describes your problem and then click Display.
5 Follow the instructions shown on the screen.

ACCESS WINDOWS MILLENNIUM EDITION (ME ) HELP

1 Click the Start button and then click Help.
2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem in the Search box and then

click Go.

3 Click the topic that describes your problem and then click Display.
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.

18 Solving Problems

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET— Ensure that the electrical outlet is

working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

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 Windows Help.

To access Windows Help:

1 Click the Start button and then click Help.
2 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click the Search tab.
3 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, type standby and then click List

Topics. For Windows Me, type standby and then click Go.

4 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click To change the elapsed time before

your computer automatically goes on standby. For Windows Me, click
Changing the elapsed time before computer goes on standby or hibernate.

OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND— Call Dell for technical assistance (see

page 68).

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.

Solving Problems 19

HINT: See the monitor

documentation for fault
indications and
troubleshooting
procedures specific to
your monitor.

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If the screen is blank

PRESS THE MONITOR POWER BUTTON— Be sure that you firmly pressed the

monitor power button.

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.

TEST THE VIDEO EX TENSION CABLE (IF USED)—If removing the video

extension 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 port are

not green, call Dell for technical assistance (see page 68).

20 Solving Problems

CHECK THE POWER PROPERTIES IF THE MONITOR SCREEN

OCCASIONALLY TURNS BLANK — See Windows Help.

To access Windows Help:

1 Click the Start button and then click Help.
2 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click the Search tab.
3 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, type standby and then click List

Topics. For Windows Me, type standby and then click Go.

4 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click To change the elapsed time before

your computer automatically goes on standby. For Windows Me, click
Changing the elapsed time before computer goes on standby or hibernate.

If the screen is difficult to read

ADJUST THE CONTRAST AND BRIGHTNESS— See the monitor

documentation 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 2 ft (60 cm)
away from the monitor.

ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE— Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent

lights, or halogen lamps 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 monitor

documentation.

RUN THE MONITOR SELF-TEST— See the monitor documentation.

RESTORE THE RECOMMENDED SETTINGS— Restore the original resolution

and refresh rate settings. See the monitor documentation for instructions.

CHECK FOR ADDITIONAL ADJUSTMENTS— See the monitor documentation

for any additional adjustments that your monitor may require.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS— Click the Start button,

point to Settings, and click Control Panel. Double-click the Display icon and
then click the Settings tab. Try different settings for Colors and Screen area.

Solving Problems 21

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.

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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.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET— Ensure that the electrical outlet is

working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

ENSURE THAT THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED ON— See the setup diagram

supplied with the speakers.

ADJUST THE SPEAKER CONTROLS— Adjust the volume, bass, or treble

controls to eliminate distortion.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL— Double-click the yellow

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.

TEST THE SPEAKERS— Plug the speaker audio cable into the headphone jack

of the CD drive. Ensure that the headphone volume control is turned up. Play a
music CD.

22 Solving Problems

RUN THE SPEAKER SELF-TEST— Some speaker systems have a self-test

button on the subwoofer. See the speaker documentation for self-test
instructions.

MOVE THE SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE MONITOR— If your speaker

system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 2 ft (6 cm)
away from the monitor.

ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE— Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent

lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.

REINSTALL THE SOUND (AUDIO) DRIVER— See page 32.

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 12.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET— Ensure that the electrical outlet is

working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

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, point to Settings, and then click Printers.

If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon, click Properties, and then
select the Details tab.

2 Ensure that the Print to the following port: setting is LPT1 (Printer Port).

REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER— See page 13.

If you cannot print to a USB printer

VERIFY THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS— Ensure that the printer

cable is connected as described on page 13.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET— Ensure that the electrical outlet is

working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON— See the documentation

supplied with the printer.

VERIFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS— Click the

Start button, point to Settings, and then click Printers. If the printer is listed,
right-click the printer icon, click Properties, and then select the Details tab.

Solving Problems 23

REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER— See page 13.

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.

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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.

NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. Connecting

the modem to a digital telephone network damages the modem.

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.

24 Solving Problems

CHECK THE CONNECTION— Verify that the telephone line is connected to

the green jack on the modem. (The green line-in jack has either a LINE IN label
or a connector-shaped icon next to it.)

CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE— Try using a different telephone line. If you

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

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS

1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
2 In the Control Panel, double-click Modems.

If there are multiple entries for the same modem or modems listed that are
not installed, delete the entries and restart the computer.

3 Click the Diagnostics tab.
4 Click the COM port for your modem.
5 Click More Info to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.

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

RECONNECT THE MOUSE CABLE

1 Press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the Start menu.
2 Use the keyboard arrow keys to highlight Shut Down and then press the

<Enter> key.

3 After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the

START HERE sheet for your computer.

4 Start the computer.

CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS— Click the Start button, select Control

Panel, and then double-click the Mouse icon. Try adjusting the settings.

CONNECT THE MOUSE BEFORE YOU TURN ON THE COMPUTER— If you

connect the mouse after you power on the computer, the mouse will not work.

Follow these steps to restore mouse functionality:

1 With the computer on, remove the power cable from the back of the

computer.

2 Reconnect the mouse as shown on the START HERE sheet for your

computer.

3 Reconnect the power cable.
4 Turn on the computer.

Solving Problems 25

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HINT: For information

on saving files to a floppy
disk, see the Tell Me How
help file.

RECONNECT THE KEYBOARD CABLE— Shut down the computer (see

page 14), reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the
your computer, and then restart the computer.

START HERE sheet for

If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk

ENSURE THAT WINDOWS RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE— Double-click the

My Computer icon. If the floppy drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your
antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes
prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.

CANNOT SAVE FILES TO A FLOPPY DISK— Ensure that the floppy disk is

not full or write-protected (locked). See the following illustration.

TEST THE DRIVE WITH ANOTHER FLOPPY DISK— Insert another floppy

disk to eliminate the possibility that the original floppy disk is defective.

back of floppy disk

26 Solving Problems

write-protected

not write­protected

If you cannot play a music CD or install a program from a CD

ENSURE THAT WINDOWS RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE— Double-click the

My Computer icon. If the CD drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your
antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes
prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.

TEST THE DRIVE WITH ANOTHER CD—Insert another CD to eliminate the

possibility that the original CD is defective.

CLEAN THE DISC— See the Tell Me How help file for instructions.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL— Double-click the yellow

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.

If you cannot play a DVD movie

ENSURE THAT WINDOWS RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE— Double-click the

My Computer icon. If the DVD drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your
antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes
prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.

HINT: High-speed CD

drive vibration is normal
and may cause noise. This
does not indicate a defect
in the drive or the CD.

HINT: Because of

different worldwide file
types, not all DVD titles
work in all DVD drives.

TEST THE DRIVE WITH ANOTHER DVD—Insert another DVD to eliminate

the possibility that the original DVD is defective.

CLEAN THE DISC— See the Tell Me How help file for instructions.

Solving Problems 27

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If the CD-RW drive stops writing

TURN OFF STANDBY IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A CD-RW

DISK— See Windows Help.

To access Windows Help:

1 Click the Start button and then click Help.
2 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click the Search tab.
3 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, type standby and then click List

Topics. For Windows Me, type standby and then click Go.

4 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click To change the elapsed time before

your computer automatically goes on standby. For Windows Me, click
Changing the elapsed time before computer goes on standby or hibernate.

CHANGE THE WRITE SPEED TO A SLOWER RATE— The CD-RW drive

must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If the stream is interrupted,
an error occurs. Closing all programs before writing to the CD-RW may also
alleviate the problem.

If you have a hard drive problem

RUN SCAND ISK— Click the Start button, point to Programs—>

Accessories—> System Tools, and then click ScanDisk.

28 Solving Problems

CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR— Ensure that the network

cable connector is firmly connected to the connector on the computer as shown

START HERE sheet for your computer.

on the

CHECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF THE COMPUTER—

Green indicates that the network connection is active. If the status light is not
green, try replacing the network cable.

RESTART THE COMPUTER— Try to log on to the network again.