Dell Inspiron 3800 User Manual

Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 Systems

SOLUTIONS GUIDE

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Hints, Notices, and Cautions

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.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete listing of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary in the Tell Me How help file. Click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Users’ Guides, and then click Tell Me How.

____________________

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text:

Precision, OptiPlex, Latitude

Pentium

and

Microsoft

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.

March 2001 P/N 595RW Rev. A00

are registered trademarks and

and

Windows

Dell

, the

DELL

logo,

, and

DellWare

are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Dell TravelLite, Inspiron, Dimension, Dell

are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation;

Celeron

is a trademark of Intel Corporation;

Intel

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

When Using Your Computer When Removing or Installing Memory Modules

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . 11

1 Setting Up

Connecting a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Installing the Printer Driver

Parallel Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

USB Printer

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

. . . . . . . . . 10

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Turning Off the Computer

Windows Millennium Edition (Me) and Windows 2000 Windows 98

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Using the Media Bay

Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off Swapping Devices While Windows Is Running

Setting Up the APR to Connect to a Network

Setting Up the APR for Windows Me and Windows 98 Setting Up the APR for Windows 2000

2 Solving Problems

Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Accessing Help Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Power Problems

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

. . . . . 16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

. . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . 19

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

. . . . . 20

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

Contents 3

Start-Up Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Video and Display Problems

If the display is blank If the display is difficult to read

Sound and Speaker Problems

Integrated Speakers External Speakers

Printer Problems

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

If you cannot print to a parallel port printer If you cannot print to a USB printer

Modem Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

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

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

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . 31

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

Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Touch Pad Problems External Keyboard Problems

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

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

Unexpected Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Drive Problems

If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk If you cannot play a music CD or install a program from a CD

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. 35

If you cannot play a DVD movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

If the CD-RW drive stops writing If you have a hard drive problem

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

4 Contents

Network Problems Windows Error Messages

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

General Program Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

A program crashes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

A program stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

A solid blue screen appears

Internet Connection Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

E-Mail Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

If Your Computer Gets Wet

If You Drop or Damage Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Resolving Other Technical Problems Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Reinstalling Windows Me and Windows 98

Reinstalling Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Recreating the Hibernate File (Windows 98 Only) . . . . . . . . . 46

Boot (Restart) Your Computer With the System Software CD

Delete the Old Hibernate File Create the Hibernate File

Enable Hibernate Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

3 Adding Parts

Using the Advanced Port Replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Connecting External Devices to the APR

APR Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Docking the Computer Undocking the Computer Monitor Stand

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Adding Memory Replacing a Hard Drive

Returning a Hard Drive to Dell

Using the Floppy Drive as an External Device

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

. . . . . . . . . . . 61

Attaching the Composite TV-Out Adapter Cable. . . . . . . . . . 62

Contents 5

4 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Standard Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

System Setup Pages

Viewing the System Setup Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Contact Numbers and Addresses

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . . . . . . . . . 84

Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

FCC Notices (U.S. Only)

Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

NOM Information (Mexico Only) Información para NOM (únicamente para México)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

. . . . . . . 90

Warranty and Return Policy Information Macrovision Product Notice

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

6 Contents

Safety Instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to help protect yourself and your computer. For comfort and efficiency, obse rve the ergonomic guide lines in “Sitting Comfortably at Your Computer” in the Tell Me How help file.

When Using Your Computer

CAUTION: Do not operate your portable computer for an extended

period of time with the base resting directly on your body. With extended operation, heat can potentially build up in the base. Allowing sustained contact with the skin could cause discomfort or, eventually, a burn.

• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself. Always follow

installation instructions closely.

• Do not carry a battery in your pocket, purse, or other container where

metal objects (such as car keys) could short-circuit the battery terminals. The resulting excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures and may result in damage from burns.

• Be sure that nothing rests on your AC adapter’s power cable and that

the cable is not located where it can be tripped over or stepped on.

• Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk top or on the

floor, when you use it to run the computer or to charge the battery . Do not cover the AC adapter with papers or other items that will reduce cooling; also, do not use the AC adapter while it is inside a carrying case.

• Do not use your computer in a wet environment, for example, near a

bath tub, sink, or swimming pool or in a wet basement.

• Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your computer.

Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.

• Use only the AC adapter and batteries that are approved for use with

this computer as indicated in this document. Use of another type of battery or AC adapter may risk fire or explosion.

Safety Instructions 7

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• Before you connect the computer to a power source, ensure that the

voltage rating of the AC adapter matches that of the available power source:

– 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 – 230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East

• To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and external

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.

• If you use an extension cable with your AC adapter, ensure that the

total ampere rating of the products plugged in to the extension cable does not exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.

• To remove power from the computer, turn it off, remove the battery,

and disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.

• If your computer includes an integrated or optional (PC Card)

modem, disconnect the modem cable during an electrical storm to avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning via the telephone line.

8 Safety Instructions

• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or

disconnect any cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical storm.

• PC Cards may become very warm during normal operation. Use care

when removing PC Cards after their continuous operation.

• Do not dispose of batteries in a fire. They may explode. Check with

local authorities for disposal instructions.

• When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface.

• When traveling, do not check the computer as baggage. You can put

your computer through an X-ray security machine, but never put your computer through a metal detector. If you have the computer checked by hand, be sure to have a charged battery available in case you are asked to turn on the computer.

• When traveling with the hard drive removed from the computer, wrap

the drive in a nonconducting material, such as cloth or paper. If you have the drive checked by hand, be ready to install the drive in the computer. You can put the hard drive through an X-ray security machine, but never put the drive through a metal detector.

• When traveling, do not place the computer in overhead storage

compartments where it could slide around. Do not drop your computer or subject it to other mechanical shocks.

• Protect your computer, battery, and hard drive from environmental

hazards such as dirt, dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and overexposure to sunlight.

• When you move your computer between environments with very

different temperature and/or humidity ranges, condensation may form on or within the computer. To avoid damaging the computer, allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate before using the computer.

NOTICE: When taking the computer from low-temperature conditions into a

warmer environment or from high-temperature conditions into a cooler environment, allow the computer to acclimate to room temperature before turning on power.

• When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-

relief loop, not on the cable itself. As you pull out the connector, keep it evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, befor e you connect a cable make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

• Handle components with care. Hold a component such as a memory

module by its edges, not its pins.

• When removing a memory module from the system board or

disconnecting an external device from the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before removing the memory module or disconnecting the device to help avoid possible damage to the system board.

• Before you clean your computer, turn it off, unplug it from its power

source, and remove the battery.

• Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water rather

than with liquid or aerosol cleaners.

Safety Instructions 9

• Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and commercial window

cleaner that does not contain wax or abrasives. Apply the cleaner to the cloth; then stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom. If the display contains grease or some other contaminant, use isopropyl alcohol instead of commercial window cleaner.

• If your computer gets wet, see page 40 for instructions. If you drop or

damage the computer, see page 41. If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not operating properly , contact Dell (see page 71).

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When Removing or Installing Memory Modules

Before you remove or install memory modules, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.

NOTICE: The only time you should ever access the inside of your computer is

when you are installing memory modules.

NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before

disconnecting an external device or removing a memory module to help prevent possible damage to the system board.

Turn off your computer and all attached devices.

1 2 Disconnect your computer and external devices from their electrical

outlets to reduce the potential for personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

3 Remove the battery from the battery bay and, if present, the secondary

battery from the media bay.

4 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.

In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:

10 Safety Instructions

• 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 memory modules with care. Don’t touch the components on a

module. Hold a module by its edges.

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 11

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12 Safety Instructions

SECTION 1

Setting Up

Connecting a Printer Turning Off the Computer Using the Media Bay Setting Up the APR to Connect to a Network

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Connecting a Printer

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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HINT: For comple te

printer driver installation instructions, refer to your printer documentation.

Installing the Printer Driver

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. If you need to install a printer driver, insert the installation CD into the CD

or DVD drive. Then follow the prompts on the scr een using the instructions that came with the printer.

If your printer installation CD does not automatically run, click the Start button on the Microsoft

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.

Parallel Printer

1 Turn off the computer (see page 16).

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 port connector on the

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 printer cable

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

parallel port connector on computer

printer cable connector

clips (2)

notches (2)

Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.

4 Install the printer driver if necessary (see page 14).

USB Printer

1 Install the printer driver if necessary (see page 14). 2 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB port connector on the

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

HINT: You can connect

USB devices while the computer is turned on.

Setting Up 15

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USB port connector on computer

USB port connector

on printer USB printer cable

Turning Off the Computer

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

procedure to turn off your computer.

Windows Millennium Edition (Me) and Windows 2000

16 Setting Up

1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs. 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.

Windows 98

1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs. 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.

Using the Media Bay

Dell ships your computer with a floppy drive installed in the media bay . The media bay also supports the following devices:

• CD drive

• CD-RW drive

• DVD drive

• Zip drive

• Second hard drive

• Second battery

• Dell TravelLite™ module

NOTICE: To prevent irreparable damage to the docking connector, do not

remove or replace devices while the computer is connected to an advanced port replicator (APR).

Setting Up 17

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bott

Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off

1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down

the computer (see page 16).

2 If the computer is connected (docked) to an APR, undock it (see

page 54).

3 Close the display and turn the computer over. 4 Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the media

bay.

NOTICE: To prevent damage, place devices in a travel case when they are not

inserted in the computer. Store devices in a dry, safe place, and avoid placing heavy objects on top of them.

om of computer

18 Setting Up

device latch release

NOTICE: Insert devices before you dock and turn on the computer.

Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click.

6 Turn on the computer.

Swapping Devices While Windows Is Running

NOTICE: To prevent irreparable damage to the docking connector, do not

replace devices while the computer is connected to an APR.

In Microsoft Windows Me or Windows 98

1 Right-click the Softex BayManager icon on the Microsoft Windows

taskbar.

2 Click Remove/Swap. 3 Keep the display open, and tilt the computer back so that you can

access the bottom of the computer.

4 Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the media

bay.

5 Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click. 6 Click OK. Then click OK again to close the Softex BayManager

window.

In Microsoft Windows 2000

1 Double-click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon on the Microsoft

Windows taskbar.

2 Click the device you want to eject and then click Stop. 3 Click OK, and wait until the device you want to eject is cleared from

the list of devices in the Unplug or Eject Hardware window.

4 Keep the display open, and tilt the computer back so that you can

access the bottom of the computer.

5 Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the media

bay.

6 Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click. 7 When Windows recognizes the new device, click Close.

Setting Up 19

Setting Up the APR to Connect to a Network

HINT: A network adapter

is also referred to as a network interface controller (NIC).

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NOTICE: Do not install a network adapter or a network adapter/modem

combination PC Card until you complete the advanced port replicator (APR) setup.

If you purchased the APR with an integrated network adapter, you must first configure the computer to use the APR with a network.

Setting Up the APR for Windows Me and Windows 98

1 If the computer is on, shut down the operating system and turn off the

computer (see page 16).

2 Disconnect all external devices from the APR. 3 Connect the AC adapter to the APR and an electrical outlet. 4 Insert the computer into the APR. 5 Turn on the computer.

The computer automatically detects the network adapter and begins the software installation.

6 At the Add New Hardware Wizard window, click A utomatic search for

a better driver (Recommended) and then click Next.

7 Click Finish when Windows displays a message that the driver is

installed.

20 Setting Up

8 Click Yes to restart the compute r.

After the computer restarts, Windows modifies settings, creates a Dock 1 configuration, and then displays a

Setup is complete

message.

9 Click OK. 10 If the Updated display settings message appears, click OK. 11 If necessary, consult your network administrator for instructions on

configuring the network adapter settings.

Setting Up the APR for Windows 2000

NOTICE: Do not install the drivers from the CD that is shipped with the APR.

The network adapter will not work if they are installed.

1 If the computer is on, shut down the operating system and turn off the

computer (see page 16).

2 Disconnect all external devices from the APR. 3 Insert the computer into the APR. 4 Attach the network cable and the AC adapter to the APR. 5 Turn on the computer. 6 Log on as a user with administrative privileges. 7 Make sure that 3Com PCI Ethernet Adapter (10/100) appears in the

Found New Hardware window. Windows 2000 automatically installs the network adapter drivers.

Setting Up 21

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22 Setting Up

SECTION 2

Solving Problems

Finding Solutions Accessing Help Files Power Problems Start-Up Error Messages Video and Display Problems Sound and Speaker Problems Printer Problems Modem Problems Scanner Problems Touch Pad Problems External Keyboard Problems Unexpected Characters Drive Problems Network Problems Windows Error Messages General Program Problems Internet Connection Problems E-Mail Problems If Your Computer Gets Wet If You Drop or Damage Your Computer Resolving Other Technical Problems Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities Reinstalling Windows

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HINT: If you have a

problem with an external device, see the device documentation or contact the manufacturer.

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Finding Solutions

Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out where to go for answers. Use this chart to quickly find the answers to your questions.

See page 26.

Press the power button to resume from standby mode. See the

Tell Me How

for more information on standby mode.

Get technical assistance from Dell. See page 71.

See page 37.

help file

24 Solving Problems

See page 28.

See page 29.

See page 31.

See page 32.

See page 33.

See page 34.

See page 37.

See page 42.

See page 38.

See page 39.

See page 40.

Solving Problems 25

Accessing Help Files

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TO ACCESS THE

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

ELL ME HOW

HELP FILE

click Tell Me How.

TO ACCESS

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.

TO ACCESS

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

INDOWS

INDOWS ME HELP

2000 H

ELP

click Go.

3 Click the topic that describes your problem and then click Display. 4 Follow the instructions shown on the screen.

TO ACCESS

1 Click the Start button and then click Help. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and then click Display . 3 In the Topics Found window, click the topic that describes your problem and

INDOWS

98 SE H

ELP

then click Display.

4 Follow the instructions shown on the screen.

HINT: See the

help file for

How

Tell Me

information on standby mode.

26 Solving Problems

Power Problems

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 the power button to resume from standby mode. If the power light is off, press the power button.

CHECK THE BATTERY— If you are using a battery to power your computer, the

battery charge may be depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET—Ensure that the electrical outlet is w orking

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

CHECK THE AC ADAPTER—Be sure that the power cable is firmly inserted

into the electrical outlet and the green light on the AC adapter is on.

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.

CHECK FOR INTERFERENCE— Electrical appliances on the same circuit or

operating near the computer can cause interference. Other causes of interference: power extension cables, too many devices on a power strip, or multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet.

ADJUST THE POWER PROPERTIES—See the Tell Me How help file or search

for the keyword standby in Windows Help. To access help files, see page 26.

RESEAT THE MEMORY MODULES— If your computer power light turns on

but the display remains blank, you may need to reseat the memory modules (see page 55).

Start-Up Error Messages

OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOU ND—Call Dell for technical assistance (see

page 71).

INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA— The operating system is trying to boot to a

nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.

Solving Problems 27

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NON-SYSTEM DISK ERROR— A floppy disk is in the floppy drive. Remove the

floppy disk and restart the computer.

Video and Display Problems

If the display is blank

CHECK THE POWER LIGHT— When the power light is blinking, the computer

has power. If the power light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press the power button to resume from standby mode. If the power light is off, press the power button.

CHECK THE BATTERY —If you are using a battery to power your computer, the

battery charge may be depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer.

TEST THE ELECT RICAL OUTLET— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working

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

CHECK THE AC ADAPTER— Be sure that the power cable is firmly inserted

into the electrical outlet and the green light on the AC adapter is on.

28 Solving Problems

ADJUST THE POWER PROPERTIES—Search for the keyword standby in

Windows Help. To access help files, see page26.

If the display is difficult to read

ADJUST THE BRIGHTNESS— See the Tell Me How help file (see page 26) for

instructions on adjusting the brightness.

MOVE THE SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER OR MONITOR— If

your external speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer or external monitor.

ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE— Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent

lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.

ROTAT E THE COMPUTER TO FACE A DIFFERENT DIRECTION— Eliminate

sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality.

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 26.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS—

1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2 Double-click the Display icon and then click the Settings tab. 3 Tr y different settings for Colors and Screen area.

Sound and Speaker Problems

Integrated Speakers

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.

CHECK THE VOLUME CONTR OL BUTTONS—Press both volume control

buttons simultaneously or press <Fn><End> to disable (mute) or reenable the integrated speakers.

REINSTALL THE SOUND (AUDIO) DRIVER— See page 42.

Solving Problems 29

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.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

External Speakers

VERIFY THE SPEAKER CABLE CONNECTIONS—Ensure that the speakers

are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.

TEST THE ELECT RICAL OUTLET— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working

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

ENSURE THAT THE SPEA KERS ARE TURNED ON— See the setup diagram

supplied with the speakers.

ADJUST THE SPEAKER CONT ROLS—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

connector on the side of the computer. Ensure that the headphone volume control is turned up. Play a music CD.

30 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 COMPUTER OR MONITOR— If

your external speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 m (2 ft) away from the computer or external monitor.

ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTER FERENCE—Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent

lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.

REINSTALL THE SOUND (AUDIO) DRIVER—See page 42.

+ 68 hidden pages

Dell Inspiron 3800 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Setting Up

Connecting a Printer

Installing the Printer Driver

Parallel Printer

USB Printer

Turning Off the Computer

Windows Millennium Edition (Me) and Windows 2000

Windows 98

Using the Media Bay

Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off

Swapping Devices While Windows Is Running

Setting Up the APR to Connect to a Network

Setting Up the APR for Windows Me and Windows 98

Setting Up the APR for Windows 2000

Solving Problems

Finding Solutions

Accessing Help Files

Power Problems

Start-Up Error Messages

Video and Display Problems

If the display is blank

If the display is difficult to read

Sound and Speaker Problems

Integrated Speakers

External Speakers