Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly
forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Vostro are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and the Windows start button logo are either trademarks or registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Bluetooth is a
registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc.
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 Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and
trade names other than its own.
Model PP36L
September 2009Rev. A01
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FILE LOCATION: C:\Documents and Settings\sarah_cook\Desktop\Tsing
Flashing the BIOS From a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Flashing the BIOS From the Hard Drive
. . . . . . . . . 116
8Contents
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Tools
Diagnostic Lights
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
Your computer has three keyboard status lights located above the keyboard.
During normal operation, the keyboard status lights display the current status
(on or off) of the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock features. If the
computer starts without error, the lights flash, and then turn off. If the
computer malfunctions, however, you can use the status of the lights to help
identify the problem.
NOTE: After the computer completes POST, the Num Lock light may remain on,
depending on your BIOS settings. For more information on using the system setup
program, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or at support.dell.com.
Diagnostic Light Codes During POST
To troubleshoot a problem with your computer, read the sequence of the
keyboard status lights in order from left to right (Num Lock, Caps Lock, and
then Scroll Lock). If the computer malfunctions the individual lights display
a status of either On , Off , or Flashing .
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• If two or more memory modules are
installed, remove the modules (see
"Removing a Memory Module" on
page 49), then reinstall one module
(see "Replacing a Memory Module" on
page 51) and restart the computer. If
the computer starts normally,
continue to install additional memory
modules (one at a time) until you
have identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.
• If available, install working memory of
the same type into your computer (see
"Memory" on page 49).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
Support.
Memory modules are
detected, but a
memory failure has
occurred.
• If two or more memory modules are
installed, remove the modules (see
"Removing a Memory Module" on
page 49), then reinstall one module
(see "Replacing a Memory Module" on
page 51) and restart the computer. If
the computer starts normally,
continue to install additional memory
modules (one at a time) until you
have identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.
• If available, install working memory of
the same type into your computer (see
"Memory" on page 49).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
Support.
A possible processor
failure has occurred.
• Reseat the processor (see "Removing
the Processor Module" on page 45).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
Support.
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10Troubleshooting
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A possible graphics
card/video failure has
occurred.
A possible LCD
failure has occurred.
A possible keyboard
failure has occurred.
A possible USB
controller failure has
occurred.
• Reseat any installed graphics cards.
• If available, install a working graphics
card into your computer.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
Support.
• Reseat the LCD cable (see "Removing
the Display Assembly" on page 65).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
Support.
• Reseat the keyboard (see "Removing
the Keyboard" on page 57).
• If available, connect an external
keyboard.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
Support.
• Remove any USB devices.
• If the problem persists, contact
contact Dell Support.
Hardware Troubleshooter
If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is
detected, but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware
Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.
Windows XP:
Click
Start→
1
2
Ty p e
Help and Support
hardware troubleshooter
<Enter> to start the search.
3
In the
Fix a Problem
4
In the
Hardware Troubleshooter
the problem, and click
section, click
Next
Windows Vista®:
Click the Windows Vista start button , and click
1
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 9/4/09 - FOR PROOF ONLY
.
in the search field and press
Hardware Troubleshooter
.
list, select the option that best describes
to follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.
Help and Support.
Troubleshooting11
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2
Ty p e
hardware troubleshooter
in the search field and press
<Enter> to start the search.
3
In the search results, select the option that best describes the problem and
follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in
"Solving Problems" on page 18, and then run the Dell Diagnostics before
contacting Dell for assistance.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media provided with your computer.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your
computer.
NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics only operate on Dell computers.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
Before running the Dell Diagnostics, enter system setup to review your
computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device you want
to test is displayed in system setup and is active. For more information on
using the system setup program, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your
computer or at support.dell.com.
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a separate diagnostic utility partition on
your hard drive.
NOTE: If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See
the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.
NOTE: If your computer does not display a screen image, contact Dell Support.
1
Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is
known to be working properly.
2
Press and hold the <Fn> key or the mute button then turn on your
computer.
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NOTE: Alternatively, you can select Diagnostics from the one-time boot menu
at startup to boot to the diagnostic utility partition and run the Dell
Diagnostics.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA), a series of
initial tests of your system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive,
etc.
•During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
•If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment,
write down the error code(s) and contact Dell Support.
•If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, the
following message appears: "
Booting Dell Diagnostic
Utility Partition. Press any key to
continue
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has
been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities media (see
"Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media" on
page 14).
3
Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility
."
partition on your hard drive.
4
Press <Tab> to select
Tes t Sy stem
and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test
on your computer. Selecting Test Memory initiates the extended memory test,
which can take up to thirty minutes or more to complete. When the test
completes, record the test results and then press any key to return to the
previous menu.
5
At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the touch pad/mouse,
or press <Tab> and then <Enter>, to select the test you want to run (see
"Dell Diagnostics Main Menu" on page 15).
NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they
appear and follow the instructions on the screen.
6
After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell
Diagnostics Main Menu.
7
Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the
computer.
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NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has
been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities media (see
"Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media" on
page 14).
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media
Before running the Dell Diagnostics, enter system setup to review your
computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device you want
to test is displayed in system setup and is active. For more information on
using the system setup program, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your
computer or at support.dell.com.
Insert the
1
2
Restart your computer.
3
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
Drivers and Utilities media into the optical drive
NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key is held down for extended
periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in
even intervals to open the Boot Device Menu.
.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to
wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop, then shut down your
computer and try again.
4
When the boot device list appears, use the up- or down- arrow keys to
highlight
5
Press any key to confirm that you want to start from the CD/DVD.
CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive
NOTE: Using the one-time boot menu changes the boot sequence for the
current boot only. Upon restart, the computer boots according to the boot
sequence specified in system setup.
then press <Enter>.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to
wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop, then shut down your
computer and try again.
6
Ty p e 1 to
7
At the
Resource CD (graphical user interface)
8
Press <Tab> to select
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 9/4/09 - FOR PROOF ONLY
Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics
Dell Diagnostics Menu
Test Sy st em
, type 1 to select
and then press <Enter>.
.
Dell 32-bit Diagnostics for
.
14Troubleshooting
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NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test
on your computer. Selecting Test Memory initiates the extended memory test,
which can take up to thirty minutes or more to complete. When the test
completes, record the test results and then press any key to return to the
previous menu.
9
At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the mouse, or press
<Tab> and then <Enter>, to select the test you want to run (see "Dell
Diagnostics Main Menu" on page 15).
NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they
appear and follow the instructions on the screen.
10
After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell
Diagnostics Main Menu.
11
Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the
computer.
12
Remove the
Drivers and Utilities
media from the optical drive.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
After the Dell Diagnostics loads the following menu appears:
OptionFunction
Test MemoryRun the stand-alone memory test
Test SystemRun system diagnostics
ExitExit the diagnostics
Press <Tab> to select the test you want to run and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on
your computer. Selecting Test Memory initiates the extended memory test, which
can take up to thirty minutes or more to complete. When the test completes, record
the test results and then press any key to return to this menu.
After Test System is selected, the following menu appears:
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OptionFunction
Express TestPerforms a quick test of devices in the
system. This typically can take 10 to 20
minutes.
NOTE: The Express Test requires no interaction on your
part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of
tracing a problem quickly.
Extended TestPerforms a thorough check of devices in
the system. This typically can take an
hour or more.
NOTE: The Extended Test periodically requires your input
to answer specific questions.
Custom TestUse to test a specific device or
customize the tests to be run.
Symptom TreeThis option allows you to select tests
based on a symptom of the problem you
are having. This option lists the most
common symptoms.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Extended Test to perform a more
thorough check of devices in the computer.
For any problem encountered during a test, a message appears with an error
code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and
problem description exactly as it appears and follow the instructions on the
screen. If you cannot resolve the problem, contact Dell Support.
NOTE: When contacting Dell Support, have your Service Tag ready. The Service
Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen.
The following tabs provide additional information for tests run from the
Custom Test or Symptom Tree option:
TabFunction
Results
Displays the results of the test
and any error conditions
encountered.
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TabFunction (continued)
ErrorsDisplays error conditions encountered,
error codes, and the problem
description.
HelpDescribes the test and any requirements
for running the test.
ConfigurationDisplays the hardware configuration for
the selected device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains
configuration information for all
devices from System Setup, memory, and
various internal tests, and displays
the information in the device list in
the left pane of the screen.
NOTE: The device list may not display the names of all
components installed on your computer or all devices
attached to your computer.
ParametersAllows you to customize the test, if
applicable, by changing the test
settings.
Error Messages
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
If the error message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating
system or the program that was running when the message appeared.
A FILENAMECANNOTCONTAINANYOFTHEFOLLOWINGCHARACTERS:
\ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not use these characters in filenames.
A
REQUIRED .DLL FILEWASNOTFOUND — The program that you are trying to open
is missing an essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program:
Windows XP:
1
Click
Start→
Control Panel→ Add or Remove Programs→ Programs and Features
2
Select the program you want to remove.
3
Click
Uninstall
4
See the program documentation for installation instructions.
Windows Vista:
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 9/4/09 - FOR PROOF ONLY
.
Troubleshooting17
.
FILE LOCATION: C:\Documents and Settings\sarah_cook\Desktop\Tsing
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Click
Start
→
1
2
Select the program you want to remove.
3
Click
Uninstall
4
See the program documentation for installation instructions.
drive letter :\ ISNOTACCESSIBLE. THEDEVICEISNOTREADY — The drive
cannot read the disk. Insert a disk into the drive and try again.
I
NSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA — Insert a bootable floppy disk, CD, or DVD.
ON-SYSTEM DISK ERROR — Remove the floppy disk from the floppy drive and
N
restart your computer.
N
OT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. CLOSE SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY
AGAIN — Close all windows and open the program that you want to use. In some
cases, you may have to restart your computer to restore computer resources. If so, run
the program that you want to use first.
PERATINGSYSTEMNOTFOUND — Contact Dell Support.
O
Control Panel→ Programs→ Programs and Features
.
.
Solving Problems
Follow these tips when troubleshooting your computer:
•If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the
installation procedures and ensure that the part is correctly installed.
•If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly
connected.
•If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message.
This message may help support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).
•If an error message occurs in a program, see the program’s documentation.
NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default
view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic
view.
Battery Problems
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.
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CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
Drive Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
NSURE THAT MICROSOFT
E
Windows XP:
• Click
Start
and click
Windows Vista:
• Click
Start
and click
If the 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.
EST THE DRIVE —
T
• Insert another disc to eliminate the possibility that the original drive is defective.
• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.
CLEANTHEDRIVEORDISK — For information on cleaning your computer, see the
Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or at support.dell.com.
C
HECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS
RUNTHE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Hardware Troubleshooter" on
page 11.
R
UN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 12.
®
WINDOWS® RECOGNIZESTHEDRIVE —
My Computer
Computer
.
.
Optical drive problems
NOTE: High-speed optical drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which
does not indicate a defect in the drive or the media.
NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all
DVD titles work in all DVD drives.
A
DJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL —
• Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.
• Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up.
• Ensure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked.
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CHECKTHESPEAKERSANDSUBWOOFER — See "Sound and Speaker Problems" on
page 24.
Problems writing to an optical drive
CLOSEOTHERPROGRAMS — The optical drive must receive a steady stream of data
during the writing process. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all
programs before you write to the optical.
URNOFFSTANDBYMODEIN WINDOWSBEFOREWRITINGTOA DISC — Fo r
T
information about setting power options, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your
computer or at support.dell.com. You can also search for the keyword standby in
Windows Help and Support for information on power management modes.
Hard drive problems
RUN CHECK DISK —
Windows XP:
1
Click
Start and click My Computer
2
Right-click
3
Click
4
Click
Local Disk C:
Properties→ Tools→
.
Check Now
Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors and click Start
.
.
.
Windows Vista:
1
Click
Start
2
Right-click
3
Click
The
Local Disk C:
Properties→ Tools→
User Account Control
computer, click
and click
Continue
Computer
.
.
Check Now
.
window may appear. If you are an administrator on the
; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the
desired action.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
IEEE 1394 Device Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
NOTE: Your computer supports only IEEE 1394a standard.
NSURE THAT THE CABLE FOR THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS PROPERLY INSERTED INTO
E
THE DEVICE AND INTO THE CONNECTOR ON THE COMPUTER
ENSURETHATTHE IEEE 1394 DEVICEISENABLEDINSYSTEM SETUP — For more
information on using the system setup program, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your
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20Troubleshooting
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computer or at support.dell.com.
NSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —
E
Windows XP:
1
Click
Start and click Control Panel
2
Under
Pick a Category
→
Properties
Hardware→
, click
Device Manager
.
Performance and Maintenance→
.
System→
System
Windows Vista:
1
Click
Start
→
2
Click
Device Manager.
Control Panel→ Hardware and Sound
.
If your IEEE 1394 device is listed, Windows recognizes the device.
F YOUHAVEPROBLEMSWITHA DELL IEEE 1394 DEVICE — Contact Dell
I
Support.
F YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH AN IEEE 1394 DEVICE NOT PROVIDED BY DELL —
I
Contact the IEEE 1394 device manufacturer.
Lockups and Software Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
The computer does not start up
CHECKTHEDIAGNOSTICLIGHTS — See "Power Problems" on page 23.
E
NSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO
THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET
The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You may lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system
shutdown.
URN THE COMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on
T
your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to
10 seconds (until the computer turns off), and then restart your computer.
A program stops responding
ENDTHEPROGRAM —
1
Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously to access the Task Manager.
2
Click the
Applications
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tab.
Troubleshooting21
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Click to select the program that is no longer responding.
3
4
Click
End Task
.
A program crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a
floppy disk, CD, or DVD.
HECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall
C
the program.
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system
RUNTHE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —
Windows XP:
The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an
environment similar to non-XP operating system environments.
1
Click
Start→
All Programs→ Accessories→ Program Compatibility Wizard→ Next
2
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Windows Vista:
The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an
environment similar to non-Windows Vista operating system environments.
1
Click
Start
→
Control Panel→ Programs→ Use an older program with this
version of Windows.
2
In the welcome screen, click
3
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Next
.
.
A solid blue screen appears
TURNTHECOMPUTEROFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on
your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to
10 seconds (until the computer turns off), and then restart your computer.
Other software problems
CHECKTHESOFTWAREDOCUMENTATIONORCONTACTTHESOFTWARE
MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION —
• Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your
computer.
• Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to
run the software. See the software documentation for information.
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• Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.
• Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.
• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
I
F YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE —
• Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if
that resolves the problem.
• See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary,
install additional memory (see "Replacing a Memory Module" on page 51).
• Reseat the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 49) to ensure that your computer
is successfully communicating with the memory.
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 12).
IF YOUEXPERIENCEOTHERMEMORYPROBLEMS —
• Reseat the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 49) to ensure that your computer
is successfully communicating with the memory.
• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see "Replacing a
Memory Module" on page 51).
• Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer. For more
information about the type of memory supported by your computer, see the
Quick Reference Guide
for your computer at
support.dell.com
.
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 12).
Setup and
Power Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
F THE POWER LIGHT IS GREEN AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT RESPONDING — See
I
"Diagnostic Lights" on page 9.
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IF THEPOWERLIGHTISOFF — The computer is either turned off or is not receiving
power.
• Reseat the power cable in the power connector on the back of the computer and the
electrical outlet.
• Bypass power strips, power extension cables, and other power protection devices to
verify that the computer turns on properly.
• Ensure that any power strips being used are plugged into an electrical outlet and are
turned on.
• Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a
lamp.
ELIMINATEINTERFERENCE — Some possible causes of interference are:
• Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables
• Too many devices connected to the same power strip
• Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet
Sound and Speaker Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
No sound from speakers
NOTE: The volume control in MP3 and other media players may override the
Windows volume setting. Always check to ensure that the volume on the media
player(s) has not been turned down or off.
DJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Click or double-click the speaker icon
A
in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that
the sound is not muted.
ISCONNECTHEADPHONESFROMTHEHEADPHONECONNECTOR — Sound from the
D
speakers is automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer’s
front-panel headphone connector.
LIMINATEPOSSIBLEINTERFERENCE — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or
E
halogen lamps to check for interference.
UNTHE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Hardware Troubleshooter" on
R
page 11.
No sound from headphones
CHECKTHEHEADPHONECABLECONNECTION — Ensure that the headphone cable is
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24Troubleshooting
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securely inserted into the headphone connector. See the Setup and Quick Reference
Guide for your computer at support.dell.com.
DJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Click or double-click the speaker icon
A
in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that
the sound is not muted.
Video and Display Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
NOTICE: If your computer came with a PCI graphics card installed, removal of the
card is not necessary when installing additional graphics cards; however, the card
is required for troubleshooting purposes. If you remove the card, store it in a safe
and secure location. For information about your graphics card, go to
support.dell.com.
HECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 9.
C
C
HECKTHEDISPLAYSETTINGS — See the Dell™ Technology Guide on your
computer or at support.dell.com.
DJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —
A
Windows XP:
1
Click
Start→
Control Panel→
2
Click the area you want to change or click the
3
Try different settings for
Windows Vista:
1
Click
Start
Display Settings
2
Adjust
Resolution
→ Control Panel→ Hardware and Sound→ Personalization
.
and
Appearance and Themes
Color quality
Colors settings,
and
as needed.
.
Display
icon.
Screen resolution
.
→
Only part of the display is readable
CONNECTANEXTERNALMONITOR —
1
Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.
2
Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor brightness and
contrast controls.
If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be
defective.
Contact Dell Support.
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Troubleshooting25
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Dell Technical Update Service
The Dell Technical Update service provides proactive e-mail notification of
software and hardware updates for your computer. The service is free and can
be customized for content, format, and how frequently you receive
notifications.
To enroll for the Dell Technical Update service, go to
support.dell.com/technicalupdate.
Dell Support Utility
The Dell Support Utility is installed on your computer and available from the
Dell Support, , icon on the taskbar or from the Start button. Use this
support utility for self-support information, software updates, and health
scans of your computing environment.
Accessing the Dell Support Utility
Access the Dell Support Utility from the icon on the taskbar or from the
Start menu.
If the Dell Support icon does not appear in your taskbar:
Click
1
2
Start→ All Programs→ Dell Support→
Ensure that the
Show icon on the taskbar
Dell Support Settings
option is checked.
.
NOTE: If the Dell Support Utility is not available from the Start menu, go to
support.dell.com and download the software.
The Dell Support Utility is customized for your computing environment.
The icon in the taskbar functions differently when you click, doubleclick, or right-click the icon.
Clicking the Dell Support Icon
Click or right-click the icon to perform the following tasks:
•Check your computing environment.
•View the Dell Support Utility settings.
•Access the help file for the Dell Support Utility.
•View frequently asked questions.
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26Troubleshooting
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•Learn more about the Dell Support Utility.
•Turn the Dell Support Utility off.
Double-Clicking the Dell Support Icon
Double-click the icon to manually check your computing environment,
view frequently asked questions, access the help file for the Dell Support
Utility, and view Dell Support settings.
For more information about the Dell Support Utility, click the question mark
(?) at the top of the Dell
™ Support screen.
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Troubleshooting27
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DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 9/4/09 - FOR PROOF ONLY
28Troubleshooting
Before Working on Your Computer
This document provides procedures for removing and installing the
components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure
assumes that:
•You have performed the steps in "Before Working on Your Computer" on
page 29.
•You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
•When replacing a component, you have already removed the original, if
installed.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently
than shown in this document.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
•Small flat-blade screwdriver
•Phillips screwdriver
•Small plastic scribe
•Flash BIOS update (see the Dell Support website at
What You Need to Know for Your Safety
support.dell.com
)
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from
potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You
should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your
product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and
support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered
by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the
product.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 9/4/09 - FOR PROOF ONLY
Template Last Updated - 2/7/2007Before Working on Your Computer29
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NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist
grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface, such as a
connector on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components
or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket.
Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.
NOTICE: When disconnecting a cable, pull on the cable's connector or on its
strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. For cable connectors with locking tabs,
press inward on the locking tabs to release the connector. When connecting a
cable, ensure that the connectors are correctly oriented and aligned to avoid
damage to the connector and/or the connector's pins.
1
Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer
cover from being scratched.
2
Shut down your computer.
•In Windows XP, click
•In Windows Vista, click
click
Shut Down
NOTE: Ensure that the computer is off and not in a power management mode.
If you cannot shut down the computer using the operating system, press and
hold the power button for 4 seconds.
3
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical
Start→ Shutdown→
Start
, click the arrow
Shutdown
to turn off your computer.
.
icon,
and then
outlets.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer,
and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
4
Disconnect any telephone or network cables from the computer.
5
Remove any installed cards from the ExpressCard slot and the 8-in-1
memory card reader.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove the battery
from the battery bay before you service the computer.
NOTE: To avoid damage to the computer, use only the battery designed for this
particular Dell computer. Do not use batteries designed for other Dell computers.
6
Turn the computer upside down.
7
Slide the battery lock to the open position.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 9/4/09 - FOR PROOF ONLY
30Before Working on Your Computer
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