Manuals

1. Press <Ctrl><Alt><Del>.
2. If necessary, click Task Manager.
3. Select the program that is no longer responding.
4. Click End Task.

1. Press and hold the power button until the computer turns off.
2. To turn on the computer, press the power button.
   
   ScanDisk, a program that checks for and repairs errors on the hard-disk drive, may run during the boot process. The Windows operating system loads and runs after the scan completes.

Spills, splashes, and excessive humidity can cause moisture damage to the computer. 

CAUTION: Perform step 1 only after you are certain that it is safe to do so. If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, Dell recommends turning off AC power at the circuit breaker before attempting to remove the power cables from the electrical outlet. Use the utmost caution when removing wet cables from live power.

1. Turn off the computer and disconnect it from the AC adapter. Then disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet. Turn off any attached peripherals and disconnect them from their power sources and then from the computer.
2. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the computer.
3. If the modular bay is wet, remove the device from the bay. If the PC Card slot is wet, remove any PC Cards. Put the device and cards in a safe place to dry.
4. Remove any installed batteries.

Wipe off each battery and store it in a safe place to dry.

5. Remove the hard-disk drive.
6. Remove the memory module(s).
7. Open the display, and place the computer across two books or similar props to let air circulate all around it. Let the computer dry for at least 24 hours.

Place the computer in a dry area at room temperature. Do not use artificial means to speed up the drying process.

CAUTION: Before continuing with this procedure, verify that the computer is thoroughly dry.

8. Ground yourself by touching one of the unpainted metal connectors on the I/O panel.
9. Replace the memory module(s).
10. Replace the memory module cover.
11. Reinstall the hard-disk drive.
12. Reinstall the modular bay and PC Cards that you removed.
13. Replace any batteries that you removed.
14. Reconnect the computer and peripherals to an electrical outlet and turn them on.
15. Does the computer work properly?

Yes. The problem is resolved.

No. If the computer is able to boot, run the Dell Diagnostics to identify computer damage. If the computer is unable to boot, see "No Power at All." If you cannot identify the damaged component(s), call Dell for technical assistance. (See "Getting Help".)

1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down the computer.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet and disconnect the AC adapter from the computer. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from the electrical outlet and then from the computer.
3. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the computer.
4. Remove any installed batteries or other devices from the modular bay.
5. Remove the hard-disk drive.
6. Remove the memory module cover and the memory module(s).
7. Reinstall the memory modules, making sure to seat them properly.
8. Replace the memory module cover.
9. Reinstall the hard-disk drive.
10. Verify that any installed PC Cards are properly seated in the PC Card connectors.
11. Reinstall the battery or other device(s) removed from the modular bay. Verify that the device(s) is seated properly.
12. Reconnect the computer and peripherals to the electrical outlet and turn them on.
13. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the computer is operating properly. 
14. If the computer does not operate properly, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist. Then call Dell for technical assistance.

If you don't have any power, none of the lights on the keyboard or drives light up and you won't hear sounds from any drives. See also "Only Partial Power."

1. Connect the AC adapter to the computer and to an electrical outlet.
2. Remove all devices, including internal devices such as the diskette drive, hard-disk drive, and battery.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Does the computer turn on properly?

Yes. The problem is resolved.

No. Go to Step 5.

5. Turn off the computer. Does the power status light appear?

Yes. Go to step 6.

No. Go to step 7.

6. Remove any installed batteries and disconnect the AC adapter. Then reinstall the batteries, reconnect the AC adapter, and turn on the computer. Does the power status light appear?

Yes. Go to step 8.

No. Go to step 7.

7. Turn off the computer, wait a few seconds, and then turn on the computer again. Does the power status light appear?

Yes. Your computer is receiving power. Go to step 8.

No. Your computer is not receiving power. Go to step 9.

8. Does the computer boot successfully?

Yes. The problem is resolved.

No. Go to step 9.

9. Remove and reinstall any batteries, and check the AC adapter connection. Does the power status light appear?

Yes. The problem is resolved.

No. If the computer is powered by the AC adapter, see "No Power, Using AC Adapter." If the computer is using battery power, see "No Power, Using Battery."

• Test the electrical outlet: Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device such as a lamp.
• Connect the AC adapter directly to an electrical outlet: Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and extension cords to verify that the computer turns on.
• Check for interference: High-voltage electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating in close proximity to the computer can cause interference. Extension cords or too many devices on a power strip or multiple power strips connected to an electrical outlet can cause problems.

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the computer and devices and disconnect them from the electrical outlet. If you are using a surge protector, remove it.
2. Make sure the AC adapter is connected to the computer, and then verify that the power cable is firmly attached to the AC adapter and to the electrical outlet.
3. Does the light on top of the AC adapter light up?

Yes. Go to step 4.

No. The AC adapter may be defective. Go to step 5.

Yes. The problem is resolved.

No. Go to step 5.

If an AC adapter is not connected to your computer, the computer runs on battery power. If the computer does not turn on when a battery is installed, the battery's charge may be depleted.

If the power status light shows that your computer is receiving power, but the display remains blank, part of your computer is probably not receiving power. See also "No Power at All."

1. Turn off the computer and devices and disconnect them from the electrical outlet. Disconnect any attached devices from the computer.
2. Make sure that the AC adapter is connected to the computer and to an electrical outlet, or confirm that a fully charged battery is properly seated in the modular bay.
3. Turn on the computer. Is the display on?

Allow 1 minute for the computer to initialize its components before checking for signs of power.

Yes. The entire computer is receiving power; the problem is resolved.

No. Adjust the brightness of the display. If the display still does not show an image, call Dell for technical assistance.

During the power-on self-test (POST), the computer checks the diskette drive, comparing its characteristics with the system configuration information. (The diskette-drive access light blinks as the computer performs this check on a diskette drive.)

• If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound when a drive is accessed, make sure the sound is not caused by the application program that is running. The sound could be caused by a hardware malfunction. See "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance from Dell.
• When you turn on the computer, you can hear diskette or hard-disk drive activity during the boot routine. If your computer does not boot, call Dell for technical assistance. (See "Getting Help" for instructions.) Otherwise, see the "Dell Diagnostics."
• Test this indicator by inserting a diskette into the drive, typing dir a: at an MS-DOS prompt, and pressing <Enter>. 
• Ensure that the diskette is not write-protected if you are trying to copy data to it.
• Run the Diskette tests as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
• Try a different diskette in the drive. If the new diskette works, the original one may be defective.
• Check the settings on the Page One submenu of the system setup program.
• Clean the drive using a commercially available cleaning kit.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You may accidentally misalign the heads, rendering the drive inoperable.

If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:

1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down the computer.
2. Remove the diskette drive from the modular bay.
3. Reinstall the diskette drive.
4. Reboot the computer. Does the diskette-drive access light blink during the boot routine?

Yes. Go to step 6.

No. Go to step 5.

5. Remove and reinsert the diskette drive (or disconnect and reconnect the drive if used externally). Reboot the computer. Does the diskette-drive access light appear during the boot routine?

Yes. Go to step 6.

No. Go to step 9.

6. Does the computer display a drive error message?

Yes. See Table 1 in "Understanding Error Messages" for an explanation of the message, and then go to step 7.

No. Go to step 9.

7. Insert a bootable 1.44-megabyte (MB) diskette into the diskette drive and reboot the computer.
8. Does the diskette-drive access light blink during the boot routine, and does the drive boot the operating system?

Yes. The diskette drive problem has probably been resolved. If you continue to experience trouble, call Dell for technical assistance.

No. Go to step 9.

9. Call Dell for technical assistance.

During POST, the computer checks the removable storage drive (such as a CD-ROM drive), comparing its characteristics with the system configuration information. The access light on the drive and hard-disk drive blink as the computer performs this check. 

Inconsistencies in the manufacturing of CD-ROM media may cause some higher-speed CD-ROM drives to vibrate more than others. Such vibration and associated noise do not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD.

• If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound when a drive is accessed, make sure the sound is not caused by the application program that is running. The sound could be caused by a hardware malfunction. See "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance from Dell.
• When you turn on the computer, you can hear diskette or hard-disk drive activity during the boot routine. If your computer does not boot, call Dell for technical assistance. (See "Getting Help" for instructions.) Otherwise, see the "Dell Diagnostics."
• Test the drive indicator by typing dir x: at an MS-DOS prompt, where x is the drive letter, and pressing <Enter>. 
• Double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop and verify that the drive is recognized by the computer. Most of the common boot sector viruses cause the drive to "disappear." Use virus-scanning software (if Dell installed the operating system on your computer, you should already have virus-scanning software) to check for and remove any viruses.
• Clean the disc using a commercially available cleaning kit.
• Clean the drive using a commercially available cleaning kit.
• Try another CD or DVD.

NOTE: Because of different conventions currently used in the industry, not all DVD titles work in all DVD-ROM drives.

• Run the IDE Devices tests as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
• Turn off the computer and remove the drive from the modular bay. Replace the drive and turn on the computer.

If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:

1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down the computer.
2. Remove the drive from the modular bay.
3. Reinstall the drive.
4. Reboot the computer. Does the drive access light blink during the boot routine?

Yes. Go to step 6.

No. Go to step 5.

5. Remove and reinsert the drive. Reboot the computer. Does the drive access light blink during the boot routine?

Yes. Go to step 6.

No. Go to step 10.

6. Remove the hard-disk drive and boot the computer from a bootable CD. Does the drive access light blink?

Yes. Go to step 7.

No. Go to step 10.

7. Reinstall the hard-disk drive. Then check the config.sys file (in Windows 98, check the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive configuration in the Settings folder). Is the appropriate driver installed?

Yes. Go to step 8.

No. Load the driver, and return to step 1 to begin this procedure again. (To load the driver, use the ResourceCD you received with your Dell computer.) 

8. Insert a bootable diskette into drive A and reboot the computer.
9. Type x:(where x is the drive) and press <Enter>. Then type dir and press <Enter>. Does MS-DOS display the root directory contents for the drive?

Yes. The problem is resolved.

No. Go to step 10.

10. Insert your ResourceCD into the drive and reboot the computer. Then run the IDE Devices device group. Does your  drive pass all the tests?

Yes. Return to step 1 and perform this troubleshooting procedure again. If you continue to experience trouble, call Dell for technical assistance. 

No. Go to step 11.

11. Call Dell for technical assistance.

During POST, the computer checks the hard-disk drive, comparing its characteristics with the system configuration information. (The drive access light blinks as the computer performs this check.)

• If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound when a drive is accessed, make sure the sound is not caused by the application program that is running. The sound could be caused by a hardware malfunction. See "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance from Dell.
• When you turn on the computer, you can hear diskette or hard-disk drive activity during the boot routine. If your computer does not boot, call Dell for technical assistance. (See "Getting Help" for instructions.) Otherwise, see the "Dell Diagnostics."
• Test the drive indicator by typing dir x: at an MS-DOS prompt, where x is the drive letter, and pressing <Enter>. 
• Run the Check Disk (or ScanDisk) utility. To do this, double-click the My Computer icon (or click the Start button, and then click My Computer), right-click the hard-disk drive, click Properties, select the Tools tab, click Check Now, and click Start. 
• For Windows NT®, run the error-checking utility by opening the property sheet of the affected volume(s) and clicking Check Now in the Error-checking section of the Tools tab.

• Run the IDE Devices device group as described in "Dell Diagnostics."

If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:

1. Shut down the computer.
2. Reboot the computer. Does the drive access light blink during the boot routine, and does the drive boot the operating system?

Yes. If a message appears on the display, see "Understanding Error Messages," for an explanation of the message and possible corrective actions. Then go to step 7.

No. Go to step 3.

3. Insert a bootable diskette into drive A and reboot the computer.
4. Type c: and press <Enter>. Then type dir and press <Enter>. Does MS-DOS display the root directory contents for drive C?

Yes. Go to step 6.

No. Go to step 5.

5. If your hard-disk drive has more than one logical drive, type x:(where x is the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive) and press <Enter>. Then type dir and press <Enter>. Does MS-DOS display the root directory contents for the CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drive?

Yes. You may have a corrupted boot sector or file allocation table (FAT) on drive C. Go to step 9.

No. Go to step 8.

6. Rename your autoexec.bat and config.sys files, remove the operating system diskette from drive A, and reboot the computer. Does the operating system load now?

Yes. You have an error in your autoexec.bat or config.sys file. Use a text editor to examine the contents of these files and locate the error. For information on the correct syntax for commands in these files, see the documentation that accompanied your operating system.

No. Go to step 7.

7. Insert your ResourceCD and reboot the computer. Then run the IDE Devices device group. Does your drive pass all the tests?

Yes. Go to step 8.

No. Go to step 9.

8. Replace your ResourceCD with the operating system CD, and reboot the computer. Does the operating system load now?

Yes. The hard-disk drive may contain a corrupted operating system or it may have bad sectors. Reinstall the operating system as described in the documentation that came with it. If reinstalling the operating system does not correct the problem, go to step 9.

No. Go to step 9.

9. Call Dell for technical assistance.

Hardware conflicts occur if the device is detected by the operating system but is configured incorrectly. 

Symptoms:

• System hangs or locks up, particularly while using a device.
• (Memory) parity errors on parity-enabled systems.
• Noise or other problems from sound cards.
• Junk being printed on your printer.
• The mouse pointer hanging and refusing to move, or moving in a stuttering fashion.
• Error messages from Windows, messages about the computer not operating at maximum performance, or the system dropping to "Safe Mode" or "MS-DOS Compatibility Mode".
• Errors and crashes of applications for no apparent reason.

During POST, the computer checks the computer's memory, and then writes to and reads from the number of available bytes to ensure proper operation. 

• If an insufficient memory message appears, save and close any open files and exit any open application programs not in use.
• Consider installing additional system memory.
• Run the System Memory test as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
• Reseat the memory modules. 
• Restart the computer.

If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:

1. Reboot the computer. Does the random-access memory (RAM) count displayed correctly match the actual amount of memory installed in the computer?

Yes. The computer needed to update the memory; the memory check phase is okay now.

No. Go to step 2.

2. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and remove any installed batteries.
3. Turn off the computer and disconnect it from the AC adapter. Then disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet. Turn off any attached devices, and disconnect them from their power sources and then from the computer.
4. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the computer.
5. Turn the computer over and remove the memory module cover and the memory modules.
6. Install the new memory module(s).
7. Replace the memory module cover.
8. Reboot the computer, and press <F2> when prompted to enter the system setup program.
9. Call Dell for technical assistance.

If you want to adjust the microprocessor's performance level and the SpeedStep Setup option in the system setup program is Disabled, all settings in the Intel SpeedStep properties window are grayed out.

• Ensure that the SpeedStep Setup option in the system setup program is set to Automatic.

After you set the option to Automatic, you can use the Intel SpeedStep properties window to control the microprocessor's performance.

• If you set the SpeedStep Setup option to Automatic and the settings in the Intel SpeedStep properties window are still grayed out, call Dell for technical assistance.

If you still have problems with a Dell-provided PC Card, call Dell for technical assistance. If you have problems with a non-Dell-provided PC Card, call the card manufacturer. 

If you can connect to your Internet service provider (ISP) and send or receive a fax, your modem is functioning properly. If you are sure that your modem is working properly and you still experience problems connecting to your ISP, contact the ISP technical support department for assistance.

Basic Checks:

• Ensure that you have touchtone telephone service.
• If you have call-waiting service, disable call-waiting. Refer to your local telephone directory or call your telephone service provider for information on temporarily disabling call-waiting.
• If you have voice mail service, you may hear an irregular dial tone when you have messages. Contact your telephone service provider for information on restoring a normal dial tone.
• If you have any other telephone devices plugged into this line, such as answering machines, dedicated fax machines, or line splitters, bypass them and plug the modem cable directly into the telephone connector on the wall.
• Reseat the cable connections. 
• Try a different cable; if you are using a cable that is 10 feet or more in length, try a shorter one.
• Disconnect the cable from the modem and plug it directly into a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.
• Line noise can cause low connection speeds. If you have persistent problems, try connecting the modem to a different telephone connector. You may also wish to contact your telephone company to report the problem.

If you still have problems with a Dell-provided modem, call Dell for technical assistance. If you have problems with a non-Dell-provided modem, call the modem manufacturer.

Extended graphics array (XGA) displays support 1024 x 768 pixels, and super extended graphics array plus (SXGA+) displays support 1400 x 1050 pixels. If your application program uses a higher resolution, you must attach an external video graphics array (VGA) monitor to your computer.

• If the display is blank, the computer may be in suspend or standby mode. To resume normal operations, press the power button.
• If the display is blank and the power light is on, the display may have timed out. In this case, press any key on the keyboard or move the mouse to resume normal operation.
• If the low-battery light is blinking, connect the AC adapter to the computer or replace the battery.
• Adjust the brightness. 
• If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press <Fn><F8> to switch the video image to the display.

If the computer is receiving power, but nothing appears on your display (such as light, text, or graphics) or the display image does not appear as you would expect, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps.

1. If the computer is running, press any key on the integrated keyboard. Is the full display readable?

Yes. The computer was in standby or suspend mode. The problem is resolved.

No. Go to step 2.

2. Is an external monitor connected to the computer?

Yes. Go to step 3.

No. Go to step 4.

3. Press the <Fn><F8> key combination. Is the full display readable?

Yes. The problem is resolved.

No. Go to step 8.

4. Turn off the computer and any attached devices. Disconnect all devices from the computer.
5. Make sure the AC adapter is firmly connected to the computer and to an electrical outlet, or verify that a fully charged battery is properly seated in its bay.
6. Turn on the computer. Is the display on?

Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components.

Yes. Go to step 7.

No. Go to step 9.

7. Adjust the brightness. Is the full display readable?

Yes. Go to step 8.

No. Go to step 9.

8. Has an error message appeared?

Yes. See "Understanding Error Messages," to find the message, along with its explanation. If you can't find the message, call Dell for technical assistance. 

No. If you still have a display problem but the display is not completely blank, run the Video device group in the Dell Diagnostics. Then call Dell for technical assistance. 

9. Turn off your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.
10. Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor's brightness and contrast controls. Is the monitor readable?

Yes. The computer's display may be defective. Call Dell for technical assistance. 

No. The computer's video controller on the system board may be defective. Call Dell for technical assistance.

During POST, the computer checks to see if an external monitor is attached to the computer

• Press <Fn>< F8> to switch the video image from the display to the external monitor.

If the external monitor is blank, the computer may be in standby or hibernate (save-to-disk suspend) mode. To resume normal operations, press the power button.

• Ensure that the video cable is firmly attached to the video connector on the back of the computer and that the monitor power cable is plugged into a working electrical outlet. 
• Check for damaged or frayed cables and for bent pins on connectors. It is normal on some video cable connectors for pins to appear to be missing. See the monitor documentation.
• Check the Video Display Device setting in the system setup program. To use an external monitor, this option must be set to CRT Mode or Simul Mode.
• Adjust brightness and contrast settings.
• Run the VESA/VGA Interface tests as described in "Dell
  Diagnostics."
• Restart the computer.

If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the computer, wait a minute, and then turn the computer back on. Adjust the monitor's brightness and contrast controls. Is the monitor readable?

Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components.

Yes. The problem is resolved.

No. Go to step 2.

2. Adjust the display's brightness. Is the full display readable?

Yes. The external monitor may be defective. Go to step 3.

No. The video controller on the system board may be defective. Call Dell for technical assistance. 

3. Turn off the computer and any attached devices. Disconnect all devices from the computer. Attach another external monitor to the computer.

If you do not have another external monitor, call Dell for technical assistance.

4. Reboot the computer, and adjust the monitor's brightness and contrast. Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components.

Is the monitor readable?

Yes. The original monitor is defective. Call Dell for technical assistance. 

No. Call Dell for technical assistance. 

• Eliminate possible interference. Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference from those devices.
• If you connected a TV to the TV-out connector on your computer and there is no picture on your TV screen, verify the following connections and settings:
  • A composite video cable is connected to the S-video connector on your TV and the TV-out connector on your computer.
  • Check for damaged or frayed cables and for bent pins on connectors.
    

NOTE: If your TV did not come with a composite video cable, you can purchase one from a local electronics store.

• Television Type in the system setup program is set to the correct video standard for your country.
• Television Port is Enabled in the system setup program.

• If using external speakers:
  • Verify the speaker cable connections.
  • Test the electrical outlet. Verify that the speakers are connected to a working electrical outlet. Ensure that the speakers are turned on.
  • Eliminate possible interference. Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference from those devices.
• Adjust the volume.
• Reinstall the audio driver for your operating system. 

If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:

1. Insert your ResourceCD into the CD-ROM drive, reboot the computer, and run the Misc. PCI Devices device group in the Dell Diagnostics. The Misc. PCI Devices device group checks the functionality of the audio controller.
2. Do the tests complete successfully?

Yes. The controller is functioning properly. If the problem persists, call Dell for technical assistance. 

No. Call Dell for technical assistance.

• If you are using a PS/2 or USB mouse, ensure that the connector is firmly attached. Mouse extension cables can cause problems.
• If you are using the touch pad or a PS/2 mouse, run the Pointing Devices test as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
• Verify that the correct device is listed for the Pointing Devices option in the system setup program. For a USB mouse, you do not have to change the setting. The computer automatically recognizes the USB mouse.
• Reinstall the touch pad driver for your operating system.
  NOTE: Be sure to refer to the section specific to your operating system.
• Restart the computer.

If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:

1. Insert your ResourceCD into the CD-ROM drive, reboot the computer, and run the Mouse test in the Pointing Devices device group in the Dell Diagnostics. The Mouse test checks the functionality of the mouse controller (which affects the ability to move the pointer around the screen) and the operation of the touch pad buttons.
2. Do the tests complete successfully?

Yes. The controller is functioning properly. If the problem persists, call Dell for technical assistance. 

No. Call Dell for technical assistance.

1. Press the <Num Lock>, <Caps Lock>, and the <Scroll Lock> keys. 
2. If their lights do not light, run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell Diagnostics.

When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional. During POST, the computer checks whether an external keyboard is connected; if it is, the computer recognizes both the integrated keyboard and the external keyboard. 

Use the integrated keyboard:

• when working in MS-DOS mode 
• when running the Dell Diagnostics
• when using the system setup program

Do not use external Universal Serial Bus (USB) keyboards with Windows NT

• Disconnect the keyboard cable from the computer and check the cable connector for bent or broken pins. Check for damaged or frayed cables.
• Check for interference. Keyboard extension cables can cause problems
• Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
• Restart the computer.

If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the computer, and then remove the keyboard cable and check it for bent or broken pins.

Yes. If you see bent pins and they can be straightened, straighten them and go to step 2. If they cannot be straightened, or are broken, you need a new keyboard.

No. Go to step 2.

2. Reconnect the keyboard to the computer.
3. Make sure the cable from the external keyboard is firmly connected to the keyboard/mouse connector on the back of the computer.
4. Turn on the computer.
5. If you are using a keyboard that can be configured with various switch settings, make sure the switch is set to PS/2, Enhanced XT/AT, or PC/AT.

The switch settings are usually on the bottom of the keyboard, sometimes behind a panel tab. Refer to the documentation that came with the keyboard for more information.

6. Turn off the computer, wait one minute, and then turn it on again. During the boot routine, do the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock lights on the external keyboard blink momentarily?

Yes. Go to step 7.

No. You may have a defective keyboard. Go to step 10.

7. Does the computer recognize the external keyboard?

Use the external keyboard to type some characters. Do they appear on the display?

Yes. The problem is resolved.

No. Go to step 8.

8. Turn off the computer and disconnect the external keyboard from the computer.
9. Turn on the computer. Does the computer recognize the integrated keyboard?

Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components. Then use the computer's integrated keyboard to type some characters. Do the characters appear on the display?

Yes. The external keyboard may be defective. Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards device group in the Dell Diagnostics. If you cannot isolate the problem after running the diagnostics, call Dell for technical assistance.

No. Go to step 10.

10. Call Dell for technical assistance.

If you are having a problem with a printer, see "Printer Attached to Parallel Port Doesn't Work." 

If a system error message indicates a port problem or if equipment connected to a port seems to perform incorrectly or not at all, the source of the problem may be any of the following:

• A faulty connection between the I/O port and the device
• Incorrect settings for system setup options
• Incorrect settings in the operating system's configuration files
• A faulty cable between the I/O port and the device
• A faulty device
• Faulty I/O port logic on the system board
• Conflicting COM port settings
• Lack of drivers

• Make sure that the device's cable is firmly connected to its connector on the computer.
• Test the electrical outlet. Verify that the device is connected to a working electrical outlet. Verify that the device is on.

Basic Checks for Serial Port Device:

1. Exit any open application programs, and then turn off the computer and the serial device.
2. Swap the device's cable with a known working cable.
3. Turn on the computer and the serial device.

Is the problem resolved?

Yes. You probably need a new device cable. Call Dell for technical assistance.

No. Go to step 4.

4. Turn off the computer and the serial device and swap the device with a comparable working device.

For example, if your serial mouse has a problem, swap it with a serial mouse you know is working properly.

5. Turn on the computer and the serial device.

Is the problem resolved?

Yes. You probably need a new device. Call Dell for technical assistance.   

No. Call Dell for technical assistance. 

Checking the Serial or Parallel Port on the Computer:

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:

1. Check the settings for the Serial Port and Parallel Mode options in the  system setup program.

Are the communication port options set correctly for the devices connected to the computer?

Yes. Go to step 3.

No. Go to step 2.

2. Change the Serial Port and Parallel Mode options to the appropriate settings, and then reboot the system.

Is the problem resolved?

Yes. The problem is resolved.

No. Go to step 3.

3. Check the contents of your initialization and start-up files. (See "Software Solutions")

Are the port configuration commands correct?

Yes. Go to step 5.

No. Go to step 4.

4. Change the necessary statements in the start-up files.

If the port problem is confined to a particular application program, see the application program's documentation for specific port configuration requirements.

Is the problem resolved?

Yes. The problem is resolved.

No. Go to step 5.

5. Insert your ResourceCD into the CD-ROM drive, reboot the computer, and run the Serial Ports device group and/or the Parallel Ports device group in the Dell Diagnostics. 

The Serial Ports device group and the Parallel Ports device group check the basic functions of the system board's I/O port logic. Also, if a parallel printer is connected to the parallel port, the Parallel Ports device group tests the communication link between the system board's I/O port logic and the printer.

Do the tests complete successfully?

Yes. The problem is with the serial device. Run the basic checks for the serial device. If you have completed the basic checks and the problem persists, call Dell.

No. Call Dell for technical assistance. 

• Verify the printer cable connections. Ensure that the printer cable is properly connected to the computer.
• Test the electrical outlet. Verify that the printer is connected to a working electrical outlet. Ensure that the printer is turned on.

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the printer and computer.
2. Swap the printer's cable with a known working cable.
3. Turn on the printer and computer.
4. Try to print.

Does the print operation complete successfully?

Yes. You probably need a new printer cable. Call Dell for technical assistance.

No. Go to step 5.

5. Run the printer's self-test.

Does the self-test complete successfully?

Yes. Go to step 6.

No. The printer is probably defective. If you bought the printer from Dell, call Dell for technical assistance. If you purchased the printer elsewhere, take it to one of the manufacturer's authorized service centers for repair.

6. Try to print again.

Does the print operation complete successfully?

Yes. The problem is resolved.

No. Call Dell for technical assistance. 

Software usually includes installation instructions in its accompanying documentation and a software setup program (usually called setup.exe or install.exe) on a diskette or CD.

Error messages can be produced by an application program, the operating system, or the computer. "Understanding Error  Messages," discusses the error messages generated by the computer. If you receive an error message not listed, check the operating system or application program documentation.

• Ensure that you properly installed and configured the application program. Reinstall the program if necessary.
• Verify that the program's drivers do not conflict with certain application programs. See "Avoiding Interrupt Assignment Conflicts."
• Confirm that a problem is software-related by running the System Board Devices tests as described in "Dell Diagnostics."  If all tests in the device group run successfully, the error condition may be related to a software problem.
• For detailed troubleshooting information on a particular application program, see the software documentation or contact the software manufacturer.

Before installing software:

• Ensure that the application program is compatible with the operating system installed in your computer and that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software.
• Use a virus-scanning application program to check the diskettes or CDs for viruses.