Solving Problems
Troubleshooting Tips
Follow the following tips when you troubleshoot 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. The message may help technical support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).
•If an error message occurs in a program, see the program’s documentation.
•If the recommended action in the troubleshooting section is to see a section in your User’s Guide, go to support.dell.com (on another computer if necessary) to access your User’s Guide.
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
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. In the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 operating system, you can also use Device Manager to resolve incompatibilities.
Windows XP
To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:
1Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.
3Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.
4In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and click Next.
Windows 2000
To resolve incompatibilities using Device Manager:
1Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2In the Control Panel window,
3Click the Hardware tab.
4Click Device Manager.
5Click View and click Resources by connection.
Quick Reference Guide
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