Dell Diagnostics, Other software problems

Other software problems

C H E C K T H E S O F T W A R E D O C U M E N T A T I O N O R C O N T A C T T H E S O F T W A R E M A N U F A C T U R E R F O R T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G I N F O R M A T I O N —

•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.

•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.

B A C K U P Y O U R F I L E S I M M E D I A T E L Y .

U S E A V I R U S - S C A N N I N G P R O G R A M T O C H E C K T H E H A R D D R I V E , F L O P P Y D I S K S , O R C D S .

S A V E A N D C L O S E A N Y O P E N F I L E S O R P R O G R A M S A N D S H U T D O W N Y O U R C O M P U T E R T H R O U G H T H E S t a r t M E N U .

S C A N T H E C O M P U T E R F O R S P Y W A R E — If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more information, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware.

R U N T H E D E L L D I A G N O S T I C S — See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 17. If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a software problem.

Dell Diagnostics

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Lockups and Software Problems" on page 16 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.

NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities Media is optional and may not ship with your computer.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.

NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your User’s Guide).

NOTE: If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.

Quick Reference Guide