Dell 1501 Lockups and Software Problems, Computer does not start up, Computer stops responding

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Lockups and Software Problems

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

The computer does not start up

E N S U R E T H A T T H E AC A D A P T E R I S F I R M L Y C O N N E C T E D T O T H E C O M P U T E R A N D T O T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T

The computer stops responding

NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.

TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F — 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. Then restart your computer.

A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly

E N D T H E P R O G R A M —

1Press <Crtl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.

2Click the Applications tab and select the program that is no longer responding.

3Click End Task.

NOTE: The chkdsk program may run when you restart the computer. Follow the instructions on the screen.

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 — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program. Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.

A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system

R U N T H E P R O G R A M C O M P A T I B I L I T Y W I Z A R D — The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments.

1Click the Start button, point to Programs→ Accessories, and then click Program Compatibility Wizard.

2In the welcome screen, click Next.

3Follow the instructions on the screen.

A solid blue screen appears

TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F — 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. Then restart your computer.

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Solving Problems

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Contents Dell Inspiron W . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o mAbbreviations and Acronyms Contents Configuring Power Management Settings Microsoft Windows Logo Key FunctionsWhat You Need to Establish a Wlan Connection Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding soundProgram stops responding or crashes repeatedly Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore If only part of the display is readableResolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities 103 104107 108Glossary Index Contents Warranty information Finding InformationSupport.dell.com Setup Diagram Click the topic that describes your problem What Are You Looking For? Find It HereClick the arrow icon Follow the instructions on the screenMicrosoft Windows System Restore Microsoft Service call status and support historyTop technical issues for my computer Frequently asked questionsDetermining Your Computer’s Configuration About Your ComputerAbout Your Computer Front View V I C E S T a T U S L I G H T S About Your Computer Y B O a R D a N D W I R E L E S S S T a T U S L I G H T S Left Side View Right Side View Back View Connects an external VGA-compatible monitor Bottom View Setting Up Your Computer Connecting to the InternetSetting Up Your Internet Connection Setting Up Your ComputerTransferring Information to a New Computer Click Finish and restart the new computer Click Finished and restart the new computer Setting Up a Printer Connecting a USB PrinterPrinter Cable Power Protection Devices Surge ProtectorsUninterruptible Power Supplies Line ConditionersSetting Up Your Computer Using the Display Adjusting BrightnessSwitching the Video Image Setting Display ResolutionUsing the Display Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad Using the Keyboard and Touch PadNumeric Keypad Key Combinations Adjusting Keyboard Settings Speaker FunctionsMicrosoft Windows Logo Key Functions Opens the Search Results-Computer dialog boxTouch Pad Customizing the Touch PadUsing a Battery Battery PerformanceUsing a Battery Checking the Battery Charge Microsoft Windows Power MeterCheck the Battery Charge Check the Battery HealthConserving Battery Power Low-Battery WarningPower Management Modes Standby ModeConfiguring Power Management Settings Hibernate ModeCharging the Battery Replacing the BatteryStoring a Battery Using Multimedia Using MultimediaPlaying a CD or DVD Adjusting the Volume Adjusting the PictureCopying CDs and DVDs How to Copy a CD or DVD Using Blank CDs and DVDsHelpful Tips Media Type Read Write RewritableUsing Cards Installing an ExpressCardUsing Cards ExpressCardsRemoving an ExpressCard or Blank Installing a Media Memory Card Media Memory CardsRemoving a Media Memory Card Setting Up a Network Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband ModemSetting Up a Network Network Setup Wizard Wireless Local Area Network WlanChecking Your Wireless Network Card What You Need to Establish a Wlan ConnectionSetting Up a New Wlan Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network Determining the Wireless Network Device ManagerEnabling/Disabling the Wireless Network Card Completing the Connection to the WlanSetting Up a Network Passwords Securing Your ComputerSecurity Cable Lock Securing Your ComputerComputer Tracking Software If Your Computer Is Lost or StolenSolving Problems Dell DiagnosticsWhen to Use the Dell Diagnostics Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard DriveOption Function Tab Function Drive Problems CD and DVD drive problemsProblems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems Hard drive problemsIf you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound Error Messages Characters in filenames Solving Problems Solving Problems ExpressCard Problems Keyboard ProblemsWindows taskbar. Ensure that the card is listed ManufacturerExternal Keyboard problems Unexpected charactersLockups and Software Problems Computer does not start upComputer stops responding Program stops responding or crashes repeatedlyMemory Problems Other software problemsNetwork Problems Power ProblemsCommunication exists. Replace the network cable Printer Problems Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your ComputerScanner Problems Sound and Speaker ProblemsNo sound from integrated speakers No sound from external speakersTouch Pad or Mouse Problems No sound from headphonesVideo and Display Problems If the display is blankIf the display is difficult to read Picture qualityWhat Is a Driver? DriversIf only part of the display is readable Identifying DriversReinstalling Drivers and Utilities Using Windows XP Device Driver RollbackUsing the Drivers and Utilities CD Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore Restoring Your Operating SystemSolving Problems Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec Using the Operating System CD Before You BeginDell Operating System CD Dell Drivers and Utilities CD Reinstalling Windows XP Adding and Replacing Parts Adding and Replacing PartsBefore You Begin Recommended ToolsBefore Working Inside Your Computer Battery-bay latch release Optical Drive Hard DriveTo replace the hard drive in the hard drive bay Memory Returning a Hard Drive to DellSecuring clips Memory module Per connector Replace the memory module cover Modem Adding and Replacing Parts Hinge Cover Keyboard Wireless Mini-Card Mini-Card Antenna cables Antenna cable connectors Install the replacement Mini-Card 101Adding and Replacing Parts Coin-Cell Battery 103Display Lift the display up and away from the computer 105106 Traveling With Your Computer Identifying Your ComputerPacking the Computer 107Travel Tips Traveling by AirContacting Dell 109Contacting Dell 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 Called from within Singapore or Malaysia onlyWebsite support.ap.dell.com 125 126 127 Printers, and Projectors for Relationship 128129 130 Specifications 131Ports and Connectors 132In-1 Media Memory Card Reader Memory133 CommunicationsVideo Audio134 DisplayBattery 135Keyboard Touch Pad136 AC Adapter137 PhysicalEnvironmental 138 Using the System Setup Program Entering System SetupAppendix 139Changing the Boot Sequence Commonly Used Options140 Performing a One-Time Boot 141Cleaning Your Computer Computer, Keyboard, and DisplayTouch Pad Floppy DriveDefinition of Dell-Installed Software and Peripherals Dell Technical Support Policy U.S. OnlyCDs and DVDs 143FCC Notice U.S. Only Definition of Third-Party Software and PeripheralsFCC Class B 144145 PP23LA146 Glossary 147Glossary 148 149 Device driver See driverDocking device See APR 150 151 152 153 NIC See network adapter154 155 System tray See notification areaVideo resolution See resolution 156157 158 Index 159Index See also hard drive See also optical drive 160161 Problems programs and Windows 162163 164

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