Dell 3000 manual Finding Software Solutions, Installing and Configuring Software, Start-Up Files

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Finding Software Solutions

Because most computers have several application pro- grams installed in addition to the operating system, isolating a software problem can be confusing. Software errors can also appear to be hardware malfunctions at first. Software problems can result from the following circumstances:

Improper installation or configuration of a program

Input errors

Drivers that may conflict with certain application programs

Memory conflicts resulting from the use of terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) programs, such as drivers

Interrupt conflicts between devices

You can confirm that a computer problem is caused by software by first running the System Set test group as described in Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.” If all tests in the test group complete successfully, the error condition is most likely caused by software.

The following subsections provide general guidelines for analyzing some software problems. For detailed trouble- shooting information on a particular program, see the online documentation that accompanied the software or consult the support service for the software.

Installing and Configuring Software

When you obtain software, check it for viruses using virus-scanning software before installing it on the com- puter’s hard-disk drive. Viruses can quickly use all available system memory, damage and/or destroy data stored on the hard-disk drive, and permanently affect the performance of the programs they infect. Several com- mercial virus-scanning programs are available for purchase, and most bulletin board services (BBSs) archive freely distributed virus-scanning programs that you can download with a modem.

Before installing a program, read its documentation to learn how the program works, what hardware it requires, and what its defaults are. A program usually includes installation instructions in its accompanying documenta- tion and a software installation routine on its program diskettes.

The software installation routine assists you in transfer- ring the appropriate program files to the computer’s hard-disk drive. Installation instructions may provide details about how to configure the operating system to successfully run the program. Always read the installa- tion instructions before running a program’s installation routine. If you are instructed to modify the start-up files, see the documentation that came with the operating sys- tem for instructions.

When you run the installation routine, be prepared to respond to prompts for information about how the computer’s operating system is configured, what type of computer you have, and what peripherals are connected to the computer.

Start-Up Files

Whenever you start or reboot the computer, the operating system executes commands from its start-up files.

These files contain commands that automatically config- ure the operating system by setting system parameters, starting memory-resident programs, and loading device driver software. If you experience program conflicts or memory error messages, check the commands for memory-resident programs in the start-up files of the operating system. (For information on start-up files, see the documentation that came with the operating system). If a program or peripheral does not work correctly, check the product’s documentation to see if you need to modify these files.

Using Software

The following subsections discuss errors that can occur while using software.

Error Messages

Error messages can be produced by an application pro- gram, the operating system, or the computer. “Messages and Codes,” found earlier in this chapter, discusses the error messages generated by the computer. If you receive an error message not listed in “Messages and Codes,” check the operating system or application program documentation.

Troubleshooting Your Computer

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Contents 551&$1 7528%/6+227,1 Page When Using Your Computer Safety InstructionsErgonomic Computing Habits When Removing or Installing Memory ModulesProtecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Viii Warranty and Return Policy Information PrefaceAbout This Guide Other Documents You May Need Notational ConventionsTypographical Conventions Examples autoexec.bat and c\windows Xii Contents Chapter Troubleshooting Your Computer Chapter Running the Dell Diagnostics Xvi Chapter Getting Help Xviii Appendix C Regulatory Notices Figures Dell Confidential Preliminary 2/4/98 Xxiv Xxv Xxvi Front View of the Portable Computer IntroductionBack View of the Portable Computer Hardware FeaturesIntroduction Available Options Software FeaturesUsing the Power Button Accessing Online DocumentationGetting Help Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide System Utilities Customizing System FeaturesSetup Program Accessing the Setup ProgramMain Menu Options Floppy Drive Quiet BootSystem Time System DateSystem Memory Extended MemorySystem Devices Menu Options CD-ROM Drive Speed PS/2 MouseIDE Controller FDD ControllerSecurity Menu Options AudioPower Menu Options System PasswordSet System Password Password on BootSuspend Time-Out Power Management ModeSmart CPU Mode Standby Time-OutResume on Time of Day Suspend ModeBoot Menu Options Resume on Modem RingExit Menu Options Boot Menu of Setup ProgramReinstalling Utilities and Drivers Adapter Type box, click the Change Button Reinstalling Video DriversClick the Settings tab Click the Advanced Properties button Double-click the Display iconReinstalling Infrared Drivers Reinstalling Touch Pad DriversReinstalling Audio Drivers Reinstalling the Soft WavetableClick Technical Information, and then click Documentation Reinstalling the System User’s GuideClick the Service and Support icon When prompted, save the file to your hard-disk driveIs your computer wet or damaged? Troubleshooting Your ComputerBacking Up Your Files Basic ChecksDid you receive a system message or beep code? Checking ConnectionsChecking an Optional Device Look and ListenBoot Routine Indications Setup OptionsMessages and Codes System Error MessagesFaulty Ter 5, Getting Help Cmos System Beep CodesBeep Codes Error Messages Finding Software SolutionsInstalling and Configuring Software Using SoftwareAvoiding Interrupt Assignment Conflicts Input ErrorsMemory-Resident Programs Program ConflictsTroubleshooting a Wet Computer Troubleshooting ProceduresTroubleshooting a Damaged Computer Total Power Failure When Using the AC Adapter Troubleshooting a Power FailureCall Dell for technical assistance Total Power Failure When Using a BatteryIs the battery status indicator blinking? Yes. Go to step Use the AC adapter to fully charge the batteryDoes the computer display a drive error message? No Power to a Part of the ComputerTroubleshooting the Diskette Drive Troubleshooting the CD-ROM DriveTroubleshooting the Hard-Disk Drive Does the computer recognize the external keyboard? Troubleshooting an External KeyboardTroubleshooting the Built-In Display Troubleshooting MemoryIs an external monitor connected to the computer? Troubleshooting an External MonitorTroubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions Troubleshooting the Serial and Parallel PortsAttempt another print operation on the parallel printer Troubleshooting a Parallel PrinterTroubleshooting a Serial I/O Device Change the necessary statements in the start-up filesTroubleshooting the Touch Pad Troubleshooting the Infrared PortTroubleshooting Audio Functions Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Running the Dell Diagnostics Features of the Dell DiagnosticsWhen to Use the Dell Diagnostics Before You Start Testing Starting the Dell DiagnosticsInstall a CD-ROM drive in the options bay How to Use the Dell Diagnostics Completing the Dell DiagnosticsConfirming the System Configuration Information Select How to Use the MenuMain Menu Options RunOptions Option Parameters Maximum Errors AllowedNumber of Times to Repeat Tests Pause for User ResponseOutput Device for Error Messages Output Device for Status MessagesTest Limits Quit Tests in the Dell DiagnosticsAbout Key-HelpRAM Dell Diagnostics TestsDell Diagnostics Tests Error Messages RAM Test GroupSystem Set Test Group Video Test Group Why Run a Video Test? Why Run a Keyboard Test?Keyboard Test Group Why Run the Mouse Test? Mouse TestDiskette Drives Test Group Why Run a Diskette Drives Test? Why Run a Hard-Disk Drives Test?Hard-Disk Drives Non-SCSI Test Group IDE CD ROM Drives Test Group Why Run an IDE CD ROM Drives Test?Parallel Ports Test Group Why Run a Serial/Infrared Ports Test?Why Run a Parallel Ports Test? Serial/Infrared Ports Test GroupAudio Test Group Why Run an Audio Test?Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Review the Dell Q&A Run the diagnostics for your Dell computerGetting Help Technical AssistanceHelp Tools Help ToolsAutoTech Service Reference and Troubleshooting GuideCommercial Online Service Dell Diagnostics ProgramAutomated Order-Status System TechFax ServiceTechnical Support Service TechConnect BBSBefore You Call Problems With Your OrderReturning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit Product InformationDiagnostics Checklist Diagnostics Checklist1344 Dell Contact NumbersInternational Dialing Codes Belgium Dell Contact NumbersAustralia AustriaChina BruneiCanada ChileGermany DenmarkFinland FranceKorea IrelandItaly JapanMalaysia Latin AmericaLuxembourg MacauNorway MexicoNetherlands New ZealandPacific Countries SingaporeSouth Africa Southeast AsianSwitzerland TaiwanThailand Table A-1. Technical Specifications Technical SpecificationsSdram Audio Display XGA Touch Pad Table A-1. Technical Specifications AC Adapter Environmental Computer Video Hardware Test Diagnostic Video TestsText Mode Character Test Video Memory TestCharacter Set Subtest 40 x Character Attributes Subtest 80 xCharacter Set Subtest 80 x Character Attributes Subtest 40 xText Mode Color Test Color Attributes Subtest 80 xTable B-1. Color Attributes Graphics Mode Test Text Mode Pages TestColor Palettes Test Solid Colors Test FCC Class B Notice U.S. Only Regulatory NoticesIC Notice Canada Only Modem RequirementsEN 55022 Compliance Czech Republic Only CE NoticeCanadian Modem Requirements Korean Regulatory Notice Vcci Notices Japan Only8ZNBHBOJB 1PMTLJFHP$FOUSVN Polish Center for Testing and Certification NoticeNOM 024 Information Mexico Only Warranties and Return Policy Limited One-Year Warranty U.S. and Canada OnlyCoverage During Year One Limited Three-Year Warranty U.S. and Canada OnlyGeneral Coverage During Years Two and ThreeTotal Satisfaction Return Policy U.S. and Canada Only Index Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Help tools TechFax service, 5-4 user’s documentation Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Post Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Index XGA display Dell Information Development File Names &
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