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. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chap- ter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
Troubleshooting the Infrared Port
This section provides a procedure for troubleshooting the computer’s infrared (IR) port.
Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chap- ter 5, and fill it out as you complete the following procedure:
1.Check the setting for the Infrared Port option in the System Devices menu of the Setup program.
For information on the Setup program, see Chap- ter 2, “Customizing System Features.” Is the Infrared option set correctly for the external device with which you are communicating?
Yes. Go to step 3. No. Go to step 2.
2.Change the Infrared Port option to the appropri- ate setting, and then reboot the system.
Is the problem resolved? Yes. The problem is resolved. No. Go to step 3.
3.Insert your diagnostics diskette into drive A, reboot the computer, and run the Serial/IR Ports test group in the Dell Diagnostics. (See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”) Do the tests complete successfully?
The Serial/Infrared Ports test group checks the basic functions of the computer’s infrared logic.
Yes. The infrared port is functioning properly. There may be a problem with the infrared application pro- gram or with the external device. Check the documentation that came with the application pro- gram and with the external device.
No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chap- ter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
Troubleshooting the Touch Pad
This section provides a procedure for troubleshooting the computer’s
Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chap- ter 5, and fill it out as you complete the following procedure:
1.Check the setting for the PS/2 Mouse option in the System Devices menu of the Setup program.
For information on the Setup program, see Chap- ter 2, “Customizing System Features.” Is the PS/2 Mouse option set to Enabled?
Yes. Go to step 3. No. Go to step 2.
2.Change the PS/2 Mouse option to Enabled, and then reboot the system. Does the touch pad work properly?
Yes. The problem is resolved. No. Go to step 3.
3.Insert your diagnostics diskette into drive A, reboot the computer, and run the Mouse Test in the Dell Diagnostics. (See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”) Do the tests complete successfully?
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.
Yes. The controller is functioning properly. If the problem persists, call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chap- ter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)