Serial or Parallel Device Problems

To restore the computer's system settings to their default values —

1.Turn on or restart your computer.

2.When Press <F2> to Enter Setup appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F2> immediately.

If you wait too long and the Microsoft® Windows® logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer through the Start menu and try again.

3.Under System Management, select the Maintenance option and follow the directions on the screen (see System Setup).

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.

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

NOTE: If you are having a problem with a printer, see Printer Problems.

Check the option setting — See the device's documentation for the recommended settings. Then enter system setup and ensure that the Serial Port #1 setting or the LPT Port Mode setting matches the recommended settings (see System Setup).

Run the Dell Diagnostics — See Dell Diagnostics.

Sound and Speaker Problems

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.

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

No sound from speakers

NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume down or off.

Check the speaker cable connections — Ensure that the speakers are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If you purchased an audio card, ensure that the speakers are connected to the card.

Ensure that the subwoofer and the speakers are turned on — See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate distortion.

Adjust the Windows volume control — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

Disconnect headphones from the headphone connector — Sound from the speakers is automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer's front-panel headphone connector.

Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

Enable digital mode — Your speakers do not work if the CD drive is operating in analog mode.

1.Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.

2.Click Sounds and Audio Devices.

3.Click the Hardware tab.

4.Double-click the name of your CD drive.

5.Click the Properties tab

6.Check the Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device box.