•Test the electrical outlet. Verify that the device is connected to a working electrical outlet.
•Verify that the device is turned on.
•Check for interference: electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating in close proximity to the computer can cause interference.
If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:
1Enter system setup and check the Integrated Devices option settings. Then exit system setup properly to save the information, and reboot the computer.
For a serial device, check the Serial Port options; for a parallel device, check the Parallel Port options. See the device’s documentation for additional information on port settings and configuration requirements.
Is the device working properly? Yes. The problem is resolved. No. Go to step 2.
2Run the Serial Ports device group and/or the Parallel Ports device group in the Dell Diagnostics.
These device groups check the basic functions of the system board's I/O port logic. If a printer is connected to the parallel port, the Parallel Ports device group tests the communication link between the system board's I/O port logic and the printer.
Do the tests complete successfully? Yes. Go to step 3.
No. Contact Dell for technical assistance.
3If the problem is confined to a particular application program, see the application program's documentation for specific port configuration requirements.
Is the device working properly? Yes. The problem is resolved. No. Go to step 4.