Dell SX260 Drive Problems, Floppy drive problems, CD drive problems, Test the drive

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Drive Problems

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.

Floppy drive problems

Test the drive —

•Insert another disk to eliminate the possibility that the original floppy disk is defective.

•Insert a bootable floppy disk and reboot the computer.

Ensure that the disk is not full or write-protected — Ensure that the disk has available space and that it is not write-protected (locked). See the following illustration.

1

2

3

back of floppy disk

write-protected

not write-protected

Run the Dell Diagnostics — Run the Diskette Device Group test. If any of the tests fail, contact Dell.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You may accidentally misalign the heads, which can render the drive inoperable.

Clean the drive — Use a commercially available cleaning kit.

CD drive problems

Adjust the Windows volume control — Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.

•Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up.

•Ensure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked.

Test the drive with another CD — Insert another CD to eliminate the possibility that the original CD is defective.

Ensure that Windows recognizes the drive — Click the Start button and click My Computer. If the CD drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.

Clean the disc — Use a commercially available cleaning kit.

Problems writing to a CD-RW drive

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Contents Dell OptiPlex SX260 Systems Users Guide Abbreviations and AcronymsRegulatory Notices FCC Notices U.S. OnlyFCC Identification Information IC Notice Canada OnlyClass a Class B CE Notice European Union Energy Star ComplianceSimplified Chinese Class a Warning Notice China Only Energy Star EmblemClass a ITE Vcci Class a ITE Regulatory MarkClass a Device MIC Notice Republic of Korea OnlyClass B ITE Polish Center for Testing and Certification Notice Class B DeviceBsmi Notice Taiwan Only NOM Information Mexico Only Back to Contents Warranty and Return Policy Back View About Your ComputerFront View Back-Panel Connectors Inside Your ComputerOrientations Standard OrientationsChassis Stand Cable Cover Attaching the Cable CoverAttaching the Computer to the Mounting Plate Mounting PlateRemoving the Cable Cover Removing the Computer from the Mounting Plate Connecting the Power Adapter Back to Contents Light Problem Description Suggested Resolution Pattern Advanced TroubleshootingDiagnostic Lights Beep Codes Code Cause ActionStarting the Dell Diagnostics Dell DiagnosticsWhen to Use the Dell Diagnostics Option Function Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard DriveDell Diagnostics Main Menu Reinstalling Drivers Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XPBefore You Reinstall Tab FunctionWindows XP Setup Reinstalling Windows XPBooting From the Operating System CD Reinstalling Microsoft Windows Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click SystemResolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Windows XPWindows Page Advanced Features LegacySelect Technology ControlManageability Alert Standard FormatOption Settings SecurityDell OpenManage Client Instrumentation Chassis Intrusion DetectionAssigning a System Password Password ProtectionSystem Password Typing Your System Password Deleting or Changing an Existing System PasswordIf Password Status is set to Unlocked If Password Status is set to LockedSetup Password Assigning a Setup PasswordOperating Your Computer With a Setup Password Enabled Deleting or Changing an Existing Setup PasswordEntering System Setup System SetupDisabling a Forgotten Password and Setting a New Password System Setup Screens Keys ActionBoot Device Menu Boot OptionsSystem Setup and Diagnostics Options Changing Boot Sequence for Future BootsSystem Setup Options FastbootCPU Information HDD PriorityJumper Settings Jumper Setting DescriptionHung Computer Power ButtonHyper-Threading Click Hardware and click Device Manager Battery Properly dispose of the old battery Back to Contents Cleaning Your Computer Before Cleaning Your ComputerComputer, Keyboard, and Monitor MouseCDs and DVDs Installing a CD/DVD Device When Your Computer Is Turned Off Module BayInstalling a CD/DVD Device When Your Computer Is Running Microsoft Windows XPPage Windows Back to Contents Replacing the Computer Cover Removing the Computer Cover Documentation for Your Computer Ergonomic Computing Habits Back to Contents Finding Information for Your Computer What Are You Looking For? Find It HereDell Support website Technical Assistance Online ServicesGetting Help AutoTech Service Automated Order-Status ServiceTechnical Support Service Ftp.dell.comBefore You Call Problems With Your OrderDiagnostics Checklist Contacting Dell Belgium Brussels Website support.euro.dell.com BermudaBolivia BrazilDenmark Copenhagen Website support.euro.dell.com DominicaDominican Republic EcuadorIndia Ireland Cherrywood Website support.euro.dell.comItaly Milan Website support.euro.dell.com JamaicaLuxembourg Website support.euro.dell.com MacaoMalaysia Penang MexicoPanama PeruPoland Warsaw Website support.euro.dell.com PortugalCustomer Care website dell.co.uk/lca/customerservices Sweden Upplands Vasby Website support.euro.dell.comSwitzerland Geneva Website support.euro.dell.com TaiwanVenezuela BusinessVirgin Islands Glossary C D E F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W X ZDevice driver See driver Page Page Page Video resolution See resolution Back to Contents Hard Drive Page ALERT! Cover was previously removed Back to Contents Adding a Memory Module MemoryRemoving a Memory Module Connector Memory connectors on system boardMemory module NotchBack to Contents Adding and Removing Parts Microprocessor Page Page ALERT! Cover was previously removed Back to Contents When Working Inside Your Computer GeneralErgonomic Computing Habits Battery DisposalProtecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Solving Problems Battery ProblemsPower Light Problem Description Suggested Resolution System LightsDrive Problems Floppy drive problemsCD drive problems Problems writing to a CD-RW driveRepairing a Wet Computer DVD drive problemsHard drive problems Test the hard driveError Messages Dropped or Damaged ComputerCheck the memory and cable connections Click Control Panel Click Add or Remove ProgramsKeyboard failure No boot sector on hard-disk driveGeneral failure The operating example, Printer out of paper General Problems Computer stops respondingProgram stops responding End the programOther software problems Other technical problemsGeneral hardware problems Program crashes repeatedlyMouse Problems Keyboard ProblemsMemory Problems Network Problems Power ProblemsPrinter Problems Serial or Parallel Device ProblemsVerify the printer cable connections Verify that the printer is recognized by WindowsSound and Speaker Problems No sound from headphonesReinstall the audio sound driver See Dell Diagnostics No sound from speakersSystem Board Problems Video and Monitor ProblemsIf the screen is blank If the screen is difficult to readAdjust the Windows display settings Click Appearance and ThemesTechnical Specifications Power Key CombinationsControls and Lights PhysicalBack to Contents System Board Components Microsoft Windows XP Features OverviewNew User Interface Help and Support CenterSwitching to Classic View Clean Desktop WizardClick Clean Desktop Now Click PropertiesFiles and Settings Transfer Wizard Notification Area CleanupApplication and Device Compatibility Taskbar GroupingScheduled Automatic Restore Points System RestoreUsing System Restore Manual Restore Points Restore ProcessEvent-Triggered Restore Points User Accounts and Fast User Switching How to Use Fast User SwitchingWhat Happens When a Fast User Switch Occurs? Driver RollbackSpecial Considerations With Fast User Switching How to Turn Off Fast User SwitchingHow to Add Users Click Apply OptionsNetwork Setup Wizard Click checklist for creating a networkHome and Small Office Networking Internet Connection FirewallBack to Contents