•The mouse pointer does not move or "stutters" when it moves.
•Messages appear stating that the computer is not operating at maximum performance.
•Errors occur and programs crash for no apparent reason.
•Nothing displays on the monitor.
Remove any recently added hardware to see if it resolves the conflict — If removing the hardware resolves the conflict, see the hardware documentation for configuration and troubleshooting instructions. If the problem persists, contact the hardware manufacturer for technical assistance.
Check your operating system documentation for additional troubleshooting information
Check for interrupt request conflicts — See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities."
Keyboard Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
Restart the computer —
•If the mouse is functioning, shut down the computer through the Start menu. After the computer shuts down, press the power button to restart the computer.
•If the computer does not respond to a keystroke or the mouse, press the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Press the power button again to restart the computer.
Check the keyboard cable —
•Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to the computer.
•Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent pins.
•Remove keyboard extension cables and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.
Test the keyboard — Connect a properly working keyboard to the computer, and try using the keyboard. If the new keyboard works, the original keyboard is faulty.
Check the keyboard switch setting — Switch settings are on the bottom of the keyboard, sometimes behind a panel. Ensure that the switch is set to PS/2, Enhanced XT/AT, or PC/AT. See the keyboard documentation for recommended settings.
Run the Dell Diagnostics — Run the
Check for interrupt request conflicts — See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities."
Memory Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the instructions in "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
If you receive an insufficient memory message —
•Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the problem.
•Confirm that the computer has sufficient memory to run your programs. See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional memory (see "Memory").
•Reseat the memory modules (see "Memory") to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.
•Restart the computer.
•Run the System Memory test group in the Dell Diagnostics. If any of the diagnostics tests fail, contact Dell.
If you experience other memory problems —
•Reseat the memory modules (see "Memory") to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.
•Restart the computer.
•Run the System Memory test group in the Dell Diagnostics. If any of the diagnostics tests fail, contact Dell.