Dell H7228 manual Other technical problems, General hardware problems

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Other technical problems

GO TO THE DELL SUPPORT WEBSITE — Go to support.dell.com for help with general usage, installation, and troubleshooting questions.The support website offers several different tools to help you, such as Dell Forum—a chat room where you can communicate with other Dell customers about their computers and gain access to technical support through e-mail. See "Dell Support Website" on page 9 for more information about the website. See "Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)" on page 81 for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.

CALL DELL — If you cannot solve your problem using the Dell Support website or e-mail service, call Dell for technical assistance (see page 83). See "Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)" on page 81 for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.

General hardware problems

If your computer exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, a device conflict may exist:

•Your computer locks up, particularly while using a specific device.

•A recently added device does not work.

•A sound card emits noise or demonstrates other problems.

•Unintelligible characters print from the printer.

•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 page 52.

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Solving Problems

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Contents Dell Dimension 4600C USB 2.0 connectors Ieee 1394 connectorAbbreviations and Acronyms Contents Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems Program is designed for an earlier Microsoft WindowsUsing Microsoft Windows XP System Restore Resolving Software and Hardware IncompatibilitiesAppendix Safety Instructions Safety InstructionsW . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Tips on using Windows How to clean my computerFinding Information for Your Computer Microsoft Windows License LabelAnswers to technical service Downloads Drivers, patches, and software updatesHow to use Windows XP Support questionsConnecting the AC Adapter Japan only Setting Up and Using Your ComputerScrew Tabs Tab holes Setting Up and Using Your ComputerAttaching and Removing the Computer Stand Setting Up a Printer Connecting a Parallel Printer Parallel connector on computerPrinter Cable Screws Clips Parallel printer Cable NotchesConnecting a USB Printer USB connector on computerConnecting an Ieee 1394 Device Optional Setting Up a Home and Office NetworkConnecting to a Network Adapter Ieee 1394 connector Ieee 1394 cableNetwork Setup Wizard Network cableConnecting to the Internet Setting Up Your Internet ConnectionHow to Copy a CD or DVD Copying CDs and DVDsHelpful Tips Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWsHyper-Threading Booting to a USB Device Turning Off Your ComputerSetting Up and Using Your Computer Finding Solutions Solving ProblemsW . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m See Battery Problems Finding Help InformationProblems writing to a CD-RW drive Drive ProblemsCD drive problems Hard drive problems Mail, Modem, and Internet ProblemsDVD drive problems Solving Problems Error Messages Operating System not Found Contact Dell seeGeneral Problems Computer stops respondingProgram stops responding Program crashes repeatedlyOther software problems Solid blue screen appearsOther technical problems General hardware problemsIeee 1394 Device Problems Keyboard ProblemsMouse Problems Link activity light Network ProblemsPC Card Problems Power Problems Printer Problems Scanner Problems Sound and Speaker Problems No sound from speakersIf the screen is blank Video and Monitor ProblemsNo sound from headphones If the screen is difficult to read Solving Problems Advanced Troubleshooting Diagnostic LightsLight Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution Modules installed, remove Modules, reinstall one moduleNormally, reinstall an additional Identified a faulty module orRemove the card and reinstall it If the problem persists orIf the computer has a video card See page 66, and restartDell Diagnostics Starting the Dell Diagnostics Option FunctionWhat Is a Driver? DriversIdentifying Drivers Tab FunctionReinstalling Drivers Restoring Your Operating SystemUsing Microsoft Windows XP System Restore Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating StateUsing Dell PC Restore by Symantec Enabling System Restore Resolving Software and Hardware IncompatibilitiesAdding Parts Front and Back View of the ComputerFront View Instead, perform an operating system shutdown Unexpectedly restartMore information Back View Network jack Modem jack Reattaching the Front Door Front door Opening the Computer CoverHinge arms Closed position Cable security tab Back of computer Adding PartsLooking Inside Your Computer System Board Adding PC Cards Optional PC Card TypesInstalling a PC Card Removing a PC Card Adding Other Cards Adding or Replacing a Video Card Hinged lever Filler bracket Notch Lever Tab card clip AGP connector PCI connectorRemoving a Video Card DDR Memory Overview Installing a Video CardAdding Memory Installing Memory Securing clips Connector Notch Memory module Cutouts CrossbarRemoving Memory Closing the Computer Cover Specifications MicroprocessorSystem Information Expansion BusPorts and Connectors MemoryDrives VideoPower AudioNetwork Controls and Lights914 m 3000 ft EnvironmentalIs 914 m 3000 ft Standard Settings System Setup Screens Clearing Forgotten PasswordsViewing Settings Replacing the Battery Battery Definition of Third-Party Software and Peripherals Definition of Dell-Installed Software and PeripheralsDell Technical Support Policy U.S. Only FCC Notices U.S. Only Class a Class BContacting Dell FCC Identification InformationAppendix Appendix Appendix Appendix Area Codes Local Numbers, Toll-Free Numbers Appendix Area Codes Local Numbers, Toll-Free Numbers Appendix Appendix Appendix Appendix 800 300 412 or 21 422 07 Appendix Appendix Toll-free Or toll-free Appendix Index Index 101Index 102 IndexIndex 103 Index 104