Dell H7228 manual What Is a Driver?, Identifying Drivers, Tab Function

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3If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information.

Tab	Function

Results	Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors	Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and problem description.
Help	Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.
Configuration	Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.
	The Dell Diagnostics obtains your configuration information for all devices from the
	system setup program, memory, and various internal tests and displays it in the device
	list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the
	components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.
Parameters	Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.

4Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and the programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:

•Upgrade your operating system.

•Reinstall your operating system.

•Connect or install a new device.

If you experience a problem with any device, perform the steps in the following sections to identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and if necessary, to update the driver.

Identifying Drivers

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2In the Control Panel window, under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.

3In the Performance and Maintenance window, click System.

4In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.

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Advanced Troubleshooting

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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 ComputerTabs Tab holes Setting Up and Using Your Computer Attaching and Removing the Computer StandScrew 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 DVDsUsing Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs Hyper-ThreadingHelpful Tips 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 InformationDrive Problems CD drive problemsProblems writing to a CD-RW drive Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems DVD drive problemsHard 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 Network Problems PC Card ProblemsLink activity light Power Problems Printer Problems Scanner Problems Sound and Speaker Problems No sound from speakersVideo and Monitor Problems No sound from headphonesIf the screen is blank If the screen is difficult to read Solving Problems Diagnostic Lights Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested ResolutionAdvanced Troubleshooting 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 IncompatibilitiesFront and Back View of the Computer Front ViewAdding Parts Unexpectedly restart More informationInstead, perform an operating system shutdown Back View Network jack Modem jack Reattaching the Front Door Opening the Computer Cover Hinge arms Closed positionFront door 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 Notch Lever Tab card clip AGP connector PCI connector Removing a Video CardHinged lever Filler bracket Installing a Video Card Adding MemoryDDR Memory Overview 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 LightsEnvironmental Is 914 m 3000 ft914 m 3000 ft Standard Settings Clearing Forgotten Passwords Viewing SettingsSystem Setup Screens Replacing the Battery Battery Definition of Dell-Installed Software and Peripherals Dell Technical Support Policy U.S. OnlyDefinition of Third-Party Software and Peripherals 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