Dell D420 Lockups and Software Problems, Unexpected characters, Computer does not start up

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Check the external keyboard —

1.Shut down the computer, wait 1 minute, and turn it on again.

2.Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blink during the boot routine.

3.From the Windows desktop, click StartAll ProgramsAccessoriesNotepad.

4.Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.

If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective external keyboard.

To verify that the problem is with the external keyboard, check the integrated keyboard —

1.Shut down the computer.

2.Disconnect the external keyboard.

3.Turn on the computer.

4.From the Windows desktop, click StartAll ProgramsAccessoriesNotepad.

5.Type some characters on the internal keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.

If the characters appear now but did not with the external keyboard, you may have a defective external keyboard. Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).

Run the keyboard diagnostics tests — Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics). If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).

Unexpected characters

Disable the numeric keypad — Press <Num Lk> to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.

Lockups and Software Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

The computer does not start up

Ensure that the AC adapter is firmly connected to the computer and to the electrical outlet.

The computer stops responding

NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.

Turn the computer off — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer.

A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly

NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.

End the program —

1.Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.

2.Click Task Manager.

3.Click the program that is no longer responding.

4.Click End Task.

Check the software documentation — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system

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Contents Abbreviations and Acronyms Dell Latitude D420 Users GuideAbout Your Computer Front ViewDevice status lights Keyboard and network status lights Fingerprint reader optionalAudio connectors Left ViewRight View Modem connector RJ-11 USB connectorsNetwork connector RJ-45 Video connectorBottom View Back to Contents Appendix Cleaning Your ComputerMacrovision Product Notice FCC Notice U.S. OnlyFCC Class B Battery Performance Using a BatteryChecking the Battery Charge Dell QuickSet Battery MeterPower Management Modes Conserving Battery PowerLow-Battery Warning Standby ModeCharging the Battery Configuring Power Management SettingsReplacing the Battery Hibernate ModeStoring a Battery Installing a PC Card or 34-mm ExpressCard Using CardsCard Types Card BlanksInstalling a Smart Card or Secure Digital SD Card Installing a PC CardInstalling a 34-mm Express Card Removing a PC Card, 34-mm Express Card, or Blank Back to Contents Adjusting Brightness Using the DisplaySwitching the Video Image Setting Display Resolution and Refresh RateSwapping Primary and Secondary Displays What Are You Looking For? Find It Here Finding InformationGuides Service Tag and Microsoft Windows LicenseDell Support Website support.dell.com Select Drivers & Downloads and click GoOperating System CD Glossary Docking device See APR Device driver See driverPage Page NIC See network adapter Page System tray See notification area Video resolution See resolutionBack to Contents Getting Help Online ServicesObtaining Assistance Ftp.dell.comAutoTech Service Problems With Your OrderAutomated Order-Status Service Support ServiceBefore You Call Diagnostics ChecklistContacting Dell Antigua and BarbudaAustralia Sydney Aruba0011 Website support.euro.dell.comColombia China XiamenCosta Rica Czech Republic PragueCorporate France Paris MontpellierGermany Langen GreeceItaly Milan GeneralJamaica Website support.jp.dell.comWebsite support.ap.dell.com Malaysia Penang MacaoMexico MontserratSt. Kitts and Nevis Puerto RicoSt. Lucia St. Vincent002 Website support.ap.dell.com TaiwanWebsite support.ap.dell.com Thailand Trinidad/TobagoVenezuela Virgin IslandsUsing the Keyboard and Touch Pad Numeric KeypadKey Combinations Touch Pad Power ManagementFingerprint Reader optional Speaker FunctionsChanging the Track-Stick Cap Customizing the Touch Pad and Track StickMouse Properties window Page Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem Setting Up a NetworkNetwork Setup Wizard Wireless Local Area Network WlanChecking Your Wireless Network Card Setting Up a New WlanWhat You Need to Establish a Wlan Connection Determining the Wireless Network Device Manager Connecting to a Wireless Local Area NetworkEnabling/Disabling the Wireless Network Card Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network WwanConnecting to a Mobile Broadband Network Under Pick a Help topic, click Dell User and System GuidesInternet Connection Firewall Dell Wi-Fi Catcher Network LocatorBefore You Begin Adding and Replacing PartsRecommended Tools Turning Off Your ComputerHard Drive Removing the Hard Drive Dismantling the Hard Drive Hinge Cover Replacing the Hard DriveMemory KeyboardPage Mini-Cards Wireless Local Area Network Wlan CardsMobile Broadband Wwan Cards Page Subscriber Identity Module SIM Card Coin-Cell Battery Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless TechnologyBack to Contents Dell QuickSet Passwords Using Smart CardsSecuring Your Computer Security Cable LockUsing an Administrator Password Using a Primary/System PasswordUsing a Hard Drive Password Trusted Platform Module TPMUsing the Security Management Software Enabling the TPM FeatureSecurity Management Software Activating the Security Management SoftwareIf Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen Computer Tracking SoftwareViewing the System Setup Screens System Setup ProgramSystem Setup Screens Commonly Used SettingsChanging COM Ports Performing a One-Time BootEnabling the Infrared Sensor Locate Fast IR under Onboard DevicesPage What Is a Driver? Reinstalling SoftwareReinstalling Drivers and Utilities DriversManually Reinstalling Drivers Using the Drivers and Utilities CDSoftware and Hardware Incompatibilities Click Start→ Help and SupportCreating a Restore Point Using Microsoft Windows XP System RestoreUndoing the Last System Restore Restoring Your Operating SystemEnabling System Restore Using the Operating System CDReinstalling Windows XP Before You BeginSpecifications Video CommunicationsAudio DisplayAC Adapter BatteryEnvironmental PhysicalAbbreviations and Acronyms Transferring Information to a New Computer Start the Files and Settings Transfer WizardClick Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Back to Contents Identifying Your Computer Traveling With Your ComputerPacking the Computer Travel TipsBack to Contents Dell Technical Update Service TroubleshootingDell Diagnostics When to Use the Dell DiagnosticsOption Function Dell Diagnostics Main MenuAccessing the Dell Support Utility Drive ProblemsDell Support Utility Clicking the Dell Support IconHard drive problems CD and DVD drive problemsProblems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding soundMail, Modem, and Internet Problems Error MessagesVerify that the modem is communicating with Windows Page Click Start→ Control Panel→ Add or Remove Programs Ieee 1394 Device Problems Keyboard ProblemsExternal Keyboard problems Unexpected characters Lockups and Software ProblemsComputer does not start up Computer stops respondingNetwork Problems Memory ProblemsOther software problems Solid blue screen appearsWireless Local Area Network Wlan PC Card or ExpressCard ProblemsMobile Broadband Network Restart the computer and log on to the network againPower Problems Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your ComputerDocking Power Considerations Scanner Problems Printer ProblemsAC Power Loss While the Computer Is Docked Docking While the Computer Is RunningTouch Pad or Mouse Problems Sound and Speaker ProblemsNo sound from headphones No sound from integrated speakersVideo and Display Problems If the display is blankIf the display is difficult to read If only part of the display is readable Adjust the Windows display settingsClick Start→ Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes Connect an external monitor
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