Dell A100 Lockups and Software Problems Computer does not start up, Computer stops responding

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•Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42).

I F Y O U E X P E R I E N C E O T H E R M E M O R Y P R O B L E M S —

•Reseat the memory modules (see your

Service Manual at support.dell.com) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

•Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com).

•Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer. For more information about the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 20.

•Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42).

Troubleshooting

Lockups and Software Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety information that shipped with your computer.

The computer does not start up

E N S U R E T H A T T H E P O W E R C A B L E I S

F I R M L Y C O N N E C T E D T O T H E C O M P U T E R A N D T O T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T .

The computer stops responding

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

TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F — 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), and then restart your computer.

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Contents Setup Quick Reference Guide Model Dcmtlf July U792G Contents Technical Support and Customer Reinstalling SoftwareDell Technical Update Service Finding InformationAutoTech Service Automated Order-Status Contents Front View About Your ComputerBack View Vostro A100 Back Panel ConnectorsVostro A180 Quick Setup Setting Up Your ComputerSetting Up Your Computer Internet service Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure Connecting to the Internet Microsoft Windows Vista Operating System Setting Up Your Internet ConnectionTransferring Information to a New Computer Setting Up Your Computer System Information Vostro A100 Vostro A180 SpecificationsProcessor MB for Intel Pentium Dual-Core processorMemory Vostro A100 Vostro A180 Interrupt levels Bios chip Nvram10/100 communication Audio Video Vostro A100Type Integrated Intel integrated video GMA Than 512 MBExpansion Bus Vostro A100 Vostro A180 Drives Vostro A100 Vostro A180 PCI Express OnePCI Express lane PCI Express lanesConnectors Vostro A100 Vostro A180 One 4-pin connector System board connectorsTwo 7-pin connectors Four 7-pin connectors One 34-pin connectorControls and Lights Vostro A100 Vostro A180 Yellow blinking light Green light Power on stateControls and Lights Vostro A100 Rear of computerPhysical PowerEnvironmental Airborne contaminant level Altitude15.2 to 3048 m -50 to 10,000 ft 15.2 to 10,668 m -50 to 35,000 ftBeep Codes TroubleshootingPower Lights ToolsCode Description Suggested Remedy Repetitive Code Description DA T a Error The hard drive cannot read the data Error MessagesT E N D E D M E M O R Y S I Z E H a S Do not use these characters in filenamesY B O a R D C L O C K L I N E F a I L U R E For C E N S E D C O N T E N T I S N O T a C C E S S I B L E I N OP E R a T I N G S YS T E M N O T F O U N D See the program documentation for installation instructions Click UninstallT R E a D Y Insert a disk into the drive and try again System MessagesR D -D I S K D R I V E R E a D F a I L U R E To start the Hardware Troubleshooter Troubleshooting Software and Hardware ProblemsDell Diagnostics Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive When to Use the Dell DiagnosticsType 1 to start the CD menu and press Enter to proceed Insert the Drivers and Utilities mediaFollow these tips when troubleshooting your computer Troubleshooting TipsPower Problems Reseat the memory modules see your Memory ProblemsEnsure that the display is connected and powered on Computer stops responding Lockups and Software Problems Computer does not start upRun the Dell Diagnostics see Dell Diagnostics on Solid blue screen appears Then reinstall the programProgram stops responding Program crashes repeatedlyDell Technical Update Service Other software problemsTroubleshooting Click Properties→ Device Manager Reinstalling SoftwareDrivers Identifying DriversClick the Drivers tab→ Roll Back Driver Using the Drivers and Utilities MediaAt the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next Manually Reinstalling DriversRestoring Your Operating System Using Microsoft Windows System RestoreClick Undo my last restoration and click Next Starting System RestoreUndoing the Last System Restore Click StartSelect Repair Your Computer Using Dell Factory Image RestoreDell Factory Image Restore Windows Vista Only Click Finish to restart the computer Using the Operating System Media Before you BeginClick Dell Factory Image Restore If the Install Windows message appears, click Exit Reinstalling WindowsOperating System Media Finding InformationDocumentation Document/Media/Label Contents Drivers and Utilities MediaSafety, Regulatory, Warranty, and Support Be found at support.dell.comMicrosoft Windows License Label Document/Media/Label ContentsSupport.dell.com Dell Technology GuideFinding Information Obtaining Assistance Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist onGetting Help Technical Support and Customer Service Online ServicesAutomated Order-Status Service AutoTech ServiceProduct Information Problems With Your OrderBefore You Call Name Date Diagnostics ChecklistFor customers in the United States, call 800-WWW Dell Contacting DellGetting Help Contacting Dell, 63 IndexBeep codes License label Media Operating System media, 59 operating system product key Operating system Dell Factory Image Restore, 56 mediaSetup computer Index Index