Dell A100, A180 Getting Help, Obtaining Assistance, Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist on

Page 63

Getting Help

Obtaining Assistance

CAUTION: If you need to remove the computer cover, first disconnect the computer power and modem cables from all electrical outlets. Follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer.

If you experience a problem with your computer, you can complete the following steps to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem:

1See "Troubleshooting Tips" on page 45 for information and procedures that pertain to the problem your computer is experiencing.

2See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42 for procedures on how to run Dell Diagnostics.

3Fill out the "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 68.

Getting Help

4Use Dell's extensive suite of online services available at Dell Support (support.dell.com) for help with installation and troubleshooting procedures. See "Online Services" on page 64 for a more extensive list of Dell Support online.

5If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem, see "Contacting Dell" on page 69.

NOTE: Call Dell Support from a telephone at or near the affected computer so that the support staff can assist you with any necessary procedures.

NOTE: Dell's Express Service Code system may not be available in all countries.

When prompted by Dell's automated telephone system, enter your Express Service Code to route the call directly to the proper support personnel. If

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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 processorInterrupt levels Bios chip Nvram 10/100 communicationMemory Vostro A100 Vostro A180 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 Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems Dell DiagnosticsTo start the Hardware Troubleshooter 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 mediaTroubleshooting Tips Power ProblemsFollow these tips when troubleshooting your computer Memory Problems Ensure that the display is connected and powered onReseat the memory modules see your Lockups and Software Problems Computer does not start up Run the Dell Diagnostics see Dell Diagnostics onComputer stops responding 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 StartUsing Dell Factory Image Restore Dell Factory Image Restore Windows Vista OnlySelect Repair Your Computer Using the Operating System Media Before you Begin Click Dell Factory Image RestoreClick Finish to restart the computer 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 Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist on Getting HelpObtaining Assistance 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 Index Beep codesContacting Dell, 63 License label Media Operating System media, 59 operating system product key Operating system Dell Factory Image Restore, 56 mediaSetup computer Index Index
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