Troubleshooting Tips, Battery Problems, Drive Problems | Dell 3100C

Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips

Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer:

•If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures and ensure that the part is correctly installed.

•If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.

•If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. This message may help technical support personnel diagnose and fix the problem.

•If an error message occurs in a program, see the program’s documentation.

Battery Problems

CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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

R E P L A C E T H E B A T T E R Y — If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see page 83). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see page 102).

Drive Problems

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

E N S U R E T H A T M I C R O S O F T ® W I N D O W S ® R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E — Click the Start button and click My Computer. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.

Solving Problems

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Dell 3100C owner manual Troubleshooting Tips, Battery Problems, Drive Problems, Solving Problems

Contents

PCI Express x1 Power buttonW . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m PCI June NF132 Contents Advanced Troubleshooting Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore Connecting and Disconnecting Drive CablesResolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Clearing Forgotten Passwords and Cmos Settings 100102 Glossary Index Contents What Are You Looking For? Find It Here Warranty information Finding InformationFinding Information Microsoft Windows License Label Use the Service Tag toWhen you use Service Code to direct Click the topic that describes your problem Click the arrow iconFollow the instructions on the screen Finding Information Printer Cable Setting Up a PrinterConnecting a USB Printer Setting Up and Using Your Computer USB connector on computer USB printer cable Connecting to the Internet Setting Up Your Internet Connection Playing CDs and DVDs DVD player includes the following basic buttons Adjusting the Volume Adjusting the Picture How to Copy a CD or DVDCopying CDs and DVDs Media Type Read Write Rewritable Using Blank CDs and DVDs Helpful Tips Using a Media Card Reader Optional Setting Up and Using Your Computer Network adapter connector on computer Setting Up a Home and Office NetworkConnecting to a Network Adapter Network Setup Wizard Power Management Standby ModeHibernate Mode Power Schemes Tab Power Options Properties Hyper-Threading Advanced TabHibernate Tab Setting Up and Using Your Computer Solving Problems Troubleshooting TipsBattery Problems Drive Problems Problems writing to a DVD-RW drive CD and DVD drive problems Hard drive problems Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems Use these characters in filenames Error Messages Media Card Reader Problems Computer stops responding Keyboard ProblemsLockups and Software Problems Computer does not start up Solid blue screen appears Program stops respondingProgram crashes repeatedly Program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system Other software problems Memory Problems Mouse Problems Power Problems Network Problems Printer Problems Scanner Problems No sound from speakers Sound and Speaker Problems Video and Monitor Problems No sound from headphonesIf the screen is blank If the screen is difficult to read Solving Problems Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution Diagnostic Lights Ensure that no special memory Reinstall an additional module. ContinueReinstalled all modules without error Module/memory connector placement Repeat this process for each card. If Devices installed on your computerDetermine whether a conflict exists by Then restart the computer Dell Diagnostics Dell Diagnostics Main MenuOption Function What Is a Driver? DriversTab Function Windows XP Reinstalling DriversUsing Windows XP Device Driver Rollback Identifying Drivers Manually Reinstalling Drivers Resolving Software and Hardware IncompatibilitiesRestoring Your Operating System Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore Creating a Restore PointRestoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec Undoing the Last System RestoreEnabling System Restore Removing Dell PC Restore Turning Off Your Computer Removing and Installing PartsBefore You Begin Recommended Tools Before Working Inside Your Computer Front View of the Computer System shutdown System Back View of the Computer VGA video connector Removing the Computer CoverCards the bottom slot cannot be used Security cable slot Cover release latch Inside View of Your Computer Removing and Installing Parts System Board Components DDR2 Memory Overview Memory Matched pair of memory modules in Dimm connectors 1 Installing Memory Memory connector closer to Securing clipsProcessor Removing and Installing Parts Cutouts Notch Memory module Removing Memory Cards Installing an Expansion Card Removing and Installing Parts Removing and Installing Parts Removing an Expansion Card Connecting Drive Cables DrivesIDE Drive Addressing Drive Interface Connectors Power Cable ConnectorSerial ATA Connector Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables Hard DriveRemoving a Hard Drive Installing a Hard Drive Hard drive Release tabs Plastic hard-drive bracket Replace the computer cover Removing a Floppy Drive Floppy Drive Installing a Floppy Drive Removing a Media Card Reader Media Card Reader Media Card Reader DVD Drive Installing a Media Card Reader Removing a DVD Drive Installing a DVD Drive Replacing the Battery Battery Replacing the Computer Cover Removing and Installing Parts Removing and Installing Parts Specifications Processor Processor typeSystem clock MHz data rate Video Type Integrated Appendix Audio Type Connectors Two Connector size PinsPCI Express Connector One Connector size Pins Panel connector for headphones FlexBay Drive Connectors System board connectors Primary IDE driveControls and Lights Power control Push button Power light Serial ATA 07 kg 20 lb 36.1 cm 14.2 inches11.4 cm 4.5 inches 39.9 cm 15.7 inches Overview System SetupEntering System Setup System Setup Screen System System Setup Options Drives Manufacturer Acoustics mode settingQuiet The hard drive operates at its most quiet setting System Password option Option Settings Boot Sequence Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot Jumpered Unjumpered Appendix Clearing Forgotten Passwords and Cmos SettingsJumper Setting Description Jumper Locations Clearing Cmos Settings Clearing Password Settings Floppy Drive Cleaning Your ComputerComputer, Keyboard, and Monitor Mouse 100 Definition of Dell-Installed Software and PeripheralsDell Technical Support Policy U.S. Only CDs and DVDs 101 FCC Notices U.S. OnlyDefinition of Third-Party Software and Peripherals Class a Class B Contacting Dell FCC Identification Information102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 Area Codes Local Numbers, Toll-Free Numbers 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 Appendix Glossary 121 Glossary 122 Glossary As the Product Key or Product ID Glossary 123 124 Glossary Glossary 125 126 Glossary NIC See network adapter Glossary 127 128 Glossary Glossary 129 System Tray See notification area 130 Glossary Index 131 Index 132 Index Index 133 134 Index Device Driver Rollback, 48 Files and Settings Transfer