54 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING

A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly

End the program:
Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously. 1.
Click the 2. Applications tab and select the program that is no longer
responding.
Click 3. End Task.
Check the software documentation.
If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

A program is designed for an earlier version of Microsoft® Windows®

Run the Program Compatibility Wizard:
e Program Compatibility Wizard congures a program so that it runs in an
environment similar to an earlier version of Microsoft Windows operating system
environments.
Windows Vista
®
Click 1. Star t Control Panel Programs Use an older program with this
version of Windows.
In the welcome screen, click 2. Next.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
System

e computer fails the POST

e POST (Power On Self Test) tests the computer, ensuring that it meets the
necessary system requirements and that all hardware is working properly before
starting the remainder of the boot process. If the computer passes the POST, the
computer will continue to start normally. However, if the computer fails the POST,
the computer will generate a single beep to indicate a general failure and an error
message will be displayed. For assistance, contact Alienware Technical Support
(see “CONTACTING ALIENWARE“ on page 73).

e computer stops responding or a solid blue screen appears

WARNING: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating
system shutdown.
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 6 seconds until the
computer turns o, then restart your computer.
NOTE: e chkdsk program may run when you restart the computer. Follow
the instructions on the screen.