Dell 4100/200, 4100/180 Commercial Online Services, Dell Diagnostics Program, AutoTech Service

Commercial Online Services

Dell can also be accessed electronically via commercial online services, such as CompuServe®, PRODIGY®, America Online, and the Microsoft Network, by using the following addresses:

•CompuServe Type GO DELL.

•PRODIGY

Select MANUFACTURER’S CORNER; then select DELL.

•America Online

Use the keyword DELL.

•Microsoft Network

From the Edit menu, select GO TO, select OTHER PLACES, and then type DELL.

Dell Diagnostics Program

Every Dell computer comes with Dell diagnostics that can help you determine what is wrong with the computer when it does not operate correctly. This program provides valuable information for you and for Dell technicians should you need to call Dell.

See Chapter 5, “Running the System Diagnostics,” for instructions on using the diagnostics. You can use this diagnostic program to test major components or devices in the computer, if it can boot.

AutoTech Service

Dell’s automated technical support service—AutoTech— provides recorded answers to the questions most fre- quently asked by Dell customers.

When you call AutoTech, you use your touch-tone tele- phone to select the subjects that correspond to your questions. You can even interrupt an AutoTech session and continue the session later. The code number that the AutoTech service gives you allows you to continue your session where you ended it.

The information available through AutoTech includes:

•Specifications and prices for Dell computers cur- rently on sale

•Installation instructions for Dell computers and peripherals

•Answers to questions about the Microsoft Windows 3.x operating systems

•Help in troubleshooting Dell computers

The AutoTech service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also access this service through the technical support service. For the telephone number to call, see “Dell Contact Numbers” found later in this chapter.

NOTE: AutoTech is not always available in all locations outside the continental U.S. Please call your local Dell representative for information on availability.

TechFax Service

Dell takes full advantage of fax technology to serve you better. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, you can call the Dell TechFax line toll-free for all kinds of technical information.

Using a touch-tone phone, you can select from a full directory of topics. The technical information you request is sent within minutes to the fax number you designate. TechFax information includes:

•Interrupt maps, system board layouts, and specifications.

•Technical notes on system compatibility and revisions.

•News on updates for operating systems and applica- tion programs.

•Descriptions of available technical training classes. For Dell-certified technicians, TechFax offers infor- mation such as parts lists, drawings, and maintenance and repair data.

For the TechFax telephone number, see “Dell Contact Numbers” found later in this chapter.

NOTE: TechFax is not always available in all locations outside the continental U.S. Please call your local Dell representative for information on availability.

TechConnect BBS

Use a modem to access Dell’s TechConnect BBS

24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is menu- driven and fully interactive. The modem settings for the BBS are 8 bit, no parity, 1 stop bit.

Getting Help 11-3