Dell 4100/200, 4100/180 Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem, Reseat the DIMMs in their sockets

5.Reseat the DIMMs in their sockets.

See “Adding Memory” in Chapter 8 for instructions on removing and replacing DIMMs.

6.Replace the computer cover, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn it on.

7.Enter the System Setup program and check the

TOTAL MEMORY or SYSTEM MEMORY category again.

Does the amount of memory installed match the

TOTAL MEMORY or SYSTEM MEMORY setting?

Yes. Go to step 8.

No. Go to step 9.

8.Reboot the system, and observe the monitor screen and the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators on the keyboard.

Does the monitor screen remain blank, and do the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators on the keyboard remain on?

Yes. Go to step 9. No. Go to step 11.

9.Turn off the system, disconnect it from AC power, and remove the left computer cover.

10.If possible, swap the DIMM in socket DIMM A with one of the same capacity, reboot the system, and observe the monitor screen and the indica- tors on the keyboard.

Is the problem resolved?

Yes. You have fixed the problem. No. Go to step 11.

11.Run the RAM Test Group in the system diagnostics.

See Chapter 5, “Running the System Diagnostics.” Do the tests complete successfully?

Yes. You have fixed the problem.

No. See Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem

Troubleshooting video problems involves determining which of the following is the source of the problem: the monitor, the monitor interface cable, the video memory, or the video logic of the computer. You can also have a high-resolution video expansion card installed, which overrides the video logic of the computer.

The following procedure troubleshoots problems with the video memory and video logic only. Before you begin, perform the procedure found in “Troubleshooting the Monitor” in Chapter 6 to determine whether or not the monitor is the source of the problem.

If you have a high-resolution video expansion card, first complete the steps in “Troubleshooting Expansion Cards” found earlier in this chapter to verify that the card is configured and installed correctly.

Follow these steps to troubleshoot the video subsystem:

1.Run the Video Test Group in the system diagnostics.

See Chapter 5, “Running the System Diagnostics.”

Most of the tests in the Video Test Group are inter- active; that is, you must respond before the diagnostics continues with the next test.

Do the tests complete successfully?

Yes. It is not a video hardware problem. Go to Chap- ter 4, “Finding Software Solutions.”

No. Go to step 2.

2.Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect all the AC power cables from their power sources.

3.Remove the left computer cover.

See “Removing the Computer Covers” found earlier in this chapter.

CAUTION: See “Protecting Against Electro- static Discharge” in the safety instructions at the front of this guide.

Checking Inside the Computer 7-13