Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4100

Reinstall the sound (audio) driver— See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities."

If you have a problem with external speakers

HINT: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, make sure that you did not turn the player volume down or off.

Check the speaker cable connections— See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.

Test the electrical outlet— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. If the device is plugged into a surge protector, try plugging it directly into an electrical outlet.

Ensure that the speakers are turned on— See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.

Adjust the Windows volume control— Double-click the yellow speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Be sure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.

Test the speakers— Plug the speaker audio cable into the line-out connector on the computer. Ensure that the headphone volume control is turned up. Play a music CD.

Run the speaker self-test—Some speaker systems have a self-test button on the subwoofer. See the speaker documentation for self-test instructions.

Move the subwoofer away from the computer or monitor— If your external speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer or external monitor.

Eliminate possible interference— Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.

Reinstall the Sound (audio) driver— See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities."

Printer Problems

Check the printer cable connections— Ensure that the printer cable is properly connected to the computer (see "Connecting a Printer" in the Dell Solutions Guide that came with your computer).

Test the electrical outlet— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

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