Solving Problems 27
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET—Ensure that the electrical outlet is working
by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
CHECK THE POWER CABLE CONNECTION—Be sure that the power cable is
firmly inserted into the electrical outlet and the computer power connector.
CONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET—
Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify
that the computer turns on.
SWAP THE COMPUTER AND MONITOR POWER CABLES—Swap the
computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.
CHECK FOR INTERFERENCE—Electrical appliances on the same circuit or
operating near the computer can cause interference. Other causes of
interference: power extension cables, keyboard and mouse extension cables, too
many devices on a power strip, or multiple power strips connected to the same
electrical outlet.
CHECK THE POWER PROPERTIES—See the Tell Me How help file or search
for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center (Help in Windows
2000). To access help files, see page26.
OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND—Call Dell for technical assistance (see
page100).
INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA—The operating system is trying to boot to a
nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.
NON-SYSTEM DISK ERROR—There is a floppy disk in the floppy drive.
Remove the floppy disk and restart the computer.