Back to Contents Page
Troubleshooting
Dell™XPS™720Owner'sManual

Solving Problems

Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer:
lIf you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures and ensure that the part is correctly installed.
lIf a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.
lIf an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. This message may help support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).
lIf an error message occurs in a program, see the program's documentation.

Battery Problems

Replace the battery
If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the
battery (see Replacing the Battery). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).

Drive Problems

Ensure that Microsoft®Windows® Recognizes the drive
Windows XP:
lClick Start and click My Computer.
WindowsVista™:
lClick the Windows Vista Start button and click Computer.
If the drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from
recognizing the drive.
Test the drive
lInsert another disc to eliminate the possibility that the original drive is defective.
lInsert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.
Clean the drive or disk
See Cleaning Your Computer.
Check the cable connections
Solving Problems
Power Lights
Diagnostic Lights
Beep Codes
System Messages
Dell Diagnostics
Drivers
Restoring Your Operating System
NOTE: TheproceduresinthisdocumentwerewrittenfortheWindowsdefaultview,sotheymaynotapplyifyousetyourDell™computertothe
Windows Classic view.
CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.