Basic Troubleshooting 4-1

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This chapter guides you through some initial checks and procedures that can solve
basic computer problems. It can also direct you to the appropriate chapter in this
guide for detailed troubleshooting information and procedures to solv e m ore co mplex
problems. You should complete the checks in this chapter before calling Dell for tech-
nical assistance; even if these checks do not provid e an immediate solution, they can
help support technicians diagnose and fix the problem.

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You can lose data when a system failu re occurs . If y our sy st em is beh a ving er ratic ally,
back up your data files immediately (refer to “Preserving Data” in Chapter 1).
You should have created program diskette sets of Dell-installed software during the
initial setup of your computer. If you did not do so, follow the instructions in “Making
Program Diskette Sets” in Chapter 1 of the
Setup Guide
.
NOTE: In case of warranty replacement of your hard-disk drive, you receive a blank
formatted drive from Dell. It is your responsibility to reinstall applications and restore
data files.

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To perform an initial check of your computer system, follow these steps.
NOTE: If your computer is wet or damaged, refer to “If Your Computer Gets Wet” or
“If Your Computer Is Damaged” in Chapter 6.
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If the problem is resolved, check any documentation that came with the option
you attempted to install or that describes the c hange y ou made. I n particul ar, read
any text files (such as readme.txt) included with the software package or hard-
ware product; such files contain information updating or supplementing the
documentation for the software or hardware. Typically, readme files provide