32 Quick Reference Guide
Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips

Perform the following checks when you troubleshoot your computer:
• If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures
andensure that the part is correctly installed.
• If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.
• If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. The message may help
technical support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).
• If an error message occurs in a program, see the program’s documentation.
• If the recommended action in the troubleshooting section is to see a section in your
User’s Guide
,
go to
support.dell.com
(on another computer if necessary) to access your
User’s Guide.

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured,
you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.
To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:
1
Click the
Start
button and click
Help and Support
.
2
Typ e
hardware troubleshooter
in the
Search
field and click the arrow to start the search.
3
Click
Hardware Troubleshooter
in the
Search Results
list.
4
In the
Hardware Troubleshooter
list, click
I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer
,
andclick
Next
.

Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore

The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer
to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other
system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Windows Help and
Support Center (see "Finding Information" on page5) for information about using System Restore.
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover
them.
Creating a Restore Point
1
Click the
Start
button and click
Help and Support
.
2
Click
System Restore
.
3
Follow the instructions on the screen.