Dell DHM, K0004 - page 52

52 Solving Problems

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IF THE POWER LIGHT IS OFF —The computer is either turned off or is not

receiving power.

• Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of the

computer and the electrical outlet.

• If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is

plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned on.

• Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device,

such as a lamp.

• Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to

verify that the computer turns on.

• Ensure that the main power cable is securely connected to the system board

(see page87).

• Ensure that the front panel cable is securely connected to the system board

(see page87).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 120).

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS AMBER AND GREEN —The computer is

receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.

• Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your

location (see page11).

• Ensure that the microprocessor power cable is securely connected to the

system board (see page87).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 120).

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS STEADY AMBER —The computer is receiving

electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.

• Ensure that the microprocessor power cable is securely connected to the

system board (see page87).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 120).

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING AMBER —A device might be

malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.

• Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see page 95).

• Remove and then reinstall any cards (see page 88).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 120).

Contents

Main Dell Dimension 8250 Series Hints, Notices, and Cautions Abbreviations and Acronyms Contents 1Setting Up and Using Your Computer 2Solving Problems 3Advanced Troubleshooting 4Adding Parts 5Appendix Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 CAUTION: Safety Instructions General CAUTION: Safety Instructions Page When Working Inside Your Computer Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Ergonomic Computing Habits Battery Disposal Finding Information for Your Computer Page Page Page Page Setting Up a Printer Printer Cable Connecting a Parallel Printer Connecting a USB Printer Connecting Two Monitors Connecting the Monitors to Your Computer Page Enabling Clone Mode Enabling Extended Desktop Mode Transferring Information to a New Computer Page Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to a Network Adapter Network Setup Wizard Connecting to the Internet Setting Up Your Internet Connection Page Copying CDs Using Easy CD Creator Basic Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs Helpful Tips How to Copy a CD Hyper-Threading Turning Off the Computer Solving Problems 36 Solving Problems Finding Solutions Tell M e H ow Solving Problems 37 Finding Help Information Tell Me How Battery Problems Drive Problems Floppy drive problems CD drive problems Problems writing to a CD-RW drive DVD drive problems Hard drive problems E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems Page Error Messages General Problems x The computer stops responding A program stops responding A program crashes repeatedly A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system Other software problems A solid blue screen appears Other technical problems General hardware problems IEEE 1394 Device Problems Keyboard Problems Mouse Problems Network Problems Power Prob lems Page Printer Problems Scanner Problems Sound and Speaker Problems No sound from speakers No sound from headphones Video and Monitor Problems If the screen is blank If the screen is difficult to read Page Page Diagnostic Lights Page Dell Diagnostics When to Use the Dell Diagnostics Starting the Dell Diagnostics Page Drivers What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling drivers Page Using System Restore Creating a Restore Point Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State Undoing the Last System Restore Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP Before You Reinstall Reinstalling Windows XP Page Page Reinstalling Drivers and Software Adding Parts Front and Back View of the Computer Front View Page Back View Page Reattaching the Front Door and Hinge Arms Reattaching the Hinge Arms Page Page Reattaching the Front Door Opening the Computer Cover Looking Inside Your Computer Page System Board Installing and Removing Cards Cards Installing a Card Page Page Page Removing a Card Adding Memory RDRAM Overview Page Removing a Memory Module Adding a Memory Module Page Adding or Replacing the AGP Card Removing an AGP Card Installing an AGP Card Adding a Second Hard Drive Page Page Adding a Floppy Drive Removing the Front-Panel Insert Page Installing a Floppy Drive Page Closing the Computer Cover Page Appendix Specifications Page Page Page Standard Settings Viewing Settings System Setup Screens Clearing Forgotten Passwords Replacing the Battery Page Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals Contacting Dell Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Regulatory Information NOM Information (Mexico Only) Page Limited Warranties and Return Policy Limited Warranty for the U.S. What is covered by this limited warranty? What is not covered by this limited warranty? How long does this limited warranty last? What do I do if I need warranty service? What will Dell do? Appendix 143 NOTE: What if I purchased a service contract? How will you fix my product? What do I do if I am not satisfied? May I transfer the limited warranty? "Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (U.S. Only) Limited Warranty Terms for Canada What is covered by this limited warranty? What is not covered by this limited warranty? 146 Appendix How long does this limited warranty last? What do I do if I need warranty service? What will Dell do? NOTE: Appendix 147 What if I purchased an on-site service contract? How will you fix my product? What do I do if I am not satisfied? May I transfer the limited warranty? "Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (Canada Only) Dell Software and Peripherals (Canada Only) Third-Party Software and Peripherals Products Dell-Branded Peripheral Products Return Policy One-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee (Latin America and the Caribbean Only) Guarantee Exclusions Making a Claim Limitation and Statutory Rights Intel Warranty Statement for Pentium and Celeron Processors Only (U.S. and Canada Only) www.dell.com | support.dell.com Index A B C D F H I K M R S T V W