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3Remove and reinstall the floppy drive.

4Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

Does the floppy-drive access light blink during the boot routine? Yes. Go to the next question.

No. Contact Dell for technical assistance.

Does the computer display a drive error message?

Yes. See “Computer Messages” for an explanation of the message, and then go to step 5.

No. The problem is resolved.

5Insert a bootable floppy into the floppy drive and reboot the computer. Does the drive boot the operating system?

Yes. The problem is probably resolved. If you continue to experience trouble, contact Dell for technical assistance.

No. Contact Dell for technical assistance.

Hard Drive Problems

Basic Checks:

If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound when a drive is accessed, there could be a hardware malfunction. Contact Dell for technical assistance.

When you turn on the computer, you can hear drive activity during the boot routine. If your computer does not boot, contact Dell for technical assistance.

Test the hard drive by using one of the following methods:

For Windows XP, run the chkdsk utility by following these steps:

Click the Start button, select Shutdown, and then click Restart the Computer.

At the C: prompt, type: CD\Windows\Command and press <Enter>.

Type chkdsk and press <Enter>.

This utility creates and displays a status report, and lists and corrects errors on the disk.

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Solving Problems

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Dell GX240 manual Hard Drive Problems, Solving Problems

GX240 specifications

The Dell GX240, a robust desktop computer released in the early 2000s, exemplifies the breed of machines engineered for business and productivity environments. Targeting corporate users, the GX240 was part of Dell’s OptiPlex series, known for its reliability, support, and manageability.

One of the main features of the Dell GX240 is its Intel Pentium 4 processor, which provided a significant performance boost at the time of its release. This processor was available in various speeds, enabling users to select the model that best met their processing needs. The GX240 also offered ample memory options, supporting up to 2GB of SDRAM, which was considerable for its era, allowing for smoother multitasking and application performance.

The design of the GX240 was practical, featuring a compact, space-saving chassis ideal for office environments. It was designed for easy serviceability, with tool-less access to components, facilitating quick upgrades or repairs. The system was equipped with various configurations, enabling customers to customize it with multiple hard drive options, typically using IDE drives, which provided sufficient storage for everyday tasks.

The desktop utilized a variety of expansion slots, including AGP for graphics cards and PCI slots for additional peripherals. This expandability was crucial for businesses needing to adapt or enhance their systems over time. Integrated Intel graphics were standard, but users could opt for dedicated graphics cards to meet more demanding graphical needs.

Connectivity was also a strong point for the GX240, featuring multiple USB 2.0 ports, a serial port, and audio input/output capabilities. These ports allowed for seamless integration with various peripherals and devices, essential for a productive work environment. The GX240 also supported network connectivity through a built-in Ethernet controller, making it well-suited for office use, especially in networked environments.

In terms of software, the GX240 was usually shipped with Microsoft Windows XP, ensuring users had access to a stable and user-friendly operating system. This operating system not only provided compatibility with a wide range of applications but also enhanced the overall user experience.

In conclusion, the Dell GX240 was a solid desktop choice for businesses in the early 2000s, combining performance, upgradability, and a compact design. Its Intel Pentium 4 processor and ample memory options made it suitable for various tasks, while its space-saving design and expansion capabilities allowed businesses to adapt the system to their evolving needs.