Dell K8504 Running the Dell IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics, Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore

Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics

The Dell IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics is a utility that tests the hard drive to troubleshoot or confirm a hard drive failure.

1Turn on your computer (if your computer is already on, restart it).

2When F2= Setup appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <Ctrl><Alt><d>.

3Follow the instructions on the screen.

If a failure is reported, see "Hard Drive Problems" in the "Solving Problems" section of the online 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.

1Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.

3Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.

4In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and click 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 for information on using System Restore. To access the Windows Help and Support Center, see page 7.

NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.

Creating a Restore Point

1Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2Click System Restore.

3Follow the instructions on the screen.

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Quick Reference Guide