Dell WHL, WHM manual Caring for Your Computer, Solving Problems, Microsoft Windows XP

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Caring for Your Computer

To help maintain your computer, follow these suggestions:

•To avoid losing or corrupting data, never turn off your computer when the hard drive light is on.

•Schedule regular virus scans using anti-virus software.

•Manage hard drive space by periodically deleting unnecessary files and defragmenting the drive.

•Back up files on a regular basis.

•Periodically clean your monitor screen, mouse, and keyboard (see your User’s Guide for more information).

Solving Problems

Follow these tips when troubleshooting your computer:

•If you added or removed a computer part before the problem started, review the installation procedures and ensure 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. This message may help technical support diagnose and fix the problem(s).

•If an error message occurs in a program, consult 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.

Microsoft Windows® XP

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

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.

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Quick Reference Guide