Dell XPS 420 Lockups and Software Problems, Computer does not start up, Computer stops responding

book.book Page 66 Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:29 AM

TE S T T H E K E Y B O A R D — Connect a properly working keyboard to the computer, then try using the keyboard.

WO R K I N G W I T H A N USB K E Y B O A R D — During the first system boot, the operating system takes time to configure the USB keyboard. Reboot the system to configure the keyboard faster.

USB K E Y B O A R D O R M O U S E F A I L U R E — Connect the device to a different USB port and check if it starts working.

R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R — See "Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows Vista™ Operating System" on page 93.

Lockups and Software Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

The computer does not start up

C H E C K T H E D I A G N O S T I C L I G H T S — See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 76.

E N S U R E T H A T T H E P O W E R C A B L E I S F I R M L Y C O N N E C T E D T O T H E C O M P U T E R A N D T O T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T

The computer stops responding

NOTICE: You may lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.

TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least

8 to 10 seconds (until the computer turns off), and then restart your computer.

A program stops responding

E N D T H E P R O G R A M —

1 Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously to access the Task Manager.

2 Click the Applications tab.

3 Click to select the program that is no longer responding.

4 Click End Task.

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Troubleshooting