Dell 24CLNS Laptop with Wireless 2100 LAN 3A Mini PCI Adapter User Manual D5813bk0
Dell Inc. Laptop with Wireless 2100 LAN 3A Mini PCI Adapter D5813bk0
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Manual 2
Solving Problems 65
Enabling System Restore
If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System
Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:
1
Click the
Start
button and click
Control
Panel
.
2
Click
Performance and Maintenance
.
3
Click
System
.
4
Click the
System Restore
tab.
5
Ensure that
Turn off System Restore
is unchecked.
Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP
NOTICE: You must use Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later when you reinstall Windows XP.
Before You Begin
If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a
newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback (see page 61). If Device
Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see page 64) to return your
operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver.
NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For
conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.
To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:
•Dell™
Operating System
CD
•Dell
Drivers and Utilities
CD
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer.
Use the Drivers and Utilities CD to load any required drivers.
Reinstalling Windows XP
To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they
are listed.
The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating
system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can
overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall
Windows XP unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so.
NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your
computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for
instructions.
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Booting From the Operating System CD
1
Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2
Insert the
Operating System
CD. Click
Exit
if the
Install Windows XP
message appears.
3
Restart the computer.
4
Press <F2> immediately after the DELL™ logo appears.
If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut
down the computer and try again.
5
Press the arrow keys to select
CD-ROM
, and press <Enter>.
6
When the
Press any key to boot from CD
message appears, press any key.
Windows XP Setup
1
When the
Windows XP Setup
screen appears, press <Enter> to select
To set up
Windows now
.
2
Read the information on the
Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement
screen, and press
<F8> to accept the license agreement.
3
If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current
Windows XP data, type
r
to select the repair option, and remove the CD.
4
If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.
5
Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and follow the
instructions on the screen.
The
Windows XP Setup
screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and
install the devices. The computer automatically restarts multiple times.
NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of
your computer.
NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot
from the CD.
6
When the
Regional and Language Options
screen appears, select the settings for your
location and click
Next
.
7
Enter your name and organization (optional) in the
Personalize Your Software
screen, and
click
Next
.
8
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Home Edition
, at the
What's your computer's name
window, enter a name for your computer (or accept the name provided) and click
Next
.
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional
, at the
Computer Name and Administrator
Password
window, enter a name for your computer (or accept the one provided) and a
password, and click
Next
.
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Solving Problems 67
9
If the
Modem Dialing Information
screen appears, enter the requested information and click
Next
.
10
Enter the date, time, and time zone in the
Date and Time Settings
window, and click
Next
.
11
If the
Networking Settings
screen appears, click
Typical
and click
Next
.
12
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional and you are prompted to provide further
information regarding your network configuration, enter your selections. If you are unsure of
your settings, accept the default selections.
Windows XP installs the operating system components and configures the computer. The
computer automatically restarts.
NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot
from the CD.
13
When the
Welcome to Microsoft
screen appears, click
Next
.
14
When the
How will this computer connect to the Internet?
message appears,
click
Skip
.
15
When the
Ready to register with Microsoft?
screen appears, select
No, not at this time
and
click
Next
.
16
When the
Who will use this computer?
screen appears, you can enter up to five users.
17
Click
Next
.
18
Click
Finish
to complete the setup, and remove the CD.
19
Reinstall the appropriate drivers (see page 61) with the
Drivers and Utilities
CD.
20
Reinstall your virus protection software.
21
Reinstall your programs.
NOTE: To reinstall and activate your Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite programs, you need the
Product Key number located on the back of the Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite CD sleeve.
Drive Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
ENSURE THAT MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE —Click the Start button and
click My Computer. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your
antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from
recognizing the drive.
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CD and DVD drive problems
NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a
defect in the drive or the CD or DVD.
NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all
DVD drives.
Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive
TEST THE DRIVE —
• Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective.
• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.
CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK —
See
the Dell Inspiron Help file for instructions. To access the help file,
see page 10.
ENSURE THAT THE CD IS SNAPPED ONTO THE SPINDLE
CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS
CHECK FOR HARDWARE INCOMPATIBILITIES
RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS (SEE PAGE 57)
CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS —The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when
writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the
CD/DVD-RW.
TURN OFF STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A CD/DVD-RW DISC —See the
Dell Inspiron Help file (see page 10) or search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and
Support Center for information on power management modes.
CHANGE THE WRITE SPEED TO A SLOWER RATE —See the help files for your CD or DVD creation
software.
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Solving Problems 69
If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound
Hard drive problems
1
Ensure that the computer is shut down.
2
Straighten a paper clip and insert one end into the eject hole at the front of the drive; push firmly until
the tray is partially ejected.
3
Gently pull out the tray until it stops.
• Ensure that the sound is not caused by the program that is running.
• Ensure that the disk or disc is inserted properly.
ALLOW THE COMPUTER TO COOL BEFORE TURNING IT ON —A hot hard drive may prevent the
operating system from starting. Try allowing the computer to return to room temperature before turning
it on.
RUN CHECK DISK —
1
Click the
Start
button and click
My Computer
.
2
Right-click
Local Disk C:
.
3
Click
Properties
.
4
Click the
Tools
tab.
5
Under
Error-checking
, click
Check Now
.
6
Click
Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors
.
7
Click
Start
.
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E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is
connected to a digital telephone network.
CHECK THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK® EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS —If you cannot open your e-
mail attachments:
1
In Outlook Express, click
Tools
, click
Options
, and then click
Security
.
2
Click
Do not allow attachments
to remove the checkmark.
CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION —
CHECK THE TELEPHONE JACK —
CONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK —
USE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE —
• Verify that the telephone line is connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label
or a connector-shaped icon next to it.)
• Ensure that you hear a click when you insert the telephone line connector into the modem.
• Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.
• If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge
protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the telephone to connect the modem directly to the
telephone wall jack. If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.
RUN THE MODEM HELPER DIAGNOSTICS —Click the Start button, point to All Programs, and then
click Modem Helper. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems.
(Modem Helper is not available on all computers.)
VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —
1
Click the
Start
button and click
Control Panel
.
2
Click
Printers and Other Hardware
.
3
Click
Phone and Modem Options
.
4
Click the
Modems
tab.
5
Click the COM port for your modem.
6
Click
Properties
, click the
Diagnostics
tab, and then click
Query Modem
to verify that the modem is
communicating with Windows.
If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.
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Solving Problems 71
Error Messages
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that
was running when the message appeared.
ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET —Ensure that you have subscribed to an
Internet provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a
checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact
your Internet service provider.
SCAN THE COMPUTER FOR SPYWARE —If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you
frequently receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your
computer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware
protection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more
information, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware.
BAD COMMAND OR FILE NAME —Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put spaces in
the proper place, and used the correct pathname.
CD DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE —The CD drive does not respond to commands from the computer.
See "Drive Problems" on page 67.
DATA ERROR —The hard drive cannot read the data. See "Drive Problems" on page 67.
THE FILE BEING COPIED IS TOO LARGE FOR THE DESTINATION DRIVE —The file that you are trying
to copy is too large to fit on the disk, or the disk is too full. Try copying the file to a different disk or use
a larger capacity disk.
A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not
use these characters in filenames.
INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA —The operating system is trying to boot from a nonbootable CD. Insert
a CD.
NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. EXIT SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN —You have too
many programs open. Close all windows and open the program that you want to use.
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IEEE 1394 Device Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
Keyboard Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
NOTE: Use the integrated keyboard when working in MS-DOS® mode or when running the Dell
Diagnostics or the system setup program. When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated
keyboard remains fully functional.
OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND —Contact Dell (see page 109).
A REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUND —The program that you are trying to open is missing an
essential file. Remove and then reinstall the program.
1
Click the
Start
button and click
Control Panel
.
2
Click
Add or Remove Programs
.
3
Select the program you want to remove.
4
Click
Remove
or
Change/Remove
and follow the prompts on the screen.
5
See the program documentation for installation instructions.
X:\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY —Insert a disk into the drive and try again.
ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS PROPERLY INSERTED INTO THE CONNECTOR
ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —
1
Click the
Start
button and click
Control Panel
.
2
Click
Printers and Other Hardware
.
If your IEEE 1394 device is listed, Windows recognizes the device.
IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A DELL-PROVIDED IEEE 1394 DEVICE —
IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH AN IEEE 1394 DEVICE NOT PROVIDED BY DELL —
Contact Dell (see page 109) or the IEEE 1394 device manufacturer.
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Solving Problems 73
External Keyboard Problems
NOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.
Unexpected Characters
CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE —Shut down the computer. Disconnect the keyboard cable and check
it for damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.
If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the keyboard directly to the
computer.
CHECK THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD —
1
Shut down the computer, wait 1 minute, and turn it on again.
2
Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blink during the boot routine.
3
From the Windows desktop, click the
Start
button, point to
Programs
, point to
Accessories
, and click
Notepad
.
4
Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.
If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective external keyboard.
TO VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD, CHECK THE INTEGRATED
KEYBOARD —
1
Shut down the computer.
2
Disconnect the external keyboard.
3
Turn on the computer.
4
From the Windows desktop, click the
Start
button, point to
Programs
, point to
Accessories
, and click
Notepad
.
5
Type some characters on the integrated keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.
If the characters appear now but did not with the external keyboard, you may have a defective external
keyboard. Contact Dell (see page 109).
DISABLE THE NUMERIC KEYPAD —Press <Num Lk> to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are
displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.
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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
The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
A program stops responding
A program crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.
ENSURE THAT THE AC ADAPTER IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE
ELECTRICAL OUTLET
TURN THE COMPUTER OFF —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. Then restart your computer.
END THE PROGRAM —
1
Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2
Click
Applications
.
3
Click the program that is no longer responding.
4
Click
End Task
.
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION —If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
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Solving Problems 75
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system
A solid blue screen appears
Other software problems
RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a
program so it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments.
1
Click the
Start
button, point to
All Programs
→
Accessories
, and then click
Program Compatibility
Wizard
.
2
In the welcome screen, click
Next
.
3
Follow the instructions on the screen.
TURN THE COMPUTER OFF —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. Then restart your computer.
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR
TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION —
• Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.
• Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See
the software documentation for information.
• Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.
• Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.
• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY
USE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, OR CDS
SAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE
START MENU
SCAN THE COMPUTER FOR SPYWARE —If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you
frequently receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your
computer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware
protection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more
information, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware.
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Memory Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
Network Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS (SEE PAGE 57) — If all tests run successfully, the error condition is
related to a software problem.
IF YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE —
• Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the
problem.
• See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional
memory (see page 87).
• Reseat the memory modules (see page 87) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating
with the memory.
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 57).
IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS —
• Reseat the memory modules (see page 87) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating
with the memory.
• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see page 87).
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 57).
CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR —Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into
both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack.
CHECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE NETWORK CONNECTOR —No light indicates that no network
communication exists. Replace the network cable.
RESTART THE COMPUTER AND LOG ON TO THE NETWORK AGAIN
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Solving Problems 77
PC Card Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
Power Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
NOTE: See the Dell Inspiron Help file for information on standby mode. To access the help file, see
page 10.
CHECK YOUR NETWORK SETTINGS —Contact your network administrator or the person who set up
your network to verify that your network settings are correct and that the network is functioning.
CHECK THE PC CARD —Ensure that the PC Card is properly inserted into the connector.
IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A DELL-PROVIDED PC CARD —Contact Dell (see page 109).
IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A PC CARD NOT PROVIDED BY DELL —Contact the PC Card
manufacturer.
CHECK THE POWER LIGHT —When the power light is lit or blinking, the computer has power. If the
power light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press the power button to exit standby mode.
If the light is off, press the power button to turn on the computer.
CHARGE THE BATTERY —The battery charge may be depleted.
1
Reinstall the battery.
2
Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
3
Turn on the computer.
CHECK THE BATTERY TEMPERATURE —If the battery temperature is below 0° C (32° F), the computer
will not start up.
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Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer
Your computer is designed to use the 65-W AC adapter; for optimum system performance, you
should always use this adapter.
Printer Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer’s manufacturer.
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET —Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
CHECK THE AC ADAPTER —Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light,
ensure that the light is on.
CONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET —Bypass power protection devices,
power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.
ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE —Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or
other appliances.
ADJUST THE POWER PROPERTIES —See the Dell Inspiron Help file or search for the keyword standby
in the Help and Support Center. To access help, see page 10.
RESEAT THE MEMORY MODULES —If the computer power light turns on but the display remains
blank, reinstall the memory modules (see page 87).
CHECK THE PRINTER DOCUMENTATION —See the printer documentation for setup and
troubleshooting information.
ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON
CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS —
• See the printer documentation for cable connection information.
• Ensure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer (see page 23).
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Solving Problems 79
Scanner Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, contact the scanner’s manufacturer.
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET —Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with
another device, such as a lamp.
VERIFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —
1
Click the
Start
button, click
Control Panel
, and then click
Printers and Other Hardware
.
2
Click
View installed printers or fax printers
.
If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.
3
Click
Properties
and click the
Ports
tab. For a USB printer, ensure that the
Print to the following
port(s):
setting is
USB
.
REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER —See the printer documentation for instructions
CHECK THE SCANNER DOCUMENTATION —See the scanner documentation for setup and
troubleshooting information.
UNLOCK THE SCANNER —Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a locking tab or button.
RESTART THE COMPUTER AND TRY THE SCANNER AGAIN
CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS —
• See the scanner documentation for cable connection information.
• Ensure that the scanner cables are securely connected to the scanner and the computer.
VERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT WINDOWS —
1
Click the
Start
button, click
Control Panel
, and then click
Printers and Other Hardware
.
2
Click
Scanners and Cameras
.
If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.
REINSTALL THE SCANNER DRIVER —See the scanner documentation for instructions.
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Sound and Speaker Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
No sound from integrated speakers
No sound from external speakers
NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been
listening to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume down or off.
ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL —Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner
of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the
volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.
ADJUST THE VOLUME USING KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS —Press <Fn><F5> to disable (mute) or
reenable the integrated speakers.
REINSTALL THE SOUND (AUDIO) DRIVER —See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 61.
ENSURE THAT THE SUBWOOFER AND THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED ON —See the setup diagram
supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to
eliminate distortion.
ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL —Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-
right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.
DISCONNECT HEADPHONES FROM THE HEADPHONE CONNECTOR —Sound from the speakers is
automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer’s front-panel headphone
connector.
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET —Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with
another device, such as a lamp.
ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE —Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to
check for interference.
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Solving Problems 81
No sound from headphones
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
REINSTALL THE AUDIO DRIVER (SEE PAGE 61)
RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS (SEE PAGE 57)
CHECK THE HEADPHONE CABLE CONNECTION —Ensure that the headphone cable is securely
inserted into the headphone connector (see page 14).
ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL —Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-
right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.
CHECK THE TOUCH PAD SETTINGS —
1
Click the
Start
button, click
Control Panel
, and then click
Printers and Other Hardware
.
2
Click
Mouse
.
3
Try adjusting the settings.
CHECK THE MOUSE CABLE —Shut down the computer. Disconnect the mouse cable, check it for
damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.
If you are using a mouse extension cable, disconnect it and connect the mouse directly to the computer.
TO VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE MOUSE, CHECK THE TOUCH PAD —
1
Shut down the computer.
2
Disconnect the mouse.
3
Turn on the computer.
4
At the Windows
desktop, use the touch pad to move the cursor around, select an icon, and open it.
If the touch pad operates correctly, the mouse may be defective.
REINSTALL THE TOUCH PAD DRIVER —See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 61.
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82 Solving Problems
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Video and Display Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
If the display is blank
NOTE: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports, it is
recommended that you attach an external monitor to your computer.
If the display is difficult to read
CHECK THE BATTERY —If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery charge may be
depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer.
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET —Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
CHECK THE AC ADAPTER —Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light,
ensure that the light is on.
CONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET —Bypass power protection devices,
power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.
ADJUST THE POWER PROPERTIES —Search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and
Support Center.
SWITCH THE VIDEO IMAGE —If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press <Fn><F8>
to switch the video image to the display.
ADJUST THE BRIGHTNESS —Press <Fn> and the up- or down-arrow key.
MOVE THE EXTERNAL SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER OR MONITOR —If your external
speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the
computer or external monitor.
ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE —Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or
other appliances.
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Solving Problems 83
If only part of the display is readable
ROTATE THE COMPUTER TO FACE A DIFFERENT DIRECTION —Eliminate sunlight glare, which can
cause poor picture quality.
ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —
1
Click the
Start
button and then click
Control Panel
.
2
Click
Appearance and Themes
.
3
Click the area you want to change or click the
Display
icon.
4
Try different settings for
Color quality
and
Screen resolution
.
SEE "ERROR MESSAGES"—If an error message appears, see page 71.
CONNECT AN EXTERNAL MONITOR —
1
Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.
2
Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor brightness and contrast controls.
If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective. Contact Dell
(see page 109).
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84 Solving Problems
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
D5813bk0.book Page 84 Monday, June 7, 2004 11:39 AM