Dell 24GBRL Notebook PC with Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG WLAN User Manual D5813bk0

Dell Inc. Notebook PC with Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG WLAN D5813bk0

Manual 2

Solving Problems 65Enabling System RestoreIf 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:1Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2Click Performance and Maintenance.3Click System.4Click the System Restore tab.5Ensure 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 BeginIf 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 XPTo 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.D5813bk0.book  Page 65  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
66 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comBooting From the Operating System CD1Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.2Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if the Install Windows XP message appears.3Restart the computer.4Press <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.5Press the arrow keys to select CD-ROM, and press <Enter>.6When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.Windows XP Setup1When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to select To set up Windows now.2Read the information on the Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement screen, and press <F8> to accept the license agreement.3If 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. 4If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.5Press <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. 6When the Regional and Language Options screen appears, select the settings for your location and click Next.7Enter your name and organization (optional) in the Personalize Your Software screen, and click Next.8If 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.D5813bk0.book  Page 66  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
Solving Problems 679If the Modem Dialing Information screen appears, enter the requested information and click Next.10Enter the date, time, and time zone in the Date and Time Settings window, and click Next.11If the Networking Settings screen appears, click Typical and click Next.12If 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. 13When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click Next.14When the How will this computer connect to the Internet? message appears, click Skip. 15When the Ready to register with Microsoft? screen appears, select No, not at this time and click Next.16When the Who will use this computer? screen appears, you can enter up to five users. 17Click Next.18Click Finish to complete the setup, and remove the CD.19Reinstall the appropriate drivers (see page 61) with the Drivers and Utilities CD.20Reinstall your virus protection software.21Reinstall 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.D5813bk0.book  Page 67  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
68 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comCD 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 driveTEST 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 SPINDLECHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONSCHECK FOR HARDWARE INCOMPATIBILITIESRUN 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.D5813bk0.book  Page 68  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
Solving Problems 69If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive trayIf you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding soundHard drive problems 1Ensure that the computer is shut down.2Straighten 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.3Gently 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 —1Click the Start button and click My Computer. 2Right-click Local Disk C:.3Click Properties.4Click the Tools tab.5Under Error-checking, click Check Now.6Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.7Click Start.D5813bk0.book  Page 69  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
70 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comE-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:1In Outlook Express, click Tools, click Options, and then click Security.2Click 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 —1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.2Click Printers and Other Hardware.3Click Phone and Modem Options.4Click the Modems tab.5Click the COM port for your modem.6Click 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.D5813bk0.book  Page 70  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
Solving Problems 71Error 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.D5813bk0.book  Page 71  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
72 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comIEEE 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.1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.2Click Add or Remove Programs.3Select the program you want to remove.4Click Remove or Change/Remove and follow the prompts on the screen.5See 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 CONNECTORENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.2Click 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.D5813bk0.book  Page 72  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
Solving Problems 73External Keyboard Problems NOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional. Unexpected CharactersCHECK 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 —1Shut down the computer, wait 1 minute, and turn it on again.2Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blink during the boot routine.3From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and click Notepad. 4Type 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 —1Shut down the computer.2Disconnect the external keyboard.3Turn on the computer. 4From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and click Notepad. 5Type 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.D5813bk0.book  Page 73  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
74 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comLockups 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 upThe computer stops responding NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.A program stops respondingA 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 OUTLETTURN 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 —1Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.2Click Applications.3Click the program that is no longer responding.4Click End Task.CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION —If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.D5813bk0.book  Page 74  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
Solving Problems 75A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating systemA solid blue screen appearsOther software problemsRUN 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.1Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories, and then click Program Compatibility Wizard.2In the welcome screen, click Next.3Follow 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 IMMEDIATELYUSE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, OR CDSSAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE START MENUSCAN 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.D5813bk0.book  Page 75  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
76 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comMemory 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 AGAIND5813bk0.book  Page 76  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
Solving Problems 77PC 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.1Reinstall the battery.2Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet.3Turn on the computer.CHECK THE BATTERY TEMPERATURE —If the battery temperature is below 0° C (32° F), the computer will not start up.D5813bk0.book  Page 77  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
78 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comEnsuring Sufficient Power for Your ComputerYour 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 ONCHECK 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).D5813bk0.book  Page 78  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
Solving Problems 79Scanner 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 —1Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.2Click View installed printers or fax printers.If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.3Click 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 instructionsCHECK 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 AGAINCHECK 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 —1Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.2Click Scanners and Cameras.If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.REINSTALL THE SCANNER DRIVER —See the scanner documentation for instructions.D5813bk0.book  Page 79  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
80 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comSound 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 speakersNo 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.D5813bk0.book  Page 80  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
Solving Problems 81No sound from headphonesTouch Pad or Mouse ProblemsREINSTALL 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 —1Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.2Click Mouse.3Try 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 —1Shut down the computer.2Disconnect the mouse.3Turn on the computer. 4At 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.D5813bk0.book  Page 81  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
82 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comVideo 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 readCHECK 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.D5813bk0.book  Page 82  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
Solving Problems 83If only part of the display is readableROTATE THE COMPUTER TO FACE A DIFFERENT DIRECTION —Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality.ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —1Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.2Click Appearance and Themes.3Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon.4Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.SEE "ERROR MESSAGES"—If an error message appears, see page 71.CONNECT AN EXTERNAL MONITOR —1Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.2Turn 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).D5813bk0.book  Page 83  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM
84 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comD5813bk0.book  Page 84  Monday, June 7, 2004  11:39 AM

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