| Check the telephone line connection
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. |
| Check the telephone jack
Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone. |
| Connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack
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. |
| Use a different telephone line
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®
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Click Printers and Other Hardware.
- Click Phone and Modem Options.
- Click the Modems tab.
- Click the COM port for your modem.
- 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. |
Turn off call waiting (catch-phone)
See your telephone directory for instructions on deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up networking connection properties.
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Phone and Modem Options.
- Click your connection type to highlight it.
- Click the Dialing Rules tab, and then click Edit.
- Click the To Disable Call Waiting box to place a checkmark in it.
- Select the disable code from the drop-down menu (for example, *70).
- Click Apply, and then click OK.
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| Ensure that you are connected to the Internet
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. |
| Ensure that you have subscribed to an Internet service provider
Contact an Internet service provider to subscribe. |
| Contact your Internet service provider
Contact your Internet service provider for assistance. |
| Check for interrupt request conflicts
See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities." |
| A filename cannot contain any of the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > |
Do not use these characters in filenames. |
A required .DLL file was not found
The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program:
- Click the Start button.
- Click Control Panel.
- Click Add or Remove Programs.
- Select the program you want to remove.
- Click the Change or Remove Program icon.
- See the program documentation for installation instructions.
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| Insert bootable media
The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD. |
| Non-system disk error
A floppy disk is in the floppy drive. Remove the floppy disk and restart the computer. |
| Not enough memory or resources. Close some programs and try again
You have too many programs open. Close all windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you might have to restart your computer to restore computer resources. If so, try running the program that you want to use first. |
| Operating system not found
Contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for the correct number to call. |
| 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. Try copying the file to a blank disk or using a larger-capacity disk. |
| x:\ is not accessible. The device is not ready
Insert a disk into the drive and try again. |
| Check the software documentation or contact the software manufacturer for troubleshooting information
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| Back up your files immediately
If your computer has a CD-RW drive or a zip drive installed, see the drive's documentation for instructions. |
| Ensure that you have not made an error while entering data
See the program documentation to make sure that the values or characters you are entering are valid. |
| Check for viruses
Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, floppy disks, or CDs. |
| Restart the computer
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and then shut down your computer through the Start menu instead of pressing the power button. Otherwise, you may lose data. |
Check for compatibility
- Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer and that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation for information.
- If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
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| Ensure that you properly installed and configured the program
See the software documentation for information. If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program. |
If your computer exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, a device conflict may exist:
Restart the computer
- If the mouse is functioning, shut down the computer through the Start menu. After the computer shuts down, press the power button to restart the computer.
- If the computer does not respond to a keystroke or the mouse, press the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Press the power button again to restart the computer.
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Check the keyboard cable
- Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to the computer.
- Shut down the computer, reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the Start Here setup diagram for your computer, and then restart the computer.
- Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent pins.
- Remove keyboard extension cables and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.
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| Test the keyboard
Connect a keyboard that works properly to the computer, and try using the keyboard. If the new keyboard works, the original keyboard is faulty. |
| Check for interrupt request conflicts
See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities." |
Restart the computer
- Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the Start menu.
- Type u, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight Shut down or Turn Off, and then press <Enter>.
- After the computer turns off, press the power button to restart the computer.
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If you connected the mouse before turning on the computer, reconnect the mouse cable
- Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the Start menu.
- Type u, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight Shut down or Turn Off, and then press <Enter>.
- After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the Start Here setup diagram for your computer.
- Start the computer.
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If you connected the mouse after turning on the computer, remove the power cable, and then reconnect the mouse cable
If the mouse is connected after the power is turned on, the mouse appears to be nonfunctional. To make the mouse function properly:
- While your computer is on, remove the power cable from the back of the computer.
- Connect the mouse to the computer.
- Reconnect the power cable.
- Turn on your computer.
Pressing the power button does not clear the computer's settings and does not restore mouse functionality. |
Check the mouse cable
- Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent pins.
- Ensure that the cable is firmly connected to the computer.
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| Test the mouse
Connect a mouse that works properly to the computer, and try using the mouse. If the new mouse works, the original mouse was faulty. |
Check the mouse settings
- Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.
- Click Mouse.
- Try adjusting the settings.
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| Reinstall the mouse driver
See "Reinstalling Drivers." |
| Check for interrupt request conflicts
See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities." |
| Adjust the Power Properties
Your computer may be in standby or hibernate mode. For information on power conservation modes, see the Tell Me How help file, or search for the keyword standby or hibernate in Windows® Help. |
| If the power light is blinking green
The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse to resume normal operation. |
If the power light is off
The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.- Ensure that the power cable is firmly inserted into both the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.
- If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned on.
- Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
- Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location.
- Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on.
- Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.
- Ensure that the microprocessor power cable is securely connected to the system board.
- Ensure that the power supply cables are securely connected to the system board.
- Remove and then reinstall the memory modules.
- Remove and then reinstall any cards.
- If the problem persists, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for the correct number to call.
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If the power light is amber and green
The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.- Ensure that the microprocessor power cable is securely connected to the system board.
- If the problem persists, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for the correct number to call.
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Eliminate interference
Electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating near the computer can cause interference. Other causes of interference are:- Power extension cables
- Keyboard and mouse extension cables
- Too many devices on a power strip
- Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet
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| Check the printer documentation
See the printer documentation for setup and troubleshooting information. |
| Ensure that the printer is turned on
See the printer documentation for power button information. |
Verify 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 as shown in the Dell Owner's Manual.
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| 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®
- Click the Start button.
- Click Control Panel.
- Click Printers and Other Hardware.
- Click View installed printers or fax printers. If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.
- Click Properties, and then select the Ports tab. For a parallel printer, ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port). For a USB printer, ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is USB.
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| 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
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Check the cable connections
- If your scanner has a power cable, ensure that the power cable is firmly connected to a working electrical outlet and that the scanner is turned on.
- Ensure that the scanner cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the scanner.
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Verify that the scanner is recognized by Microsoft® Windows®
- Click the Start button.
- Click Control Panel.
- Click Printers and Other Hardware.
- Click Scanners and Cameras. If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.
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| Reinstall the scanner driver
See the scanner documentation for instructions. |
| Check the speaker cable connections
Ensure that the speakers are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. |
| 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. |
Enable digital mode
Your speakers do not work if the CD drive is operating in analog mode. To enable digital mode:
- Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.
- Click Sounds and Audio Devices.
- Click the Hardware tab.
- Double-click the name of your CD drive.
- Click the Properties tab.
- Check the Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device box.
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| 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. |
| Run the speaker diagnostics
Some speaker systems have self-diagnostics. See the speaker documentation for diagnostics instructions. |
| Reinstall the audio (sound) driver
See "Reinstalling Drivers." |
| Check for interrupt request conflicts
See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities." |
| Check the monitor power light
If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that the monitor is turned on. If the power light is lit or blinking, the monitor has power. If the power light is blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse. |
| Check the monitor cable connection
Check the connector for bent or broken pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have missing pins.) Ensure that the video cable is connected as shown on the Start Here setup diagram for your computer. |
| Test the electrical outlet
Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. |
| Swap the power cables
Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective. |
| Test the video extension cable (if used)
If you are using a video extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is defective. |
| Test another monitor
If another monitor is available, connect it to the computer. |
| Check the diagnostic lights
See "Diagnostic Codes." |
| Check the monitor settings
See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test. |
| Move the subwoofer away from the monitor
If your speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor. |
| Move the monitor away from external power sources
Fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, and other electrical devices can cause the screen image to appear "shaky." Turn off nearby devices to check for interference. |
| Rotate the monitor to face a different direction
Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality. |
Adjust the Windows® display settings
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Click Appearance and Themes.
- Click Display, and then click the Settings tab.
- Try different settings for Screen resolution and Color quality.
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| Restore the recommended settings
Restore the original resolution and refresh rate settings. See the Tell Me How help file for instructions. |