Some of the tools you may be using as you troubleshoot problems on your Tablet-PC include:
Dell Diagnostics
Dell Support Utility (Windows Vista® only)
Windows® Hardware Troubleshooter
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your Tablet-PC, perform the checks in Lockups and Software Problems (see Lockups and Software Problems), and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
See Using the System Setup Program to review your Tablet-PC's configuration information, and ensure that the device that you want to test displays in the system setup program and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your Tablet-PC.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTE: If your Tablet-PC does not display a screen image, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Ensure that the Tablet-PC is connected to an electrical outlet that is
known to be working properly.
Turn on (or restart) your Tablet-PC.
Start the Dell Diagnostics in one of the following two ways:
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop; then, shut down your Tablet-PC and try again.
When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. Select Diagnostics from the boot menu and press <Enter>.
NOTE: Before attempting the following option, the Tablet-PC must be powered down completely.
Press and hold the <Fn> key while powering the Tablet-PC on.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities media.
The Tablet-PC runs the Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA), a series of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, etc.
During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, the following message appears: "Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition.Press any key to continue."
Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility
partition on your hard drive.
When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want
to run. See Dell Diagnostics Main Menu.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media
Insert the Drivers and Utilities media.
Shut down and restart the Tablet-PC.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop; then, shut down your Tablet-PC and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the Tablet-PC boots according to the devices specified in the system setup program.
When the boot device list appears, highlight CD/DVD/CD-RW and press
<Enter>.
Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and
press <Enter>.
Type 1 to start the CD menu and press <Enter> to proceed.
Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If
multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your
Tablet-PC.
When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want
to run.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the MainMenu appears, click the
button for the option you want.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your Tablet-PC.
Option
Function
Test Memory
Run the stand-alone memory test
Test System
Run System Diagnostics
Exit
Exit the Diagnostics
After you have selected the Test System option from the main menu, the
following menu appears:
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Extended Test from the menu below to run a more thorough check of devices in the Tablet-PC.
Option
Function
Express Test
Performs a quick test of devices in the system. This typically can take 10 to 20 minutes.
Extended Test
Performs a thorough check of devices in the system. This typically can take an hour or more.
Custom Test
Use to test a specific device or customize the tests to be run.
Symptom Tree
This option allows you to select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are having. This option lists the most common symptoms.
If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error
code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and
problem description and contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
NOTE: The Service Tag for your Tablet-PC is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell, technical support will ask for your Service Tag.
If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the
applicable tab described in the following table for more information.
Tab
Function
Results
Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors
Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.
Help
Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.
Configuration
Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your Tablet-PC or all devices attached to your Tablet-PC.
Parameters
Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.
When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the MainMenu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the Tablet-PC, close
the MainMenu screen.
Remove the Dell Drivers and Utilities media (if applicable).
Dell Support Utility for Windows Vista
The Dell Support Utility, installed on your Tablet-PC, provides self-support information, software updates, and health scans of your computing environment.
Access the Dell Support Utility from the
icon in the Windows Notification area or from the Windows Vista® Start
menu.
Accessing the Dell Support Utility
If the Dell Support icon does not appear in your Windows Notification area:
Click Start®All Programs®Dell Support®Dell Support Settings.
Ensure that the Show icon on the Windows Notification area option is
checked.
NOTE: If the Dell Support Utility is not available from the Windows Vista start buttonmenu, go to support.dell.com and download the software.
The Dell Support Utility is customized for your computing environment.
The icon in the Windows Notification area functions differently when you click, double-click, or right-click the icon.
Clicking the Dell Support Icon
Click or right-click the icon to perform the following tasks:
Check your computing environment
View the Dell Support Utility settings
Access the help file for the Dell Support Utility
View frequently asked questions
Learn more about the Dell Support Utility
Turn the Dell Support Utility off
Windows Hardware Troubleshooter
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.
To start the Hardware Troubleshooter:
Click Start
(or Start in Windows XP) and click Help and Support.
Type hardware troubleshooterin the search field and press
<Enter> to start the search.
In Windows XP, click Hardware Troubleshooter as displayed in the search results.
Select the option that best describes the problem and follow the remaining
troubleshooting steps.
Solving Problems
Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your Tablet-PC:
If you added or removed a 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 support personnel diagnose and fix the problem.
If an error message occurs in a program, see the program's documentation.
NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell™ Tablet-PC to the Windows Classic view.
Hard 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 —
In Windows Vista, click Start
and click Computer.
In Windows XP, click Start and click My Computer.
If the drive is not displayed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.
Run Check Disk —
Click Start®Computer.
In Windows XP, click Start®My Computer.
Right-click the local disk.
Click Properties® Tools®Check Now.
In Windows Vista, the User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the Tablet-PC, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the desired action.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Test the drive —
Insert another drive to eliminate the possibility that the original drive is defective.
NOTE: Unless you purchased either an optional external D/Bay or an optional media base with your Tablet-PC, you may not be able to use optical drives or optical drive media with your Tablet-PC.
NOTE: High-speed optical drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a defect in the drive or the media.
NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives.
NOTE: Unless you purchased either an optional external D/Bay or an optional media base with your Tablet-PC, you may not be able to use optical drives or optical drive media with your Tablet-PC.
Close other programs —
The optical drive must receive a steady stream of data during the writing process. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the optical.
Turn off sleep mode in Windows Vista before writing to a disc —
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network adapter connector (see Back View).
Check the Microsoft Outlook® Express security settings —
If you cannot open your e-mail attachments:
In Outlook Express, click Tools®Options®Security.
Click Do not allow attachments to remove the checkmark, as needed.
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.
Error Messages
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: If the error message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.
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 Start®Control Panel®Programs®Programs and Features.
In Windows XP, click Start®Control Panel®Add or Remove Programs.
Select the program you want to remove.
Click Uninstall (or Remove in Windows XP).
See the program documentation for installation instructions.
drive letter :\ is not accessible. The device is not ready —
The drive cannot read the disk. Insert a disk into the drive and try again.
Insert bootable media —
Insert a bootable CD or DVD into the optional external D/Bay or the optional media base.
Not enough memory or resources. Close some programs and try again —
Close all windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you may have to restart your Tablet-PC to restore Tablet-PC resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first.
Operating system not found —
Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
IEEE 1394 Device Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: Your Tablet-PC supports only IEEE 1394a standard.
Ensure that the cable for the IEEE 1394 device is properly inserted into the device and into the connector on the Tablet-PC
Ensure that the IEEE 1394 device is enabled in system setup —
See System Setup Screens.
Ensure that the IEEE 1394 device is recognized by Windows —
Click Start®Control Panel®Hardware and Sound.
In Windows XP, click Start®My Computer®View System Information®Hardware.
Click Device Manager.
If your IEEE 1394 device is listed, Windows recognizes the device.
If you have problems with a Dell IEEE 1394 device —
Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
If you have problems with an IEEE 1394 device not provided by Dell —
Contact the IEEE 1394 device manufacturer.
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 Tablet-PC does not start up
Ensure that the power cable is firmly connected to the Tablet-PC and to the electrical outlet
The Tablet-PC stops responding
NOTICE: You may lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
Turn the Tablet-PC off —
If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or touching your display with the pen or your finger, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds (until the Tablet-PC turns off), and then restart your Tablet-PC.
A program stops responding
End the program —
Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously to access the Task Manager.
Click the Applications tab.
Click to select the program that is no longer responding.
Click End Task.
A program crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in its documentation, or on a CD or DVD.
Check the software documentation —
If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system
Run the Program Compatibility Wizard —
The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to previous versions of Windows.
Windows Vista
Click Start®Control Panel®Programs®Use an older program with this version of Windows.
In the welcome screen, click Next.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Windows XP
Click Start®Help and Support®Fixing a problem®Application and software problems.
Click Run Software that Worked with previous versions.
In the welcome screen, click Next.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
A solid blue screen appears
Turn the Tablet-PC off —
If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or touching your display with the pen or your finger, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds (until the Tablet-PC turns off), and then restart your Tablet-PC.
Other software problems
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 Tablet-PC.
Ensure that your Tablet-PC 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, CDs, or DVDs
Save and close any open files or programs and shut down your Tablet-PC through the Start menu
Memory Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
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 Installing a Memory Module).
Reseat the memory modules (see Memory) to ensure that your Tablet-PC is successfully communicating with the memory.
Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your Tablet-PC. For more information about the type of memory supported by your Tablet-PC, see Memory.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Check the network cable connector —
Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into the network connector on the back of the Tablet-PC and the network jack.
Check the network lights on the back of the Tablet-PC —
If the link integrity light is off, no network communication is occurring. Replace the network cable.
Restart the Tablet-PC and log on to the network again
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.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
If the power light is blinking blue —
The computer is in sleep or standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.
If the power light is off —
The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.
Reseat the power cable in the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.
Bypass power strips, power extension cables, and other power protection devices to verify that the computer turns on properly.
Ensure that any power strips being used are plugged into an electrical outlet and are turned on.
Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
If the power light is steady amber —
A device may be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed. Remove and then reinstall all memory modules (see Memory).
Eliminate interference —
Some possible causes of interference are:
Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables
Too many devices connected to the same power strip
Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet
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.
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 Tablet-PC.
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 Start®Control Panel®Hardware and Sound®Printer.
In Windows XP, click Start®Control Panel®Printers and Other Hardware®Printers and Faxes.
If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.
Click Properties and click Ports.
Adjust the settings, as needed.
Reinstall the printer driver —
See the printer documentation for information on reinstalling the printer driver.
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.
Check the scanner documentation —
See the scanner documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.
Unlock the scanner —
Ensure that your scanner is unlocked (if the scanner has a locking tab or button).
Restart the Tablet-PC and try the scanner again
Check the cable connections —
See the scanner documentation for information on cable connections.
Ensure that the scanner cables are securely connected to the scanner and the Tablet-PC.
Verify that the scanner is recognized by Microsoft Windows —
Click Start®Control Panel®Hardware and Sound®Scanners and Cameras.
In Windows XP, click Start®Control Panel®Printers and Other Hardware®Scanners and Cameras.
If the scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.
Reinstall the scanner driver —
See the scanner documentation for instructions.
Sound and Speaker Problems
NOTE: The volume control in MP3 and other media players may override the Windows volume setting. Always check to ensure that the volume on the media player(s) has not been turned down or off.
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
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.
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 speaker is automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the Tablet-PC 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.
Check the headphone cable connection —
Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted into the headphone connector (see Right Side View).
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.
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
Check the touch pad settings —
Click Start
(or Start in Windows XP)®Control Panel®Printers and Other Hardware®Mouse.
Try adjusting the settings.
Check the mouse cable —
Shut down the Tablet-PC. 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 Tablet-PC.
To verify that the problem is with the mouse, check the touch pad —
Shut down the Tablet-PC.
Disconnect the mouse.
Turn on the Tablet-PC.
At the Windowsdesktop, 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.
Check the system setup program settings —
Verify that the system setup program lists the correct device for the pointing device option. (The Tablet-PC automatically recognizes a USB mouse without making any setting adjustments.) For more information on using the system setup program, see Using the System Setup Program.
Test the mouse controller —
To test the mouse controller (which affects pointer movement) and the operation of the touch pad or mouse buttons, run the Mouse test in the Pointing Devices test group in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
If you encounter a problem while using the pen or when touching the screen, the Tablet Settings window (i.e., Properties) and certain Windows Control Panel screens are useful to resolve the problem.
Diagnostics
Initialize digitizer —
In the system Control Panel, open the N-trig Tablet Settings icon and click the Restore defaults button to set the Tablet-PC pen and touch features to the factory default configuration.
Execute digitizer self-test diagnostics —
In the system Control Panel, open the N-trig Tablet Settings icon and click the Trouble Shooting button to execute a diagnostic self test. This test verifies that the digitizer hardware is fully functional. During the test, the pop-up window provides instruction to the user and reports the test result. If the test result produces a diagnostic code, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Either Touch or Pen mode not functioning —
on the system Control Panel, open the N-trig Tablet Settings icon. Select the preferred mode of operation to enable Touch, Pen, Dual, or Auto (Windows Vista only).
Touch Not Functioning
Verify touch input is enabled —
In the system Control Panel open the Pen and Input Devicesicon. On the Touchscreen, ensure that the option Use your finger as an input device is checked. Select other settings on this screen as desired to configure how the Touch feature will perform.
Touch tuning —
In the system Control Panel, open the N-trig Tablet Settings icon and click the Digitizer Options tab. In the Touch Tuning frame, click the Reset button and follow the instructions provided.
Pen Pressure Sensitivity Problems
Enable stylus pressure sensitivity —
In Windows Journal select the Tools drop-down menu and then select Options. In the Options window, click the Note Format tab, and then select the Pen Settings... button. In the Pen and Highlighter Settings window, ensure that the option Pressure sensitive is checked.
Pen Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
If this does not solve the problem, contact Dell. See Contacting Dell.
Display Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
The screen is difficult to read
Rotate the display to eliminate sunlight glare and possible interference
Adjust the Windows display settings —
Click Start®Control Panel®Hardware and Sound®Personalization®Display Settings.
In Windows XP, click Start®Control Panel®Appearance and Themes®Display.
Adjust Resolutionand Colors settings, as needed.
If only part of the display is readable
Connect an external monitor —
Shut down your Tablet-PC and connect an external monitor to the Tablet-PC.
Turn on the Tablet-PC and the monitor and adjust the monitor brightness and contrast controls.
If the external monitor works, the Tablet-PC display or video controller may be defective. Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
When using a projector, the projected image is rotated and unreadable
Rotate the display image to a readable orientation using the screen rotate button — See Using Tablet Buttons for more information on the Screen Rotate button. See Using Your Tablet-PC With a Projector for more information on using the Tablet-PC with a projector.
Power Lights
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
The power button LED ring, located on the Tablet-PC, display illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:
If the power light is blinking blue, the computer is in sleep or standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.
If the power light is off, the computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.
Reseat the power cable 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.
Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.
Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
If the power light is blinking blue, the computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.
If the power light is steady amber, a device may be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.
Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see Memory).
Eliminate interference. Some possible causes of interference are:
Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables
Too many devices on a power strip
Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet
icon in the Windows Notification area or from the Windows Vista® Start 
menu.
(or Start in Windows XP) and click Help and Support.
and click Computer.
(or Start in Windows XP)