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.

Test the drive  —

• Insert another floppy, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective.
• Insert a bootable floppy and restar
  t the computer.

Clean the drive or disk  —  See “Cleaning Your Computer.”

Ensure that the CD is snapped onto the spindle

Check the cable connections

Check for hardware incompatibilities

Run the Using the Dell Diagnostics

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 “Power Management” 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.

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.

MS-DOS®

Type scandisk x: at an MS-DOS prompt, where x is the hard drive letter, and then press <Enter>. Click the Start button and click My Computer.

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 feel 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 o
  ther 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.

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.

Auxiliary device failure — The touch pad, track stick, or external mouse may be faulty. For an external mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the Pointing Device option in the system setup program. If the problem persists, contact Dell.

Bad command or file name — Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put spaces in the proper place, and used the correct pathname.

Cache disabled due to failure — The primary cache internal to the microprocessor has failed. Contact Dell.

CD drive controller failure — The CD drive does not respond to commands from the computer. See “Drive Problems.”

Data error — The hard drive cannot read the data. See “Drive Problems.”

Decreasing available memory — One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.

Disk C: failed initialization — The hard drive failed initialization. Run the hard drive tests as described in “Using the Dell Diagnostics.”

Drive not ready — The operation requires a hard drive in the bay before it can continue. Install a hard drive in the hard drive bay.

Error reading PCMCIA card — The computer cannot identify the PC Card. Reinsert the card or try another PC Card.

Extended memory size has changed — The amount of memory recorded in NVRAM does not match the memory installed in the computer. Restart the computer. If the error appears again contact Dell.

Gate A20 failure — A memory module may be loose. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.

General failure — The operating system is unable to carry out the command. The message is usually followed by specific information—for example, Printer out of paper. Take the appropriate action.

Hard-disk drive configuration error — The computer cannot identify the drive type. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the computer from a CD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests as described in “Using the Dell Diagnostics.”

Hard-disk drive controller failure 0 — The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive, and boot t
he computer from a CD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests as described in “Using the Dell Diagnostics.”

Hard-disk drive failure — The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the computer from a CD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests as described in “Using the Dell Diagnostics.”

Hard-disk drive read failure — The hard drive may be defective. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the computer from a CD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests as described in “Using the Dell Diagnostics.”

Insert bootable media — The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootable CD. Insert a bootable CD.

Invalid configuration information-please run System Setup Program — The system configuration information does not match the hardware configuration. The message is most likely to occur after a memory module is installed. Correct the appropriate options in the system setup program.

Keyboard clock line failure — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the Keyboard Controller test as described in “Using the Dell Diagnostics.”

Keyboard controller failure — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Restart the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or the mouse during the boot routine. Run the Keyboard Controller test as described in “Using the Dell Diagnostics.”

Keyboard data line failure — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the Keyboard Controller test as described in “Using the Dell Diagnostics.”

Keyboard stuck key failure — For external keyboards or keypads, check the cable connection. Restart the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or keys during the boot routine. Run the Stuck Key test as described in “Using the Dell Diagnostics.”

Memory address line failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.

Memory allocation error — The software you are attempting to run is conflicting with the operating system, another program, or a utility. Shut down the computer, wait 30 seconds, and then restart it. Try to run the program again. If the error message still appears, see the software documentation.

Memory data line failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.

Memory double word logic failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.

Memory odd/even logic failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.

Memory write/read failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.

No boot device available — The computer cannot find the hard drive. If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the drive is installed, properly seated, and partitioned as a boot device.

No boot sector on hard drive — The operating system may be corrupted. Contact Dell.

No timer tick interrupt — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests as described in “Using the Dell Diagnostics.”

Operating system not found — Reinstall the hard drive. If the problem persists, contact Dell.

Optional ROM bad checksum — The optional ROM apparently failed. Contact Dell.

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.

Sector not found — The operating system cannot locate a sector on the hard drive. You may have a defective sector or corrupted FAT on the hard drive. Run the Windows error-checking utility to check the file structure on the hard drive. See the Help and Support Center for instructions. If a large number of sectors are defective, back up the data (if possible), and then reformat the hard drive.

Seek error — The operating system cannot find a specific track on the hard drive.

Shutdown failure — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests as described in “Using the Dell Diagnostics.”

Time-of-day clock lost power — System configuration settings are corrupted. If the problem persists, try to restore the data by entering the system setup program. Then immediately exit the program. See “Using the System Setup Program.” If the message reappears, contact Dell.

Time-of-day clock stopped — The coin-cell battery that supports the system configuration settings may no longer hold a charge. Replace the coin-cell battery (see “Adding and Replacing Parts“), or connect your computer to an electrical outlet. If the problem persists, contact Dell.

Time-of-day not set-please run the System Setup program — The time or date stored in the system setup program does not match the system clock. Correct the settings for the Date and Time options. See “Using the System Setup Program.”

Timer chip counter 2 failed — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests as described in “Using the System Setup Program.”

Unexpected interrupt in protected mode — The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning, or a memory module may be loose. Run the System Memory tests and the Keyboard Controller test as described in “Using the Dell Diagnostics.”

x: is not accessible. The device is not ready — Insert a disk into the drive and try again.

Warning: Battery is critically low — The battery is running out of charge. Replace the battery, or connect the computer to an electrical outlet. Otherwise, activate hibernate mode or shut down the computer.

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 or the IEEE 1394 device manufacturer.

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 external 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.

Run the keyboard diagnostics tests — Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell Diagnostics. If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact Dell.

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.

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.

If you are using Windows XP, 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.

Run the Dell Diagnostics  —  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.
• Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.
• Run the Dell Diagnostics.

If you experience other memory problems  —  

• Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.
• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines.
• Run the Dell Diagnostics.

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.

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.

Ensure that the card is recognized by Windows  —  Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows taskbar. Ensure that the card is listed.

If you have problems with a Dell-provided PC Card  —  Contact Dell.

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 status light — If the battery status light flashes orange or is a steady orange the battery charge is low or depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

If the battery status light flashes green and orange, the battery is too hot to charge. Shut down the computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet, and then let the battery and computer cool to room temperature.

If the battery status light rapidly flashes or
ange, the battery may be defective. Contact Dell.

Check the battery temperature — If the battery temperature is below 0° C (32° F), the computer will not start up.

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 “Power Management.”

Reseat the memory modules — If the computer power light turns on but the display remains blank, reinstall the memory modules.

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.

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 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.

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.

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><End> to disable (mute) or reenable the integrated speakers.

Reinstall the sound (audio) driver — See “Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities.”

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.

Reinstall the audio driver

Run the Dell Diagnostics

Check the headphone cable connection  —  Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted into the headphone connector.

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.

Check the system setup program settings — Verify that the system setup program lists the correct device for the pointing device option. (The computer automatically recognizes a USB mouse without making any setting adjustments.)

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.

Reinstall the touch pad driver — See “Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities.”

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.

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.

Run the Video diagnostics tests — If no error message appears and you still have a display problem, but the display is not completely blank, run the Video device group in the Dell Diagnostics. Then contact Dell.

See “Error Messages” — If an error message appears, see “Error Messages.”

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.