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Troubleshooting Your Computer 3-1
Chapter 3
Troubleshooting Your Computer
I
f your Dell Inspiron 3000 is not working as expected,
this chapter provides initial checks for solving basic com-
puter problems as well as detailed troubleshooting
procedures. It lists system messages and beep codes, their
possible causes, and actions you can take to resolve any
problems indicated by a message or code. This chapter
also offers general guidelines for analyzing some soft-
ware problems.
NOTES: When you see the question “Is the problem
resolved?” in a troubleshooting procedure, repeat the
operation that caused the problem to see if it still occurs.
Before you begin any of the troubleshooting procedures,
make sure the Quiet Boot option is set to Disabled in the
Main menu of the Setup program. See Chapter 2, “Cus-
tomizing Features,” for information on using the Setup
program.
B
acking Up Your Files
You can lose data when a computer failure occurs. If your
computer is behaving erratically, back up your files
immediately. See your operating system documentation
for instructions on backing up files.
B
asic Checks
The following procedure leads you through the checks
necessary to solve some basic computer problems.
NOTE: Before you begin any of the troubleshooting pro-
cedures, make sure the Quiet Boot option is set to
Disabled in the Main menu of the Setup program. See
Chapter 2, “Customizing System Features,” for informa-
tion on using the Setup program.
1. Is your computer wet or damaged?
Yes. Go to “Troubleshooting a Wet Computer” or
“Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer” found later
in this chapter.
No. Go to step 2.
2. Perform the steps in the next subsection, “Check-
ing Connections.”
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. A connection to your computer was loose. The
problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 3.
CAUTION: The only time you should ever access
the inside of your computer is when you are install-
ing memory modules.
Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer
before disconnecting a peripheral device or remov-
ing a memory module to help prevent possible
damage to the system board.
CAUTION: See “Protecting Against Electrostatic
Discharge” in the safety instructions at the front of
this guide.
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