Filter
Top Products
Troubleshooting Your Computer 3-15
No Power to a Part of the Computer
If the power indicator shows that your computer is
receiving power, but the display remains blank, part of
your computer is probably not receiving power. To trou-
bleshoot this problem, make a copy of the Diagnostics
Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you com-
plete the following procedure:
1. Turn off the computer and peripherals, and dis-
connect them from AC power. Disconnect any
attached peripherals from the computer.
2. Make sure that the AC adapter is connected to
the computer and to AC power, or confirm that a
fully charged battery is properly seated in its
compartment.
3. Turn on the computer. Is the display on?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its
components before checking for signs of power.
Yes. The entire computer is receiving power; the
problem is resolved.
No. Adjust the brightness of the display. If the dis-
play still does not show an image, call Dell for
technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,”
for instructions.)
NOTE: Contrast cannot be adjusted on an active-
matrix color display.
Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive
During the power-on self-test (POST), the computer
checks the diskette drive, comparing its characteristics
with the system configuration information. (The diskette-
drive access indicator appears in the status display panel
as the computer performs this check on a diskette drive in
the options bay.)
If the drive fails POST or if the access indicators do not
appear, make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found
in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you complete the following
procedure:
1. Remove the diskette drive from the options bay.
2. Save your work in any open application pro-
grams, and then shut down the computer.
3. Reinstall the diskette drive.
4. Reboot the computer. Does the diskette-drive
access indicator appear in the status display panel
during the boot routine?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 5.
5. Remove and reinsert the diskette drive (or
disconnect and reconnect the drive if used
externally). Reboot the computer. Does the
diskette-drive access indicator appear in the
status display panel during the boot routine?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 9.
6. Does the computer display a drive error message?
Yes. See Table 3-2 for an explanation of the message,
and then go to step 7.
No. Go to step 9.
7. Insert a bootable 1.44-MB diskette into the drive,
and reboot the computer.
8. Does the diskette-drive access indicator appear in
the status display panel (or on the front of the
drive if it is being used externally) during the boot
routine, and does the drive boot the operating
system?
Yes. The diskette drive problem has probably been
resolved. If you continue to experience trouble, call
Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Get-
ting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Go to step 9.
9. Call Dell for technical assistance.
See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.
Troubleshooting the CD-ROM Drive
During POST, the computer checks the CD-ROM drive,
comparing its characteristics with the system configura-
tion information. (The CD-ROM/hard-disk drive access
indicator blinks as the computer performs this check.)
55899BK1.BK : 55899c31.fm Page 15 Wednesday, February 4, 1998 1:20 PM