Dell 420 Personal Computer User Manual


 
4. In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, select the option that best describes the problem and click Next to follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.
Windows Vista
®
:
1. Click the Windows Vista start button , and click Help and Support.
2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press <Enter> to start the search.
3. In the search results, select the option that best describes the problem and follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.
Dell Diagnostics
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in this section, and then run the Dell Diagnostics before contacting Dell for assistance.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities disc provided with your computer.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
Before running the Dell Diagnostics, enter the system setup program (see System Setup Program) to review your computer's configuration information, and
ensure that the device you want to test is displayed in the system setup program and is active.
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a separate diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
1. Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is known to be working properly.
2. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop, and then shut down your
computer and try again.
4. Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select Diagnostics from the boot menu and then press <Enter>.
5. Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.
6. Press <Tab> to select Test System and then press <Enter>.
7. At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the mouse, or press <Tab> and then <Enter>, to select the test you want to run (see Dell Diagnostics
Main Menu).
8. After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional
safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities disc is optional and may not ship with your computer.
NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics only operate on Dell computers.
NOTE: If your computer does not display a screen image, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell.
NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release
<F12> in even intervals to open the Boot Device Menu.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities disc
(see Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Disc).
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your computer. Selecting Test Memory initiates the extended
memory test, which can take up to thirty minutes or more to complete. When the test completes, record the test results and then press any key to
return to the previous menu.
NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and follow the instructions on the screen.