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A program stops responding
A program crashes repeatedly
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system
A solid blue screen appears
Other software problems
Other technical problems
to turn on the computer. You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
End the program
1. Press <Ctrl><Alt><Delete> simultaneously.
2. Click Task Manager, and click Applications.
3. Click the program that is no longer responding.
4. Click End Task.
HINT: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.
Check the software documentation — Many software manufacturers maintain websites with information that may help you solve the
problem. Ensure that you properly installed and configured the program. If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
Run the Program Compatibility Wizard
Windows XP provides a Program Compatibility Wizard that 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 the computer does not respond to a keystroke or a proper shutdown, press the power button for at least 8 to
10secondsuntilthecomputerturnsoff.Pressthepowerbuttonagaintorestartthecomputer.Thechkdskprogramautomaticallyruns
during the start-up process. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Check the software documentation or contact the software manufacturer for troubleshooting information
Back up your files immediately — If your computer has a CD-RW drive or a zip drive installed, see the drive's documentation for
instructions.
Ensure that you have not made an error while entering data — See the program documentation to make sure that the values or characters
you are entering are valid.
Check for viruses — Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, floppy disks, or CDs.
Restart the computer — Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and then shut down your computer through the Start menu
instead of pressing the power button. Otherwise, you may lose data.
Check for compatibility
l Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer and that your computer meets the
minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation for information.
l If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
Ensure that you properly installed and configured the program — See the software documentation for information. If necessary, uninstall
and then reinstall the program.
Go to the Dell | Support website — Go to support.dell.com for help with general usage, installation, and troubleshooting questions. See
"Dell Technical Support Policy" in the Owner's Manual for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.
E-mail Dell — Go to the Dell | Support website, and then click E-Mail Dell in the Communicate list. Send an e-mail message to Dell about
your problem; you can expect to receive an e-mail message from Dell within hours. See "Dell Technical Support Policy" in the Owner's Manual
for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.
Call Dell — If you cannot solve your problem by using the Dell | Support website or e-mail service, call Dell for technical assistance (See