3-2 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
If you were trying to install new hardware, double-check configuration settings and
available system resources (see “Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibili-
ties” in Chapter 4). Also make sure you changed the appropriate settings in the
system setup program for the system’s new hardware configuration (see Appendix B,
“System Setup Program”).
If you need additional technical assistance on the installation of hardware or software,
contact the product manufacturer or the company from whom you purchased the
product.
DellWare™ Support
DellWare products are supported by the item’s manufacturer. To receive product sup-
port information, call 1-800-753-7201.
Checking the Basics
Use the following sections to perform an initial check of your computer system or to
isolate a problem.
External Connections
Improperly set switches and controls, loose cables, and improperly connected cables
are the most likely sources of problems for your computer system. A quick check of
all the switches, controls, and cable connections can easily solve these problems.
Usually reseating (disconnecting and then reconnecting) the cables corrects these
problems.
NOTE: See the “System Features” section of the Dell Dimension 900 System Help
for the location of your computer’s external connectors and controls.
To check computer connections, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the computer, the monitor, and all attached devices.
2. Reseat all power cables connected to the computer, the monitor, and devices and
to electrical outlets.
3. Reseat the keyboard (purple) and mouse (green) interface cable connectors in the
proper connectors on the back of the computer.
4. Reseat any devices attached to the serial port, parallel port, and Universal Serial
Bus (USB) port connectors.
Each of the serial, parallel, and USB interface cable connectors must be firmly
attached to an appropriate connector on the back of the computer as well as to
the interface connector on the device. The captive screws on the serial and
parallel interface cable connectors must be secure enough to ensure a firm
connection.