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Basic Troubleshooting 2-1
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This chapter provides basic troubleshooting procedures applicable to all
systems of the Dell OptiPlex GX1/GX1p Managed PC and OptiPlex NX1 Net
PC families. A brief explanation of how to load and start the system diagnos-
tics is also provided at the end of the chapter. Dell recommends that you
perform the following procedures in the order they are presented in this man-
ual. Chapter 3, “Beep Codes and Error Messages,” also contains information
to assist you in diagnosing computer failures that occur during the POST.
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When you first contact a user who has a problem, ask the user to describe the
problem and the conditions under which it occurs. In particular, was the user
installing new hardware or software when the failure occurred? A verbal
description can often indicate the cause of a problem or indicate the appropri-
ate troubleshooting procedure to use. After the user describes the problem,
follow these steps:
1. Ask the user to back up any data on the hard-disk drive if the system’s con-
dition permits.
See “Maintaining the System” in the online
System User’s Guide
for infor-
mation about backing up data.
2. Ask the user to try to duplicate the problem by repeating the operations he
or she was performing at the time the problem occurred.
Can the user duplicate the problem?
Ye s
. Proceed to step 3.
No
. Proceed to the next section, “External Visual Inspection.”
3. Observe the user to determine if he or she is making an error, such as
typing an incorrect key combination or entering a command incorrectly.
Is the problem a result of user error?
Ye s
. Instruct the user in the proper procedure, or direct him or her to the
appropriate user documentation for the correct procedure.
No
. Proceed to the next section, “External Visual Inspection.”