Dell XPS 720 Personal Computer User Manual


 
58 Troubleshooting
Lockups and Software Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
The computer does not start up
CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 66.
E
NSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET
The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You may lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
T
URN THE COMPUTER OFF If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your
mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds (until the computer turns off), and then restart
your computer.
A program stops responding
END THE PROGRAM
1
Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously to access the Task Manager.
2
Click the
Applications
tab.
3
Click to select the program that is no longer responding.
4
Click
End Task
.
A program crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk, CD, or DVD.
C
HECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system
RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD
Windows XP:
The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to non-XP
operating system environments.
1
Click
Start
All Programs
Accessories
Program Compatibility Wizard
Next
.
2
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Windows Vista:
The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows
Vista operating system environments.
1
Click
Start
Control Panel
Programs
Use an older program with this version of Windows.
2
In the welcome screen, click
Next
.
3
Follow the instructions on the screen.