If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. Running the Dell Diagnostics may help you resolve the problem without contacting Dell. If you do contact Dell, the test results can provide important information for Dell's service and support personnel.
The Dell Diagnostics allows you to:
Perform tests on one or all devices.
Select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are having.
Choose how many times a test is run.
Suspend testing if an error is detected.
Access help information that describes the tests and devices.
Receive status messages that tell you whether tests completed successfully.
Receive error messages if problems are detected.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTICE: Use the Dell Diagnostics to test your Dell™ computer only. Using this program with other
computers can result in error messages.
Enter system setup, review your computer's configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in system setup and is active.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
Shut down and restart the computer.
NOTE: When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12>immediately. If you see a message stating
that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from your optional Drivers
and Utilities CD.
If you wait too long and the Microsoft® Windows® logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer through the Start menu and try again.
When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.
When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Optional Drivers and Utilities CD
Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.
Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer through the Start menu and try again.
NOTE: This feature changes the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer
boots according to the devices specified in system setup.
When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM Device and press <Enter>.
Select the IDE CD-ROM Device option from the CD boot menu.
Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears.
Type 1 to start the Drivers and Utilities CD menu.
Type 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.
Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed,
select the version appropriate for your computer.
When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the
option you want.
Option
Function
Express Test
Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
Extended Test
Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.
Custom Test
Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.
Symptom Tree
Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.
If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a
description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow
the instructions on the screen.
If you cannot resolve the error condition,contact Dell.
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,
technical support will ask for your Service Tag number.
If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab
described in the following table for more information.
Tab
Function
Results
Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors
Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.
Help
Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.
Configuration
Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.
Parameters
Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.
When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and
Utilities CD, remove the CD.
Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and
restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.
Drivers
What Is a Driver?
A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.
A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.
Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.
NOTICE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your
computer. Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.
Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:
Upgrade your operating system.
Reinstall your operating system.
Connect or install a new device.
Identifying Drivers
If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.
WindowsXP
Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
Under PickaCategory, click PerformanceandMaintenance.
Click System.
In the SystemProperties window, click the Hardware tab.
Click DeviceManager.
Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on
the device icon.
If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver.
Windows2000
Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click System.
In the SystemProperties window, click the Hardware tab.
Click DeviceManager.
Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on
the device icon.
If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver.
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Drivers and Utilities CD provide
approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer
might not work correctly.
Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback
If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.
Click the Start button and click ControlPanel.
Under PickaCategory, click PerformanceandMaintenance.
Click System.
In the SystemProperties window, click the Hardware tab.
Click DeviceManager.
Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties.
Click the Drivers tab.
Click Roll Back Driver.
If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.
Using the Optional Drivers and Utilities CD
If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the Drivers and Utilities CD.
NOTE: To access device drivers and user documentation, you must use the Drivers and Utilities CD while
your computer is running Windows.
Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.
If this is your first time to use the Drivers and Utilities CD, the Installation window opens to inform you that the CD will begin the installation. Click OK and respond to the installation program prompts to complete the installation.
Click Next at the WelcomeDellSystemOwner screen.
Choose the appropriate selections for SystemModel, OperatingSystem, DeviceType, and
Topic.
Click My Drivers in the Topic drop-down menu.
The Drivers and Utilities CD scans your computer's hardware and operating system and then displays a list of device drivers for your system configuration.
Click the appropriate driver and follow the instructions to download the driver for your
computer.
To view a list of all available drivers for your computer, click Drivers in the Topic drop-down menu.
To access the help files on the Drivers and Utilities CD, click the question mark button or the Help link at the top of the screen.
Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore
The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Windows Help and Support Center for information on using System Restore.
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or
recover them.
Creating a Restore Point
Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
Click System Restore.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files
and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system
restoration is complete.
Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then click
System Restore.
Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.
Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.
The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.
Select a restore point and click Next.
If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.
Click Next.
The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts.
After the computer restarts, click OK.
To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.
Undoing the Last System Restore
NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open
programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.
Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then click
System Restore.
Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.
Click Next.
The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.
After the computer restarts, click OK.
Enabling System Restore
If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:
Click the Start button and click ControlPanel.
Click Performance and Maintenance.
Click System.
Click the System Restore tab.
Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.
Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP
Before You Begin
If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver.
NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For
conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.
To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:
Dell™ Operating System CD
Dell Drivers and Utilities CD
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were factory installed during assembly of the
computer. Use the Drivers and Utilities CD to load any required drivers, including those drivers required if
your computer has a RAID controller.
Product Key (Product ID Number)
NOTE: The Product Key is the bar code number on the sticker that is located on the external side cover
of your computer. You may be prompted for the Product Key when using the Operating System CD under
certain conditions.
Reinstalling Windows XP
To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.
The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can
overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall
Windows XP unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.
NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your
computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for
instructions.
Booting From the Operating System CD
Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
Insert the Operating System CD. If any program starts automatically, exit the program before
proceeding.
Shut down the computer through the Start menu and restart the computer. Press <F12>
immediately after the DELL™ logo appears.
If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down your computer and try again.
Press the arrow keys to select CD-ROM, and then press <Enter>.
When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.
Windows XP Setup
When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to select To set up Windows
now.
Read the information on the Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement screen, and press
<F8> to accept the license agreement.
If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current
Windows XP data, type r to select the repair option, and then remove the CD.
If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.
Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and then follow the
instructions on the screen.
The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer automatically restarts multiple times.
NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of
your computer.
NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot
from the CD.
When the Regional and Language Options screen appears, select the settings for your
location, and then click Next.
Enter your name and organization (optional) in the Personalize Your Software screen and
click Next.
At the Computer Name and Administrator Password window, enter a name for your
computer (or accept the one provided) and a password, and then click Next.
If the Modem Dialing Information screen appears, enter the requested information and click
Next.
Enter the date, time, and time zone in the Date and Time Settings window and click Next.
If the Networking Settings screen appears, click Typical and click Next.
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional and you are prompted to provide further
information regarding your network configuration, enter your selections. If you are unsure of
your settings, accept the default selections.
Windows XP installs the operating system components and configures the computer. The computer automatically restarts.
NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot
from the CD.
When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click Next.
When the How will this computer connect to the Internet? message appears,
click Skip.
When the Ready to register with Microsoft? screen appears, select No, not at this time and
click Next.
When the Who will use this computer? screen appears, you can enter up to five users. Click
Next.
Click Finish to complete the setup, and remove the CD.
Reinstall the appropriate drivers using the Drivers and Utilities CD.
Reinstall your virus protection software.
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Microsoft® Windows® XP
Windows XP IRQ conflicts occur if a device either is not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured.
To check for conflicts on a computer running Windows XP:
Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
Click Performance and Maintenance and click System.
Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
In the Device Manager list, check for conflicts with the other devices.
Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) beside the conflicting device or a red X if the device has been disabled.
Double-click any conflict to display the Properties window.
If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties window reports the cards or devices that share the device's IRQ.
Resolve conflicts by reconfiguring the devices or removing the devices from the Device
Manager.
To use the Windows XP Hardware Troubleshooter:
Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.
Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.
In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my
computer, and click Next.
Windows 2000
To check for conflicts on a computer running Windows 2000:
Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
In the Control Panel window, double-click System.
Click the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager.
Click View and click Resources by connection.
Double-click Interrupt request (IRQ) to view the IRQ assignments.
Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) beside the conflicting device or a red X if the device has been disabled.
Double-click any conflict to display the Properties window.
If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties window reports the cards or devices that share the device's IRQ.
Resolve conflicts by reconfiguring the devices or removing the devices from the Device
Manager.
To use the Windows 2000 Hardware Troubleshooter:
Click the Start button and click Help.
Click Troubleshooting and Maintenance on the Contents tab, click Windows 2000
troubleshooters, and then click Hardware.
In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my
computer and click Next.
