Dell Latitude XPi CD, Reference Manual

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Getting Help 5-1
Chapter 5
Getting Help
T
his chapter describes the tools Dell provides to help
you when there is a problem with the computer. It also
tells you when and how to call Dell Computer Corpora-
tion for technical or customer assistance in the following
situations:
•
If you have a technical problem, read the next sec-
tion, “Technical Assistance.”
•
If you are looking for information about a specific
subject or about Dell’s services, read “Help Tools”
found later in this chapter.
•
If you have a problem with your order, read “Prob-
lems With Your Order” found later in this chapter.
T
echnical Assistance
If you need assistance with a technical problem, perform
the following steps:
1. Review the Dell Q&A.
Look for the Dell Q&A icon in the Dell Accessories
folder or group.
2. Review the remaining documentation that accom-
panied your Dell computer.
To decide which document has the answers you
need, see the Preface.
3. Run the Dell diagnostics.
See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics,” for
instructions on using the diagnostics.
4. Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist (found
later in this chapter), and fill it out.
NOTE: Save the Diagnostics Checklist in this chap-
ter as a master so you can use it to make copies as
needed.
On your Diagnostics Checklist, document any error
messages or beep codes as they occur so you can
inform the Dell technician of them. Describe what
was happening when the error occurred. Note the
steps you took to solve the problem.
5. Call Dell for help with installation and trouble-
shooting procedures.
For instructions, see “Dell Contact Numbers” found
later in this chapter. When you call, you can ask to
speak to a technician, or you can use the AutoTech
service. For instructions on using AutoTech, see
“AutoTech Service” found later in this chapter.
NOTE: Have your express service code handy when
you call. The code helps Dell’s automated support
telephone system direct your call more efficiently.
For more information, see “Before You Call” found
later in this chapter.
H
elp Tools
Dell provides a number of tools to assist you. Table 5-1
lists subjects you may want information about, tasks you
may want to perform, and the tool(s) you can use for
help. Each tool is described later in this section.