Dell OptiPlex E1, Troubleshooting Manual

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vii
Preface
A
bout This Guide
This guide provides directions for troubleshooting prob-
lems that have temporarily disabled your Dell computer
system. It does not matter how much you do or do not
know about your system—this guide can help you.
Before calling for technical assistance, follow the recom-
mended procedure(s) in this guide to solve many
hardware and software problems yourself. The chapters
and appendixes are summarized as follows:
•
Everyone should read Chapter 1, “Checking the
Basics,” for some initial checks and procedures that
can be used to solve basic computer problems. It also
directs you to the appropriate chapter in this guide
for more detailed troubleshooting information and
procedures to solve more complex problems.
•
Whenever you receive an error message or code, you
should read Chapter 2, “Messages and Codes.” This
chapter discusses system messages, system beep
codes, warning messages, and diagnostics messages.
•
If you suspect that your problems are software-
related, or you are still having problems after testing
your computer’s hardware, read Chapter 3, “Finding
Software Solutions.” It provides some general guide-
lines for analyzing software problems.
•
For hardware-related problems, read Chapter 4,
“Running the Dell Diagnostics.” Chapter 5, “Check-
ing Your Equipment,” and Chapter 6, “Checking
Inside Your Computer,” provide troubleshooting
procedures for equipment connected to the input/
output (I/O) panel of your computer and components
inside your computer, respectively.
•
Chapter 7, “Getting Help,” describes the help tools
Dell provides to assist you should you have a prob-
lem with your computer system. It also explains how
and when to call Dell for technical assistance. Make
a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist in Chapter 7 and
fill it out as you perform the troubleshooting proce-
dures. If you need to call Dell for technical
assistance, use the completed checklist to tell the
support technician what procedures you performed
to better help the technician give you assistance. If
you must return a piece of hardware to Dell, include
a filled-out checklist.
•
Appendix A, “Diagnostic Video Tests,” discusses the
tests for the Video Test Group in the Dell Diagnos-
tics to help you test your monitor.
•
A table of the abbreviations and acronyms used
throughout this guide and in other Dell documenta-
tion for your system precedes the Index.
W
arranty and Return Policy
Information
Dell Computer Corporation (“Dell”) manufactures its
hardware products from parts and components that are
new or equivalent to new in accordance with industry-
standard practices. For information about the Dell war-
ranty, see the appendix titled “Warranties and Return
Policy” in your system documentation.
O
ther Documents You May Need
You may need to reference the following documentation
when performing the procedures in this guide:
•
Your system documentation describes system fea-
tures, explains the System Setup program, explains
the ISA Configuration Utility or EISA Configuration
Utility (whichever is provided with your system),