Fill out the
Diagnostics Checklist
as you complete these checks.
Printer Problems
Adjust the Power Properties
—
Your computer may be in standby or hibernate mode. For information on power conservation modes, see
your operating system documentation.
If the power light is green and the computer is not responding
—
See "
Diagnostic Lights
."
If the power light is blinking green
—
The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse to resume normal
operation.
If the power light is off
—
The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.
l
Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.
l
If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip
is turned on.
l
Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
l
Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on.
l
Ensure that the main power cable is securely connected to the system board.
l
Ensure that the front panel cable is securely connected to the system board.
l
If the problem persists,
contact Dell
.
If the power light is amber and green
—
The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.
l
Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location.
l
If the problem persists,
contact Dell.
If the power light is steady amber
—
The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist;
contact Dell
.
If the power light is blinking amber
—
A device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.
l
Remove and then reinstall the memory modules.
l
Remove and then reinstall any card.
l
Remove and then reinstall the video card, if applicable.
l
If the problem persists,
contact Dell
.
Eliminate interference
—
Electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating near the computer can cause interference. Other causes of
interference are:
l
Power extension cables
l
Keyboard and mouse extension cables
l
Too many devices on a power strip
l
Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet
NOTE:
Dell does not cover the printer's warranty. If you need technical assistance for your printer, call the printer's manufacturer. See the printer
documentation for the correct phone number.
Check the printer documentation
—
See the printer documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.
Ensure that the printer is turned on
—
See the printer documentation for power button information.
Verify the printer cable connections
—
l
See the printer documentation for cable connection information.
l
Ensure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer.
Test the electrical outlet
—
Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Verify that the printer is recognized by Windows
® —
Windows XP
1.
Click the
Start
button.
2.
Click
Control Panel
.
3.
Click
Printers and Other Hardware
.
4.
Click View installed printers or fax printers.
If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.
5.
Click
Properties,
and then select the
Ports
tab. For a parallel printer, ensure that the
Print to the following port(s):
setting is
LPT1
(Printer Port)
. For a USB printer, ensure that the
Print to the following port(s):
setting is
USB
.
Windows 2000 and Windows NT
®
1.
Click the
Start
button, point to
Settings
, and then click
Printers
.
If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.
2.
Click
Properties,
and then select the Ports tab. For a parallel printer, ensure that the
Print to the following port(s):
setting is
LPT1
(Printer Port)
. For a USB printer, ensure that the
Print to the following port(s):
setting is
USB
.