Dell Vostro 410, Service Manual

Page: 37 / 121

Basic Troubleshooting 2-1
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T his chapter describes basic troubleshooting procedures that can help you
diagnose a computer system problem. These procedures can often reveal the
source of a problem or indicate the correct starting point for troubleshooting
the system. A brief explanation of how to load and start the Dell Diagnostics is
found at the end of the chapter. Dell recommends that you perform the follow-
ing procedures in the order they are presented in this chapter.
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When you first contact a user who has a problem, ask the user to describe the
problem and the conditions under which it occurs. A verbal description can
often indicate the cause of a problem or indicate the appropriate troubleshoot-
ing procedure to use. After the user describes the problem, follow these
steps:
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See the operating system documentation and Appendix D, “Maintaining
the System,” in the
User’s Guide for information about backing up data.
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Can the user duplicate the problem?
Yes.
Proceed to step 3.
No. Proceed to the next section, “External Visual Inspection.”
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Is the problem a result of user error?
Yes. Instruct the user in the proper procedure, or direct him or her to the
appropriate user documentation for the correct procedure.
No. Proceed to the next section, “External Visual Inspection.”