background image

Troubleshooting Tips

35

Other software problems

C

HECK

 

THE

 

SOFTWARE

 

DOCUMENTATION

 

OR

 

CONTACT

 

THE

 

SOFTWARE

 

MANUFACTURER

 

FOR

 

TROUBLESHOOTING

 

INFORMATION

Ensure that the program is compatible with 
the operating system installed on your 
computer.

Ensure that your computer meets the 
minimum hardware requirements needed to 
run the software. See the software 
documentation for information.

Ensure that the program is installed and 
configured properly.

Verify that the device drivers do not conflict 
with the program.

If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the 
program.

Dell Technical Update Service

The Dell Technical Update service provides 
proactive e-mail notification of software and 
hardware updates for your computer. To enroll for 
the Dell Technical Update service, go to 

support.dell.com/technicalupdate

.

Dell Support Utility

The Dell Support Utility provides self-support 
information, software updates, and health scans of 
your computing environment. Access the Dell 
Support Utility from the 

 icon on the taskbar, or 

from the 

Start

 menu.

If the Dell Support icon does not appear in your 
taskbar:

1

Click 

Start

→ 

All Programs

→ 

Dell Support

 

Dell Support Settings

.

2

Ensure that the 

Show icon on the taskbar

 

option is checked. 

book.book  Page 35  Tuesday, August 26, 2008  11:02 AM

Summary of Contents for Vostro A90

Page 1: ...ures overview specifications and quick setup software and troubleshooting information for your computer For more information about your operating system devices and technologies see the Dell Technology Guide at support dell com book book Page 1 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Page 2: ...Information in this document is subject to change without notice 2008 Dell Inc All rights reserved Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc is strictly forbidden Trademarks used in this text Dell the DELL logo Vostro Wi Fi Catcher DellConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc and is u...

Page 3: ...uick Setup 13 Connecting to the Internet 16 Setting Up Your Internet Connection 16 Transferring Information to a New Computer 18 Specifications 23 Troubleshooting Tips 31 Using the Hardware Troubleshooter 31 Tips 31 Power Problems 32 Memory Problems 33 book book Page 3 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Page 4: ... Your Operating System 41 Using Microsoft Windows System Restore 42 Using the Operating System Media 43 Finding Information 45 Getting Help 49 Obtaining Assistance 49 Technical Support and Customer Service 50 Online Services 50 AutoTech Service 51 Automated Order Status Service 51 Problems With Your Order 52 Product Information 52 Before You Call 52 Contacting Dell 54 Index 55 book book Page 4 Tue...

Page 5: ...r 5 About Your Computer Front View 2 6 7 5 4 3 1 1 power light 2 battery light 3 camera activity light 4 camera 5 display 6 touch pad 7 integrated single analog microphone book book Page 5 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Page 6: ...te The computer is on The computer is off or in hibernate mode with less than 90 per cent battery charge and the battery is charging Flashing white The computer is in standby mode Off The computer is off or in hibernate mode and the battery is adequately charged On battery Solid white The computer is on Flashing white The computer is in standby mode Off The computer is off or in hibernate mode Bat...

Page 7: ...de Wireless and volume control keys are also located on the keyboard 1 network connector 2 keyboard 3 VGA connector 4 USB connector 1 3 6 5 4 7 2 5 air vents 6 audio in microphone connector 7 audio out headphone connector Connects the computer to a network The two lights next to the connector indicate status and activity for wired network connections book book Page 7 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 A...

Page 8: ...your radios off and pressing the key combination again returns your wireless radios to their respective states they were in before you pressed the key the first time VGA CONNECTOR USB CONNECTOR Press Fn 2 to turn on off your wireless devices Press Fn 3 to view details of your battery status battery health and to get battery tips Press Fn 4 to mute the sound Press Fn 5 to turn down the volume Press...

Page 9: ...store your Dell computer in a low airflow environment such as a closed briefcase while it is running Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire AUDIO CONNECTORS Left View Attach headphones to the connector Attach a microphone to the connector 1 3 in 1 media card reader slot 2 USB connectors 2 3 AC adapter connector 4 security cable slot 1 2 4 3 book book Page 9 Tuesday August ...

Page 10: ...onverts AC power to the DC power required by the computer You can connect the AC adapter with your computer turned on or off CAUTION The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide However power connectors and power strips vary among countries Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage NOTICE When...

Page 11: ... battery purchased from Dell The battery is designed to work with your Dell computer Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer CAUTION Before removing or replacing the battery turn off the computer disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet and the computer disconnect the modem from the wall connector and computer and remove any other external cables from the computer ...

Page 12: ...re that the computer is turned off 2 Slide the two battery release latches to the unlock position 3 Slide the battery out To replace the battery slide the battery into the bay until it clicks into place book book Page 12 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Page 13: ...with electrical outlets worldwide However power connectors and power strips vary among countries Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage NOTICE When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer grasp the connector not the cable itself and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable Whe...

Page 14: ...rn on the computer NOTE It is recommended that you turn on and shut down your computer at least once before you install any cards or connect the computer to a docking device or other external device such as a printer 5 Connect to the Internet See Connecting to the Internet on page 16 for more information book book Page 14 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Page 15: ...uick Setup 15 1 Internet service 2 cable or DSL modem 3 wireless router 4 laptop with wired connection 5 laptop with wireless connection 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 book book Page 15 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Page 16: ...perating system only To set up an Internet connection with a desktop shortcut provided by your ISP 1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs 2 Double click the ISP icon on the Microsoft Windows desktop 3 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP per...

Page 17: ...u did not receive a setup CD click Set up my connection manually If you have a setup CD click Use the CD I got from an ISP 4 Click Next If you selected Set up my connection manually in step 3 continue to step 5 Otherwise follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup NOTE If you do not know which type of connection to select contact your ISP 5 Click the appropriate option under How do...

Page 18: ...in Windows XP This information may not be available in certain countries For transferring information to a new computer you must run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System Media NOTE This procedure requires the Operating System media This media is optional and may not be included with certain computers NOTE Your computer may ...

Page 19: ... Computer Next 5 On the Select a transfer method screen click the transfer method you prefer 6 On the What do you want to transfer screen select the items you want to transfer and click Next 7 After the information has been copied the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears 8 Click Finish To transfer data to the new computer 1 On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer cl...

Page 20: ...ansfer Wizard welcome screen appears click Next 3 On the Which computer is this screen click New Computer Next 4 On the Do you have a Windows XP CD screen click I want to create a Wizard Disk in the following drive Next 5 Insert the removable media such as a writable CD and click OK 6 When the disk creation completes and the Now go to your old computer message appears do not click Next 7 Go to the...

Page 21: ...es and click Next Follow the instructions on the screen 3 The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer 4 When all of the settings and files have been applied the Finished screen appears 5 Click Finished and restart the new computer NOTE For more information about this procedure search support dell com for document 154781 What Are The Different Methods To ...

Page 22: ...Quick Setup 22 book book Page 22 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Page 23: ...ter Information System Chipset Intel 945GSE Data bus width 64 bits DRAM bus width single channel 64 bit buses Processor address bus width 32 bits Flash EPROM 1 MB PCI bus 32 bits Memory Memory module connector one internally accessible SODIMM socket Memory module capacities 1 GB Memory type 533 667 800 MHz DDR2 SODIMM NOTE For instructions on upgrading your memory see the Service Manual on the Del...

Page 24: ...hree 4 pin USB 2 0 compliant connectors Video 15 hole connector Communications Modem Type External V 92 56K USB Modem Modem interface Universal Serial Bus USB Network adapter 10 100 Ethernet LAN on system board Wireless internal WLAN Mini Card with WiFi bg Bluetooth wireless technology Video Video controller Intel 945GSE UMA Video memory 8 MB of system memory LCD interface LVDS book book Page 24 T...

Page 25: ...in connector stereo headphones speakers connector Speaker two 4 ohm speakers Internal speaker amplifier 0 5 watt per channel into 4 ohms Volume controls program menus Display Type TrueLife 8 9 inch WSVGA Dimensions Height 129 55 mm 5 1 in Width 213 36 mm 8 2 in Maximum resolution 1024 x 600 Refresh rate 60 Hz Operating angle 0 closed to 135 Viewing angles Horizontal 40 LED min Vertical 15 30 LED m...

Page 26: ...Pad X Y position resolution graphics table mode 240 cpi Display Continued Size Width 62 mm 2 44 in sensor active area Height 32 5 mm 1 28 in rectangle Camera Pixel 0 3 megapixel Video resolution 640x480 at 30fps Diagonal viewing angle 66 Battery Type 4 cell lithium ion Depth 58 23 mm 2 30 in Height 21 5 mm 0 8 in Width 140 6 mm 5 54 in Touch Pad Continued book book Page 26 Tuesday August 26 2008 1...

Page 27: ...s See Dell Technology Guide for more information Life span approximate 300 discharge charge cycles Battery Continued Temperature range Operating 0 to 35 C 32 to 95 F Storage 40 to 65 C 40 to 149 F Coin cell battery CR 2032 AC Adapter Input voltage 100 240 VAC Input current maximum 1 0 A Input frequency 50 60 Hz Output current 1 58 A maximum Output power 30 W Rated output voltage 19 5 1 0 VDC Batte...

Page 28: ... 3 15in Weight with cables 0 18 kg 0 40 lb AC Adapter Continued 30 W PI Height 70 0 mm 2 76 in Width 36 0 mm 1 42 in Depth 78 0 mm 3 07in Weight with cables 0 156 kg 0 34 lb Physical Height 27 2 mm to 31 7 mm 1 07 in to 1 25 in Width 232 mm 9 1 in Depth 172 mm 6 80 in Weight with 4 cell battery Configurable to less than 1 07 kg 2 36 lb AC Adapter Continued book book Page 28 Tuesday August 26 2008 ...

Page 29: ...spectrum that simulates user environment Operating 0 66 GRMS Storage 1 3 GRMS Maximum shock measured with solid state drive in head parked position and a 2 ms half sine pulse Operating 110 G Storage 163 G Altitude maximum Operating 15 2 to 3048 m 50 to 10 000 ft Storage 15 2 to 10 668 m 50 to 35 000 ft Airborne containment level G2 or lower as defined by ISA S71 04 1985 Computer Environment Contin...

Page 30: ...Specifications 30 book book Page 30 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Page 31: ...leshooter list select the option that best describes the problem and click Next to follow the remaining troubleshooting steps Tips If a device does not work ensure that the device is properly connected If you added or removed a part before the problem started review the installation procedures and ensure that the part is correctly installed If an error message appears on the screen write down the ...

Page 32: ... by testing it with another device such as a lamp Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board IF THE POWER LIGHT IS SOLID WHITE AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT RESPONDING The display may not be responding Press the power button until the computer turns off and then turn it back on If the problem persists see the Dell Technology Guide on your computer o...

Page 33: ...ly communicating with the memory Run the Dell Diagnostics see Dell Diagnostics on page 36 IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer For more information about the type o...

Page 34: ...NTATION If necessary uninstall and then reinstall the program A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft Windows operating system RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to non XP operating system environments 1 Click Start All Programs Accessories Program Compatibility Wizard Next 2 Follow the instruc...

Page 35: ... and then reinstall the program Dell Technical Update Service The Dell Technical Update service provides proactive e mail notification of software and hardware updates for your computer To enroll for the Dell Technical Update service go to support dell com technicalupdate Dell Support Utility The Dell Support Utility provides self support information software updates and health scans of your compu...

Page 36: ...e 1 Ensure that the computer is connected to a working electrical outlet 2 Turn on or restart your computer 3 When the DELL logo appears press 0 immediately Select Diagnostics from the start menu and press Enter NOTE If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop and then shut down your computer and try again NOTE If you see ...

Page 37: ...osoft Windows desktop then shut down your computer and try again NOTE The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only On the next start up the computer starts according to the devices specified in the system setup program 3 When the boot device list appears highlight CD DVD CD RW and press Enter 4 Select the Boot from CD ROM option from the menu that appears and press Enter 5 Type 1 to s...

Page 38: ...Troubleshooting Tips 38 book book Page 38 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Page 39: ...is next to the device name you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver see Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities on page 39 Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities NOTICE The Dell Support website at support dell com and your Drivers and Utilities media provide approved drivers for Dell computers If you install drivers obtained from other sources your computer might not work correctly Retu...

Page 40: ...ow the prompts on the screen NOTE In most cases the Drivers and Utilities program starts running automatically If it does not start Windows Explorer click your media drive directory to display the media contents and then double click the autorcd exe file 3 When the InstallShield Wizard Complete window appears remove the Drivers and Utilities media and click Finish to restart the computer 4 When yo...

Page 41: ... 2 Double click the type of device for which you are installing the driver for example Audio or Video 3 Double click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver 4 Click the Driver tab Update Driver 5 Click Install from a list or specific location Advanced Next 6 Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously copied the driver files 7 When the name of the appropr...

Page 42: ...y changes that System Restore makes to your computer are completely reversible NOTICE Make regular backups of your data files System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them NOTE The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view so they may not apply if you set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic view NOTE Set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic ...

Page 43: ...Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver See Using Microsoft Windows System Restore on page 42 NOTICE Before performing the installation back up all data files on your primary solid state drive For conventional solid state drive configurations the primary solid state drive is the first drive detected by the computer To rein...

Page 44: ...he DELL logo appears press 0 immediately NOTE If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop then shut down your computer and try again NOTE The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only On the next start up the computer boots according to the devices specified in the system setup program 5 When the boot device li...

Page 45: ...your computer Document Media Label Contents Service Tag Express Service Code The Service Tag Express Service Code is located on your computer Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support dell com or contact support Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting support NOTE Your Service Tag Express Service Code is located on your computer book book Page 45...

Page 46: ...ell com Notebook System Software NSS Readme files NOTE Readme files may be included on your media to provide last minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical reference material for technicians or experienced users Operating System Media The Operating System media is a CD or DVD that may have shipped with your computer Reinstall your operating system Document Media...

Page 47: ...t Service Manual The Service Manual for your computer can be found at support dell com How to remove and replace parts How to configure system settings How to troubleshoot and solve problems Dell Technology Guide The Dell Technology Guide is available at support dell com About your operating system Using and maintaining devices Understanding technologies such as RAID Internet Bluetooth wireless te...

Page 48: ...Finding Information 48 book book Page 48 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Page 49: ...cs Checklist on page 53 4 Use Dell s extensive suite of online services available at Dell Support support dell com for help with installation and troubleshooting procedures See Online Services on page 50 for a more extensive list of Dell Support online 5 If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem see Contacting Dell on page 54 NOTE Call Dell Support from a telephone at or near the affect...

Page 50: ...ses computer based diagnostics to provide fast accurate answers To contact Dell s support service see Before You Call on page 52 and then see the contact information for your region or go to support dell com Online Services You can learn about Dell products and services at the following websites www dell com www dell com ap Asian Pacific countries only www dell com jp Japan only www euro dell com ...

Page 51: ...rvice AutoTech provides recorded answers to the questions most frequently asked by Dell customers about their laptop and desktop computers When you call AutoTech use your touch tone telephone to select the subjects that correspond to your questions For the telephone number to call for your region see Contacting Dell on page 54 Automated Order Status Service To check on the status of any Dell produ...

Page 52: ...press Service Code ready when you call The code helps Dell s automated support telephone system direct your call more efficiently You may also be asked for your Service Tag located on the back or bottom of your computer Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist see Diagnostics Checklist on page 53 If possible turn on your computer before you call Dell for assistance and call from a telephone ...

Page 53: ...ds Are you connected to a network Yes No Network version and network adapter Programs and versions See your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the system s start up files If the computer is connected to a printer print each file Otherwise record the contents of each file before calling Dell Error message beep code or diagnostic code Description of problem and troubleshooti...

Page 54: ...d product and some services may not be available in your area To contact Dell for sales technical support or customer service issues 1 Visit support dell com and verify your country or region in the Choose A Country Region drop down menu at the bottom of the page 2 Click Contact Us on the left side of the page and select the appropriate service or support link based on your need 3 Choose the metho...

Page 55: ...g 49 54 software updates 35 Support Utility 35 technical support and customer service 50 Technical Update Service 35 Dell Diagnostics 36 starting from the Drivers and Utilities media 37 starting from your solid state drive 36 Dell Technology Guide 47 DellConnect 50 diagnostics Dell 36 display description 6 book book Page 55 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Page 56: ...s and Utilities media 40 46 Dell Diagnostics 36 E End User License Agreement EULA 47 ergonomics information 47 Express Service Code 45 F Files and Settings Transfer Wizard 18 finding information 45 I Internet connecting 16 L license label 47 M media Drivers and Utilities 46 memory troubleshooting 33 N network connector description 7 book book Page 56 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Page 57: ... numbers 54 power power light conditions 32 troubleshooting 32 R regulatory information 47 reinstalling drivers and utilities 39 software 39 S safety information 47 security cable slot description 10 Service Manual 47 Service Tag 45 setup computer 13 quick setup 13 software reinstalling 39 troubleshooting 34 updates 35 book book Page 57 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Page 58: ...rvices 50 regional 50 technical support and customer service 50 support information 47 T Terms and Conditions 47 track stick touch pad buttons description 6 7 transferring information to a new computer 18 troubleshooting 31 47 blue screen 34 computer not responding 33 Dell Diagnostics 36 memory 33 power 32 power light conditions 32 program crashes 33 software 33 34 tips 31 U updates software and h...

Page 59: ...ew back 9 front 5 7 W warranty information 47 Windows License label 47 Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard 18 wizards Files and Settings Transfer Wizard 18 book book Page 59 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Page 60: ...Index 60 book book Page 60 Tuesday August 26 2008 11 02 AM ...

Reviews: