Desktop Computer Owner's Manual

32 Solving Problems
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Other technical problems
General hardware problems
If your computer exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, a device conflict may exist:
• Your computer locks up, particularly while using a specific device.
• A recently added device does not work.
• A sound card emits noise or demonstrates other problems.
• Unintelligible characters print from the printer.
• The mouse pointer does not move or "stutters" when it moves.
• Messages appear stating that the computer is not operating at maximum performance.
• Errors occur and programs crash for no apparent reason.
• Nothing displays on the monitor.
GO TO THE DELL SUPPORT WEBSITE — Go to support.dell.com for help with general usage, installation,
and troubleshooting questions.The support website offers several different tools to help you, such
as Dell Forum—a chat room where you can communicate with other Dell customers about their
computers and gain access to technical support through e-mail. See "Dell Support Website" on
page 9 for more information about the website. See "Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)" on
page 81 for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.
CALL DELL — If you cannot solve your problem using the Dell Support website or e-mail service, call
Dell for technical assistance (see page 83). See "Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)" on
page 81 for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.
REMOVE ANY RECENTLY ADDED HARDWARE TO SEE IF IT RESOLVES THE CONFLICT — If removing the hardware
resolves the conflict, see the hardware documentation for configuration and troubleshooting
instructions. If the problem persists, contact the hardware manufacturer for technical assistance.
C HECK YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION FOR ADDITIONAL
TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION
CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS — See page 52.