User`s guide
Basic Checks: Dell OptiPlex GX1 Small-Form-Factor System User's Guide
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Basic Checks: Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX1 Small-Form-Factor System
User's Guide
Overview Checking Connections and Switches
Backing Up Your Files Look and Listen
Basic Checks System Setup Program
Overview
If your Dell computer system is not working as expected, and if you are not sure what to do, start your
troubleshooting with the procedures in this section. This section guides you through basic steps to solve
basic computer problems. It also directs you to further detailed troubleshooting information and procedures
to solve more complex problems.
Backing Up Your Files
If your system is behaving erratically, back up your files immediately. If your system has a tape drive
installed, see the documentation that came with the tape backup software for instructions on performing a
backup operation. Otherwise, see your operating system documentation for information on backing up data
files.
Basic Checks
See the following sections in the order indicated until the problem is resolved:
If your computer is wet or damaged, see "Troubleshooting a Wet Computer" or "Troubleshooting a
Damaged Computer."
Perform the steps in "Checking Connections and Switches."
Perform the steps in "Look and Listen."
If your system did not complete the boot (start-up) routine, see "Getting Help."
NOTE: The boot routine is the operating system's attempt to load its files into memory from the
boot-up sector on the hard-disk drive or another bootable device.
If your system displayed a message or emitted a beep code, see "Messages and Codes."
Verify the settings in the System Setup program.
Run the Dell Diagnostics.