Reference Guide

32 Quick Reference Guide
Caring for Your Computer
To help maintain your computer, follow these suggestions:
• To avoid losing or corrupting data, never turn off your computer when the hard drive light is on.
• Schedule regular virus scans using virus software.
• Manage hard drive space by periodically deleting unnecessary files and defragmenting the drive.
• Back up files on a regular basis.
• Periodically clean your monitor screen, mouse, and keyboard (see your
User’s Guide for more information).
Solving Problems
Troubleshooting Tips
Perform the following checks when you troubleshoot your computer:
• If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures
and ensure that the part is correctly installed.
• If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.
• If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. The message may help
technical support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).
• If an error message occurs in a program, see the program’s documentation.
• If the recommended action in the troubleshooting section is to see a section in your
User’s Guide ,
go to
support.dell.com (on another computer if necessary) to access your User’s Guide.
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured,
you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.
To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support .
2 Ty p e hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.
3 Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.
4 In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer ,
and click
Next .