Reference Guide
Table Of Contents
- Contents
- Finding Information
- Microsoft Windows Desktop
- Monitors and Displays
- Navigation Devices (Mouse, Keyboard, Touch Pad)
- Printers-Settings and Drivers
- Drives and Media
- Shutting Down Your Computer
- Windows Vista®
- Windows® XP
- Shutdown States
- Docking and Undocking Your Laptop Computer
- Shutting Down Your Computer When it Fails to Shut Down Normally
- Shutting Down a Computer When it Stops Responding and Displays a Solid Blue Screen
- Starting Your Computer in Safe Mode
- Restarting Your Computer After a Power Loss
- Files and Folders
- Managing Applications (Programs)
- Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and Ensure Security)
- Power (Power Settings, Power Protection Devices, and Batteries)
- Networks (LAN, Wireless, Mobile Broadband)
- Overview
- Local Area Networks (LAN)
- Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN)
- Ad Hoc Networks
- Mobile Broadband (or Wireless Wide Area Network) Networks
- WiMAX
- WPAN
- Managing Your Network
- Locating Networks With the Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator
- Managing Networked Computers With Intel® Active Management Technology
- Accessing the Internet
- Overview
- Setting up Your Internet Connection
- Troubleshooting Problems Connecting to the Internet
- Web Browser Settings
- Internet Security and Privacy
- Controlling Pop-ups
- Controlling Unwanted Toolbars
- Content Advisory/Parental Controls
- Bookmarking Favorite Websites
- Searching for Information on the Internet
- Changing the Internet Communications Protocol (TCP/IP) Settings
- Printing a Web Page
- Freeing up Space and Protecting Your Computer
- Maintaining Privacy by Blocking and Deleting Cookies
- Multimedia (CDs/DVDs, 5.1 Audio, MP3s, TVs, Digital Cameras, and Projectors)
- Overview
- CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Disc™ Media
- 5.1 Audio
- Laptop Media Devices (MP3 Players)
- Playing Media Using the Dell Travel Remote
- Adjusting the Volume on Your Computer
- Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio Through the Media Software
- Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio in the Windows Audio Driver
- Setting up the Cyberlink (CL) Headphones
- Using a Digital Camera With Your Computer
- Using Windows Media Player
- Connecting Your Computer to a TV and Adjusting Display Settings
- Accessing a TV With Your Computer Using a TV Tuner Card
- Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device
- Physically Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device
- Performing the Basic Connection Steps
- Selecting the Correct Input Signal From the TV Menu
- Evaluating Suggested Connection Configurations
- Enabling the Display View for the Computer and the TV
- Configuring Display Settings
- Adjusting Display Settings With the Vendor Video Card Control Panel
- Using the Wizards
- Troubleshooting Display Settings
- Security and Privacy
- Protecting Your Computer-Using Administrator Rights, User Groups, and Passwords
- Smart Cards
- Fingerprint Readers
- Facial Recognition Software
- Using a Firewall to Secure Your Computer
- Encrypting Files and Folders
- Using Antivirus Software
- Maintaining Security When Using a Public Wireless Network
- Reducing the Risk of Getting Computer Viruses
- Dealing With Cookies
- Avoiding Spyware and Malware
- Microsoft®Windows® XP Pro Remote Desktop
- Restoring Your Operating System
- Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting Tools
- Solving Problems
- Battery Problems
- Drive Problems
- Optical Drive Problems
- E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
- Error Messages
- IEEE 1394 Device Problems
- Keyboard Problems for External Keyboards
- Lockups and Software Problems
- Memory Problems
- Mouse Problems
- Network Problems
- Power Problems
- Printer Problems
- Scanner Problems
- Sound and Speaker Problems
- Touch Pad or Mouse Problems for Laptop Computers
- Video and Monitor Problems
- Power Lights
- Dell Technical Update Service
- System Setup
- Ports
- Getting Help
- Glossary
Troubleshooting 275
Diagnostic Lights for Laptop Computers
Typically laptop computers have keyboard status lights located above the
keyboard. S
ee the documentation shipped with your computer for more details.
During normal operation, the keyboard status lights display the current status
of certain features. If the computer malfunctions, you can use the status of
the lights to help identify the problem.
System Messages for Desktop Computers
NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the table, see the documentation
for either the operating system or the program that was running when the message
appeared.
A
LERT! PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS AT BOOTING THIS SYSTEM HAVE FAILED AT
CHECKPOINT [NNNN]. FOR HELP IN RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM, PLEASE NOTE THIS
CHECKPOINT AND CONTACT DELL TECHNICAL SUPPORT — The computer failed to
complete the boot routine three consecutive times for the same error (see "Contacting
Dell" on page 337 for assistance).
CMOS CHECKSUM ERROR — Possible motherboard failure or RTC battery low.
Replace the battery (see the documentation shipped with your computer or see
"Contacting Dell" on page 337 for assistance).
CPU
FAN FAILURE — CPU fan failure. Replace the CPU fan (see the Service Manual
for your computer).
H
ARD-DISK READ FAILURE — Possible HDD failure during HDD boot test (see
"Contacting Dell" on page 337 for assistance).
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
To learn more about the meaning of the
various diagnostic lights displayed, see the Service Manual for your
computer or search for the topic on the Dell Support website
support.dell.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: to learn more about the meaning of the
various keyboard status lights displayed, see the Service Manual for
your computer or search for the topic on the Dell Support website
support.dell.com.