Chapter 2 Initial Procedures; Initial User Contact; Visual Inspection - Dell Inspiron 3200 Service Manual

Chapter 2
Initial Procedures
T
his chapter describes initial procedures that can help you diagnose a com-
puter problem. These procedures can often reveal the source of a problem or
indicate the correct starting point for troubleshooting the computer. Dell recom-
mends that you perform these initial procedures in the order they are presented.
I
nitial User Contact
When you first contact a user who has a problem, ask the user to describe the
problem and the conditions under which it occurs. A verbal description can
often indicate the cause of a problem or indicate the appropriate troubleshooting
procedure to use. After the user describes the problem, follow these steps:
1. Ask the user to back up any data on the hard-disk drive if the computer's
condition permits.
See the "Maintaining Your Computer" section of the online System's User's
Guide.
2. Ask the user to try to duplicate the problem by repeating the operations he
or she was performing at the time the problem occurred.
Can the user duplicate the problem?
Yes. Proceed to step 3.
No. Proceed to the next section, "Visual Inspection."
3. Observe the user to determine whether he or she is making an error, such as
typing an incorrect key combination or entering a command incorrectly.
Is the problem a result of user error?
Yes. Instruct the user in the proper procedure or direct him or her to the
appropriate user documentation for a description of the correct procedure.
No. Proceed to the next section, "Visual Inspection."
V
isual Inspection
The visual inspection consists of a quick inspection of the exterior of the com-
puter and any attached peripherals, including making any necessary corrections.
For information about the proper removal and installation of computer
Initial Procedures 2-1