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Solving Problems
Dell™ Dimension™ 4200
Accessing Help Files
Power Problems
Start-Up Error Messages
Video and Monitor Problems
Sound and Speaker Problems
Printer Problems
Scanner Problems
Modem Problems
Mouse Problems
Keyboard Problems
Drive Problems
Accessing Help Files
To access the Tell Me How help file
1. Click the Start button, point to Programs, point to User's Guides, and then click Tell Me How.
To access Windows Me Help
1. Click the Start button and then click Help.
2. Type a word or phrase that describes your problem in the Search box and then click Go.
3. Click the topic that describes your problem and then click Display.
4. Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
To access Windows 2000 Help
1. Click the Start button and then click Help.
2. Click the Search tab.
3. Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and then click List Topics.
4. Click the topic that describes your problem and then click Display.
5. Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
Power Problems
HINT:
See the Tell Me How help file for information on the standby mode.
Check the power light—
When the power light is lit or blinking, the computer has power. If the power light is blinking, the computer is in
standby mode—press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse. If the power light is off, the computer is either not turned on or is not
receiving electrical power.
Test the electrical outlet—
Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Check the power cable connection—
connector.
Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet—
that the computer turns on.
Swap the computer and monitor power cables—
Check for interference—
Electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating near the computer can cause interference. Other causes of
interference: power extension cables, keyboard and mouse extension cables, too many devices on a power strip, or multiple power strips
connected to the same electrical outlet.
Check the Power Properties—
See the Tell Me How help file or search for the keyword standby
Start-Up Error Messages
Operating system not found—
Contact Dell for technical assistance. See "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Solutions Guide for contact information.
Insert bootable media—
The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.
Non-system disk error—
A floppy disk is in the floppy drive. Remove the floppy disk and restart the computer.
Be sure that the power cable is firmly inserted into the electrical outlet and the computer power
Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify
Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.
Network Problems
Microsoft® Windows® Error Messages
General Program Problems
Internet Connection Problems
E-Mail Problems
Resolving Other Technical Problems
Reinstalling Drivers
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Using Windows Me System Restore
Reinstalling Windows Me
Reinstalling Windows 2000
inWindows
Help.