Troubleshooting Your Computer; Backing Up Your Files; Basic Checks - Dell Latitude LM Reference And Troubleshooting Manual

Troubleshooting Your Computer

I
f your Dell Latitude LM is not working as expected,
this chapter provides initial checks for solving basic com-
puter problems as well as detailed troubleshooting
procedures. It lists system messages and beep codes, their
possible causes, and actions you can take to resolve any
problems indicated by a message or code. This chapter
also offers some general guidelines for analyzing soft-
ware problems.
NOTE: When you see the question "Is the problem
resolved?" in a troubleshooting procedure, repeat the
operation that caused the problem to see if the problem
still occurs.
B
acking Up Your Files
You can lose data when a computer failure occurs. If your
computer is behaving erratically, back up your files
immediately. See your operating system documentation
for instructions on backing up files.
B
asic Checks
The following procedure leads you through the checks
necessary to solve some basic computer problems:
1. Is your computer wet or damaged?
Yes. Go to "Troubleshooting a Wet Computer" or
"Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer" found later
in this chapter.
No. Go to step 2.
Chapter 3
2. Perform the steps in the next subsection, "Check-
ing Connections."
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. A connection to your computer was loose. The
problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 3.
3. Perform the steps found in "Look and Listen"
found later in this chapter.
Did your computer complete the start-up (boot)
routine?
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 bootable diskette.
Yes. Go to step 4.
No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chap-
ter 5, "Getting Help," for instructions.)
4. Did you receive a system message or beep code?
A single beep always sounds during the boot routine
when the speaker is tested.
Yes. Go to "Messages and Codes" found later in this
chapter.
No. Go to step 5.
5. Verify the system setup settings as explained in
Chapter 2, "Customizing System Features."
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The system configuration information was
incorrect. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 6.
6. Run the Dell diagnostics. (See Chapter 4, "Run-
ning the Dell Diagnostics.")
Troubleshooting Your Computer 3-1