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This chapter describes basic troubleshooting procedures that can help you
diagnose a computer system problem. These procedures can often reveal the
source of a problem or indicate the correct starting point for troubleshooting
the system. A brief explanation of how to load and start the diagnostics is pro-
vided in "Running the Dell Diagnostics" at the end of this chapter. Dell
recommends that you perform these procedures in the order they are pre-
sented in this chapter.
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 troubleshoot-
ing procedure to use. After the user describes the problem, follow these
steps:
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See "Maintaining the System" in the online System User's Guide for infor-
mation about backing up data.
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Can the user duplicate the problem?
Yes . Proceed to step 3.
No . Proceed to the next section, "External Visual Inspection."
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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 the correct procedure.
No . Proceed to the next section, "External Visual Inspection."
Basic Troubleshooting
2-1
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