Dell Precision M40 - Manual (Page 77)

be any of the following:
l A faulty connection
between the I/O port
and the device
l Incorrect settings for
system setup options
l Incorrect settings in
the operating
system's configuration
files
l A faulty cable
between the I/O port
and the device
l A faulty device
l Faulty I/O port logic
on the system board
l Conflicting COM port
settings
l Lack of drivers
Yes. You probably need a new device cable. Call Dell for technical assistance.
No. Go to step 4.
4. Turn off the computer and the serial device and swap the device with a comparable working device.
For example, if your serial mouse has a problem, swap it with a serial mouse you know is working
properly.
5. Turn on the computer and the serial device.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. You probably need a new device. Call Dell for technical assistance.
No. Call Dell for technical assistance.
Checking the Serial or Parallel Port on the Computer:
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:
1. Check the settings for the Serial Port and Parallel Mode options in the system setup program .
Are the communication port options set correctly for the devices connected to the computer?
Yes. Go to step 3.
No. Go to step 2.
2. Change the Serial Port and Parallel Mode options to the appropriate settings, and then reboot the system.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 3.
3. Check the contents of your initialization and start-up files. (See " Software Solutions .")
Are the port configuration commands correct?
Yes. Go to step 5.
No. Go to step 4.
4. Change the necessary statements in the start-up files.
If the port problem is confined to a particular application program, see the application program's
documentation for specific port configuration requirements.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 5.
5. Insert your ResourceCD into the CD drive, reboot the computer, and run the Serial Ports device group and/or
the Parallel Ports device group in the Dell Diagnostics .
The Serial Ports device group and the Parallel Ports device group check the basic functions of the
system board's I/O port logic. Also, if a parallel printer is attached to the parallel port, the Parallel Ports
device group tests the communication link between the system board's I/O port logic and the printer.
Do the tests complete successfully?
Yes. The problem is with the serial device. Run the basic checks for the serial device. If you have
completed the basic checks and the problem persists,
call Dell .
No. Call Dell for technical assistance.
Parallel Port Printer
Doesn't Work Basic Checks:
l Verify the printer cable connections. Ensure that the printer cable is properly connected to the computer.
l Test the electrical outlet. Verify that the printer is connected to a working electrical outlet. Ensure that the printer
is turned on.