Dell OptiPlex 170L - Manual (Page 129)

General Problems
The computer stops responding
A program stops responding
A program crashes repeatedly
A solid blue screen appears
Other software problems
l When your computer finishes booting, immediately back up your data and replace your hard drive.
l If no replacement drive is immediately available and the drive is not the only bootable drive, enter system setup and change the
appropriate drive setting to None. Then remove the drive from the computer.
Write fault — The operating system cannot write to the floppy or hard drive. See " Floppy drive problems " or " Hard drive problems " for
troubleshooting suggestions.
Write fault on selected drive — The operating system cannot write to the floppy or hard drive. See " Floppy drive problems " or " Hard drive
problems " for troubleshooting suggestions.
a:\ is not accessible. The device is not ready — The floppy drive cannot read the disk. Insert a floppy disk into the drive and try again.
Turn the computer off — If your computer locks up and you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving
your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then press the power button again
to turn on the computer. You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
End the program —
Windows® XP and Windows 2000
1. Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2. Click Applications.
3. Click the program that is no longer responding.
4. Click End Task.
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.
Check the software documentation — Many software manufacturers maintain websites with information that may help you solve the
problem. Ensure that you properly installed and configured the program. If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
Turn the computer off — If the computer does not respond to a keystroke or a proper shutdown, press the power button for at least 8 to
10 seconds until the computer turns off. Press the power button again to restart the computer. The chkdsk program automatically runs
during the start-up process. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Check the software documentation or contact the software manufacturer for troubleshooting information
Back up your files immediately — If your computer has a CD-RW drive or a zip drive installed, see the drive's documentation for
instructions.
Ensure that you have not made an error while entering data — See the program documentation to ensure that the values or characters
you are entering are valid.
Check for viruses — Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, floppy disks, or CDs.
Restart the computer — Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and then shut down your computer through the Start menu
instead of by pressing the power button. Otherwise, you may lose data.
Check for compatibility —
l Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer and that your computer meets the
minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation for information.
l If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.