Dell OptiPlex 170L - Manual (Page 130)

Other technical problems
General hardware problems
If your computer exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, a device conflict may exist:
l Your computer locks up, particularly while using a specific device.
l A recently added device does not work.
l Memory parity errors occur on parity-enabled computers.
l A sound card emits noise or demonstrates other problems.
l Unintelligible characters print from the printer.
l The mouse pointer does not move or "stutters" when it moves.
l Messages appear stating that the computer is not operating at maximum performance.
l Errors occur and programs crash for no apparent reason.
l Nothing displays on the monitor.
Keyboard Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
Ensure that you properly installed and configured the program — See the software documentation for information. If necessary, uninstall
and then reinstall the program.
Run the Dell Diagnostics —
If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a software problem.
Check for device driver conflicts —
l Verify that the program's device drivers do not conflict with certain programs.
l Call the software manufacturer for technical assistance.
Go to the Dell Support website —
Go to support.dell.com for help with general usage, installation, and troubleshooting questions. The support website offers several
different tools to help you, such as Dell Forum—a chat room where you can communicate with other Dell customers about their computers
and gain access to technical support through e-mail.
Call Dell — If you cannot solve your problem using the Dell Support website or e-mail service, call Dell for technical assistance. See " Technical
Support Service " for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.
Remove any recently added hardware to see if it resolves the conflict — If removing the hardware resolves the conflict, see the hardware
documentation for configuration and troubleshooting instructions. If the problem persists, contact the hardware manufacturer for technical
assistance.
Check your operating system documentation for additional troubleshooting information
Check for interrupt request conflicts — See " Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities ."
Restart the computer —
l If the mouse is functioning, shut down the computer through the Start menu. After the computer shuts down, press the power button
to restart the computer.
l If the computer does not respond to a keystroke or the mouse, 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.
Check the keyboard cable —
l Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to the computer.
l Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent pins.
l Remove keyboard extension cables and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.
Test the keyboard — Connect a properly working keyboard to the computer, and try using the keyboard. If the new keyboard works, the
original keyboard is faulty.
Check the keyboard switch setting — Switch settings are on the bottom of the keyboard, sometimes behind a panel. Ensure that the switch