Dell OptiPlex SX280 - Manual (Page 73)

Hard drive problems
Keyboard Problems
Lockups and Software Problems
The computer does not start up.
The computer stops responding
Close other programs — The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error
occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the CD/DVD-RW.
Turn off Standby mode in Windows before writing to a CD/DVD-RW disc — See power management modes .
Running the Dell IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics —
The Dell IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics is a utility that tests the hard drive to troubleshoot or confirm a hard drive failure.
1. Turn on your computer (if your computer is already on, restart it).
2. When F2 = Setup appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <Ctrl><Alt><d>.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Run Check Disk —
Windows XP
1. Click the Start button and click My Computer.
2. Right-click Local Disk C:.
3. Click Properties.
4. Click the Tools tab.
5. Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
6. Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.
7. Click Start.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Check the keyboard cable —
l Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to the computer.
l Shut down the computer, reconnect the keyboard cable as shown in the Quick Reference Guide for your computer, and then restart the
computer.
Run the Dell Diagnostics
Check for Software and Hardware Conflicts
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: You must use Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 1 or later when you reinstall Windows XP.
NOTE: If you installed a unique image on your computer or if you had to reinstall your operating system, run the DSS utility. DSS is available on your
Drivers and Utilities CD and at support.dell.com
Check the computer's diagnostic lights
Ensure that the power cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the electrical outlet
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.