Dell Latitude Xpi CD - Manual (Page 65)

Troubleshooting Your Computer 3-25
3. Reboot the computer by pressing
<
CTRL >< ALT >< DEL >. During the boot routine, do
the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indica-
tors on the external keyboard flash momentarily?
Yes. Continue to step 4.
No. You may have a defective keyboard port fuse.
Go to step 7.
4. Does the computer recognize the external key-
board or keypad?
Use the external keyboard or keypad to type some
characters. Do they appear on the display?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Continue to step 5.
5. Turn off the computer, and disconnect the exter-
nal keyboard or keypad from the computer.
6. Reboot the computer by pressing
<
CTRL >< ALT >< DEL >. Is the computer recognizing
the built-in keyboard?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its
components. Then use the computer’s built-in key-
board to type some characters. Do the characters
appear on the display?
Yes. The external keyboard may be defective. Run
the Keyboard Test Group in the Dell diagnostics.
(See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics,” for
instructions.) If you cannot isolate the problem after
running the diagnostics, call Dell for technical assis-
tance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
No. The computer’s keyboard controller on the sys-
tem board may be defective. Run the Keyboard
Controller Test in the Dell diagnostics. (See
Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics,” for
instructions.) If you cannot isolate the problem after
running the diagnostics, call Dell for technical
assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
7. Call Dell for technical assistance.
See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.
Troubleshooting Memory
During POST, the computer checks the computer’s mem-
ory, and then writes to and reads from the number of
available bytes to ensure proper operation. (The com-
puter counts the bytes and displays the count on the
display. Pressing the <
SPACEBAR > interrupts this count and
moves the computer to the next phase of POST.) If the mem-
ory count displayed is less than the amount installed, or if the
computer fails during the count, make a copy of the Diagnos-
tics Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you
complete the following procedure.
NOTE: Before you begin this procedure, make sure that
the
SYSTEM SWITCH option in the System Setup program is
set to ON/OFF . For instructions, see “Using the System Setup
Program” in Chapter 2.
1. Reboot the computer. Does the random-access
memory (RAM) count displayed correctly match
the actual amount of memory installed in the
computer?
Yes. The computer needed to update the memory; the
memory check phase is now OK.
No. Continue to step 2.
2. Turn off the computer and reseat (remove and
reinstall) any installed memory modules in your
computer.
Loose or disconnected memory modules may cause
intermittent memory problems. Removing and rein-
stalling, or reseating, memory modules often corrects
the problem.
To remove a memory module, carefully spread apart
the inner metal tabs of the memory module socket just
far enough for the memory module to disengage from
the socket (the module should pop up slightly). Then lift
the memory module away from the socket.
To reinstall a memory module, align the memory
module’s edge connector with the slot in the center
of the memory module socket. Press the memory
module’s edge connector firmly into the socket.
Pivot the memory module down until it clicks into
place. If you do not hear a sharp click, remove the
memory module and reinstall it.