Dell OptiPlex GX400 - Manual (Page 38)

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Solving Problems
Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX400 System User's Guide
Before You Begin
Dell Diagnostics
Messages and Codes
Software Problems
Before You Begin
This section describes system and software problems, offers corrective actions, describes the Dell Diagnostics utility, and provides system messages and
codes. Before you call Dell for technical assistance, complete the following tasks to help you resolve computer problems:
l Read " About Your Computer " and " Safety First—For You and Your Computer ."
l Take the problem-solving action listed in the following table for the component or equipment that is not working properly.
Power Problems
The power indicator on the front panel communicates codes that can help you determine whether there is a problem with your computer. The following table
lists the codes for the power indicator. For more information, see " Diagnostic Indicators ."
Basic Checks:
l Test the electrical outlet: ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with a different device such as a lamp.
l Connect the computer power cable directly to an electrical outlet to ensure that the computer turns on. Do not connect it to a power protection device,
uninterruptible power supply (UPS), power strip, or extension cord.
l Ensure that all power cables are firmly connected, verifying that each power cable is adequately connected at the computer device and to the electrical
outlet.
l Check for interference: electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating in close proximity to the computer can cause interference.
Solving Problems
Problem Action
Power indicator does not light See " Power Problems "
Monitor power indicator does not light See " Monitor Problems "
No sound See " Sound and Speaker Problems "
Printer not working See " Printer Problems "
Serial or other parallel devices not working See " Serial or Parallel Device Problems "
Mouse not working See " Mouse Problems "
Keyboard not working See " Keyboard Problems "
Diskette drive or hard drive: indicators not lit, scraping or unusual noises, no noise See " Diskette Drive Problems " or " Hard Drive Problems "
System battery not working See " Battery Problems "
Expansion card errors or malfunction See " Expansion-Card Problems "
A program locks up See " Recover From a Program That Is Not Responding "
Computer locks up See " Restart a Computer That Is Not Responding "
Computer gets wet See " Repairing a Wet Computer "
Computer is dropped or damaged See " Repairing a Dropped or Damaged Computer "
Hardware devices conflict See " Hardware Conflicts "
System memory amount is not correct See " System Memory Problems "
System board malfunctions See " System Board Problems "
System board is damaged See " Resetting a Damaged System Board "
An error message See " Messages and Codes "
A series of beeps on system startup See " Messages and Codes "
Power Indicator Codes
Power Indicator Code Cause
Solid green Power is on, and the computer is operating normally.
Blinking green The computer is in the suspended state (Microsoft® Windows® 2000 only).
Solid yellow The Dell Diagnostics is running a test, or a device on the system board may be faulty or incorrectly installed.
Blinking yellow There is a system board or power supply failure.