Dell D630 Manual

							Troubleshooting101
Dell™ Technical Update Service
The Dell Technical Update service provides proactive e-mail notification of 
software and hardware updates for your computer. The service is free and can be 
customized for content, format, and how frequently you receive notifications.
To enroll for the Dell Technical Update service, go to 
http://support.dell.com/technicalupdate.
Dell Diagnostics
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist on page 198) as 
you complete these checks.
 CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the 
safety instructions in the 
Product Information Guide. A possible graphics 
card/video failure has 
occurred.
• Reseat any installed graphics cards. 
• If available, install a working graphics 
card into your computer.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell 
Support.
A possible LCD 
failure has occurred.• Reseat the LCD cable (see your 
computer’s 
Service Manual).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell 
Support.
A possible keyboard 
failure has occurred.• Reseat the keyboard (see Keyboard 
on page 153). 
• If available, connect an external 
keyboard.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell 
Support.
A possible modem 
failure has occurred.• If available, install a working modem 
into your computer.
• If the problem persists, contact 
contact Dell Support.
Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution 
						

							102Troubleshooting
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in 
Lockups and Software Problems on page 117 and run the Dell Diagnostics 
before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
 NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
 
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your 
computer.
Enter the System Setup Program (see System Setup Program on page 135), 
review your computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device 
you want to test displays in system setup and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the 
Drivers and Utilities 
media. 
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your 
hard drive.
 NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell (see 
Contacting Dell on page 199).
1If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See 
the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions. 
Ensure the computer is connected to a known good electrical outlet.
2Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3Diagnostics can be invoked one of two ways:
aWhen the DELL™ logo appears, press  immediately. Select 
Diagnostics from the boot menu and press .
 NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue 
to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop; then, shut down your 
computer and try again.
 
NOTE: Before attempting option B, the computer must be powered down 
completely.
b
Press and hold the  key while powering the computer on. 
						

							Troubleshooting103
 NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has 
been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities media.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial 
tests of your system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, etc.
• During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
• If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the 
assessment and restart the computer, press ; to continue to the 
next test, press ; to retest the component that failed, press . 
• If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write 
down the error code(s) and contact Dell.
If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you will receive 
the following message: 
Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility 
Partition. Press any key to continue.
4
Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility 
partition on your hard drive.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities Media
1Insert the Drivers and Utilities media. 
2Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press  immediately.
 NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue 
to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop; then, shut down your 
computer and try again.
 
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the 
next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in the 
system setup program.
3When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM 
DeviceCD/DVD/CD-RW Drive
 and press .
4Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and 
press .
5Ty p e  1 to start the media menu and press  to proceed.
6Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If 
multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your 
computer. 
						

							104Troubleshooting
7When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want 
to run.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click 
the button for the option you want.
2If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error 
code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and 
problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see Obtaining 
Assistance on page 193).
 NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test 
screen. If you contact Dell, technical support will ask for your Service Tag.
3If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the 
applicable tab described in the following table for more information.
OptionFunction
Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 
10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your 
part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of 
tracing the problem quickly.
Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically 
takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer 
questions periodically.
Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you 
want to run.
Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and 
allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the 
problem you are having.
Ta bFunction
Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions 
encountered. 
						

							Troubleshooting105
4When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics 
from the 
Drivers and Utilities media, remove the media.
5When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the Main 
Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close 
the 
Main Menu screen.
Dell Support Utility
The Dell Support Utility is installed on your computer and available from the 
Dell Support icon on the taskbar or from the 
Start button. Use this support 
utility for self-support information, software updates, and health scans of your 
computing environment.
Accessing the Dell Support Utility
Access the Dell Support Utility from the Dell Support icon on the taskbar or 
from the 
Start menu.
If the Dell Support icon does not appear in your taskbar:
1Click the Start button and point to Programs.
2Click Dell Support and point to Dell Support Settings.
Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and 
the problem description.
Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for 
running the test.
Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected 
device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information 
for all devices from system setup, memory, and various 
internal tests, and it displays the information in the 
device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list 
may not display the names of all the components 
installed on your computer or all devices attached to your 
computer.
Parameters Allows you to customize the test by changing the test 
settings. Ta bFunction 
(continued) 
						

							106Troubleshooting
3Ensure that the Show icon on the taskbar option is checked.
 NOTE: If the Dell Support Utility is not available from the Start menu, go to 
support.dell.com and download the software. 
The Dell Support Utility is customized for your computing environment.
The Dell Support icon in the taskbar functions differently when you click, 
double-click, or right-click the icon.
Clicking the Dell Support Icon
Click or right-click the  icon to perform the following tasks:
• Check your computing environment 
• View the Dell Support Utility settings
• Access the help file for the Dell Support Utility
• View frequently asked questions
• Learn more about the Dell Support Utility
• Turn the Dell Support Utility off
Double-Clicking the Dell Support Icon
Double-click the   icon to manually check your computing environment, 
view frequently asked questions, access the help file for the Dell Support Utility, 
and view Dell Support settings.
For more information about the Dell Support Utility, click the question mark 
(?) at the top of the Dell Support screen.
Drive Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist on page 198) as 
you complete these checks.
 CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the 
safety instructions in the 
Product Information Guide.
E
NSURE THAT MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE—Click the 
Start button and click My Computer. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive is not 
listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove 
viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive. 
						

							Troubleshooting107
TEST THE DRIVE—
• Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that 
the original one is defective.
• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.
CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK.
E
NSURE THAT THE CD IS SNAPPED ONTO THE SPINDLE.
C
HECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS.
C
HECK FOR HARDWARE INCOMPATIBILITIES.
R
UN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS—See Dell Diagnostics on page 101.
Media drive problems
 NOTE: High-speed media drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which 
does not indicate a defect in the drive or the media.
 
NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all 
DVD titles work in all DVD drives.
Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive
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—Search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and Support 
Center for information on power management modes. To access the Help and 
Support Center, click 
Start→ Help and Support.
CHANGE THE WRITE SPEED TO A SLOWER RATE—See the help files for your 
media creation software.
If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray
1Ensure that the computer is shut down.
2Straighten a paper clip and insert one end into the eject hole at the front 
of the drive; push firmly until the tray is partially ejected.
3Gently pull out the tray until it stops. 
						

							108Troubleshooting
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound
• Ensure that the sound is not caused by the program that is running.
• Ensure that the disk or disc is inserted properly.
Hard drive problems
ALLOW THE COMPUTER TO COOL BEFORE TURNING IT ON—A hot hard drive may 
prevent the operating system from starting. Try allowing the computer to return 
to room temperature before turning it on.
RUN CHECK DISK—
1Click the Start button and click My Computer. 
2Right-click Local Disk C:.
3Click Properties.
4Click the Tools tab.
5Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
6Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.
7Click Start.
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist on page 198) as 
you complete these checks.
 CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the 
safety instructions in the 
Product Information Guide.
 
NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not 
operate while it is connected to a digital telephone network.
C
HECK THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK® EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS—If you 
cannot open your e-mail attachments:
1In Outlook Express, click Tools, click Options, and then click Security.
2Click Do not allow attachments to remove the checkmark. 
						

							Troubleshooting109
CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION.
C
HECK THE TELEPHONE JACK.
C
ONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK.
U
SE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE—•Verify that the telephone line is 
connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label or 
a connector-shaped icon next to it.) 
• Ensure that you hear a click when you insert the telephone line connector 
into the modem. 
• Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a 
telephone. Listen for a dial tone. 
• If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering 
machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them 
and connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack. If you are 
using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.
RUN THE MODEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL—Click the Start button, point to All 
Programs and then click Modem Diagnostic Tool. Follow the instructions on 
the screen to identify and resolve modem problems. 
VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS—
1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2Click Printers and Other Hardware.
3Click Phone and Modem Options.
4Click the Modems tab.
5Click the COM port for your modem.
6Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem 
to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.
If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.
ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET—Ensure that you have 
subscribed to an Internet provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program 
open, click 
File. If Work Offline has a checkmark next to it, click the checkmark 
to remove it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact your Internet service 
provider. 
						

							110Troubleshooting
SCAN THE COMPUTER FOR SPYWARE —If you are experiencing slow computer 
performance, you frequently receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having 
problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might be infected with 
spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your 
program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. 
For more information, go to 
support.dell.com and search for the keyword 
spyware.
Error Messages
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist on page 198) as 
you complete these checks.
 CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the 
safety instructions in the 
Product Information Guide.
If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or 
the program that was running when the message appeared.
AUXILIARY DEVICE FAILURE—The touch pad, track stick, or external mouse 
may be faulty. For an external mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the 
Pointing Device option in the system setup program. If the problem persists, 
contact Dell (see Obtaining Assistance on page 193).
BAD COMMAND OR FILE NAME—Ensure that you have spelled the command 
correctly, put spaces in the proper place, and used the correct pathname.
CACHE DISABLED DUE TO FAILURE—The primary cache internal to the 
microprocessor has failed. Contact Dell (see Obtaining Assistance on 
page 193).
CD DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE—The CD drive does not respond to 
commands from the computer (see Dell Support Utility on page 105).
DATA ERROR—The hard drive cannot read the data (see Dell Support Utility 
on page 105).
DECREASING AVAILABLE MEMORY—One or more memory modules may be 
faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, 
replace them (see Memory Problems on page 119).
DISK C: FAILED INITIALIZATION—The hard drive failed initialization. Run the 
hard drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics on page 101).