Dell Inspiron 3700 Troubleshooting Guide

							support.dell.comOptions and Upgrades 2-9
3. Turn on the computer.

	


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NOTES: If you ordered a second hard-disk drive from Dell, refer to the documentation 
that accompanied the drive(s) for instructions on installing it in the media bay.
You will need the Microsoft Windows installation CD and the System Software CD to 
install software on the new hard-disk drive.
The computer’s basic input/output system (BIOS) may not support hard-disk drives 
obtained from vendors other than Dell. Dell does not guarantee compatibility or 
provide support for hard-disk drives obtained from other sources.

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							2-10 Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down 
the computer.
Wait for the computer’s power indicator to turn off before continuing this 
procedure.
2. If the computer is docked, undock it. 
For instructions, see your Advanced Port Replicator User’s Guide
.
3. Remove any batteries installed in the battery bay or media bay.
4. If necessar y, remove the hard-disk drive currently installed in the hard-disk drive 
bay.
Close the computer display and turn the computer over. Use a small Phillips-head 
screwdriver to remove the one or two screws that hold the drive carrier in the 
drive bay. Save the screw(s) for use later in this procedure (see Figure 2-7).
Gently pull the drive carrier out of the drive bay.
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5. Remove the new hard-disk drive from its packaging.
Save the original packaging to use when storing or shipping the hard-disk drive.
6. Install the new hard-disk drive into the computer (the drive comes in a drive 
carrier).

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drive carrier 
						

							support.dell.comOptions and Upgrades 2-11

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Gently push the hard-disk drive in its drive carrier into the drive bay until the     
carrier door is flush with the computer case. Replace the screws you removed   
in step 4.
7. Turn on the computer.
8. Partition and format the drive as described in “Partitioning and Formatting the 
Hard-Disk Drive” in Chapter 4.
9. Install the operating system on the drive. 
For instructions, see Chapter 4, “System Software Solutions.”
10. Test the drive by running the
 IDE Devices device group tests in the Dell 
Diagnostics.
For instructions, see “Running the Dell Diagnostics” in Chapter 3.
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If you need to return your hard-disk drive, you must ship it to Dell in its original foam 
packaging (see Figure 2-7). Other wise, the hard-disk drive may be damaged while in 
transit.

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hard-disk drive 
						

							2-12 Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

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For instructions on installing a second hard-disk drive in the media bay, refer to the 
documentation that came with the drive.

		
Memor y modules for your computer are available in 32-, 64-, 128-, 192-, and 256-MB 
sizes.
NOTE: Your computer has two memory module sockets, labeled “DIMM A” and 
“DIMM B.” You can install all sizes of memory modules you purchase from Dell (but 
which   Dell does not install), except the 192-MB memory module, in either socket. If 
you  purchase a non-Dell-installed 192-MB memory module, you must install it in the 
socket labeled “DIMM B.”
To install memory module(s), perform the following steps.

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1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down 
the computer. Then turn off your any peripherals, and disconnect them from their 
electrical outlets.
2. If the computer is docked, undock it. 
For instructions, see your Advanced Port Replicator User’s Guide
.
3. Disconnect the AC adapter and any attached peripherals, including telephone or 
telecommunication lines, from the computer.
4. Remove the batter y from the batter y bay or the media bay.
5. Close the display, turn the computer upside down, and remove the memory 
module cover.
Locate the small rectangular indentation at one end of the memory module 
cover. Place the tip of your finger under the cover by the indentation and firmly   
lift it up. When the door pops up, lift it up to remove it and expose the memory 
modules underneath it.

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							support.dell.comOptions and Upgrades 2-13
6. If you are replacing a memor y module, remove the old one.
Carefully spread apart the inner tabs of the memor y module socket just far 
enough for the memory module to disengage from the socket (it should pop up 
slightly). Then lift the memory module away from the socket (see Figure 2-9).

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7. Ground yourself, and unpack the memor y module from the memor y upgrade kit. 
8. Install the new memor y module into the appropriate socket.
The socket labeled “DIMM A” should be populated before the socket labeled 
“DIMM B”. If you only have one memory module, you should install it in the 
“DIMM A” socket (see Figure 2-9).
Memor y modules are keyed, or designed to fit into their sockets in only one 
direction. The slots on the system board are notched so that the memory module 
can be firmly seated only one way. 
a. Align the memor y module’s edge connector with the slot in the center of the 
memor y module socket.
b. With the module at a 45-degree angle, press the memory module’s edge 
connector firmly into the memory module socket.
c. Pivot the memory module down until it clicks into place. 
d. If you do not hear a click as each end of the memory module snaps into the 
tabs, remove the memory module and reinstall it.
inner tabs
(2 per socket)
DIMM A 
socket
DIMM B
socket 
						

							2-14 Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
9. Replace the memory module cover:
a. Set the memor y module cover loosely over the opening, making sure that 
the tabs on the bottom of the cover catch in the slots on either side of the 
opening. 
b. Slide the cover into place and press down on it until you hear it click.

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10. Reconnect your computer and peripherals to their electrical outlets and turn them 
on.
As the computer boots, it detects the presence of additional memory and      
automatically updates the system configuration information.
11. In one of the following ways, verify that the computer recognizes the newly 
installed memory:

Click the Start button, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and             
double-click the System icon. The amount of memory installed in the     
computer is displayed in the lower-right corner of the General tab window.

Enter the System Setup program to verify that the System Memory option 
reflects the additional memory. 
To enter the System Setup program, press  on the computer’s        
keyboard (or press  on an external keyboard if the External 
Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program).
If the total amount of random access memory (RAM) displayed is incorrect, the 
memory module(s) may not be installed properly. Repeat steps 1 through 10 until 
the memor y total is correct.
12 . Ru n  t h e  System Memory device group of the Dell Diagnostics to confirm that all 
installed memory modules are operating correctly. 
For instructions, see “Running the Dell Diagnostics” in Chapter 3.
13. Use the save-to-disk suspend (S2D) utility to update the S2D partition on your 
hard-disk drive.
NOTE: The S2D partition receives the system data transferred during save-to-disk 
suspend mode.
For instructions, see “Save-to-Disk Suspend Utility” in Chapter 4. 
						

							support.dell.comOptions and Upgrades 2-15

	

If you purchased a port replicator from Dell, see the documentation that came with 
the port replicator for instructions on its use.


	
	
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You can connect a variety of external devices to your computer. For instructions, refer 
to the section titled “Connecting External Devices” in the system Help. To open the 
Help, click the 
Start button, point to 
Programs—> 
Dell Documents, and click 
Dell 
Inspiron 3700 System Help. 
						

							2-16 Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide 
						

							support.dell.comBasic Troubleshooting 3-1
	




	
This chapter guides you through some initial checks and procedures that can solve 
basic computer problems. It also provides detailed troubleshooting information and 
procedures to solve more complex problems. Complete the checks in this chapter 
before you call Dell for technical assistance; even if these checks do not provide an 
immediate solution, they can help technicians help you diagnose and fix the problem. 
NOTE: When you see the question “Is the problem resolved?” in a troubleshooting 
procedure, repeat the operation that caused the problem to see if it still occurs.

 	 	 	
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To perform an initial check of your computer, perform the following steps.
NOTE: If your computer is wet or damaged, refer to “Troubleshooting a Wet         
Computer” or “Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer” found later in this chapter.
1. If the problem you are experiencing began after making a change to your        
computer, such as installing new hardware or software, undo the change if 
possible.
If the problem is resolved, check any documentation that came with the option 
you attempted to install or that describes the change you made. In particular,   
read any text files (such as 
readme.txt) included with the software package or 
hardware product; such files contain information that updates or supplements 
the documentation for the software or hardware. Typically, readme files provide 
installation information, describe new product enhancements or corrections that 
have not yet been documented, and list known problems. 
						

							3-2 Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
If you were trying to install new hardware, double-check configuration settings 
and available system resources. Refer to the documentation that accompanied 
the hardware device for more information. Also make sure you changed the 
appropriate settings in the System Setup program for the system’s new hardware 
configuration (refer to Appendix B, “Using the System Setup Program”).
If you need technical assistance, contact the product manufacturer or the      
company from whom you purchased the product.
NOTE: DellWare
SM products are supported by the items manufacturer. To receive 
product support information, refer to the manufacturer’s documentation that 
accompanied the item.
2. Perform the steps described in the next subsection, “Checking Connections.”
3. Check the items listed in “Environmental Factors” found later in this chapter.
4. For power problems, refer to “Powe r” found later in this chapter.
5. Check the boot routine indications in Table 3-1.
NOTE: The boot routine is the operating system’s attempt to load its files into 
memor y from the boot-up sector on the hard-disk drive or bootable diskette.
6. If you see an error message or flash code, refer to Appendix C, “Error Messages 
and Flash Codes.”
7. If appropriate, refer to the subsections titled “Monitor,” “Speakers,” “Modem,” 
and “Drives” found later in this chapter.
8. Verify that the settings in the System Setup program match your computer’s    
configuration as explained in Appendix B, “Using the System Setup Program.”
9. Use the Dell Diagnostics to check your computer (refer to “Running the Dell 
Diagnostics” found later in this chapter).
10. If the problem persists, refer to Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions on 
obtaining technical assistance.

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Loose or improperly connected cables are likely sources of problems for your        
computer, external monitor, or other peripherals (such as a printer, external keyboard, 
or mouse). A quick check of all cable connections can easily solve these problems. If 
the connector has two small screws, make sure the screws are tight. In addition, 
check for damaged or frayed cables and for bent pins on connectors.
NOTE: See the “System Features” section of the system Help for the location of your 
computer’s external connectors and controls.