Dell Inspiron 5000 Reference And Troubleshooting Guide

support.dell.comTroubleshooting 2-3
Check the Electrical Power Source
If you are experiencing problems with power, perform the following checks:
Check the computer power indicator. When lit, the power indicator verifies that 
the power supply is operating.
Verify that the electrical outlet is functional by plugging an operational device, 
such as a lamp, into the outlet.
Plug the computer directly into a functioning electrical outlet.
If your computer is connected to a power strip, shut down the...

2-4 Dell Inspiron 5000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
If a major component or device in your computer does not function properly, you may 
have a component failure. You can use the Dell Diagnostics as long as the following 
components are functioning properly:
Microprocessor
Display
Keyboard
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive module
If you know which components you need to test, select the appropriate diagnostic 
device group tests you want to run. If you are unsure about how to begin diagnosing a...

support.dell.comTroubleshooting 2-5
7. Press  to save your changes and exit the system setup program.
8. When the 
Setup Confirmation screen appears, press  to confirm that 
you want to save the configuration changes and exit the system setup program.
The computer restarts automatically.
9. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
10. Ensure that the diskette drive does not contain a diskette.
11. Shut down the computer.
12. Turn on the computer. 
The Dell Diagnostics begins...

2-6 Dell Inspiron 5000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Select Devices to Test — This option allows you to select particular components 
for testing.
To select an option from this menu, press the up- or down-arrow key to highlight the 
option and press .
Dell Diagnostics Main Screen
When you select 
Select Devices to Test from the 
Diagnostics Menu, the main diag-
nostics screen appears (see Figure 2-2).
Information on the main screen of the diagnostics is presented in the following areas:
Text at...

support.dell.comTroubleshooting 2-7
Figure 2-2.  Dell Diagnostics Main Screen
Confirm the System Configuration Information
When you boot your computer from your System Soft ware CD, the diagnostics dis-
plays a list of the computer devices and components in the 
Device Groups area on 
the main screen.
Do not be concerned if the
 Device Groups area does not list the names of all the 
components or devices connected to your computer. For example, you may not see a 
printer listed, although you know one is...

2-8 Dell Inspiron 5000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Use the Dell Diagnostics Help Menu
Several comprehensive 
Help menus provide instructions on how to use the Dell Diag-
nostics. Each category explains the menu item, test group, subtest, and test and error 
results. To enter the 
Help menu, perform the following steps: 
1. Press the up- or down-arrow key to highlight 
Select Devices to Test in the 
Diag-
nostics Menu.
2. Press .
3. Press .
The categories on the 
Help menu are 
Menu, 
Keys,...

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Te s t
The 
Te s t categor y provides a thorough explanation of the test procedure of each sub-
test. For example, the following information appears when you select the 
Te s t  
category for
System Memory:
System Memory Line Address Test
This test checks the system DRAM to find multiple “stuck-at” 
faults in address lines, decoder logic, and the memory cell 
array.
Ve r s i o n s
The 
Versions categor y lists the version numbers of the tests in the Dell Diagnostics....

2-10 Dell Inspiron 5000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Restart Your Computer
Several of the following sections advise you to restart the computer as part of the 
troubleshooting process. To perform a proper restart, perform the following steps:
1. Save and close any open files and exit any open application programs.
2. Click the 
Start button, click 
Shut Down, select 
Restart, and then click 
OK.
The computer restarts automatically.
Dry Out a Wet Computer
Liquids, rain, and excessive humidity can...

support.dell.comTroubleshooting 2-11
CAUTION: To help prevent electrical shock, verify that the computer is thor-
oughly dry before continuing with the remainder of this procedure.
10. Ground yourself by touching one of the unpainted metal connectors on the back 
of the computer.
11. Replace the memory modules.
CAUTION: To help prevent electrical shock, verify that the computer is thor-
oughly dry before continuing with the remainder of this procedure.
12. Replace the memory module cover and screw.
13....

2-12 Dell Inspiron 5000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
8. Remove the memory module cover and the memory modules.
For instructions, refer to “Installing Memory Modules” in Chapter 1.
9. Replace the memory modules. 
10. Replace the memory module cover and screw.
11. Replace the hard-disk drive.
12. Ensure that the PC Cards are properly seated in the PC Card connectors.
13. Replace the battery.
14. Connect the peripherals to the computer.
15. Connect the computer and peripherals to the electrical...