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 computer. Turn off 
and then turn on the power strip to reset it.
Running the Dell Diagnostics
The Dell Diagnostics helps you to check your computer hardware without any addi-
tional equipment and without destroying any data. By using the diagnostics, you can 
have confidence in your computer’s operation. If you find a problem you cannot solve 
by yourself, the diagnostic tests can provide you with important information. Record 
this information on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist (see Figure 4-1) before you call 
Dell for technical assistance.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics is specifically designed for your computer. Do 
not run the Dell Diagnostics on any other computer. Using this diagnostic 
program with other computers may cause incorrect computer responses or 
result in error messages.
The Dell Diagnostics provides a series of menus and options from which you can 
choose particular device group tests. You can also control the sequence in which the 
tests are run. Other helpful features include:
A menu category called 
Options that lets you run tests individually or collectively
An option that allows you to choose the number of times a device group test is 
repeated
The ability to display or print out test results, or to save them in a file
The ability to choose the option to temporarily suspend testing if an error is 
detected, or to terminate testing if an adjustable error limit is reached
A menu category called 
Devices that briefly describes each test and its 
parameters
A menu category called 
Config that describes the configuration of the devices in 
the selected device group
Status messages that inform you whether device group tests ran successfully
Error messages that appear if problems are detected
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							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 
problem, see the following sections.
Start the Dell Diagnostics
NOTES: The Dell Diagnostics runs in MS-DOS® mode. When the computer runs on a 
battery in MS-DOS mode, the battery status indicator glows amber when approxi-
mately 10 percent of the battery charge remains, and it flashes amber when 
approximately 3 percent of the battery charge remains. If the battery status indicator 
becomes amber, connect the computer to AC power using the AC adapter. If AC 
power is not available, turn off the computer until AC power is available.
The standby and hibernate modes are Windows power management features. These 
power management modes are not available while the computer is running in 
MS-DOS mode. For information on the standby and hibernate modes, see “Conser v-
ing Power” in the system Help.
External Universal Serial Bus (USB) keyboards only function when Windows 98 
Second Edition is running. Use the integrated keyboard when you use the Dell 
Diagnostics.
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down 
the computer.
2. If the computer is docked, undock it.
For instructions, see the Port Replicator User’s Guide.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Press  when you see the Dell logo to access the system setup program.
5. Press the right-arrow key to highlight 
Boot.
6. Press the down-arrow key to highlight a device, and then press  to move the 
device down the list or press  to move the device up the list. Select the fol-
lowing boot sequence: 
Floppy
Internal Hard Drive
CD ROM/DVD
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							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 automatically.
NOTES: You must turn off the computer and turn on the computer with the 
System Software CD in the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive module to use the Dell 
Diagnostics.
Do not run the Dell Diagnostics while Windows is running.
Before you read the rest of this section, you may want to start the Dell 
Diagnostics so that you can see it on your display.
When you start the diagnostics, the Dell
™ logo screen appears, followed by a mes-
sage telling you that the diagnostics is loading.
After the diagnostic utility loads, the 
Diagnostics Menu appears (see Figure 2-1).
Figure 2-1.  Diagnostics Menu
The menu allows you to choose to run all or specific diagnostic tests or to exit to the 
MS-DOS prompt. You can choose from the following options:
Fully Test All Devices — This option thoroughly checks all computer 
components. 
Quickly Test All Devices — This option runs only the subtests that do not 
require your interaction. Dell recommends that you choose this option—you may 
be able to trace the problem quickly.
Fully Test All Devices
Quickly Test All Devices
Select Devices to Test
Exit to MS-DOS
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							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 the top of the screen identifies the Dell Diagnostics version on your 
computer.
On the left side of the screen, the 
Device Groups area lists the diagnostic test 
groups in the order they will run if you select 
All from the 
Run tests menu cate-
gor y. Press the up- or down-arrow key to highlight a device group.
On the right side of the screen, the 
Devices for Highlighted Group area lists the 
currently detected hardware.
The lines at the bottom of the screen show the menu choices. The first line lists 
the categories you can select; press the left- or right-arrow key to highlight a 
menu category. The last line gives information about the category currently 
highlighted.
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							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 attached to your computer. If the printer is 
connected to the computer through the parallel port connector, you can test the 
printer connection with the 
Parallel Ports test.
Diagnostics Version X.XX Dell Computer Corporation (www.dell.com)
Devices for Highlighted GroupDevice Groups
System Board Devices
Processor Cache
System Memory
Inspiron
VESA/VGA Interface
Universal Serial Bus Interface
PC-AT Compatible Keyboards
Pointing Devices
Serial Ports
Parallel Ports
Diskette
IDE Devices
Audio Controller
Misc. PCI DevicesDMA Controller
Realtime Clock
System Timer
Interrupt Controller
System Speaker
Floating Point Unit
Device Groups: Run Tests Devices Select Config Help
Display the Run tests menu.  Press ESC for previous menu.
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							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, 
Device Group, 
Device, 
Te s t, and 
Versions. The categories provide detailed descriptions of the devices that you are 
testing.
Menu
The 
Menu categor y provides descriptions of the main screen, the device groups, and 
the different diagnostic menus and commands as well as instructions on how to use 
them. 
Keys
The 
Keys category explains the functions of all of the keystrokes available in the Dell 
Diagnostics.
Device Group
The 
Device Group category describes the test group that is presently highlighted in 
the 
Device Groups list on the main screen. For example, the following information 
appears when you select the 
Device Group category for 
System Memory:
System Memory
This module provides tests for system memory. The address 
lines, data lines, and memory cells are tested for coupling 
faults, opens, and shorts.
Device
The 
Device category is the educational section the Dell Diagnostics 
Help. It describes 
the function of the highlighted device in the 
Device Groups area. For example, the 
following information appears when you select the 
Device category for
System 
Memory:
System Memory
System memory is the primary mechanism in a computer used for 
storage of data. Because a computer works by manipulating data, 
memory is vital for most operations performed by a computer.
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							support.dell.comTroubleshooting 2-9
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.
Exit the Dell Diagnostics
1. Press  until the 
Diagnostics Menu appears (see Figure 2-1).
2. Press the down-arrow key to select 
Exit to MS-DOS and then press .
3. Remove the System Software CD from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive module.
4. When
 X:\DIAGS appears on your screen, press the power button until the com-
puter turns off.
5. Restart your computer.
Dell recommends that you return the boot sequence back to the original 
configuration:
Floppy
Internal Hard Drive
CD ROM/DVD
See “Start the Dell Diagnostics” found earlier in this chapter for instructions.
Troubleshooting Procedures
Before performing any of the procedures in this section, see “Checking the Basics” 
found earlier in this chapter and read the “Safety Instructions” at the front of this 
guide. Then perform the appropriate troubleshooting procedure.
NOTE: Before you begin any of the troubleshooting procedures, ensure that 
Quiet 
Boot is set to 
Disabled in the 
Main menu of the system setup program. See 
Appendix B, “Using the System Setup Program,” for information on using the system 
setup program.
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							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 cause damage to the computer.
CAUTION: Perform the following procedure only after you are certain that it 
is safe to do so. If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, Dell rec-
ommends that you turn off AC power at the circuit breaker before 
attempting to remove the power cables from the electrical outlet. Use the 
utmost caution when removing wet cables from a live power source.
1. Turn off the computer and disconnect the AC adapter from the computer. 
2. Disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.
3. Turn off any attached peripherals and disconnect them from their power sources 
and then from the computer.
4. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the 
computer.
5. Remove the media bay device and PC Cards (if installed.)
Put the device and cards in a safe place to dry.
6. Remove the batteries from the battery bay and the media bay.
Wipe off each batter y and put them in a safe place to dr y.
7. Remove the hard-disk drive.
For instructions, refer to “Installing an Internal Hard-Disk Drive” in Chapter 1. 
8. Remove the memory modules.
For instructions, refer to “Installing Memory Modules” in Chapter 1.
9. Open the display, and place the computer right-side up across two books or simi-
lar props to let air circulate all around it. 
Let the computer dr y for at least 24 hours in a dry area at room temperature.
NOTICE: Do not use artificial means to speed up the drying process. 
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							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. Replace the hard-disk drive and screw.
14. Replace the media bay device and PC Cards.
15. Replace the batteries.
16. Connect the peripherals to the computer.
17. Connect the computer and peripherals to an electrical outlet.
18. Turn on the computer and the peripherals. 
19. Press  twice.
The Boot Menu appears.
20. Select 
CD ROM/DVD and press .
If you cannot identify the damaged components, call Dell for technical assistance. For 
instructions, refer to Chapter 4, “Getting Help,”. 
Test a Dropped or Damaged Computer
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down 
the computer.
2. Remove the batter y.
3. Disconnect the AC adapter from the computer and then disconnect the AC 
adapter from the electrical outlet. 
4. Turn off any attached peripherals and disconnect them from the electrical outlet 
and then from the computer.
5. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the 
computer.
6. Remove the media bay device.
7. Remove the hard-disk drive.
For instructions, refer to “Installing an Internal Hard-Disk Drive” in Chapter 1.
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							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 outlet.
NOTE: Do not dock the computer at this time.
16. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
17. Ensure that the diskette drive does not contain a diskette.
18. Turn on the computer. 
The Dell Diagnostics loads automatically.
19. Select 
Fully Test All Devices. 
See “Running the Dell Diagnostics” found earlier in this chapter for more 
information.
If the computer does not operate properly, make a copy of and complete the Diagnos-
tics Checklist (see Figure 4-1). Then call Dell for technical assistance. See Chapter 4, 
“Getting Help,” for instructions.
Recover From a Program That Is Not Responding
1. Press .
The 
Close Program window appears.
2. Click the program that no longer responds.
3. Click 
End Task.
Restart a Computer That Is Not Responding
1. Press and hold the power button until the computer turns off.
2. To turn on the computer, press the power button.
ScanDisk, a program that checks for and repairs errors on the hard-disk drive, 
may run during the boot process. Windows loads and runs after the scan 
completes.
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