Dell Inspiron 7500 Reference And Troubleshooting Guide

							support.dell.comOptions and Upgrades2-11Figure 2-9.  Removing a Memory Module
7.Install the new memory module(s) as shown in Figure 2-10:
a.Align the notch in the edge connector with the slot in the center of the 
memory module socket.
b.Press the memory module’s edge connector firmly into the socket.
c.Pivot the module down until it clicks.Figure 2-10.  Installing a Memory Module
8.Replace the memory module cover.
9.Reinstall any batteries you removed in step 3.
10.Reconnect your computer and peripherals to electrical outlets.
11.Turn on the peripherals and then turn on the computer.
As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically 
updates the system configuration information.
bottom of computer
memory 
module
slot 2slot 1
bottom of computer
memory 
module
slot 2slot 1 
						

							2-12Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
12.Confirm that the system configuration information reflects the newly installed 
memory by checking the System Memory option on the Main menu of the
Setup program.
To enter the Setup program, press  while the computer is booting. The 
Main menu appears. If the System Memory total is incorrect, the memory 
modules may not be installed properly. Repeat steps 1 through 11 until the        
memory total is correct.
NOTE: The computer will not boot if without a memory module installed, nor if 
the installed module(s) are not seated properly in the socket(s). No error message 
or beep code indicates this failure.
13.Run the System Memory device group in the Dell Diagnostics to confirm that 
the installed memory modules are operating correctly. 
For instructions, see “Running the Dell Diagnostics” in Chapter 3.
14.If you have added additional memory to your computer, you will need to delete 
and recreate the save-to-disk suspend file on your hard-disk drive so that it is 
large enough to accommodate the new memory. 
For instructions, refer to the next subsection, “Creating the Save-to-Disk 
Suspend File.”Creating the Save-to-Disk Suspend File
The save-to-disk suspend file on your hard-disk drive cannot be accessed by the 
operating system or application programs. When the save-to-disk suspend mode            
is activated, all system data is stored in this file.
To create a save-to-disk suspend file if you installed a new hard-disk drive, if you 
removed the file, or if you are rebuilding a corrupted hard-disk drive, perform the 
following steps.
NOTE: If you installed memory to increase system memory, delete the save-to-disk 
suspend file and then complete the following procedure. To delete the save-to-disk 
suspend file, type phdisk /delete /file 
at an MS-DOS® prompt and press 
.
1.Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down 
the computer.
2.Insert the Microsoft Boot Disk Windows 98 Series diskette into the diskette 
drive.
3.When the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu appears, press the 
down-arrow key to select Start computer with CD-ROM support and               
press .
4.When A:\>
 appears on the screen, insert the System Software CD into your         
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. 
						

							support.dell.comOptions and Upgrades2-13
5.At the MS-DOS prompt, type x:/, where x is the drive letter of your CD-ROM or 
DVD-ROM drive. Drive letter D is typical for CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drives.
6.Type cd\utility
 and press . 
7.Type phdisk /create /file
 and press .
NOTE: Make sure to place a space between phdisk /create
 and /file.
The utility calculates the size of the file, in kilobytes, based on the amount of 
system memory in your computer, plus 4 or 8 MB to handle video memory, plus 
2 MB to handle additional system requirements.
8.Follow the instructions on your screen to create the save-to-disk suspend file.
To check the size of the save-to-disk suspend file, type phdisk /info
 at an MS-DOS 
prompt and press .
If you need to delete the save-to-disk suspend file, type phdisk /delete /file
 at 
an MS-DOS prompt and press .Port Replicator
If you purchased a port replicator from Dell, see the documentation that came with 
the port replicator for instructions on its use.Connecting Other External Devices
You can connect the following external devices to your Dell computer:•
Speakers (and other audio devices)•
Personal System/2 (PS/2) or universal serial bus (USB) Keyboard•
PS/2 or USB mouse•
Keypad•
Monitor•
Serial devices•
Parallel devices•
Infrared devices
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 7500 System Help. 
						

							2-14Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide 
						

							support.dell.comBasic Troubleshooting3-1CHAPTER 3
Basic Troubleshooting
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. 
NOTES: 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.
Before you begin any of the troubleshooting procedures, make sure the Quiet Boot 
option is set to Disabled in the Main menu of the Setup program. See Appendix B, 
“Using the Setup Program,” for information on using the Setup program.          CAUTION: The only time you should ever access the inside of your computer 
is when you are installing memory modules.
CAUTION: To help prevent possible damage to the system board, wait          
5 seconds after turning off the computer before you disconnect a 
peripheral device or remove a memory module.
Checking the Basics
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. 
						

							3-2Dell Inspiron 7500 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 Setup program for the system’s new hardware         
configuration (refer to Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program”).
If you need technical assistance, contact the product manufacturer or the 
company from whom you purchased the product.
NOTE: DellWareSM
 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 “Power” 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 
memory from the boot-up sector on the hard-disk drive or bootable diskette.
6.If you hear a beep code or see a system message, refer to Appendix C,          
“System Messages and Beep 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 Setup program match your computer’s configura-
tion as explained in Appendix B, “Using the 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.Checking Connections        
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.
Be sure the following items are properly connected or installed:•
AC adapter and AC power cable•
Main battery or any other optional device installed in the MegaBay 
						

							support.dell.comBasic Troubleshooting3-3•
Second battery or any other optional device installed in the media bay•
Cables that connect external devices through the input/output (I/O) connectors 
and ports on the computer.Environmental Factors
A number of external factors, including temperature extremes and humidity, magnetic 
influences, sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI), and poor input power or 
signal quality, can interfere with the performance of your computer and attached 
devices. Monitors are especially susceptible to these environmental factors. The 
following items can adversely affect the performance of a computer:•
Inadequate ventilation from operating the computer in a confined space, such as 
a desk enclosure•
Direct sunlight causing the computer to overheat•
Line noise or power drops and surges from electrical outlets due to poor wiring•
Line noises or surges through telephone lines•
High-voltage electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating in close 
proximity to the computer•
Speakers, especially subwoofer, or telephone too close to the monitor, 
generating magnetic fields that distort the display image•
Fluorescent lights causing display flickering or distortion•
Electrical extension cords and keyboard and mouse extension cables•
Too many devices on a power strip or multiple power strips from one electrical 
outlet•
Electrical conduits in an adjoining wall or elevators on the other side of the wall•
Large metal beams inside the wall behind the computer
If removing potential sources of problems does not help, try moving the computer.Power
If you are experiencing problems with power to your computer, perform the following 
tasks:•
Check the computer’s power indicator. When lit, the power indicator verifies that 
the power supply is operating.•
If your computer is connected to a power strip, turn the power strip off and then 
on again.•
Plug the computer directly into an electrical outlet, bypassing any power 
protection devices.•
Plug a device, such as a lamp that you know works, into the electrical outlet to 
make sure the power source is okay. 
						

							3-4Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting GuideModem
NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog line only. Using a nonanalog 
line, such as a digital or private branch exchange (PBX) line, will damage 
the modem.
NOTE: If your modem can dial and connect to one Internet service provider (ISP) or to 
a fax machine, your modem is functioning properly. For assistance, contact the ISP to 
which you cannot connect.
If you are experiencing problems with a modem, perform the following checks:•
If you have any other telephone devices plugged into this line, such as answering 
machines, dedicated fax machines, or line splitters, then bypass them and plug 
the modem cable directly into the telephone connector on the wall.•
Reseat the cable connections.•
Try a different cable; if you are using a cable that is 10 feet or more in length,            
try a shorter one.•
Disconnect the cable from the modem and plug it directly into a telephone. 
Listen for a dial tone.•
Low connection speeds can be caused by line noise. If you have persistent     
problems, try connecting the modem to a different telephone connector or     
contact your telephone company to check for data noise and imbalanced lines.Drives
If you have diskette drive problems, perform the following checks:•
Make sure the diskette is not write-protected if you are trying to copy data to it.•
Try a different diskette in the drive. If the new diskette works, the original one 
may be defective.•
Check drive operations at the MS-DOS® prompt in the Dell Diagnostics (refer to 
“Running the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter) and the Windows 
operating system.•
Check the settings on the Diskette Options submenu of the Setup program as 
described in Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program.”•
Run the Diskette device group as described in “Running the Dell Diagnostics” 
found later in this chapter.
If you have CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive problems, perform the following checks.
NOTE: Inconsistencies in the manufacturing of CD-ROM media may cause some 
higher-speed CD-ROM drives to vibrate more than others. Such vibration and 
associated noise do not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD.•
Double-click My Computer and check to see if the drive is recognized by the 
computer. Most of the common boot sector viruses cause the CD-ROM or 
DVD-ROM drive to “disappear.” Use virus-scanning software (if Dell installed  
						

							support.dell.comBasic Troubleshooting3-5
Windows 98 on your computer, you should already have virus-scanning software) 
to check for and remove any viruses.•
Clean the disc with a soft, lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.•
Clean the drive as described in the next subsection, “Cleaning Diskette Drives.”•
Try another CD or DVD title.
NOTE: Because of different conventions currently used in the industry, not all 
DVD titles work in all DVD-ROM drives.•
Enter the Setup program as described in Appendix B, “Using the Setup 
Program,” and verify that IDE Controller is set to Both.•
Run the IDE Devices device group as described in “Running the Dell 
Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.•
Refer to “Troubleshooting the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive” found later in this 
chapter for further troubleshooting information.
If you have hard-disk drive problems, perform the following checks:•
For Windows 98, run the ScanDisk utility by clicking the Start button, pointing to 
Programs—> Accessories—> System Tools, and clicking ScanDisk.•
For Windows NT, run the error-checking utility by opening the property sheet of 
the affected volume(s) and clicking Check Now in the Error-checking section of 
the Tools tab.•
Run the IDE (ATA/ATAPI) Devices device group as described in “Running the 
Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.•
Check the settings on the IDE Configuration submenu of the Setup program as 
described in Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program.”Cleaning Diskette Drives
You can clean a diskette drive using a commercially available cleaning kit. These kits 
contain pretreated diskettes to nonabrasively remove contaminants that accumulate 
during normal operation.
If the kit does not contain instructions, insert a pretreated diskette into the drive and 
turn on the system. After 20 or 30 seconds, remove the diskette from the drive.NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You may 
accidentally misalign the heads, rendering the drive inoperable.
Look and Listen    
Looking at and listening to your computer is important in determining the source of a 
problem. Look and listen for the indications described in Table 3-1.
If the problem is still not resolved, see the next subsection, “Setup Options.” 
						

							3-6Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
NOTE: Before you begin any of the troubleshooting procedures, make sure the 
QuietBoot option is set to Disabled in the Main menu of the Setup program. See 
Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program,” for information on using the Setup program. Setup Options
You can easily correct certain computer problems by verifying the settings for Setup 
program options. When you boot the computer, it compares the system configuration 
information with the current hardware configuration. If the computer’s hardware 
configuration doesn’t match the information recorded by the Setup program options,     
an error message may appear on the display.Table 3-1.  Boot Routine Indications
Look for:Action
An error messageSee Appendix C, “System Messages and Beep Codes.”
The power indicatorIf the computer’s power status indicator does not come on, see 
“Troubleshooting a Power Failure” found later in this chapter.
The keyboard status 
indicators Press the  key, the  key, and the  key to 
toggle their respective status indicator. If the indicators do not light up, run the 
PC-AT Compatible Keyboards device group in the Dell Diagnostics (for 
instructions, see “Running the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter).
The diskette-drive access 
indicatorThe diskette-drive access indicator lights up when data is accessed on the 
diskette drive. You can test this indicator by inserting a diskette into the drive, 
typing dir a:
 at an MS-DOS prompt, and pressing . If the                 
diskette-drive access indicator does not light up, see “Troubleshooting the    
Diskette Drive” found later in this chapter.
The CD-ROM/hard-disk 
drive access indicator The CD-ROM/hard-disk drive access indicator lights up when data is accessed 
on the CD-ROM drive or the hard-disk drive. You can test this indicator by 
typing dir c:
 at an MS-DOS prompt and pressing . If the CD-ROM/
hard-disk drive access indicator does not light up, see “Troubleshooting the 
Hard-Disk Drive” or “Troubleshooting the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive” found 
later in this chapter.
A series of beepsSee Appendix C, “System Messages and Beep Codes.”
An unfamiliar constant 
scraping or grinding 
sound when a drive is 
accessedMake sure the sound is not caused by the application program that is running. 
The sound could also be caused by a hardware malfunction. See Chapter 5, 
“Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance from Dell.
The absence of a familiar 
sound When you turn on the computer, you can hear the hard-disk drive spin up, and 
the computer tries to access the boot files from the hard-disk drive or the 
diskette drive. If your computer does not boot, call Dell for technical assistance. 
(See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.) Otherwise, see “Running the 
Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the system Help.