Dell Inspiron 7500 Reference And Troubleshooting Guide

							support.dell.comBasic Troubleshooting3-7
To fix this problem, correct the appropriate options in the Setup program. See 
Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program,” for detailed information about the Setup 
program and its options.
If, after checking the setup options, you have not resolved the problem, see               
“Running the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.Finding Software Solutions
Because most computers have several application programs installed in addition to 
the operating system, isolating a software problem can be confusing. Software errors 
can also appear to be hardware malfunctions at first. Software problems can result 
from the following circumstances:    •
Improper installation or configuration of a program•
Input errors •
Drivers that may conflict with certain application programs •
Memory conflicts resulting from the use of terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) 
programs, such as drivers    •
Interrupt conflicts between devices
You can confirm that a computer problem is caused by software by first running the 
System Board Devices device group as described in “Running the Dell Diagnostics” 
found later in this chapter. If all tests in the device group complete successfully, the 
error condition is most likely caused by software.
The following subsections provide general guidelines for analyzing some software 
problems. For detailed troubleshooting information on a particular program, see the 
documentation that accompanied the software or consult the support service for the 
software.                Installing and Configuring Software    
When you obtain software, check it for viruses using virus-scanning software before 
installing it on the computer’s hard-disk drive. Viruses can quickly use all available 
system memory, damage and/or destroy data stored on the hard-disk drive, and 
permanently affect the performance of the programs they infect. Several commercial 
virus-scanning programs are available for purchase, and most bulletin board services 
(BBSs) archive freely distributed virus-scanning programs that you can download with     
a modem. 
Before installing a program, read its documentation to learn how the program works, 
what hardware it requires, and what its defaults are. A program usually includes 
installation instructions in its accompanying documentation and a software installation 
routine on its program diskettes. 
The software installation routine assists you in transferring the appropriate program 
files to the computer’s hard-disk drive. Installation instructions may provide details 
about how to configure the operating system to successfully run the program. Always  
						

							3-8Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
read the installation instructions before running a program’s installation routine. If you 
are instructed to modify the start-up files, see the documentation that came with the 
operating system for instructions.
When you run the installation routine, be prepared to respond to prompts for 
information about how the computer’s operating system is configured, what type of 
computer you have, and what peripherals are connected to the computer.Start-Up Files        
Whenever you start or reboot the computer, the operating system executes 
commands from its start-up files.
These files contain commands that automatically configure the operating system by 
setting system parameters, starting memory-resident programs, and loading device 
driver software. If you experience program conflicts or memory error messages, 
check the commands for memory-resident programs in the start-up files of the 
operating system. (For information on start-up files, see the documentation that came 
with the operating system). If a program or peripheral does not work correctly, check    
the product’s documentation to see if you need to modify these files.Using Software    
The following subsections discuss errors that can occur while using software.Error Messages
Error messages can be produced by an application program, the operating system, or 
the computer. Appendix C, “System Messages and Beep Codes,” discusses the error 
messages generated by the computer. If you receive an error message not listed in 
Appendix C, check the operating system or application program documentation.Input Errors
If a specific key or set of keys is pressed at the wrong time, a program may give you 
unexpected results. See the documentation that came with the application program 
to make sure the values or characters you are entering do not conflict with the 
application program you are using. 
Make sure the operating system is compatible with the programs you use. Keep in 
mind that whenever you change the parameters of the computer’s operating system, 
you may affect the successful operation of the programs. Sometimes, after modifying 
the operating system, you may need to reinstall a program that no longer runs 
properly.Memory-Resident Programs            
There are a variety of utilities and supplementary programs that can be loaded either 
when the computer boots or from an operating system prompt. These programs are 
designed to stay resident in system memory and thus always be available for use. 
Because they remain in the computer’s memory, memory conflicts and errors can  
						

							support.dell.comBasic Troubleshooting3-9
result when other programs require use of all or part of the memory already occupied 
by these TSR programs.
Typically, the operating system’s start-up files contain commands to start TSR 
programs when you boot the computer. If you suspect that one of these TSR          
programs is causing a memory conflict, remove the commands that start them from 
the start-up file. If the problem you were experiencing does not recur, one of the TSR 
programs probably created the conflict. Add the TSR commands back into the start-up 
files one at a time until you identify which TSR program is creating the conflict.Program Conflicts
Some programs may leave portions of their setup information behind, even though 
you have exited from them. As a result, other programs cannot run. Rebooting the 
computer can confirm whether or not these programs are the cause of the problem.
Other programs use specialized subroutines called drivers that can cause problems in 
the computer. For example, a variation in the way the data is sent to an external 
monitor may require a special screen driver program that expects a certain kind of      
video mode or monitor. In such cases, you may have to develop an alternative method   
of running that particular program—for example, the creation of a boot file made 
especially for that program. For help with this situation, call the support service      
offered by the manufacturer of the software you are using.Avoiding Interrupt Assignment Conflicts        
Problems can arise if two devices attempt to use the same interrupt request (IRQ) 
line. To avoid this type of conflict, check the documentation for the default IRQ line 
setting for each installed device. Then consult Table 3-2 to configure the device for 
one of the available IRQ lines.
NOTE: Installed devices cannot share the same COM port address. The default 
address of the computer’s serial port is COM1.
 Table 3-2.  Default IRQ Line Assignments
IRQ LineUsed/Available
IRQ0Generated by the system timer
IRQ1Generated by the keyboard controller to signal that the 
keyboard output buffer is full
IRQ2Cascade to second interrupt controller
IRQ3Reserved
IRQ4Used by the communications port (COM1)
IRQ5Used by the internal modem, audio controller, and  USB 
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary 
in the system Help. 
						

							3-10Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting GuideTroubleshooting Procedures
This section provides troubleshooting procedures for integrated components            
(such as the display) and for external devices that connect to the computer (such as         
an external monitor). Before performing any of the procedures in this section, see                       
“Basic Checks” found earlier in this chapter and read the safety instructions at the 
front of this guide. Then perform the appropriate troubleshooting procedure for the 
component or equipment that is malfunctioning.
NOTES: When you see the question “Is the problem resolved?” in a troubleshooting 
procedure, perform the operation that caused the problem to see if the problem 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.Troubleshooting a Wet Computer
Liquids, spills and splashes, rain, and excessive humidity can cause moisture damage 
to the computer. If the computer gets wet or if condensation forms on the computer 
because of humid conditions, perform the following steps. IRQ6Generated by the diskette drive controller to indicate that the 
diskette drive requires the attention of the microprocessor
IRQ7Used by the parallel port
IRQ8Generated by the system RTC
IRQ9Reserved for internal system control interrupts
IRQ10Free
IRQ11Generated by the CardBus controller and the video controller
IRQ12Generated by the keyboard controller to indicate that the output 
buffer of the integrated touch pad or external PS/2 mouse is full
IRQ13Used by the math coprocessor on the microprocessor
IRQ14Primary IDE controller
IRQ15Generated by the secondary IDE controller (CD-ROM drive)         
to indicated that the drive requires attention of the 
microprocessor.Table 3-2.  Default IRQ Line Assignments (continued)
IRQ LineUsed/Available
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary 
in the system Help. 
						

							support.dell.comBasic Troubleshooting3-11CAUTION: Perform step 1 of 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 recommends turning 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 live power.
1.Turn off the computer and disconnect it from the AC adapter. Then disconnect      
the AC adapter from the electrical outlet. Turn off any attached peripherals and 
disconnect them from their power sources and then from the computer. 
2.Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the 
computer.
3.If the media bay or MegaBay slot is wet, remove the device from the bay. If the 
PC Card slot is wet, remove any PC Cards. Put the device and cards in a safe 
place to dry.
4.Remove any installed batteries.
Wipe off each battery and store it in a safe place to dry.
5.Remove the hard-disk drive.
For instructions, refer to “Installing a Hard-Disk Drive” in Chapter 2. 
6.Remove the memory module(s).
For instructions, refer to “Installing Memory Modules” in Chapter 2.
7.Open the display, and place the computer across two books or similar props to 
let air circulate all around it. Let the computer dry for at least 24hours.
Place the computer in a dry area at room temperature. Do not use artificial 
means to speed up the drying process.  CAUTION: Before continuing with the remainder of this procedure, 
verify that the computer is thoroughly dry.
8.Ground yourself by touching one of the unpainted metal connectors on the I/O 
panel.
9.Replace the memory module(s).
10.Replace the memory module cover.
11.Reinstall the hard-disk drive.
12.Reinstall the media bay or MegaBay device and PC Cards that you removed in 
step 3.
13.Replace any batteries that you removed in step 4.
14.Reconnect the computer and peripherals to an electrical outlet and turn them on. 
						

							3-12Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
15.Does the computer work properly?
Yes. The problem is resolved. 
No. If the computer is able to boot, run the Dell Diagnostics to identify computer 
damage. If the computer is unable to boot, see “Troubleshooting a Power 
Failure” found later in this section. If you cannot identify the damaged 
component(s), call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,”   
for instructions.) Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer
If the computer is dropped or damaged, perform the following steps:
1.Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut      
down the computer.
2.Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Then disconnect the AC 
adapter from the electrical outlet. Turn off any attached peripherals and 
disconnect them from the electrical outlet and then from the computer.
3.Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the 
computer.
4.Remove any installed batteries or other devices from the media bay or MegaBay.
5.Remove the hard-disk drive.
For instructions, refer to “Installing a Hard-Disk Drive” in Chapter 2.
6.Remove the memory module cover and the memory module(s).
For instructions, refer to “Installing Memory Modules” in Chapter 2.
7.Reinstall the memory modules, making sure to seat them properly. 
8.Replace the memory module cover.
9.Reinstall the hard-disk drive.
10.Verify that any installed PC Cards are properly seated in the PC Card connectors.
11.Reinstall the battery or other device(s) removed from the media bay or MegaBay 
in step 4. Verify that the device(s) is seated properly.
12.Reconnect the computer and peripherals to the electrical outlet and turn them 
on.
13.Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the computer is operating properly. (For 
instructions, see “Running the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.)
14.If the computer does not operate properly, make a copy of the Diagnostics 
Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out. Then call Dell for technical assistance. 
(See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.) 
						

							support.dell.comBasic Troubleshooting3-13Troubleshooting a Power Failure
Occasionally, you may experience a power failure in all or part of the computer.           
A total power failure is indicated by the absence of electrical activity (such as           
status indicators and sounds) from the keyboard, display, hard-disk drive, and diskette 
drive. In a partial power failure, one or more of these indicators shows that there is 
power to a part of the computer.
To determine if there is any power to the computer, make a copy of the Diagnostics 
Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the following steps:
1.Connect the AC adapter to the computer and to an electrical outlet. 
2.Remove all peripherals, including internal devices such as the diskette drive, 
hard-disk drive, and battery.
3.Try turning on the computer. 
4.Does the computer turn on properly?
Yes. The problem is resolved. 
No. Go to Step 5. 
5.Turn off the computer. Does the power status indicator, to the right of the display 
latch, light up?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 7.
6.Remove any installed batteries and disconnect the AC adapter. Then reinstall the 
batteries, reconnect the AC adapter, and turn on the computer. Does the power 
status indicator, to the right of the display latch, light up?
Yes. Go to step 8.
No. Go to step 7.
7.Turn off the computer, wait a few seconds, and then turn on the computer again. 
Does the power status indicator, to the right of the display latch, light up?
Yes. Your computer is receiving power. Go to step 8.
No. Your computer is not receiving power. Go to step 9.
8.Does the computer boot successfully? 
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 9. 
						

							3-14Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
9.Reseat (remove and reinstall) any installed batteries, and check the AC adapter 
connection. Does the power status indicator, to the right of the display latch,       
light up?
Yes. The problem is resolved. 
No. If the computer is powered by the AC adapter, see the next subsection, 
“Total Power Failure When Using the AC Adapter.” If the computer is using 
battery power, see “Total Power Failure When Using a Battery” found later               
in this section.Total Power Failure When Using the AC Adapter
If no signs of power are present in the computer when using the AC adapter, make a 
copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the 
following steps:
1.Turn off the computer and peripherals and disconnect them from the electrical 
outlet. If you are using a surge protector, remove it.
2.Make sure the AC adapter is connected to the computer, and then verify that the 
power cable is firmly attached to the AC adapter and to the electrical outlet.
See “Checking Connections” found earlier in this chapter.
3.Does the LED on top of the AC adapter turn on?
Yes. Go to step 4.
No. The AC adapter may be defective. Go to step 5.
4.Turn on the computer. Does the power status indicator, to the right of the display 
latch, light up?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 5.
5.Call Dell for technical assistance. 
See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.Total Power Failure When Using a Battery       
If an AC adapter is not connected to your computer, the computer’s power source is 
its battery. If the computer does not turn on when a battery is installed, the battery’s 
charge may be depleted. To troubleshoot this problem, make a copy of the 
Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the following 
steps:
1.Turn off the computer and peripherals. Disconnect the peripherals from the 
electrical outlet.
2.Reseat each installed battery by first removing and then replacing the battery in 
its bay.  
						

							support.dell.comBasic Troubleshooting3-15
3.Press the power button. Does the computer turn on?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components before checking 
for signs of power.
Yes. Go to step 4.
No. Use the AC adapter to connect your computer to an electrical outlet. If the 
computer operates normally when using AC power, go to step 7. If the computer 
does not boot when using the AC adapter, see the preceding subsection,          
“Total Power Failure When Using the AC Adapter.”
4.Is the battery status indicator blinking, indicating that the battery is charging?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 5.
5.Does the battery status indicator remain constantly lit (not blinking)? 
Yes. Go to step 7.
No. The battery is defective. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, 
“Getting Help,” for instructions.)
6.Use the AC adapter to fully charge the battery.
For instructions, see the topic titled “Charging the Battery” in the system Help. 
The battery charges in approximately 2 hours, using an electrical outlet, if the 
computer is off; the battery charges in approximately 3 hours if the computer is 
on. 
7.Does the battery status indicator remain constantly lit (not blinking), indicating 
that the battery is fully charged?
Yes. The problem is resolved. Turn on the computer.
No. You may have a defective battery. Go to step 8.
8.Disconnect the AC adapter. If a fully charged spare battery is available, install it        
in the computer.
9.Press the power button. Does computer turn on? 
Yes. Your original battery is defective. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See 
Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for 
instructions.) 
						

							3-16Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting GuideNo Power to a Part of the Computer           
If the power status indicator shows that your computer is receiving power, but the  
display remains blank, part of your computer is probably not receiving power. To 
troubleshoot this problem, make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in         
Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the following steps:
1.Turn off the computer and peripherals and disconnect them from the electrical 
outlet. Disconnect any attached peripherals from the computer.
2.Make sure that the AC adapter is connected to the computer and to an electrical 
outlet, or confirm that a fully charged battery is properly seated in the MegaBay 
or the media bay.
3.Turn on the computer. Is the display on?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components before checking 
for signs of power.
Yes. The entire computer is receiving power; the problem is resolved.
No. Adjust the brightness of the display. If the display still does not show an 
image, call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for 
instructions.)Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive
During the power-on self-test (POST), the computer checks the diskette drive, 
comparing its characteristics with the system configuration information. (The 
diskette-drive access indicator blinks as the computer performs this check on a            
diskette drive.)
If the drive fails POST or if the access indicators do not appear, make a copy of the 
Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the following 
steps:
1.Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down 
the computer. 
2.Remove the diskette drive combination module from the media bay.
3.Reinstall the diskette drive.
4.Reboot the computer. Does the diskette-drive access indicator blink during the 
boot routine?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 5.