Dell Inspiron 7500 Reference And Troubleshooting Guide

							support.dell.comBasic Troubleshooting3-17
5.Remove and reinsert the diskette drive (or disconnect and reconnect the drive if 
used externally). Reboot the computer. Does the diskette-drive access indicator 
light up during the boot routine?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 9.
6.Does the computer display a drive error message? 
Yes. See Appendix C, “System Messages and Beep Codes” for an explanation of 
the message, and then go to step 7.
No. Go to step 9.
7.Insert a bootable 1.44-megabyte (MB) diskette into the diskette drive and reboot 
the computer.
8.Does the diskette-drive access indicator blink during the boot routine, and does 
the drive boot the operating system?
Yes. The diskette drive problem has probably been resolved. If you continue to 
experience trouble, call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting 
Help,” for instructions.)
No. Go to step 9.
9.Call Dell for technical assistance. 
See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions. Troubleshooting the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive       
During POST, the computer checks the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, comparing its 
characteristics with the system configuration information. (The CD-ROM/hard-disk 
drive access indicator blinks as the computer performs this check.) 
If a failure occurs with the drive, 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 drive from the media bay.
3.Reinstall the drive.
4.Reboot the computer. Does the drive access indicator blink during the boot 
routine?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 5. 
						

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5.Remove and reinsert the drive. Reboot the computer. Does the drive access 
indicator blink during the boot routine?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 10.
6.Remove the hard-disk drive and boot the computer from a bootable CD. Does the 
drive access indicator blink?
Yes. Go to step 7.
No. Go to step 10.
7.Reinstall the hard-disk drive. Then check the config.sys file (in Windows 98, 
check the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive configuration in the Settings folder). Is 
the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM driver installed?
Yes. Go to step 8.
No. Load the driver, and return to step 1 to begin this procedure again. (To load 
the driver, use the System Software CD you received with your Dell computer.)
8.Insert a bootable diskette into drive A and reboot the computer.
9.Type d:
 and press . Then type dir and press . Does MS-DOS 
display the root directory contents for drive D?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 10. 
10.Insert your Dell Diagnostics diskette into drive A and reboot the computer. Then 
run the IDE Devices device group. Does your CD-ROM drive pass all the tests?
Yes. Return to step 1 and perform this troubleshooting procedure again. If you 
continue to experience trouble, call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, 
“Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Go to step 11. 
11.Call Dell for technical assistance. 
See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.Troubleshooting the Hard-Disk Drive       
During POST, the computer checks the hard-disk drive, comparing its characteristics 
with the system configuration information. (The drive access indicator, located to the 
right of the display latch, blinks as the computer performs this check.) If a failure 
occurs with the drive, make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5 
and fill it out as you perform the following steps:
1.Shut down the computer. 
						

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2.Reboot the computer. Does the drive access indicator blink during the boot 
routine, and does the drive boot the operating system?
Yes. If a message appears on the display, see Appendix C, “System Messages 
and Beep Codes,” for an explanation of the message and possible corrective 
actions. Then go to step 7.
No. Go to step 3.
3.Insert a bootable diskette into drive A and reboot the computer.
4.Type c:
 and press . Then type dir and press . Does MS-DOS 
display the root directory contents for drive C?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 5. 
5.If your hard-disk drive has more than one logical drive, type d:
 and press 
. Then type dir
 and press . Does MS-DOS display the root 
directory contents for drive D?
Yes. You may have a corrupted boot sector or file allocation table (FAT) on drive C. 
Go to step 9.
No. Go to step 8.
6.Rename your autoexec.bat and config.sys files, remove the operating system 
diskette from drive A, and reboot the computer. Does the operating system load 
now?
Yes. You have an error in your autoexec.bat or config.sys file. Use a text editor 
to examine the contents of these files and locate the error. For information on       
the correct syntax for commands in these files, see the documentation that 
accompanied your operating system.
No. Go to step 7. 
7.Insert your diagnostics diskette into drive A and reboot the computer. Then run 
the IDE Devices device group. Does your drive pass all the tests?
Yes. Go to step 8.
No. Go to step 9. 
8.Replace your diagnostics diskette with the operating system diskette, and reboot 
the computer. Does the operating system load now?
Yes. The hard-disk drive may contain a corrupted operating system or it may have 
bad sectors. Reinstall the operating system as described in the documentation 
that came with it. If reinstalling the operating system does not correct the 
problem, go to step 9.
No. Go to step 9. 
						

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9.Call Dell for technical assistance. 
See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.Troubleshooting an External Keyboard           
When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully 
functional. During POST, the computer checks whether an external keyboard               
is connected; if it is, the computer recognizes both the built-in keyboard and the       
external keyboard. If an attached external keyboard does not work when you boot the          
computer, make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5, “Getting 
Help,” and fill it out as you perform the following steps.
NOTE: External USB keyboards are not supported on the computer.
1.Turn off the computer, and then remove the keyboard cable and check it for bent 
or broken pins. 
Yes. If you see bent pins and they can be straightened, straighten them and go to 
step 2. If they cannot be straightened, or are broken, you need a new keyboard. 
No. Go to step 2.
2.Reconnect the keyboard to the computer. 
3.Make sure the cable from the external keyboard is firmly connected to the 
keyboard/mouse connector on the back of the computer. (See “Checking 
Connections” found earlier in this chapter.)
4.Turn on the computer.
5.If you are using a keyboard that can be configured with various switch settings, 
make sure the switch is set to PS/2, Enhanced XT/AT, or PC/AT.
The switch settings are usually on the bottom of the keyboard, sometimes 
behind a panel tab. Refer to the documentation that came with the keyboard for 
more information.
6.Turn off the computer, wait one minute, and then turn it on again. During the boot 
routine, do the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators on the external 
keyboard blink momentarily? 
Yes. Go to step 7.
No. You may have a defective keyboard. Go to step 10.
7.Does the computer recognize the external keyboard? 
Use the external keyboard to type some characters. Do they appear on the 
display?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 8. 
						

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8.Turn off the computer and disconnect the external keyboard from the computer. 
9.Turn on the computer. Does the computer recognize the integrated keyboard?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components. Then use the 
computer’s integrated keyboard to type some characters. Do the characters 
appear on the display?
Yes. The external keyboard may be defective. Run the PC-AT Compatible 
Keyboards device group in the Dell Diagnostics. If you cannot isolate the       
problem after running the diagnostics, call Dell for technical assistance. 
No. Go to step 10.
10.Call Dell for technical assistance.
See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.Troubleshooting Memory 
During POST, the computer checks the computer’s memory, and then writes to and 
reads from the number of available bytes to ensure proper operation. If the memory 
count displayed is less than the amount installed, make a copy of the Diagnostics 
Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the following steps:
1.Reboot the computer. Does the random-access memory (RAM) count displayed 
correctly match the actual amount of memory installed in the computer?
Yes. The computer needed to update the memory; the memory check phase is 
okay now.
No. Go to step 2.
2.Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and remove 
any installed batteries.
3.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. 
4.Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the 
computer.
5.Turn the computer over and remove the memory module cover and the memory 
modules.
Refer to “Installing Memory Modules” in Chapter 2.
6.Install the new memory module(s).
Refer to “Installing Memory Modules” in Chapter 2.
7.Replace the memory module cover. 
						

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8.Reboot the computer, and press  when prompted to enter the Setup 
program.
9.In the Main menu of the Setup program, make sure that the value in the 
Extended Memory field is at least 15 MB.
Yes. A memory module was loose; the memory check phase is complete.
No. Go to step 11.
10.Call Dell for technical assistance.
See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.Troubleshooting the Display     
If the computer is receiving power, but nothing appears on your display (such as light, 
text, or graphics) or the display image does not appear as you would expect, make a 
copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the 
following steps.
NOTE: Extended graphics array (XGA) displays support 1024 x 768 pixels, and        
super extended graphics array (SXGA) displays support 1280 x 1024 pixels. If your             
application program uses a higher resolution, you must attach an external video   
graphics array (VGA) monitor to your computer.
1.If the computer is running, press any key on the integrated keyboard. Is the full 
display readable?
Yes. The computer was in standby or suspend mode. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 2.
2.Is an external monitor connected to the computer?
Yes. Go to step 3.
No. Go to step 4.
3.Press the  key combination. Is the full display readable?
Yes. The Video Display Device option in the Setup program was set to CRT 
Mode.
No. Go to step 4.
4.Turn off the computer and any attached peripherals. Disconnect all peripherals 
from the computer.
5.Make sure the AC adapter is firmly connected to the computer and to an 
electrical outlet, or verify that a fully charged battery is properly seated in its bay. 
						

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6.Turn on the computer. Is the display on?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components.
Yes. Go to step 7.
No. Go to step 9.
7.Press the  down-arrow or  up-arrow key combination to adjust the 
brightness. Is the full display readable?
Yes. Go to step 8.
No. Go to step 9. 
8.Has an error message appeared on the display, or has a beep code sounded?
Yes. Refer to Appendix C, “System Messages and Beep Codes,” to find the 
message or beep code, along with its explanation. If you can’t find the message   
or code, call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for 
instructions.)
No. If you still have a display problem but the display is not completely blank,        
run the Video device group in the Dell Diagnostics. Then call Dell for technical 
assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
9.Turn off your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer. 
10.Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor’s brightness and 
contrast controls. Is the monitor readable?
Yes. The computer’s display may be defective. Call Dell for technical assistance. 
(See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. The computer’s video controller on the system board may be defective. Call 
Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)Troubleshooting an External Monitor         
During POST, the computer checks to see if an external monitor is attached to the 
computer. If no image appears on the external monitor when the computer boots, 
make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you 
perform the following steps:
1.Is the Video Display Device option in the Setup program set to LCD Mode?
Yes. If the Video Display Device option is set to LCD Mode, the computer 
ignores the presence of an external monitor at system start-up. Go to step 2.
No. Go to step 2. 
						

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2.Press the  key combination on the integrated keyboard several times. 
Does an image appear on the external monitor?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 3.
3.Make sure the external monitor’s video cable is firmly connected to the 
computer’s external video connector, and then verify that the monitor’s power   
cable (if it has one) is firmly plugged into an electrical outlet. Make sure the         
monitor is turned on.
4.Check the monitor cable for bent pins.
5.Turn off the computer, wait a minute, and then turn the computer back on. Adjust 
the monitor’s brightness and contrast controls. Is the monitor readable?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components.
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 6.
6.Raise your computer’s display into viewing position, if necessary, and press 
 to switch the video image from the external monitor to the display. 
7.Press the  down-arrow or  up-arrow key combination to adjust the 
brightness. Is the full display readable?
Yes. The external monitor may be defective. Go to step 8.
No. The video controller on the system board may be defective. Call Dell for 
technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
8.Turn off the computer and any attached peripherals. Disconnect all peripherals 
from the computer. Attach another external monitor to the computer.
If you do not have another external monitor, call Dell for technical assistance.   
(See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
9.Reboot the computer, and adjust the monitor’s brightness and contrast. Is the 
monitor readable?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components.
Yes. The original monitor 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.) 
						

							support.dell.comBasic Troubleshooting3-25Troubleshooting the Serial and Parallel Ports              
This section provides a procedure for troubleshooting the computer’s serial and 
parallel ports and any attached peripheral devices. 
If a system error message indicates a port problem or if equipment connected to a 
port seems to perform incorrectly or not at all, the source of the problem may be any 
of the following:•
A faulty connection between the I/O port and the peripheral device•
Incorrect settings for Setup options•
Incorrect settings in the operating system’s configuration files•
A faulty cable between the I/O port and the peripheral device•
A faulty peripheral device•
Faulty I/O port logic on the system board•
Conflicting COM port settings•
Lack of driversTroubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions 
Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5, and fill it out as you 
perform the following steps:
1.Check the settings for the Serial Port and Parallel Port Mode options in the 
System Devices menu of the Setup program. 
For information on the Setup program, see Appendix B, “Using the Setup 
Program.” Are the communication port options set correctly for the peripheral 
devices connected to the computer?
Yes. Go to step 3.
No. Go to step 2.
2.Change the Serial Port and Parallel Port Mode options to the appropriate 
settings, and then reboot the system. 
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 3.
3.Check the contents of your initialization and start-up files. (See “Installing and 
Configuring Software” found earlier in this chapter.)
Are the port configuration commands correct? 
Yes. Go to step 5.
No. Go to step 4. 
						

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4.Change the necessary statements in the start-up files.
If the port problem is confined to a particular application program, see the 
application program’s documentation for specific port configuration 
requirements.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 5.
5.Insert your diagnostics diskette into drive A, reboot the computer, and run the 
Serial Ports device group and/or the Parallel Ports device group in the Dell 
Diagnostics. (See “Running the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.)
The Serial Ports device group and the Parallel Ports device group check the 
basic functions of the system board’s I/O port logic. Also, if a parallel printer is 
connected to the parallel port, the Parallel Ports device group tests the 
communication link between the system board’s I/O port logic and the printer.
Do the tests complete successfully?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for 
instructions.)
6.If the problem persists, go to “Troubleshooting a Parallel Printer” or 
“Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device” found later in this chapter. Troubleshooting a Parallel Printer
If the preceding procedure, “Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions,” indicates that 
the problem is with a parallel printer, perform the following steps:
1.Turn off the parallel printer and computer.
2.Swap the parallel printer’s interface cable with a known working cable.
3.Turn on the parallel printer and computer.
4.Attempt a print operation on the parallel printer.
Does the print operation complete successfully?
Yes. You probably need a new interface cable. Call Dell for technical assistance. 
(See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Go to step 5.