Dell OptiPlex Gn Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf) - Page 7

Preface About This Guide This guide provides directions for troubleshooting problems that have temporarily disabled your Dell computer system. It does not matter how much you do or do not know about your system-this guide can help you. Before calling for technical assistance, follow the recommended procedure(s) in this guide to solve many hardware and software problems yourself. The chapters and appendixes are summarized as follows: • Everyone should read Chapter 1, "Checking the Basics," for some initial checks and procedures that can be used to solve basic computer problems. It also directs you to the appropriate chapter in this guide for more detailed troubleshooting information and procedures to solve more complex problems. • Whenever you receive an error message or code, you should read Chapter 2, "Messages and Codes." This chapter discusses system messages, system beep codes, warning messages, and diagnostics messages. • If you suspect that your problems are software- related, or you are still having problems after testing your computer's hardware, read Chapter 3, "Finding Software Solutions." It provides some general guidelines for analyzing software problems. • For hardware-related problems, read Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." Chapter 5, "Checking Your Equipment," and Chapter 6, "Checking Inside Your Computer," provide troubleshooting procedures for equipment connected to the input/ output (I/O) panel of your computer and components inside your computer, respectively. • Chapter 7, "Getting Help," describes the help tools Dell provides to assist you should you have a problem with your computer system. It also explains how and when to call Dell for technical assistance. Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist in Chapter 7 and fill it out as you perform the troubleshooting procedures. If you need to call Dell for technical assistance, use the completed checklist to tell the support technician what procedures you performed to better help the technician give you assistance. If you must return a piece of hardware to Dell, include a filled-out checklist. • Appendix A, "Diagnostic Video Tests," discusses the tests for the Video Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics to help you test your monitor. • A table of the abbreviations and acronyms used throughout this guide and in other Dell documentation for your system precedes the Index. Warranty and Return Policy Information Dell Computer Corporation ("Dell") manufactures its hardware products from parts and components that are new or equivalent to new in accordance with industrystandard practices. For information about the Dell warranty, see the appendix titled "Warranties and Return Policy" in your system documentation. Other Documents You May Need You may need to reference the following documentation when performing the procedures in this guide: • Your system documentation describes system fea- tures, explains the System Setup program, explains the ISA Configuration Utility or EISA Configuration Utility (whichever is provided with your system), vii