Dell Dimension 2350 User Guide - Page 5

Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly. Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically. Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run. Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having. 2. If a problem is encountered during a test, a message displaying the error code and a description of the problem appear. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen. If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance. 3. If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information. Tab Function Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered. Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and problem description. Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test. Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device. Parameters The Dell Diagnostics obtains your configuration information for all devices from the system setup program, memory, and various internal tests and displays it in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer. Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings. 4. When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the ResourceCD, remove the CD. 5. Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen. Drivers What Is a Driver? A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program. A driver acts like a translator between the device and the programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes. Many drivers such as the keyboard driver come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if: l You upgrade your operating system. l You reinstall your operating system. l You connect or install a new device. If you experience a problem with any device, perform the steps in the following sections to identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and if necessary, to update the driver. Identifying Drivers 1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2. In the Control Panel window, under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance. 3. In the Performance and Maintenance window, click System. 4. In the System Properties screen, click the Hardware tab. 5. Click Device Manager. 6. In the Device Manager window, scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the device icon. If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver. Reinstalling Drivers NOTICE: The Dell Support website and your Dell Dimension ResourceCD provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly. Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback or to replace the driver with the previously installed version. To use Device Driver Rollback: 1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.