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Dell Vostro 1500 Owner's Manual - Page 8

Troubleshooting - hard drive

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12 Troubleshooting 113 Dell Technical Update Service 113 Dell Diagnostics 113 Dell Support Center 118 Dell Support 118 Dell PC TuneUp 119 Dell PC Checkup 120 Dell Network Assistant 120 DellConnect 120 Drive Problems 121 Optical drive problems 121 Hard drive problems 122 E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems 123 Error Messages 125 ExpressCard Problems 130 IEEE 1394 Device Problems 131 Keyboard Problems 131 External Keyboard problems 131 Unexpected characters 132 Lockups and Software Problems 133 The computer does not start 133 The computer stops responding 133 A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly 133 A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system . . . . . 134 A solid blue screen appears 134 8 Contents

Section	Page
Dell™ Vostro™ 1500 Owner’s Manual	1
Contents	3
1	15
Finding Information	15
Drivers and Utilities Media	15
Dell™ Product Information Guide	15
Setup Diagram	16
Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista™ Help and Support Center	16
1 Click StartÆ Help and SupportÆ Dell User and System GuidesÆ System Guides.	16
2 Click the User’s Guide for your computer.	16
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows Product Key	16
Dell Support Website - support.dell.com	17
1 Go to support.dell.com, select your country/region, and then click Drivers & Downloads.	17
2 Enter your Service Tag or product model, and then click Go.	17
3 Select your operating system and language, and then click Find Downloads, or under Downloads Search, search for the keyword Notebook System Software.	17
Windows Help and Support	18
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.	18
2 Either select one of the topics listed, or type a word or phrase that describes your problem into the Search box, click the arrow icon, and then click the topic that describes your problem.	18
3 Follow the instructions on the screen.	18
1 Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click Help and Support.	18
2 In Search Help, type a word or phrase that describes your problem, and then press <Enter> or click the magnifying glass.	18
3 Click the topic that describes your problem.	18
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.	18
Dell QuickSet Help	18
Operating System Media	19
About Your Computer	21
Determining Your Computer’s Configuration	21
Front View	22
Left Side View	27
Right Side View	30
Back View	31
Bottom View	34
3	37
Setting Up Your Computer	37
Connecting to the Internet	37
Setting Up Your Internet Connection	38
1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.	38
2 Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.	38
3 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.	38
Windows XP®	38
1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.	38
2 Click StartÆ Internet Explorer.	38
3 Click Connect to the Internet.	38
4 In the next window, click the appropriate option:	38
5 Click Next.	38
6 Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and then click Next.	38
7 Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.	38
Windows Vista®	39
1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.	39
2 Click the Windows Vista Start button , and click Control Panel	39
3 Under Network and Internet, click Connect to the Internet.	39
4 Click either Broadband (PPPoE) or Dial-up, depending on how you want to connect:	39
Transferring Information to a New Computer	39
Microsoft Windows XP	39
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System Media	40
1 Open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: click StartÆ All ProgramsÆ AccessoriesÆ System ToolsÆ Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.	40
2 When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next.	40
3 On the Which computer is this? screen, click New ComputerÆ Next.	40
4 On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CDÆ Next.	40
5 When the Now go to your old computer screen appears, go to your old or source computer. Do not click Next at this time.	40
1 On the old computer, insert the Windows XP Operating System media.	40
2 On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform additional tasks.	40
3 Under What do you want to do?, click Transfer files and settingsÆ Next.	40
4 On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old ComputerÆ Next.	40
5 On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you prefer.	41
6 On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer and click Next.	41
7 Click Finish.	41
1 On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next.	41
2 On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your settings and files and click Next.	41
3 Click Finished and restart the new computer.	41
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System Media	41
1 Open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: click StartÆ All ProgramsÆ AccessoriesÆ System ToolsÆ Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.	41
2 When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next.	41
3 On the Which computer is this? screen, click New ComputerÆ Next.	41
4 On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I want to create a Wizard Disk in the following driveÆ Next.	41
5 Insert the removable media, such as a writable CD, and click OK.	41
6 When the disk creation completes and the Now go to your old computer message appears, do not click Next.	42
7 Go to the old computer.	42
1 On the old computer, insert the wizard disk.	42
2 Click StartÆ Run.	42
3 In the Open field on the Run window, browse to the path for fastwiz (on the appropriate removable media) and click OK.	42
4 On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next.	42
5 On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old ComputerÆ Next.	42
6 On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you prefer.	42
7 On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer and click Next.	42
8 Click Finish.	42
1 On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next.	42
2 On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your settings and files and click Next. Follow the instructions on the screen.	42
3 Click Finished and restart the new computer.	42
Microsoft Windows Vista™	43
1 Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click Transfer files and settingsÆ Start Windows Easy Transfer.	43
2 In the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue.	43
3 Click Start a new transfer or Continue a transfer in progress.	43
Setting Up a Printer	43
Printer Cable	43
Connecting a USB Printer	44
1 Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.	44
2 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.	44
3 Turn on the printer, and then turn on the computer.	44
4 Depending on your computer’s operating system, a printer wizard may be available to help you install the printer driver:	44
5 Click Add a local printer or Add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer.	45
6 Follow the instructions in the Add Printer Wizard.	45
Power Protection Devices	45
Surge Protectors	45
Line Conditioners	46
Uninterruptible Power Supplies	46
Using the Display	47
Adjusting Brightness	47
Using a Projector	47
Making Images and Text Look Bigger or Sharper	47
Microsoft® Windows® XP	48
Windows Vista™	48
Using Both a Monitor and Your Computer Display	49
Microsoft Windows XP	49
Windows Vista	50
Setting Display Resolution and Refresh Rate	50
Microsoft Windows XP	51
Windows Vista	51
Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad	53
Numeric Keypad	53
Key Combinations	54
System Functions	54
Display Functions	54
Battery	54
Power Management	54
Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions	55
Dell™ QuickSet Key Combinations	55
Adjusting Keyboard Settings	55
Touch Pad	55
Customizing the Touch Pad	56
Using a Battery	59
Battery Performance	59
Checking the Battery Charge	60
Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter	60
Microsoft® Windows® Battery Meter	61
Charge Gauge	61
Low-Battery Warning	62
Conserving Battery Power	62
Power Management Modes	63
Standby and Sleep Mode	63
Hibernate Mode	63
Configuring Power Management Settings	64
Accessing Power Options Properties	64
Charging the Battery	65
Replacing the Battery	65
Storing a Battery	66
Using Multimedia	67
Playing Media	67
Playing Media Using Dell Travel Remote	69
Copying CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) Media	70
How to Copy a CD, DVD, or BD	70
Using Blank CD, DVD, and BD Media	71
Helpful Tips	72
Adjusting the Volume	73
Adjusting the Picture	74
Using Dell MediaDirect™	74
Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device	75
S-Video and Standard Audio	77
S-Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio	78
Composite Video and Standard Audio	80
Composite Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio	82
Component Video and Standard Audio	84
Component Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio	87
Enabling the Display Settings for a TV	90
Using ExpressCards	91
ExpressCard Blanks	91
Installing an ExpressCard	92
Removing an ExpressCard or Blank	93
9	95
Using the Memory Card Reader	95
Memory Card Blanks	95
Installing a Memory Card	95
1 Hold the card with the top side of the card facing up.	96
2 Slide the card into the slot until the card is completely seated in its connector.	96
Removing a Memory Card or Blank	96
Setting Up and Using Networks	97
Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable	97
Setting Up a Network	98
Windows XP	98
Windows Vista	98
Wireless Local Area Network	99
What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection	99
Checking Your Wireless Network Card	99
Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem	100
Connecting to a WLAN	101
Mobile Broadband (or Wireless Wide Area Network)	104
What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection	104
Checking Your Dell Mobile Broadband Card	105
Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network	105
Enabling/Disabling the Dell Mobile Broadband Card	106
Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator	107
Securing Your Computer	109
Security Cable Lock	109
Passwords	109
If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen	110
12	113
Troubleshooting	113
Dell Technical Update Service	113
Dell Diagnostics	113
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics	113
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive	113
1 Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is known to be working properly.	114
2 Turn on (or restart) your computer.	114
3 Start the Dell Diagnostics in one of the following two ways.	114
4 Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.	114
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media	115
1 Insert your Drivers and Utilities media.	115
2 Shut down and restart the computer.	115
3 At the boot device menu, use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight CD/DVD/CD-RW, and then press <Enter>.	115
4 Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and then press <Enter>.	115
5 Type 1 to start the Drivers and Utilities menu and then press <Enter>.	115
6 Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.	115
7 At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, select the test you want to run.	115
8 After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu.	115
9 Remove your Drivers and Utilities media and then close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.	115
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu	116
Dell Support Center	118
Dell Support	118
Dell PC TuneUp	119
Dell PC Checkup	120
Dell Network Assistant	120
1 Click the Dell Support Center icon on your computer’s desktop.	120
2 Click Self HelpÆ Network /InternetÆ Network Management.	120
DellConnect	120
1 Click the Dell Support Center icon on your computer’s desktop.	121
2 Click Assistance From DellÆ Technical SupportÆ DellConnectÆ Phone and follow the instructions.	121
Drive Problems	121
Ensure that Microsoft Windows recognizes the drive	121
Test the drive	121
Clean the drive or disk	121
Ensure that the CD or DVD media is snapped onto the spindle	121
Check the cable connections	121
Check for hardware incompatibilities	121
Run the Dell Diagnostics	121
Optical drive problems	121
Problems writing to a CD-RW or DVD+/-RW drive	122
Close other programs	122
Turn off Sleep State in Windows before writing to a CD/DVD disc	122
Change the write speed to a slower rate	122
The drive tray cannot eject	122
1 Ensure that the computer is shut down.	122
2 Straighten a paper clip and insert one end into the eject hole at the front of the drive, then push firmly until the tray is partially ejected.	122
3 Gently pull out the tray until it stops.	122
The drive makes an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound	122
Hard drive problems	122
Allow the computer to cool before turning it on	122
1 Click Start and click My Computer.	122
2 Right-click Local Disk C:.	122
3 Click PropertiesÆToolsÆ Check Now.	122
4 Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors and click Start.	122
1 Click the Windows Vista Start button and click Computer.	122
2 Right-click Local Disk C:.	122
3 Click PropertiesÆToolsÆ Check Now.	123
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.	123
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems	123
Check the Microsoft Outlook® Express Security Settings	123
1 In Outlook Express, click ToolsÆ OptionsÆ Security.	123
2 Click Do not allow attachments to remove the check mark, as needed.	123
Check the telephone line connection Check the telephone jack Connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack Use a different telephone line	123
Run the Modem Helper diagnostics	124
1 Click StartÆ All ProgramsÆ Modem Helper.	124
2 Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems. Modem Helper is not available on certain computers.	124
1 Click the Windows Vista Start button Æ All ProgramsÆ Modem Diagnostic Tool.	124
2 Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems. Modem diagnostics are not available on all computers.	124
Verify that the modem is communicating with Windows	124
1 Click StartÆ Control PanelÆ Printers and Other HardwareÆ Phone and Modem OptionsÆ Modems.	124
2 Click the COM port for your modemÆ PropertiesÆ DiagnosticsÆ Query Modem to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.	124
1 Click the Windows Vista Start button Æ Control PanelÆ Hardware and SoundÆ Phone and Modem OptionsÆ Modems.	124
2 Click the COM port for your modemÆ PropertiesÆ DiagnosticsÆ Query Modem to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.	124
Ensure that you are connected to the Internet	124
Scan the computer for spyware	124
Error Messages	125
Auxiliary device failure	125
Bad command or file name	125
Cache disabled due to failure	125
CD drive controller failure	125
Data error	125
Decreasing available memory	125
Disk C: failed initialization	125
Drive not ready	125
Error reading PCMCIA card	125
Extended memory size has changed	126
The file being copied is too large for the destination drive	126
A filename cannot contain any of the following characters: \\ / : * ? “ < > \|	126
Gate A20 failure	126
General failure	126
Hard-disk drive configuration error	126
Hard-disk drive controller failure 0	126
Hard-disk drive failure	126
Hard-disk drive read failure	126
Insert bootable media	127
Invalid configuration information-please run System Setup Program	127
Keyboard clock line failure	127
Keyboard controller failure	127
Keyboard data line failure	127
Keyboard stuck key failure	127
Licensed content is not accessible in MediaDirect	127
Memory address line failure at address, read value expecting value	127
Memory allocation error	127
Memory data line failure at address, read value expecting value	127
Memory double word logic failure at address, read value expecting value	128
Memory odd/even logic failure at address, read value expecting value	128
Memory write/read failure at address, read value expecting value	128
No boot device available	128
No boot sector on hard drive	128
No timer tick interrupt	128
Not enough memory or resources. Exit some programs and try again	128
Operating system not found	128
Optional ROM bad checksum	128
A required .DLL file was not found	128
1 Click StartÆ Control PanelÆ Add or Remove ProgramsÆ Programs and Features.	128
2 Select the program you want to remove.	128
3 Click Uninstall.	128
4 See the program documentation for installation instructions.	128
1 Click the Windows Vista Start button Æ Control PanelÆ ProgramsÆ Programs and Features.	129
2 Select the program you want to remove.	129
3 Click Uninstall.	129
4 See the program documentation for installation instructions.	129
Sector not found	129
Seek error	129
Shutdown failure	129
Time-of-day clock lost power	129
Time-of-day clock stopped	129
Time-of-day not set-please run the System Setup program	129
Timer chip counter 2 failed	129
Unexpected interrupt in protected mode	130
x:\\ is not accessible. The device is not ready	130
Warning: Battery is critically low	130
ExpressCard Problems	130
Check the ExpressCard	130
Check that the card is recognized by Windows	130
If you have problems with a Dell-provided ExpressCard	130
If you have problems with an ExpressCard not provided by Dell	130
IEEE 1394 Device Problems	131
Ensure that the IEEE 1394 device is recognized by Windows	131
1 Click StartÆ Control PanelÆ System and MaintenanceÆ Device Manager.	131
If you have problems with a Dell-provided IEEE 1394 device	131
If you have problems with an IEEE 1394 device not provided by Dell	131
Keyboard Problems	131
External Keyboard problems	131
Check the keyboard cable	131
Check the external keyboard	132
1 Shut down the computer, wait 1 minute, and then turn it on again.	132
2 Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blink during the boot routine.	132
3 From the Windows desktop, click StartÆ All ProgramsÆ AccessoriesÆ Notepad.	132
4 Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.	132
To verify that the problem is with the external keyboard, check the integrated keyboard	132
1 Shut down the computer.	132
2 Disconnect the external keyboard.	132
3 Turn on the computer.	132
4 From the Windows desktop, click StartÆ All ProgramsÆ AccessoriesÆ Notepad.	132
5 Type some characters on the internal keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.	132
Run the keyboard diagnostics tests	132
Unexpected characters	132
Disable the numeric keypad	132
Lockups and Software Problems	133
The computer does not start	133
Check the ac adapter	133
The computer stops responding	133
Turn the computer off	133
A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly	133
End the program	133
1 Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously to access the Task Manager.	133
2 Click the Applications tab.	133
3 Click to select the program that is no longer responding.	133
4 Click End Task.	133
Check the software documentation	133
A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system	134
Run the Program Compatibility Wizard	134
1 Click StartÆ All ProgramsÆ AccessoriesÆ Program Compatibility WizardÆ Next.	134
2 Follow the instructions on the screen.	134
1 Click Start Æ Control PanelÆ ProgramsÆ Use an older program with this version of Windows.	134
2 In the welcome screen, click Next.	134
3 Follow the instructions on the screen.	134
A solid blue screen appears	134
Turn the computer off	134
Dell MediaDirect problems	134
Check the Dell MediaDirect help file for information	134
To play movies with Dell MediaDirect, you must have a DVD drive and the Dell DVD Player	134
Video Quality problems	134
Cannot play some media files	135
Adjusting the color settings for movies that contain scenes that are too dark or too bright	135
Other software problems	135
Check the software documentation or contact the software manufacturer for troubleshooting information	135
Back up your files immediately	135
Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, floppy disks, or CDs	135
Save and close any open files or programs and shut down your computer through the Start menu	135
Scan the computer for spyware	135
Run the Dell Diagnostics	136
Memory Problems	136
If you receive an insufficient memory message	136
If you experience other memory problems	136
Network Problems	136
Check the network cable connector	136
Check the network lights on the network connector	137
Restart the computer and log on to the network again	137
Check your network settings	137
Mobile Broadband (Wireless Wide Area Network [WWAN])	137
Activate the Mobile Broadband ExpressCard	137
Check network connection status in the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility	137
Power Problems	137
Check the power light	138
Charge the battery	138
1 Reinstall the battery.	138
2 Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet.	138
3 Turn on the computer.	138
Check the battery status light	138
Check the battery temperature	138
Test the electrical outlet	138
Check the AC adapter	138
Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet	138
Eliminate possible interference	138
Adjust the power properties	139
Reseat the memory modules	139
Printer Problems	139
Check the printer documentation	139
Ensure that the printer is turned on	139
Check the printer cable connections	139
Test the electrical outlet	139
Verify that the printer is recognized by Windows	139
1 Click StartÆ Control PanelÆ Printers and Other HardwareÆ View installed printers or fax printers.	139
2 If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.	139
3 Click PropertiesÆ Ports. For a parallel printer, ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port). For a USB printer, ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is USB.	139
1 Click the Windows Vista Start button Æ Control PanelÆ Hardware and SoundÆ Printer.	139
2 If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.	139
3 Click Properties and click Ports.	140
4 Adjust the settings, as needed.	140
Reinstall the printer driver	140
Scanner Problems	140
Check the scanner documentation	140
Unlock the scanner	140
Restart the computer and try the scanner again	140
Check the cable connections	140
Verify that the scanner is recognized by Microsoft Windows	140
1 Click StartÆ Control PanelÆ Printers and Other HardwareÆ Scanners and Cameras.	140
2 If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.	140
1 Click the Windows Vista Start button Æ Control PanelÆ Hardware and SoundÆ Scanners and Cameras.	140
2 If the scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.	140
Reinstall the scanner driver	140
Sound and Speaker Problems	141
No sound from integrated speakers	141
Adjust the Windows volume control	141
Adjust the volume using keyboard shortcuts	141
Reinstall the sound (audio) driver	141
No sound from external speakers	141
Ensure that the subwoofer and the speakers are turned on	141
Adjust the Windows volume control	141
Disconnect headphones from the headphone connector	141
Test the electrical outlet	141
Eliminate possible interference	141
Reinstall the audio driver	141
Run the Dell Diagnostics	141
No sound from headphones	142
Check the headphone cable connection	142
Adjust the Windows volume control	142
Remote Control Problems	142
Application does not respond to remote control within the specified maximum range	142
Remote control is stuck in the slot	142
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems	142
Check the touch pad settings	142
1 Click StartÆ Control PanelÆ Mouse.	142
2 Adjust the settings, as needed.	142
1 Click the Windows Vista Start button Æ Control PanelÆ Hardware and SoundÆ Mouse.	142
2 Adjust the settings, as needed.	142
Check the mouse cable	142
To verify that the problem is with the mouse, check the touch pad	143
1 Shut down the computer.	143
2 Disconnect the mouse.	143
3 Turn on the computer.	143
4 At the Windows desktop, use the touch pad to move the cursor around, select an icon, and open it.	143
Check the system setup program settings	143
Test the mouse controller	143
Reinstall the touch pad driver	143
Video and Display Problems	143
If the display is blank	143
Check the battery	143
Test the electrical outlet	143
Check the AC adapter	144
Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet	144
Adjust the power properties	144
Switch the video image	144
If the display is difficult to read	144
Adjust the brightness	144
Move the external subwoofer away from the computer or monitor	144
Eliminate possible interference	144
Rotate the computer to face a different direction	144
Adjust the Windows display settings	144
1 Click StartÆ Control PanelÆ Appearance and Themes.	144
2 Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon.	144
3 Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.	144
1 Click the Windows Vista Start button Æ Control PanelÆ Hardware and SoundÆ PersonalizationÆ Display Settings.	144
2 Adjust Resolution and Colors settings, as needed.	144
Run the Video diagnostics tests	144
See \	144
If only part of the display is readable	145
Connect an external monitor	145
1 Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.	145
2 Turn on the computer and the monitor, and then adjust the monitor brightness and contrast controls.	145
Drivers	145
What Is a Driver?	145