DELL 3000 Reference Guide

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Troubleshooting Your Computer
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11. Replace any batteries that you removed in step 1.
12. Reconnect the computer and peripherals to AC 
power, and turn them on.
13. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the com-
puter is operating properly. (See Chapter 4, 
“Running the Dell Diagnostics,” for instructions.)
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 techni-
cal assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” 
for instructions.)
Troubleshooting 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 indi-
cators 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 complete the following procedure:
1.
Remove all peripherals, including internal 
devices such as a CD-ROM drive, hard-disk 
drive, and battery.
2.
Try turning on the computer. 
3.
Does the computer turn on properly?
Yes. The problem is resolved. 
No. Go to Step 4. 
4.
Turn off the computer. Do the power indicator 
and battery indicator(s) appear on the status 
display panel?
Yes. Go to step 5.
No. Go to step 6.
5.
Remove any installed batteries, and disconnect 
the AC adapter. Then reinstall the batteries, 
reconnect the AC adapter, and turn on the 
computer. Do the power indicator and battery 
indicator(s) appear on the status display panel?
Yes. Go to step 7.
No. Go to step 6.
6.
Turn off the computer, wait a few seconds, and 
then turn on the computer again. Do the indica-
tors appear on the status display panel?
Yes. Your computer is receiving power. Go to step 7.
No. Your computer is not receiving power. Go to 
step 8.
7.
Does the computer boot successfully? 
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 8.
8.
Reseat (remove and reinstall) any installed bat-
teries, and check the AC adapter connection. Do 
the indicators appear in the status display panel?
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 bat-
tery 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 com-
plete the following procedure:
1.
Turn off the computer and peripherals, and dis-
connect them from AC power. If you are using a 
surge protector, remove it.
2.
Make sure the AC adapter is connected to the 
computer, and verify that the power cable is 
firmly attached to the AC adapter and to the AC 
power source.
See “Checking Connections” found earlier in this 
chapter.
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