DELL 2000 Reference Guide

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Dell Inspiron 2000 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
NOTE: DellWare
 products are supported by the item's manufacturer. To receive 
product support information, refer to the manufacturer’s documentation that 
accompanied the item.
2.
Perform the steps described in the next subsection, “Checking Connections.”
3.
Check the items listed in “Environmental Factors” found later in this chapter.
4.
For power problems, refer to “Power” found later in this chapter.
5.
Check the boot routine indications in Table 3-1.
NOTE: The boot routine is the operating system’s attempt to load its files into 
memory from the boot-up sector on the hard-disk drive or bootable diskette.
6.
If you see an error message, refer to Appendix C, “Error Messages.”
7.
Verify that the settings in the system setup program match your computer’s    
configuration as explained in Appendix B, “Using the System Setup Program.”
8.
Use the Dell Diagnostics to check your computer (refer to “Running the Dell 
Diagnostics” found later in this chapter).
9.
If the problem persists, refer to Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions on 
obtaining technical assistance.
7
Loose or improperly connected cables are likely sources of problems for your        
computer, external monitor, or other peripherals (such as a printer, external keyboard, 
or mouse). A quick check of all cable connections can easily solve these problems. If 
the connector has two small screws, make sure the screws are tight. In addition, 
check for damaged or frayed cables and for bent pins on connectors.
NOTE: See the “System Features” section of the system Help for the location of your 
computer’s external connectors and controls.
Be sure the following items are properly connected or installed:
AC adapter and AC power cable
Second battery or any other optional device installed in the media bay
Cables that connect external devices through the input/output (I/O) connectors 
and ports on the computer.
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A number of external factors, including temperature extremes and humidity, magnetic 
influences, sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI), and poor input power or 
signal quality, can interfere with the performance of your computer and attached 
devices. Monitors are especially susceptible to these environmental factors.