Dell 2200 Service Manual

Also see for Dimension 2200: Installation instructions Owner's manual Owner's manual Replacement guide User guide

Contents

Dell 2200 Service Manual Manual pdf 31 page image

Basic Troubleshooting 2-1Chapter 2Basic TroubleshootingThis chapter describes basic troubleshooting procedures that can help youdiagnose a computer system problem. These procedures can often reveal thesource of a problem or indicate the correct starting point for troubleshooting thesystem. For a brief explanation of how to load and start the system diagnostics,see “Running the System Diagnostics” found later in this chapter. Dell recom-mends that you perform the following procedures in the order they arepresented in this manual.Initial User ContactWhen you first contact a user who has a problem, ask the user to describe theproblem and the conditions under which it occurs. A verbal description canoften indicate the cause of a problem or indicate the appropriate troubleshootingprocedure to use. After the user describes the problem, follow these steps:1. Ask the user to back up any data on the hard-disk drive if the system’scondition permits.Appendix C, “Maintaining the System,” in the User’s Guide provides infor-mation about backing up data.2. Ask the user to try to duplicate the problem by repeating the operationshe or she was performing at the time the problem occurred.Can the user duplicate the problem?Yes. Proceed to step 3.No. Proceed to the next section, “External Visual Inspection.”3. Observe the user to determine if he or she is making an error, such astyping an incorrect key combination or entering a commandincorrectly.Is the problem a result of user error?Yes. Instruct the user in the proper procedure, or direct him or her to theappropriate user documentation for the correct procedure.No. Proceed to the next section, “External Visual Inspection.”