support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 4-1This chapter guides you through some initial checks and procedures that can solvebasic computer problems. It can also direct you to the appropriate chapter in thisguide for detailed troubleshooting information and procedures to solve more complexproblems. You should complete the checks in this chapter before calling Dell for tech-You should complete the checks in this chapter before calling Dell for tech-nical assistance; even if these checks do not provide an immediate solution, they canhelp support technicians diagnose and fix the problem.NOTE: If your computer is wet or damaged, refer to “If Your Computer Gets Wet” orGets Wet” or“If Your Computer Is Damaged” in Chapter 6.Backing Up Data FilesYou can lose data when a system failure occurs. If your system is behaving erratically,back up your data files immediately (refer to “Preserving Data” in Chapter 1).There is no need to back up Dell-installed driver files for Dell-installed devices. Thedriver files are preserved on the Dell Dimension ResourceCDceCD.NOTE: In case of warranty replacement of your hard-disk drive, youisk drive, you will receive ablank formatted drive from Dell. You must reinstall application programs and restoredata files.Installing Additional Hardware andSoftwareIf the problem you are experiencing began after you made a change to your computer,such as installing new hardware or software, undo the change if possible.If the problem is resolved, check any documentation that came with the hardware orsoftware you attempted to install or that describes the change you made. In particular,read any text files (such as readme.txt) included with the software package or hard-ware product; such files contain information updating or supplementing thedocumentation for the software or hardware. Typically, readme files provide installa-tion information, describe new product enhancements or corrections that have notyet been documented, and list known problems.
