Verify that the modem is communicating with Windows —1. Click the Start , and then click Control Panel.2. Click Hardware and Sound.3. Click Phone and Modem Options.4. Click the Modems tab.5. Click the COM port for your modem.6. Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.Ensure that you are connected to the Internet —Ensure that you have subscribed to an Internet service provider. With the Windows® Mail e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a checkmarknext to it, click the checkmark to remove it, and then connect to the Internet. For help, contact your Internet service provider.Scan the computer for spyware —If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet,your computer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your program may require an upgrade) toscan the computer and remove spyware. For more information, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware.Error MessagesFill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.Auxiliary device failure —The touch pad or external mouse may be faulty. For an external mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the Pointing Device option in the system setupprogram (see Using the System Setup Program). If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).Bad command or file name —Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put spaces in the proper place, and used the correct pathname.Cache disabled due to failure —The primary cache internal to the microprocessor has failed. Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).CD drive controller failure —The CD drive does not respond to commands from the computer (see Drive Problems).Data error —The hard drive cannot read the data (see Drive Problems).Decreasing available memory —One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them (see Memory).CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.