Getting Help 5-1Chapter 5Getting HelpThis chapter describes the tools Dell provides to helpyou when there is a problem with the computer. It alsotells you when and how to call Dell Computer Corpora-tion for technical or customer assistance in the followingsituations:• If you have a technical problem, read the next sec-tion, “Technical Assistance.”• If you are looking for information about a specificsubject or about Dell’s services, read “Help Tools”found later in this chapter.• If you have a problem with your order, read “Prob-lems With Your Order” found later in this chapter.Technical AssistanceIf you need assistance with a technical problem, performthe following steps:1. Review the Dell Q&A.Look for the Dell Q&A icon in the Dell Accessoriesfolder or group.2. Review the remaining documentation that accom-panied your Dell computer.To decide which document has the answers youneed, see the Preface.3. Run the Dell diagnostics.See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics,” forinstructions on using the diagnostics.4. Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist (foundlater in this chapter), and fill it out.NOTE: Save the Diagnostics Checklist in this chap-ter as a master so you can use it to make copies asneeded.On your Diagnostics Checklist, document any errormessages or beep codes as they occur so you caninform the Dell technician of them. Describe whatwas happening when the error occurred. Note thesteps you took to solve the problem.5. Call Dell for help with installation and trouble-shooting procedures.For instructions, see “Dell Contact Numbers” foundlater in this chapter. When you call, you can ask tospeak to a technician, or you can use the AutoTechservice. For instructions on using AutoTech, see“AutoTech Service” found later in this chapter.NOTE: Have your express service code handy whenyou call. The code helps Dell’s automated supporttelephone system direct your call more efficiently.For more information, see “Before You Call” foundlater in this chapter.Help ToolsDell provides a number of tools to assist you. Table 5-1lists subjects you may want information about, tasks youmay want to perform, and the tool(s) you can use forhelp. Each tool is described later in this section.
