User's Manual
Unexpected Characters
Drive Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk drive
3. From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs, point to
Accessories, and click Notepad.
4. Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.
If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective external keyboard.
To verify that the problem is with the external keyboard, check the integrated
keyboard —
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Disconnect the external keyboard.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs, point to
Accessories, and click Notepad.
5. Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.
If the characters appear now but did not with the external keyboard, you may have a defective
external keyboard.
Run the keyboard diagnostics tests — Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell
Diagnostics. If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact Dell.
Disable the numeric keypad — Press <Num Lk> to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are
displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.
Ensure that Windows recognizes the drive — In Windows XP, click the Start button and click
My Computer. In other operating systems, double-click My Computer. If the drive is not listed,
perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can
sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive. Insert a bootable disk and restart the
computer.
Ensure that the disk is not write-protected — You cannot save data to a write-protected
disk.
Try another floppy disk — Insert another disk to eliminate the possibility that the original disk
is defective.
Reinstall the drive —
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the computer.
2. Remove the drive from the module bay. See "Using the Module Bay
" for instructions.
3. Reinstall the drive.
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