Laptop User Manual

110 Troubleshooting
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 Outlook Express e-mail
program open, click File. If Work Offline has a checkmark next 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) to scan the computer and remove
spyware. For more information, go to support.dell.com and search for the
keyword spyware.
Error Messages
Fill out the "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 176 as you complete these checks.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
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 setup program (see "Using the System Setup
Program" on page 187). If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting
Dell" on page 177).
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" on page 177).
CD DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE — The CD drive does not respond to
commands from the computer (see "Drive Problems" on page 107).