Specifications

Initial Procedures 2-1
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This chapter describes initial procedures that can help you diagnose a com-
puter problem. These procedures can often reveal the source of a problem or
indicate the correct starting point for troubleshooting the computer. Dell rec-
ommends that you perform these procedures in the order presented here.
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When you first contact a user who has a computer problem, ask the user to
describe the problem and the conditions under which it occurs. A verbal
description can often indicate the cause of a problem or indicate the appropri-
ate troubleshooting procedure to use. After the user describes the problem,
follow these steps:
See “Maintaining Your Computer” in the online
Dell Latitude CP and CPi
User’s Guide
.
Can the user duplicate the problem?
Yes . Proceed to step 3.
No . Proceed to the next section, “Visual Inspection.”
Is the problem a result of user error?
Yes . Instruct the user in the proper procedure, or direct him or her to the
appropriate user documentation for a description of the correct procedure.
No . Proceed to the next section, “Visual Inspection.”