Dell is one of the leading PC, Laptop manufacturers in the world. Their systems are highly efficient and long-lasting. However, as with any electrical and computing devices, Dell problems can also occur with the Dell computing devices which require thorough diagnostics and resolutions. Few of the frequent occurring problems along with their resolutions are described below:
- The Computer Stops Responding:
Turn the computer off — If the computer locks up and is unresponsive by pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse, pressing and holding the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off can get the job done. Then one needs to press the power button again to turn on the computer. The system might lose data if it was unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
- A program stops responding:
- Pressing<Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
- Clicking on – Applications.
- Clicking the program that is no longer responding.
- Clicking on – End Task.
- A Program Crashes Repeatedly:
Checking the software documentation is the first step as many software manufacturers maintain websites with information that may help solving such types of Dell problem. Next step is to ensure that the program is properly installed and configured. If necessary, uninstalling and then re-installing the program might help.
- A Solid Blue Screen Appears:
First step is to turn the computer off; if the computer does not respond to a keystroke or a proper shutdown, then computer is restarted by pressing the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off, and, then again pressing the power button to restart the computer. The chides program automatically runs during the start-up process. The user needs to follow the instructions on the screen.
- Other software problems:
- For various software problems, usually the first step is to check the software documentation, and then contacting the software manufacturer or a technical support service provider for troubleshooting information.
- Virus attacks: A good and legit anti-virus should always be installed at first. In course of a virus attack, virus-scanning program should be run to check the hard drive, floppy disks, or CDs.
- The program should always be checked, if it is compatible with the operating system installed on the computer and that the computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software.
- If necessary, the process of uninstalling and then reinstalling the program might help. One should ensure that the program is properly installed and configured.
- Running the Dell Diagnostics — If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a software problem.
- Checking for device driver conflicts:
- Verifying that the program’s device drivers do not conflict with certain programs.
General Hardware Dell Problems:
If the computer exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, a device conflict may exist:
- The computer locks up, particularly while using a specific device.
- A recently added device does not work.
- Memory parity errors occur on parity-enabled computers.
- A sound card emits noise or demonstrates other problems.
- Unintelligible characters print from the printer.
- The mouse pointer does not move or “stutters” when it moves.
- Messages appear stating that the computer is not operating at maximum performance.
- Errors occur and programs crash for no apparent reason.
- Nothing displays on the monitor.
For all the above stated Dell problems regarding hardware conflicts, one can try removing any recently added hardware to see if it resolves the conflict — If removing the hardware resolves the conflict, the next step is to check the hardware documentation for configuration and troubleshooting instructions. If the problem still persists, then the user needs to contact the technical support service for technical assistance.
The user can also look up on the Dell website: support.dell.com for help with general usage, installation, and troubleshooting questions. The support website offers several different tools to help, such as Dell Forum—a chat room where one can communicate with other Dell customers about their computers and gain access to technical support through e-mail.
For all the above stated Dell problems, the first step for resolutions have been provided which can be performed by the user; but if the problems does not resolves by following these methods, then the user should contact the Dell support or a third party quality technical support service provider which can help in the complete troubleshooting of all the issues and errors.