Dell OptiPlex GX1 - Page 53

Basic Troubleshooting 2-1
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This chapter provides basic troubleshooting procedures applicable to all
systems of the Dell OptiPlex GX1 Managed PC and OptiPlex NX1 Net PC fam-
ilies. A brief explanation of how to load and start the system diagnostics is also
provided at the end of the chapter. Dell recommends that you perform the fol-
lowing procedures in the order they are presented in this manual. Chapter 3,
“Beep Codes and Error Messages,” also contains information to assist you in
diagnosing computer failures that occur during the POST.
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When you first contact a user who has a problem, ask the user to describe the
problem and the conditions under which it occurs. In particular, was the user
installing new hardware or software when the failure occurred? 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:
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See “Maintaining the System” in the online
System User’s Guide
for infor-
mation about backing up data.
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Can the user duplicate the problem?
Yes . Proceed to step 3.
No . Proceed to the next section, “External Visual Inspection.”