68 Solving Problems
A solid blue screen appears
TURN THE COMPUTER OFF —
If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving
your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then
restart your computer.
Other software problems
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING
INFORMATION —
• Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.
• Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software.
See the software documentation for information.
• Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.
• Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.
• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY.
U
SE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, OR CDS .
S
AVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE Start MENU.
S
CAN 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
.
RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a software
problem. See “Dell Diagnostics” on page 57.
Memory Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
I
F YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE —
• Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the
problem.
• See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional
memory
. See “Memory” on page 88.
• Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the
memory
. See “Memory” on page 88.
• Run the Dell Diagnostics
. See “Dell Diagnostics” on page 57.