How to Fix Dell Computer Problems

Fixing your own Dell PC or laptop can save you money.

Dell computers have been popular choices for both home and business use for years, and for the most part Dells provide excellent service at an affordable price. Even so, it is always helpful for owners of Dell PCs and laptops to have some basic troubleshooting skills. Knowing how to diagnose and fix common problems is the best way to keep your Dell running smoothly.

Instructions

1. Log on to your Dell computer and right-click on the "My Computer" icon. Choose "Properties" from the menu.

2. Click on the "Hardware" tab and click the "Device Manger" button. Click on the plus sign next to each piece of equipment listed. Look for any red or yellow marks--these are signs that a particular piece of hardware is malfunctioning.

3. Right-click on any problem devices and choose "Update Driver" from the menu. This will install an updated driver for that device. Watch for the yellow or red indicator to go away--it does not temporarily remove the hardware until you can find a good driver for it.

4. Undo any recent changes to your computer with the System Restore function. If the problems with your Dell coincided with a recent change to your computer you can take the PC or laptop back in time to before those changes took place.

5. Click "Start" and choose "All Programs" from the menu. Choose "Accessories" and then select "System Tools." Choose "System Restore" and select a date prior to the start of your computer's problems. Allow the System Restore process to run--your Dell will automatically restart when the process is complete.

References

• Dell Support