How do I configure my Dell PC?

I HAVE RECENTLY LOADED A FEW NEW DRIVERS FOR A MODEM AND AMERICA ONLINE BUT SOON AFTER I STARTED RECEIVING ERROR MESSAGES WHEN STARTING WINDOWS THAT SAID THAT WINDOWS WAS NOT CONFIGURED PROPERLY AND THAT I SHOULD RUN WINDOWS SETUP. THE MESSAGE STATES THAT THERE IS AN INVALID VXD DYNAMIC LINK CALL FROM VREDIR(01)+00006EAB TO DEVICE "0487", SERVICE 4. IT ALSO STATES THAT WINDOWS MAY BECOME UNSTABLE AND IT HAS. EVERYTIME I TRY TO RUN AN MS-DOS PROGRAM THE SCREEN GOES HAYWIRE AND THE KEYBOARD LOCKS UP. ALSO IN A SEPARATE PROBLEM I CANNOT FIND A WAY TO ENTER AND CONFIGURE BIOS ON THIS COMPUTER, WHICH IS A DELL. NORMALLY THERE IS AN OPTION WHEN STARTING TO PRESS AN "F" BUTTON TO GO INTO BIOS BUT I DONT SEE THAT ON THE STARTING SCREEN. CAN YOU HELP? THIS IS SOMETHING I WOULD LIKE TO FIX MYSELF SINCE I AM NEW TO THE HOBBY AND THIS IS A PROJECT COMPUTER.

THANKS,

ROBERT SHERMAN

This question was answered on January 15, 2003. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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"A few new drivers for a modem"?

One set of drivers should be all that is required.

Uninstall the modem entirely -- any and all modems Identify, then properly install the correct modem If the modem came with your DELL PC, use the accompanying disks, or else let Dell help you identify and install the drivers.

You say you've installed AOL Not good AOL has a way of changing so many system settings, even the friendly tech support people at Microsoft bristle at the mention of the name Better dig up AOL's support number.

DOS programs are problematic They have to be addressed on a per-case basis, and may never work at all, at least under Windows.

Did your computer come with a manual? It might be best to curl up with the book and explore the intricacies of your new hobby before going further.

Pay a leisurely visit to support.dell.com

Look up your particular PC model number

Be cheerful Dell has very good phone support Just don't say anything about AOL without buttering them up, first.

RG

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Posted by Robert of Mesa Community College on January 15, 2003

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