Dell Inspiron 530 Troubleshooting

Any time you try to load or run a program you could come across an error that states that there is not enough storage for your computer to handle. This could be a problem with the computer's hard drive where all files and data are saved. Here is a list of problems that could be causing the error message.

The computer's hard drive may not meet the requirement. To fix this, replace the hard drive with one with more storage space.

The hard drive could be corrupt or physically broken. Dust is a big killer of hard drives; if it is not cleaned regularly dust could break the hard drive. The only way to fix this is to replace the hard drive.

If the computers hard drive is full, add more storage space by replacing it with a with a larger one or adding a second hard drive.

Your computer is running slower than it used to, programs take a long time to open and responses are lagging.

Having too many programs running can overwhelm the computers processing power, close extra programs to increase the computers available processing power for programs you're using.

Make sure you have an up to date antivirus program and run a full scan to check for issues.

RAM stands for random access memory, this is the memory that all computer programs use while running. RAM requirements for programs can be found online or on the packaging of the program. More sticks of RAM can be added, or the current sticks of RAM can be replaced with more powerful ones.

If the hard drive is full, has little available space, or is extremely fragmented, try running a defragmentation program and deleting unneeded files and programs. If hard drive space is still an issue, a new or second hard drive may be needed.

Processors are rated in GHz (pronounced 'Gigahertz' go to system information to check that your processor meets the requirements of the programs you're running, which can be found online or on the packaging of the program. If you need a higher GHz processor then you must replace your existing one.

Computer does nothing when power button is pressed.

Check that your computer is plugged in and that the outlet is working. If the outlet is not working the fuse for it may be tripped, check your fuse box. There will be a small light on the back of the computer next to the power cord indicating that is it receiving power.

Your computer would not be sold to you with the incorrect power supply. However, if components are upgraded or additional components are added, the computer may require more power. The only way to increase the power is to replace your power supply with one that will supply more power. The power supply takes the AC current from the outlet and transforms it to DC current. It then distributes the power through specific cable to the different computers components.

The power button may be broken or sticky. If it is broken it will need to be replaced. If it is sticky is probably just needs to be cleaned, this can be done by removing the front cover and cleaning that area.

Computer boots up but screen does not display

Check that the cord from the tower to the monitor is well connected.

Graphics cards can fail due to age, overuse, or failure of its built in fan. If these failures occur, the graphics card will need to be replaced.

If the graphics card has been replaced, the new one may require more power than the old one. The power supply may need to be upgraded.

If you are running 3D CAD programs, 3D simulations or 3D gaming they may require a more powerful graphics card, which can only be upgraded by replacing the card.

When the computer overheats it will shut itself off. If a major fan is not working at all the computer will give an error when trying to boot up.

The air vents in the front and back of the computer have to be far enough away from the wall or other obstructions to allow for airflow.

Fans can become clogged with dust, hair or other objects. To ensure fans can spin at max speed they need to be kept clean.

The motor that drives the fan can become weak or break over time, if this happens the entire fan unit must be replaced.

Heatsinks draw the heat off of high power computer chips such as the CPU. If the heat sink becomes too dirty with dust and other particulate they may lose their efficiency in cooling off the computer chip.