Dell E520 User Manual

Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual

Dell™ Dimension™ E520 Service Manual

Before You Begin

About Your Computer

Technical Overview

Specifications

Advanced Troubleshooting

System Setup

Removing and Installing Parts

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2006 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dimension are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, and SpeedStep are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model DCTA

July 2006 Rev. A00

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Before You Begin: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual

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Before You Begin

Dell™ Dimension™ E520 Service Manual

Getting Started

Recommended Tools

Turning Off Your Computer

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Getting Started

This manual provides procedures for removing and replacing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:

You have performed the steps in Turning Off Your Computer and Before Working Inside Your Computer.

You have read the safety information in your Dell™ Product Information Guide.

A component can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.

Recommended Tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

Small flat-blade screwdriver

Phillips screwdriver

Flash BIOS update program (download)

Turning Off Your Computer

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your computer.

1.Shut down the operating system:

a.Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click Shutdown.

b.In the Shut Down Windows window, select Shut down.

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.

2.Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.

Before Working Inside Your Computer

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Before You Begin: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual

Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.

NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.

NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.

1. Turn off your computer. See Turning Off Your Computer.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer, and then unplug it from the network port or device.

2.Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

3.Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

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About Your Computer: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual

Back to Contents Page

About Your Computer

Dell™ Dimension™ E520 Service Manual

Front View of the Computer

Back View of the Computer

Back Panel Connectors

Front View of the Computer

1	Service	Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you access the Dell
	Tag	Support website or contact support.
2	cover	Use this latch to remove the cover.
	release
	latch
3	CD or DVD	The CD or DVD drive light is on when the computer reads data from, or writes
	activity	data to the CD or DVD drive.
	light
4	CD or DVD	Press the CD or DVD eject button to eject a disc from the CD or DVD drive.
	eject
	button
5	FlexBay	Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader.

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About Your Computer: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual

	drive
6	vents	For adequate cooling, do not block any of the vents.
		NOTICE: Ensure that there is a minimum of two inches of space between all
		vents and any objects near the vents.
		NOTICE: Keep the vent area clean and dust-free to ensure that the system is
		adequately ventilated. Use only a dry cloth to clean the vent area to avoid
		water damage to the system.
7	USB 2.0	Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such
	connectors	as flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable USB devices. For more
	(2)	information on booting to a USB device see System Setup Options.
		NOTE: It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices
		that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
8	power	Press the power button to turn on the computer.
	button
		NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the
		computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.
9	hard drive	The hard drive light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data
	activity	to the hard drive. The light may also be on when a device such as a CD player
	light	is operating.
10	diagnostic	Use the sequence of the diagnostic lights to help you troubleshoot a problem
	lights (4)	with your computer (see Diagnostic Lights).
11	headphone	Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of
	connector	speakers.
12	microphone	Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for
	connector	voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

Back View of the Computer

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About Your Computer: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual

1	power	Insert the power cable.
	connector
2	back I/O	Plug USB, network, VGA monitor, and audio devices into the appropriate
	connectors	connectors (see Back Panel Connectors).
3	card slots (4)	Access connectors for installed PCI or PCI Express cards.

Back Panel Connectors

1	link integrity	Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network
	light	and the computer.
		Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network
		and the computer.
		Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps (1-
		Gbps) network and the computer.
		Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the
		network.
2	network adapter	NOTICE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
	connector

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About Your Computer: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual

		Use the network adapter connector to attach your computer to a
		network or broadband device. Connect one end of a network cable to
		either a network jack or your network or broadband device, and then
		connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter
		connector on your computer. A click indicates that the network cable
		has been securely attached.
		On computers with an additional network card, use the connectors on
		the card and on the back of the computer when setting up multiple
		network connections (such as a separate intraand extranet).
		NOTE: It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and
		connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force
		the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation.
3	network activity	Flashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting or receiving
	light	network data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light
		appear to be in a steady "on" state.
4	USB 2.0	Use the back, rear-dual USB connectors for devices that typically remain
	connectors (2)	connected, such as printers and keyboards.
	(rear dual)
		NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for
		devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks, cameras, or
		bootable USB devices.
5	USB 2.0	Use the back, rear-quad USB connectors for devices that typically
	connectors (4)	remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
	(rear quad)
		NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for
		devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks, cameras, or
		bootable USB devices.
6	surround sound	Use the (black) surround sound connector to attach multichannel-
	connector	capable speakers.
		On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
7	line-in connector	Use the (blue) line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such
		as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.
		On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
8	line-	Use the (green) line-out connector to attach headphones and most
	out/headphone	speakers with integrated amplifiers.
	connector	On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
9	microphone	Use the (pink) microphone connector to attach a personal computer
	connector	microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony
		program.
		On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
10	side surround	Use the (gray) side surround sound connector to attach multichannel-
	sound connector	capable speakers. The side-surround output provides enhanced
		surround audio for computers with 7.1 speakers.
		On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
11	center/subwoofer	Use the (orange) center/subwoofer connector to attach a center speaker
	LFE connector	or a single subwoofer.

On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

NOTE: The LFE (Low Frequency Effects) Audio channel, found in digital surround sound audio schemes, carries only low frequency information of 80 Hz and below. The LFE channel drives a subwoofer to provide extremely low bass extension. Systems not using subwoofers can shunt the LFE information to the main speakers in the surround sound setup.

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About Your Computer: Dell	Dimension E520 Service Manual
12 VGA connector	Use the integrated video connector to attach your video monitor
	(optional).
	On computers with a video card, use the connector on the card.

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Technical Overview: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual

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Technical Overview

Dell™ Dimension™ E520 Service Manual

Inside View of Your Computer

System Board Components

Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments

Inside View of Your Computer

1	power supply	2	system board	3 hard drive
4	floppy drive (optional) or media card reader (optional)	5	CD or DVD drive

System Board Components

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Technical Overview: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual

1	CPU fan connector	2	processor and heat sink connector	3	processor power
					connector
4	memory module	5	battery socket (BATTERY)	6	SATA Connectors
	connectors				SATA0 and SATA1
7	front panel I/O	8	main power connector	9	SATA connectors
	connector				SATA4 and SATA5
10	FlexBay USB	11	clear CMOS jumper (CLRCMOS)	12	password jumper
	connector				(CLRPSWD)
13	PCI Express x16	14	PCI Express x1 card connector	15	PCI card connector
	card connector
16	floppy drive	17	Standby LED (near blue lever on PCI
	connector (FLOPPY)		Express x16 connector)

Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments

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Technical Overview: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual

DC Power Connector P1

Pin Number	Signal Name	Color	Wire Gauge
1	+3.3 VDC	Orange	18-AWG
2	+3.3 VDC	Orange	18-AWG
3	COM	Black	18-AWG
4	+5 VDC	Red	18-AWG
5	COM	Black	18-AWG
6	+5 VDC	Red	18-AWG
7	COM	Black	18-AWG
8	POK	Gray	18-AWG
9	+5 VFP	Purple	18-AWG

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10		+12 VB DC		White		18-AWG
11		+12VB DC		White		18-AWG
12		+3.3 VDC		Orange		18-AWG
13		+3.3 VDC		Orange		18-AWG
14		-12 VDC		Blue		18-AWG
15		COM		Black		18-AWG
16		PS-ON		Green		18-AWG
17		COM		Black		18-AWG
18		COM		Black		18-AWG
19		COM		Black		18-AWG
20		N/C		N/C		18-AWG
21		+5 VDC		Red		18-AWG
22		+5 VDC		Red		18-AWG
23		+5 VDC		Red		18-AWG
24		COM		Black		18-AWG

DC Power Connector P2

Pin Number	Signal Name	18-AWG Wire
1	COM	Black
2	COM	Black
3	+12 VA DC	Yellow
4	+12 VA DC	Yellow

DC Power Connect P3, P5, P8, and P9

Pin Number	Signal Name	18-AWG Wire
1	+3.3 VDC	Orange
2	COM	Black
3	+5 VDC	Red

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Technical Overview: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
4	COM	Black
5	+12 VB DC	White

DC Power Connector P7

Pin Number	Signal Name	18-AWG Wire
1	+5 VDC	Red
2	COM	Black
3	COM	Black
4	+12 A VDC	Yellow

DC Power Connector P10

Pin Number	Signal Name	18-AWG Wire
1	+12 VA DC	Yellow
2	COM	Black
3	COM	Black
4	+5V DC	Red

NOTE: The P10 connector is intended for use with PCI Express graphics cards that have power requirements exceeding 75 watts.

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Specifications: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual

Back to Contents Page

Specifications

Dell™ Dimension™ E520 Service Manual

Processor
Processor type	Intel® Pentium® 4
	Intel® Pentium® D
	Intel® Core™ 2 Duo
	NOTE: Not all Pentium 4 processors
	support Hyper-Threading technology.
Level 1 (L1) cache	32 KB
Level 2 (L2) cache	1 MB for Pentium 4 5XX processors (with
	Hyper Threading)
	2 MB for Pentium 4 6XX processors (with
	Hyper Threading)
	2 x 2 MB for Pentium D 9XX processors
	(with dual core)
	2 x 1 MB for Pentium D 8XX processors
	(with dual core)
	256K for Celeron® D 3XX processors
	2 MB for Intel Core™ E6400 processors
	and earlier
	4 MB for Intel Core™ E6600 processors
	and later
Memory
Type	533-MHz, 667-MHz, and 800-MHz dual
	DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM
Memory connectors	four
Memory capacities	256 MB, 512 MB, or 1 GB non-ECC
Maximum memory	4 GB
	NOTE: See Addressing Memory With 4-
	GB Configurations to verify the amount of
	memory available to the operating
	system.
BIOS address	F0000h
Computer Information
Chipset	Intel G965 Express Chipset
RAID Support	RAID 1 (Mirroring)
DMA channels	eight
Interrupt levels	24

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Specifications: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
	BIOS chip (NVRAM)		4 MB
	NIC		integrated network interface capable of
			10/100 communication
	System clock		533-MHz, 800-MHz, or 1066-MHz data
			rate
	Video
	Type		integrated Intel® Graphics Media
			Accelerator X3000 (Intel® GMA X3000)
			PCI Express
	Audio
	Type		Sigmatel 9227
	Expansion Bus
	Bus type		PCI 2.3
			PCI Express x1 and x16
	Bus speed		PCI: 33 MHz
			PCI Express:
			x1 slot bidirectional speed - 500
			MB/s
			x16 slot bidirectional speed - 8
			GB/s
	PCI
	connectors		two
	connector size		120 pins
	connector data width (maximum)		32 bits
	PCI Express
	connector		one x1
	connector size		36 pins
	connector data width (maximum)		1 PCI Express lane
	PCI Express
	connector		one x16
	connector size		164 pins
	connector data width (maximum)		16 PCI Express lanes
	Drives
	Externally accessible:
	Bays		two 5.25-inch drive bays
			one 3.5-inch drive bay (FlexBay)
	Available devices		Serial ATA drives (4), floppy drive, USB
			memory devices, CD/DVD drive, and
			Media Card Reader

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Specifications: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
Internally accessible:		two bays for 1-inch high serial ATA hard
		drives
Connectors
External connectors:
Video		15-hole connector
Network adapter		RJ-45 connector
USB		two front-panel and six back-panel USB
		2.0-compliant connectors
Audio		six connectors for 7.1 support
System board connectors:
Serial ATA (SATA)		four 7-pin connectors
FlexBay Drive		one USB 10-pin header (with one pin
		removed for keying) for optional Media
		Card Reader (3.5-inch bay device)
Floppy drive		one 34-pin connector
Fan		one 5-pin connector
PCI 2.3		two 120-pin connectors
PCI Express x1		one 36-pin connector
PCI Express x16		one 164-pin connector

Controls and Lights

Power button

Power light

Hard drive access light

Link integrity light (on integrated network adapter)

push button

green light — Blinking green in sleep state; solid green for power-on state.

amber light — Blinking amber indicates a problem with the power supply inside the computer. If the system cannot boot and there is a solid amber light, a problem with the system board may exist (see Power Lights).

green

green light — A good connection exists between the network and the computer.

off (no light) — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.

Activity light (on integrated network adapter)

Diagnostic lights Standby power light

Power

DC power supply:

Wattage

yellow blinking light

four lights on the front panel (see Diagnostic Lights)

STBYLED on the system board

305 W

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Specifications: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual

Maximum heat dissipation

Voltage (see the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide for important voltage setting information)

Backup battery

Physical

Height

Width

Depth

Weight

Environmental

Temperature:

Operating

Storage

Relative humidity

Maximum vibration:

Operating Storage

Maximum shock: Operating

1040 BTU/hr

Manually selectable: 90 to 135 V and 180 to 265 V at 50/60 Hz

3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell

41.4 cm (16.3 inches)

18.8 cm (7.4 inches)

45.7 cm (18.0 inches) 12.7 kg (28.0 lb)

10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F) –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) 20% to 80% (noncondensing)

5 to 350 Hz at 0.0002 G2/Hz

5 to 500 Hz at 0.001 to 0.01 G2/Hz

40 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2 msec +/- 10% (equivalent to 20 in/sec [51 cm/sec])

Storage	105 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2
	msec +/- 10% (equivalent to 50 in/sec
	[127 cm/sec])
Altitude:
Operating	–15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)
Storage	–15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)
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Advanced Troubleshooting: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual

Back to Contents Page

Advanced Troubleshooting

Dell™ Dimension™ E520 Service Manual

Power Lights

Diagnostic Lights

Beep Codes

System Messages

Dell Diagnostics

Drivers

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Power Lights

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

The power button light located on the front of the computer illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:

If the power light is green and the computer is not responding:

Ensure the display is connected and powered on.

If the display is connected and powered on see Diagnostic Lights.

If the power light is blinking green, the computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.

If the power light is off, the computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.

Reseat the power cable in the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.

If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned on. Also, bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.

Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see System Board Components).

If the power light is blinking amber, the computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.

Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location (if applicable).

If the power light is steady amber, a device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.

Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see Memory).

Remove and then reinstall any cards (see Cards).

Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see Cards).

Ensure that all power cables are securely connected to the system board (see System Board Components).

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Advanced Troubleshooting: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual

Diagnostic Lights

CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the front panel (see Front View of the Computer). When the computer starts normally, the lights flash before turning off. If the computer malfunctions, the sequence of the lights helps to identify the problem.

.
Light Pattern	Problem Description	Suggested Resolution
	The computer is in a	Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet (see Power Lights).
	normal "off" condition or	If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
	a possible pre-BIOS	Owner's Manual).
	failure has occurred.
	All four diagnostic lights
	display solid green and
	then turn off after the
	system successfully boots
	to the operating system.
	A possible processor	Reseat the processor (see Processor).
	failure has occurred.	If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
		Owner's Manual).
	Memory modules are	If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules
	detected, but a memory	(see Removing Memory), then reinstall one module (see Installing
	failure has occurred.	Memory) and restart the computer. If the computer starts normally,
		continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you
		have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without
		error.
		If available, install properly working memory of the same type into
		your computer (see Installing Memory).
		If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
		Owner's Manual).
	A possible graphics card	Reseat any installed graphics cards (see Cards).
	failure has occurred.	If available, install a working graphics card into your computer.
		If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
		Owner's Manual).
	A possible floppy drive or	Reseat all power and data cables.
	hard drive failure has
	occurred.
	A possible USB failure	Reinstall all USB devices and check all cable connections.
	has occurred.
	No memory modules are	If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules
	detected.	(see Removing Memory), then reinstall one module (see Installing
		Memory) and restart the computer. If the computer starts normally,
		continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you
		have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without
		error.
		If available, install properly working memory of the same type into
		your computer (see Installing Memory).
		If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
		Owner's Manual).
	Memory modules are	Ensure that no special requirements for memory module/connector
	detected, but a memory	placement exist (see Memory).
	configuration or	Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer

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Advanced Troubleshooting: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
	compatibility error has			(see Memory).
	occurred.			If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
				Owner's Manual).
	A possible expansion card			1. Determine if a conflict exists by removing an expansion card (not a
	failure has occurred.			graphics card) and restarting the computer (see Cards).
				2. If the problem persists, reinstall the card you removed, then remove a
				different card and restart the computer.
				3. Repeat this process for each card installed. If the computer starts
				normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for
				resource conflicts (see Resolving Software and Hardware
				Incompatibilities).
				4. If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
				Owner's Manual).
	The system is operating			Press the power button
	in quick resume mode.			Move the mouse
				Press any key on the keyboard
				Press any key on the optional MCE remote control
	Another failure has			Ensure that all hard drive and CD/DVD drive cables are properly
	occurred.			connected to the system board (see Drives).
				If there is an error message on your screen identifying a problem with
				a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive), check the device to
				make sure it is functioning properly.
				If the operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as
				the floppy drive or hard drive), check system setup (see System
				Setup) to make sure the boot sequence is correct for the devices
				installed on your computer.
				If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
				Owner's Manual).

Beep Codes

Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. For example, beep code 1-3-1 (one possible beep code) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a memory problem.

Reseating the memory modules (see Installing Memory) may correct the following beep code errors. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Code Cause

1-3-1 through 2-4-4 Memory not being properly identified or used

4-3-1 Memory failure above address 0FFFFh

If you experience any of the following non-memory related beep code errors, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Code Cause

1-1-2 Microprocessor register failure

1-1-3 NVRAM

1-1-4 ROM BIOS checksum failure

1-2-1 Programmable interval timer 1-2-2 DMA initialization failure

1-2-3 DMA page register read/write failure

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3-1-1 Slave DMA register failure

3-1-2 Master DMA register failure

3-1-3 Master interrupt mask register failure

3-1-4 Slave interrupt mask register failure

3-2-2 Interrupt vector loading failure

3-2-4 Keyboard Controller Test failure

3-3-1 NVRAM power loss

3-3-2 NVRAM configuration

3-3-4 Video Memory Test failure

3-4-1 Screen initialization failure

3-4-2 Screen retrace failure

3-4-3 Search for video ROM failure

4-2-1 No time tick

4-2-2 Shutdown failure

4-2-3 Gate A20 failure

4-2-4 Unexpected interrupt in protected mode

4-3-3 Timer-chip counter 2 failure

4-3-4 Time-of-day clock stopped 4-4-1 Serial or parallel port test failure

4-4-4 Cache test failure

System Messages

NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the table, see the documentation for either the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.

Message

8042 Gate-

A20 error

Address Line

Short!

Possible Cause

The keyboard controller failed its test.

An error in the address decoding circuitry in the memory has occurred.

C: Drive

Error

C: Drive

Failure

Cache

Memory Bad,

Do Not

Enable

Cache

CH-2 Timer

Error

The hard drive is not working or is not configured correctly.

The cache memory is not operating.

An error is occurring on the timer on the system board.

CMOS Battery The system configuration

State Low

Corrective Action

If you receive this message after you make changes in the system setup program, enter the system setup program (see Entering System Setup) and restore the original value(s).

Reseat the memory modules (see Memory).

Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined correctly in the system setup program (see Entering System Setup).

See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Enter the system setup program (see Entering

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CMOS

Checksum

Failure

CMOS System

Options Not

Set

CMOS Display

Type

Mismatch

CMOS Memory

Size

Mismatch

CMOS Time

and Date Not

Set

Diskette

Boot Failure

DMA Error

DMA 1 Error

DMA 2 Error

FDD

Controller

Failure

HDD

Controller

Failure

INTR1 Error

INTR2 Error

Invalid Boot

Diskette

Keyboard

Error

KB/Interface

Error

No ROM

Basic

information in the system setup program is incorrect or the battery charge may be low.

Drive A or B is present but has failed the BIOS POST.

Error in the DMA controller on the system board.

The BIOS cannot communicate with the floppy drive or hard drive controller.

An interrupt channel on the system board failed to POST.

The operating system cannot be located on drive A or drive C.

The BIOS has detected a stuck key.

An error occurred with the keyboard connector.

The operating system cannot be located on drive A or drive C.

System Setup), verify the system configuration, and then restart the computer.

Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined correctly in the system setup program (see Entering System Setup). Check the interface cable at both ends.

The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.

Ensure that the floppy drive or the hard drive is installed correctly in the computer (see Drives) and defined correctly in the system setup program (see Entering System Setup). Check the interface cable at both ends.

The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.

Enter the system setup program (see Entering System Setup)and confirm that drive A or drive C is properly identified.

Ensure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the keyboard.

Ensure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the keyboard.

Enter the system setup program (see Entering System Setup) and confirm that drive A or drive C is properly identified.

Dell Diagnostics

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics only operate on Dell computers.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics

1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.

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2. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in even intervals to open the Boot Device Menu.

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.

3.At the Boot Device Menu, use the upand down-arrow keys or press the appropriate number on the keyboard to highlight Boot to Utility Partition, and then press <Enter>.

NOTE: The Quickboot feature changes the boot sequence for the current boot only. Upon restart, the computer boots according to the boot sequence specified in system setup.

4.At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the mouse, or press <Tab> and then <Enter>, to select the test you want to run (see Dell Diagnostics Main Menu).

NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and follow the instructions on the screen.

5.After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu.

6.Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

The following tests can be run from the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu:

Option	Function
Express	Performs a quick test of system devices. The test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on
Test	your part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
Extended	Performs a thorough check of system devices. The test typically takes an hour or more and peridocially requires
Test	your input to answer specific questions.
Custom	Tests a specific device in the system and can be used to customize the tests you want to run.
Test
Symptom	Lists a number of common symptoms and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you
Tree	are having.

For any problem encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description exactly as it appears and follow the instructions on the screen. If you cannot resolve the problem, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. When contacting Dell support, have your Service Tag ready.

The following tabs provide additional information for tests run from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option:

Tab	Function
Results	Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors	Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.
Help	Describes the test and any requirements for running the test.
Configuration	Displays the hardware configuration for the selected device.

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(Custom The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and Test various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. only)

	NOTE: The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all
	devices attached to your computer.
Parameters	Allows you to customize the test, if applicable, by changing the test settings.

(Custom Test only)

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.

A driver acts as a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only the driver for that device recognizes.

Required drivers are already installed on your computer—no further installation or configuration is needed.

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:

Upgrade your operating system.

Reinstall your operating system.

Connect or install a new device.

Identifying Drivers

If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.

Windows XP

1.Click the Start button, then click Control Panel.

2.Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.

3.Click System.

4.In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.

5.Click Device Manager.

6.Scroll down the list of devices and check for an exclamation point (a circle with a [!]) next to the device name.

If an exclamation point appears next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver.

Reinstalling Drivers

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