321 Studios 8400 User Manual

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Page 1

Dell™ Dimension™ 8400 Series

CD or DVD activity light

CD or DVD drive eject button

floppy drive eject button*

floppy drive light*

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

headphone connector

Service Tag

power connector

voltage selection switch

serial connector

keyboard connector

center/LFE connector

line-out connector

microphone connector

USB 2.0 connectors (6)

VGA video connector

TV-OUT connector**

optional sound-card connectors**

hard drive light

power button

*On computers with a

floppy drive.

parallel connector

diagnostic lights

mouse connector

surround connector

line-in connector

network adapter

DVI connector

PCI card (3), PCI Express x1 card (1), PCI Express x16 card (1) slots

**Not present on all computers.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Page 2

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.

____________________

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault,

PowerApp, DellNet, PowerConnect, and Axim are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook 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 DHM

September 2004 P/N U7035 Rev. A00

Page 3

Contents

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Printer Cable Connecting a USB Printer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Connecting a Parallel Printer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connecting to the Internet

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

Playing CDs or DVDs

Adjusting the Volume Adjusting the Picture

Copying CDs and DVDs

How to Copy a CD or DVD Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs Helpful Tips

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Connecting Two Monitors

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

. . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Connecting One Monitor With a VGA connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector

Connecting a TV Changing the Display Settings

About Your RAID Configuration

RAID Level 0 RAID Level 1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Configuring Your Computer for RAID

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R) Option ROM Utility Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R) Application Accelerator

. . . . . . . . 23

. . . . . 24

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter Network Setup Wizard

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Contents 3

Page 4

Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Overview Standby Mode Hibernate Mode Power Options Properties

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Hyper-Threading

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

2 Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Battery Problems

Card Fan Problems

Drive Problems

CD and DVD drive problems Hard drive problems

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

Keyboard Problems

Lockups and Software Problems

The computer does not start up The computer stops responding A program stops responding A program crashes repeatedly A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system A solid blue screen appears Other software problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

4 Contents

Memory Problems

Mouse Problems

Network Problems

Power Problems

Printer Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Page 5

Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Sound and Speaker Problems

No sound from speakers No sound from headphones

Video and Monitor Problems

If the screen is blank If the screen is difficult to read

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

3 Advanced Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Dell Diagnostics

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Drivers

What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers

Restoring Your Operating System

Using Microsoft Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

. . . . . . . . . . . . 58

4 Removing and Installing Parts

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer

Front View

Back View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Front-Panel Door and Hinge Arms

Reattaching the Hinge Arms Reattaching the Front Door

Opening the Computer Cover

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Contents 5

Page 6

Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

System Board Components

Memory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

DDR2 Memory Overview Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations Installing Memory Removing Memory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Cards

PCI Cards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

PCI Express Cards

Card Fan

Drives

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

General Installation Guidelines Connecting Drive Cables

Hard Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Removing a Hard Drive Installing a Hard Drive Adding a Second Hard Drive

Front-Panel Inserts

Floppy Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Removing a Floppy Drive Installing a Floppy Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

6 Contents

CD/DVD Drive

Removing a CD/DVD Drive Installing a CD/DVD Drive

Battery

Replacing the Battery

Closing the Computer Cover

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Page 7

5 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

System Setup

Overview Entering System Setup System Setup Options Boot Sequence

Clearing Forgotten Passwords

Clearing CMOS Settings

Cleaning Your Computer

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor Mouse Floppy Drive CDs and DVDs

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

FCC Notices (U.S. Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Class A Class B

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

FCC Identification Information

Contacting Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

. . . . . . . . 121

. . . . . . . . . 121

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Contents 7

Page 8

8 Contents

Page 9

Finding Information

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• Warranty information

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• How to set up my computer

Setup Diagram

Finding Information 9

Page 10

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License

These labels are located on your computer.

• Use the Service Tag to

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

• Latest drivers for my computer

• Answers to technical service and support questions

• Online discussions with other users and technical support

• Documentation for my computer

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support

site.

The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such

• Customer Care — Contact information, order status,

• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates

• Reference — Computer documentation, product

• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer

• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)

Windows Help and Support Center

identify your computer when you use

support.dell.com

or contact technical support.

contacting technical support. The Express Service Code is not available in all countries.

from technicians, and online courses

customers

as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

warranty, and repair information

specifications, and white papers

Click the

Start

button and click

Help and Support

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.

Click the topic that describes your problem. Follow the instructions on the screen.

10 Finding Information

Page 11

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Setting Up a Printer

NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.

See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:

• Obtain and install updated drivers.

• Connect the printer to the computer.

• Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.

• Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance.

Printer Cable

Your printer connects to your computer with either a USB cable or a parallel cable. Your printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer box.

Connecting a USB Printer

NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.

Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so.

Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 11

Page 12

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Connecting a Parallel Printer

Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so.

Turn off the computer (see page 59).

NOTICE: For best results, use a 3-m (10-ft) or shorter parallel cable.

Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the computer and tighten the

two screws. Attach the cable to the connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the two notches.

USB connector on computer

USB printer cable

USB connector on printer

12 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Page 13

parallel connector on computer

connector on printer

screws (2)

parallel printer cable

notches (2)

Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the

Cancel

window appears, click

Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

Add New Hardware Wizard

clips (2)

Connecting to the Internet

NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.

To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:

• Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.

• DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your telephone on the same line simultaneously.

• Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable TV line.

If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 13

Page 14

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an AOL or MSN connection:

Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

Double-click the

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

If you do not have an Internet connection with a different ISP:

Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

Click the

The

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New Connection Wizard

Click

Connect to the Internet

In the next window, click the appropriate option:

• If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click

service providers (ISPs)

• If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD, click

• If you have a CD, click

Click

If you selected instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

MSN Explorer

Start

button and click

AOL

Internet Explorer

appears.

Set up my connection manually

Use the CD I got from an ISP

Set up my connection manually

icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an

Choose from a list of Internet

, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.

Click the appropriate option under

click

Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on page 35. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.

14 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

How do you want to connect to the Internet?

, and then

Page 15

Playing CDs or DVDs

NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed when

you are not using the drive.

NOTICE: Do not move the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs.

Press the eject button on the front of the drive.

Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray.

Press the eject button or gently push in the tray.

To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came with your computer.

NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs.

A CD player includes the following basic buttons:

Play.

Move backward within the current track.

Pause.

Move forward within the current track.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15

Page 16

Stop.

Go to the previous track.

Eject.

Go to the next track.

A DVD player includes the following basic buttons:

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

For more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click

Adjusting the Volume

NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing.

Click the

Volume Control

In the

Volume Control

slide it up or down to increase or decrease the volume.

For more information on volume control options, click

Stop.

Restart the current chapter.

Play.

Fast forward.

Pause.

Fast reverse.

Advance a single frame while in pause mode.

Go to the next title or chapter.

Continuously play the current title or chapter.

Go to the previous title or chapter.

Eject.

Start

button, point to

Help

on the CD or DVD player (if available).

All Programs→ Accessories→ Entertainment

window, click and drag the bar in the

Help

in the

Volume Control

, and then click

column and

window.

16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Page 17

Adjusting the Picture

If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth are using too much memory and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display properties.

Click the

Under

In the setting to

Click the drop-down menu under

Click OK.

Start

button and click

Pick a category

Pick a task...

, click

Display Properties

800 by 600 pixels

Control Panel

Appearance and Themes

Change the screen resolution

window, click and drag the bar in

Color quality

, and then click

Screen resolution

Medium (16 bit)

to change the

Copying CDs and DVDs

NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs or DVDs.

This section applies only to computers that have a CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R, or DVD/CD-RW combo drive.

NOTE: The types of CD or DVD drives offered by Dell may vary by country.

The following instructions show how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD. You can also use Sonic RecordNow for other purposes, including creating CDs from audio files on your computer and creating MP3 CDs. For instructions, see the Sonic RecordNow documentation that came with your computer. Open Sonic RecordNow, click the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of the window, and then click

RecordNow Help

RecordNow Tutorial

How to Copy a CD or DVD

NOTE: If you have a DVD/CD-RW combo drive and you experience recording problems, check for

available software patches at the Sonic support website at support.sonic.com.

Currently, five DVD-writable disc formats are available: DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM. The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell™ computers can write to DVD+R and DVD+RW media, and can read DVD-R and DVD-RW media. However, DVD-writable drives do not write to and might not read DVD-RAM media. In addition, commercially available DVD players for home theater systems might not read all five formats.

NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using Sonic

RecordNow.

Click the

RecordNow!

Click either the audio tab or the data tab, depending on the kind of CD or DVD you want to copy.

Click

Start

button, point to

Exact Copy

All Programs→

Sonic→ RecordNow!

, and then click

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17

Page 18

To copy the CD or DVD:

•

If you have one CD or DVD drive

computer reads your source CD or DVD and copies it to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive.

When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the CD or DVD drive and click

, ensure that the settings are correct and click

Copy

. The

If you have two CD or DVD drives

• source CD or DVD and click the blank CD or DVD.

Once you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you have created automatically ejects.

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Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs

Your CD-RW drive can write to two different types of recording media—CD-Rs and CD-RWs (including high-speed CD-RWs). Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs to write to CDs or to erase, rewrite, or update data on CDs.

Your DVD-writable drive can write to four different types of recording media—CD-Rs, CD-RWs (including high-speed CD-RWs), DVD+Rs, and DVD+RWs. Blank DVD+Rs can be used to permanently store large amounts of information. After you create a DVD+R disc, you may not be able to write to that disc again if the disc is "finalized" or "closed" during the final stage of the disc creation process. Use blank DVD+RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on that disc later.

Helpful Tips

• Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after you start Sonic RecordNow and open a RecordNow project.

• You must use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs do not play in most home or car stereos.

• You cannot create audio DVDs with Sonic RecordNow.

• Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software installed.

• Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a 650-MB blank CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1 or 2 MB of the blank CD to finalize the recording.

• Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD recording until you are familiar with CD recording techniques. If you make a mistake, you can erase the data on the CD-RW and try again. You can also use blank CD-RWs to test music file projects before you record the project permanently to a blank CD-R.

See the Sonic support website at

, select the drive into which you have inserted your

Copy

. The computer copies the data on the CD or DVD to

support.sonic.com

for additional information.

18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Page 19

Connecting Two Monitors

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: If you are connecting two monitors that have VGA connectors, you must have the optional DVI

adapter. If you are connecting two flat-panel monitors, at least one of them must have a VGA connector. If you are connecting a TV, you may connect only one monitor (VGA or DVI) in addition to the TV.

If you purchased a graphics card that supports dual monitors, follow these instructions to connect and enable your monitors. The instructions tell you how to connect either two monitors (each with a VGA connector), one monitor with a VGA connector and one monitor with a DVI connector, or aTV.

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

NOTE: If your computer has integrated video, do not connect either monitor to the integrated video

connector. If the integrated video connector is covered by a cap, do not remove the cap to connect the monitor or the monitor will not function.

Connect one of the monitors to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the computer.

Connect the other monitor to the optional DVI adapter and connect the DVI adapter to the DVI (white) connector on the back of the computer.

optional DVI adapter

DVI (white) connector

TV-OUT connector

VGA (blue) connector

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19

Page 20

Connecting One Monitor With a VGA connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

Connect the VGA connector on the monitor to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the computer.

Connect the DVI connector on the other monitor to the DVI (white) connector on the back of the computer.

Connecting a TV

NOTE: To connect a TV to your computer, you must purchase an S-video cable, which is available at

most consumer electronics stores. An S-video cable is not included with your computer.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

Connect one end of the S-video cable to the TV-OUT connector on the back of the computer.

Connect the other end of the S-video cable to the S-video input connector on your TV.

Connect the VGA or DVI monitor.

Changing the Display Settings

After you connect the monitor(s) or TV, turn on the computer.

The Microsoft

Enable clone mode or extended desktop mode in the display settings.

• In clone mode, both monitors display the same image.

• In extended desktop mode, you can drag objects from one screen to the other, effectively

doubling the amount of viewable work space.

For information on changing the display settings for your graphics card, see the user’s guide in the Help and Support Center (click the

system guides

Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor.

Start

, click

Device guides

button, click

, and then click the guide for your graphics card).

Help and Support

, click

User and

About Your RAID Configuration

This section provides an overview of the RAID configuration that you might have selected when you purchased your computer. Although several RAID configurations are available, Dell offers either RAID level 0 or RAID level 1 for its Dimension computers. A RAID level 0 configuration is recommended for high-performance gaming, and a RAID level 1 configuration is recommended for the data integrity requirements of digital photography and audio.

The Intel RAID controller on your computer can only create a RAID volume using two physical drives. If a third drive is present, then that drive cannot be made part of a RAID volume using the Intel RAID configuration program, although it can be used as a spare drive in a RAID 1 configuration (see "Creating a Spare Hard Drive" on page 27). However, if four drives are present in

20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Page 21

your computer, then each pair of drives can be made into RAID level 0 or RAID level 1 volumes. The drives should be the same size in order to ensure that the larger drive does not contain unallocated (and therefore unusable) space.

NOTE: RAID levels do not represent a hierarchy. A RAID level 1 configuration is not inherently better or

worse than a RAID level 0 configuration.

RAID Level 0

RAID level 0 uses a storage technique known as "data striping" to provide a high data access rate. Data striping is a method of writing consecutive segments, or stripes, of data sequentially across the physical drives to create a large virtual drive. Data striping allows one of the drives to read data while the other drive is searching for and reading the next block.

serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 0

segment 1

segment 3

segment 5

hard drive 1

segment 2

segment 4

segment 6

hard drive 2

Another advantage of a RAID level 0 configuration is that it utilizes the full capacities of the drives. For example, if you have two 120-GB drives installed, you have 240 GB on which to store data.

NOTICE: Because RAID level 0 provides no data redundancy, if one drive fails, then the data on the

other drive is also inaccessible. Therefore, ensure that you perform regular backups when you use a RAID level 0 configuration.

RAID Level 1

RAID level 1 uses a data-redundancy storage technique known as "mirroring." When data is written to the primary drive, it is then duplicated, or mirrored, on the other drive. A RAID level 1 configuration sacrifices high data access rates for its data redundancy advantages.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21

Page 22

serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 1

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the surviving drive. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data from the surviving drive. Also, because data is duplicated on both drives, two 120-GB RAID level 1 drives collectively have a maximum of 120-GB on which to store data.

Configuring Your Computer for RAID

At some point you may want to configure your computer for RAID if you did not select a RAID configuration when you purchased your computer. You must have at least two hard drives installed in your computer to set up a RAID configuration. For instructions on how to install a hard drive, see page 92.

You can use one of two methods to configure RAID hard drive volumes. One method uses the Intel(R) Option ROM utility, and is performed hard drive. The second method uses the Intel Application Accelerator, or Intel Storage Utility, and this method is performed Utility. Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before starting any of the RAID configuration procedures in this document.

segment 1

segment 2

segment 3

segment 4

segment 5

segment 6

hard drive 1

after

you have installed the operating system and the Intel Storage

segment 1 duplicated

segment 2 duplicated

segment 3 duplicated

segment 4 duplicated

segment 5 duplicated

segment 6 duplicated

hard drive 2

before

you install the operating system onto the

Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode

Enter system setup (see page 112).

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Use the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight press <Esc>.

22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Drives

, and press <Enter>.

Drive Controller

RAID On

, press <Enter>, and then

, and press <Enter>.

Page 23

Use the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight

Save/Exit

, and press <Enter> to exit system

setup and resume the boot process.

Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R) Option ROM Utility

NOTE: Although any size drives may be used to create a RAID configuration using the Intel Option ROM

utility, ideally the drives should be of equal size. In a RAID level 0 configuration, the size of the array will be the size of the smallest disk multiplied by the number (two) of disks in the array. In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the array will be the smaller of the two disks used.

Creating a RAID Level 0 Configuration

NOTICE: You will lose any data on your hard drives when you create a RAID configuration using the

following procedure. Back up data you want to keep before continuing.

NOTE: The following procedure should only be used if you are reinstalling your operating system. The

following procedure should not be used to migrate an existing storage configuration to RAID 0.

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 22).

Press <Ctrl><i> when you are prompted to enter the Intel(R) RAID Option ROM utility.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default, and press <Enter>.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

If there are more than two hard disks available, use the up- and down-arrow keys and space bar to select the two disks you want to use to make up your array, and then press <Enter>.

Create RAID Volume

RAID0(Stripe)

, and press <Enter>.

NOTE: Select the strip size closest to the size of the average file you want to store on the RAID volume. If

you do not know the average file size, choose 128 as your strip size.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to change the strip size, and press <Enter>.

Select the desired capacity for the volume, and press <Enter>. The default value is the maximum available size.

Press <Enter> to create the volume.

Press <y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.

Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main Intel Option ROM screen.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

Install the operating system.

Creating a RAID Level 1 Configuration

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 22).

Press <Ctrl><i> when you are prompted to enter Intel RAID Option ROM.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Exit

, and press <Enter>.

Create RAID Volume

, and press <Enter>.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23

Page 24

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default, and press <Enter>.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

If there are more than two hard disks available, use the up- and down-arrow keys and space bar to select the two disks you want to use to make up your array, and then press <Enter>.

Select the desired capacity for the volume, and press <Enter>. The default value is the maximum available size.

Press <Enter> to create the volume.

Press <y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.

Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main Intel Option ROM screen.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

Install the operating system.

Deleting a RAID Volume

NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.

NOTE: If your computer currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume in the Intel RAID Option

ROM, your computer will become unbootable.

Press <Ctrl><i> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the RAID volume you want to delete, and press <Delete>.

Press <y> to confirm the deletion of the RAID volume.

Press <Esc> to exit the Intel Option ROM utility.

RAID1(Mirror)

Exit

, and press <Enter>.

Delete RAID Volume

, and press <Enter>.

Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R) Application Accelerator

If you already have one hard drive with the operating system installed on it, and you want to add a second hard drive and reconfigure both drives into a RAID volume without losing the existing operating system and any data, you need to use the migrating option (see "Migrating to a RAID 0 Volume" on page 26 or "Migrating to a RAID 1 Volume" on page 27). Create a RAID 0 Volume or RAID 1 Volume only when:

• You are adding two new drives to an existing single-drive computer (and the operating system is on the single drive), and you want to configure the two new drives into a RAID volume.

• You already have a two-hard drive computer configured into an array, but you still have some space left on the array that you want to designate as a second RAID volume.

24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Page 25

Creating a RAID 0 Volume

NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 22).

Click

Start

and point to

Accelerator

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled

mode (see page 22).

On the

to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.

Actions

menu, select

Wizard, and then click

On the

Select Volume Location

Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel Application

Create RAID Volume

to launch the Create RAID Volume

screen, click the first hard drive you want to include in your RAID 0 volume, and then click the right arrow. Click a second hard drive until two drives appear in the

In the

Click

Finish

Creating a RAID 1 Volume

NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 22).

Click the

Application Accelerator

Selected

Specify Volume Size

window, and then click

window, click the

to create the volume, or click

Start

button and point to

to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.

Volume Size

Back

to make changes.

desired, and then click

Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled

mode (see page 22).

On the

Actions

menu, select

Create RAID Volume

to launch the Create RAID Volume

Wizard.

Click

at the first screen.

Confirm the volume name, select

On the

Select Volume Location

RAID 1

as the RAID level, and then click

to continue.

screen, click the first hard drive you want to use to create your RAID 0 volume, and then click the right arrow. Click a second hard drive until two drives appear in the

In the

Click

Finish

Follow Microsoft Windows procedures for creating a partition on the new RAID volume.

Selected

Specify Volume Size

window, and then click

window, select the

to create the volume, or click

Volu m e S ize

Back

to make changes.

desired and click

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25

Page 26

Deleting a RAID Volume

NOTE: While this procedure deletes the RAID 1 volume, it also splits the RAID 1 volume into two non-

RAID hard drives with a partition, and leaves any existing data files intact. Deleting a RAID 0 volume, however, destroys all data on the volume.

Click the

Application Accelerator

Right-click the

Vol um e

On the

Highlight the RAID volume you want to delete in the

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

button to move the highlighted RAID volume into the

Click

Finish

Migrating to a RAID 0 Volume

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 22).

Click the

Application Accelerator

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled

mode (see page 22).

On the

Migration Wizard.

Click

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default.

From the drop-down box, select

Start

button and point to

Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel

to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.

Vol um e

icon of the RAID volume you want to delete, and select

Delete RAID Volume Wizard

to delete the volume.

Start

button and point to

All Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel

to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.

Actions

menu, select

Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard Drive to

on the Migration Wizard screen.

RAID 0

screen, click

as the RAID level

Available

Selected

Delete

box, click the right-arrow

box, and then click

launch the

NOTE: Select the strip size closest to the size of the average file you want to store on the RAID volume. If

you do not know the average file size, choose 128 as your strip size.

Select the appropriate strip size from the drop-down box, and then click

NOTE: Select the hard drive that you want to use as your source hard drive (it should be the hard drive

containing the data or operating system files that you want to keep on the RAID volume).

On the migrate, and click

On the

Select Source Hard Drive

Select Member Hard Drive

drive to span the stripe array, and click

On the

Specify Volume Size

26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

screen, double-click the hard drive from which you want to

screen, select the

screen, double-click the hard drive to select the member

Volu m e S ize

you want, and click

Page 27

NOTE: In the following step, you will lose all data contained on the member drive.

Click

Finish

to start migrating, or click

Back

to make changes. You can use your computer

normally during the migration process.

Migrating to a RAID 1 Volume

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 22).

Click the

Application Accelerator

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled

mode (see page 22).

On the

Start

button and point to

Actions

menu, click

All Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel

to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.

Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard Drive

to launch the

Migration Wizard.

Click

on the first Migration Wizard screen.

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default.

From the drop-down box, select

NOTE: Select the hard drive that already has the data or operating system files that you want to maintain

on the RAID volume as your source hard drive.

On the

migrate, and click

On the

Select Source Hard Drive

Select Member Hard Drive

drive that you want to act as the mirror in the array, and click

On the

Specify Volume Size

RAID 1

as the RAID level

screen, double-click the hard drive from which you want to

screen, double-click the hard drive to select the member

screen, select the volume size you want, and click

NOTE: In the following step, you will lose all data contained on the member drive.

Click

Finish

to start migrating, or click

Back

to make changes. You can use your computer

normally during migration process.

Creating a Spare Hard Drive

A spare hard drive may be created with a RAID 1 array. The spare hard drive will not be recognized by the operating system, but you will be able to see the spare drive from within Disk Manager or the Intel Option ROM Utility. When a member of the RAID 1 array is broken, the computer automatically rebuilds the mirror array using the spare hard drive as the broken member’s replacement.

To Mark a Drive as a Spare Hard Drive:

Click the

Application Accelerator

Right-click the hard drive you want to mark as a spare hard drive.

Click

Start

button and point to

Mark as Spare

Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel

to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27

Page 28

To Remove Spare Marking From a Spare Hard Drive:

Right-click the spare hard drive icon.

Click

Reset Hard Drive to Non-RAID

Rebuilding a Degraded RAID 1 Volume

If your computer does not have a spare hard drive, and the computer has reported a degraded RAID 1 volume, you can manually rebuild the computer’s redundancy mirror to a new hard drive by performing the following steps:

Click the

Application Accelerator

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Right-click the available hard drive to which you want to rebuild the RAID 1 volume, and

Rebuild to this Disk

click

You can use your computer while the computer is rebuilding the RAID 1 volume.

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter

NOTE: Plug the network cable into the network adapter connector on the computer. Do not plug the

network cable into the modem connector on the computer. Do not plug a network cable into a telephone wall jack.

Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer.

Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is secure.

Start

button and point to

to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.

Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel

Connect the other end of the network cable to a network device.

network adapter connector

network adapter connector on computer

28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

network device

network cable

Page 29

Network Setup Wizard

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a home or small office.

Click the click

On the welcome screen, click

Click

NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the

integrated firewall provided with Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1).

Complete the checklist and required preparations.

Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.

Start

button, point to

Network Setup Wizard

All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications

Checklist for creating a network

, and then

Power Management

Overview

The Microsoft® Windows® XP power management features can reduce the amount of electricity your computer uses when it is on and you are not using it. You can reduce power to just the monitor or the hard drive, or you can use standby mode or hibernate mode to reduce power to the entire computer. When the computer exits from a power conservation mode, the Windows desktop is restored to the state it was in before it entered the mode.

NOTE: Windows XP Professional includes security and networking features not available in

Windows XP Home Edition. When a Windows XP Professional computer is connected to a network, different options related to security and networking appear in certain windows.

Standby Mode

Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a time-out. When the computer exits from standby mode, it returns to the operating state it was in before it entered standby mode.

To set standby mode to automatically activate after a defined period of inactivity:

Click the

Under

To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click the

Turn Off Computer

To exit from standby mode, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.

NOTICE: If your computer loses power while in standby mode, it may lose data.

Start

button and click

Pick a category

, click

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

or pick a Control Panel icon

, and then click

Stand by

, click

Power Options

Start

button, click

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 29

Page 30

Hibernate Mode

Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits from hibernate mode, the desktop is restored to the state it was in

To activate hibernate mode:

Click the

Under

Pick a category

Under

or pick a Control Panel icon

Define your hibernate settings on the

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

To exit from hibernate mode from hibernate mode. Pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse does not bring the computer out of hibernation, because the keyboard and the mouse do not function when the computer is in hibernate mode.

Because hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to store the contents of the computer memory, Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file before shipping the computer to you. If the computer’s hard drive becomes corrupted, Windows XP recreates the hibernate file automatically.

Power Options Properties

Define your standby mode settings, hibernate mode settings, and other power settings in the

Options Properties

Click the

Under

Pick a category

Under

or pick a Control Panel icon

Define your power settings on the

Start

button and click

, click

press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit

window. To access the

Start

button and click

, click

before it entered hibernate mode.

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

, click

Power Options

Power Schemes

tab,

Power Options Properties

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

, click

Power Schemes

Power Options

tab,

Advanced

window:

tab, and

Hibernate

Power

tab.

Power Schemes Tab

Each standard power setting is called a scheme. If you want to select one of the standard Windows schemes installed on your computer, choose a scheme from the The settings for each scheme appear in the fields below the scheme name. Each scheme has different settings for starting standby mode or hibernate mode, turning off the monitor, and turning off the hard drive.

The

Power schemes

•

Always On

Home/Office Desk

•

(default) — If you want to use your computer with no power conservation.

drop-down menu displays the following schemes:

— If you use your computer as a home or office computer and you require

minimal power conservation.

•

Portable/Laptop

— If your computer is a portable computer that you use for traveling.

30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Power schemes

drop-down menu.

Page 31

•

Presentation

— If you want your computer to run without interruption (using no power

conservation).

Minimal Power Management

•

— If you want your computer to run with minimal power

conservation.

•

Max Battery

— If your computer is a portable computer and you run your computer from

batteries for extended periods of time.

If you want to change the default settings for a scheme, click the drop-down menu in the

monitor

Turn off hard disks, System stand by

, or

System hibernates

field, and then select a time-

Turn off

out from the displayed list. Changing the time-out for a scheme field permanently changes the default settings for that scheme, unless you click

Save As

and enter a new name for the changed

scheme.

NOTICE: If you set the hard drive (hard disk) to time-out before the monitor does, your computer may

appear to be locked up. To recover, press any key on the keyboard or click the mouse. To avoid this problem, always set the monitor to time-out before the hard drive.

Advanced Tab

The

Advanced

tab allows you to:

• Place the power options icon in the Windows taskbar for quick access.

• Set the computer to prompt you for your Windows password before the computer exits from standby mode or hibernate mode.

• Program the power button to activate standby mode, activate hibernate mode, or turn off the computer.

To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding drop-down menu and click

Hibernate Tab

The

Hibernate

you defined on the

Hibernate

tab allows you to enable hibernate mode. If you want to use the hibernate settings

Power Schemes

tab, click the

Enable hibernate support

check box on the

tab.

For more information on power management options:

Click the

In the

Start

button and click

Help and Support

window, click

Performance and maintenance

window, click

Conserving power on your computer

Hyper-Threading

Hyper-Threading is an Intel® technology that can enhance overall computer performance by allowing one physical processor to function as two logical processors, capable of performing certain tasks simultaneously. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft

Windows® XP Service Pack 1

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 31

Page 32

(SP1) or later operating system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of Hyper-Threading technology. While many programs can benefit from Hyper-Threading, some programs have not been optimized for Hyper-Threading and may require an update from the software manufacturer. Contact the software manufacturer for updates and information about using Hyper-Threading with your software.

To determine if your computer is using Hyper-Threading technology:

Click the

Click

Hardware

In the

Device Manager

is enabled, the processor is listed twice.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through system setup. For more information on accessing system setup, see page 111. For more information on Hyper-Threading, search the Knowledge Base on the Dell Support website at

Start

button, right-click

and click

My Computer

Device Manager

, and then click

window, click the plus (+) sign next to

support.dell.com

Properties

Processors

. If Hyper-Threading

32 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Page 33

Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips

Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer:

• If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures and ensure that the part is correctly installed.

• If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.

• If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. This message may help technical support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).

• If an error message occurs in a program, see the program’s documentation.

Battery Problems

CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the

battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

REPLACE THE BATTERY — If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on

the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see page 103). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see page 123).

Card Fan Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS — Ensure that the card fan cable is connected firmly to the card fan

connector on the system board (see page 71).

Solving Problems 33

Page 34

Drive Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

ENSURE THAT MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE — Click the Start button and

click My Computer. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.

TEST THE DRIVE —

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

• Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective.

• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.

CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK — See "Cleaning Your Computer" on page 119.

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 58.

RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See page 52.

CD and DVD drive problems

NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a

defect in the drive or the CD or DVD.

NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all

DVD drives.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL —

• Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.

• Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up.

• Ensure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked.

CHECK THE SPEAKERS AND SUBWOOFER — See "Sound and Speaker Problems" on page 45.

34 Solving Problems

Page 35

Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive

CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS — The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the CD/DVD-RW.

TURN OFF STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A CD/DVD-RW DISC — See "Standby Mode" on page 29 or search for the keyword standby in Windows Help (see page 10) for information on power management modes.

Hard drive problems

RUN CHECK DISK —

Click the

Right-click

Click

Click the

Under

Click

Start

button and click

Local Disk C:

Properties

Error-checking Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors Start

Tools

tab.

, click

My Computer

Check Now

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is

connected to a digital telephone network.

CHECK THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK® EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS — If you cannot open your e-mail attachments:

In Outlook Express, click

Click

Do not allow attachments

To ol s

, click

Options

to remove the checkmark.

, and then click

Security

Solving Problems 35

Page 36

CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION —

HECK THE TELEPHONE JACK —

ONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK — SE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE —

• Verify that the telephone line is connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label or a connector-shaped icon next to it.)

• Ensure that you hear a click when you insert the telephone line connector into the modem.

• Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.

• If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the telephone to connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack. If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.

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RUN THE MODEM HELPER DIAGNOSTICS — Click the Start button, point to All Programs, and then click Modem Helper. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is not available on all computers.)

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —

Click the

Click

Printers and Other Hardware

Click

Phone and Modem Options

Click the

Click the COM port for your modem.

Click

Properties

communicating with Windows. If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.

Start

button and click

Modems

tab.

, click the

Control Panel

Diagnostics

tab, and then click

Query Modem

to verify that the modem is

ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET — Ensure that you have subscribed to an Internet provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact your Internet service provider.

Error Messages

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.

36 Solving Problems

Page 37

A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not use these characters in filenames.

A REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUND — The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program:

Click the

Select the program you want to remove.

Click the

See the program documentation for installation instructions.

drive letter :\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY — The drive cannot read the disk. Insert a disk into the drive and try again.

INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA — Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.

NON-SYSTEM DISK ERROR — Remove the floppy disk from the drive and restart your computer.

NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. CLOSE SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN — Close all

windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you might have to restart your computer to restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first.

OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND — Contact Dell (see page 123).

Start

button, click

Change or Remove Program

Control Panel

, and then click

icon.

Add or Remove Programs

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

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

in the Product Information Guide.

ENSURE THAT THE CABLE FOR THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS PROPERLY INSERTED INTO THE DEVICE AND

INTO THE CONNECTOR ON THE COMPUTER

ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —

Click the

Click If your IEEE 1394 device is listed, Windows recognizes the device.

Start

button and click

Printers and Other Hardware

Control Panel

Solving Problems 37

Page 38

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A DELL IEEE 1394 DEVICE — Contact Dell (see page 123).

F YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A NON-DELL IEEE 1394 DEVICE — Contact the manufacturer of the

IEEE 1394 device.

Keyboard Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

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CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE —

• Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to the computer.

• Shut down the computer (see page 59), reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer, and then restart the computer.

• Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent pins.

• Remove keyboard extension cables and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.

TEST THE KEYBOARD — Connect a properly working keyboard to the computer, and try using the keyboard.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 58.

Lockups and Software Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

The computer does not start up

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See page 49.

ENSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE

LECTRICAL OUTLET

38 Solving Problems

Page 39

The computer stops responding

NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.

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.

A program stops responding

END THE PROGRAM —

Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.

Click

Applications

Click the program that is no longer responding.

Click

End Task

A program crashes repeatedly

NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.

CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system

RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —

The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so it runs in an environment similar to nonWindows XP operating system environments.

Click the

Wizard

In the welcome screen, click

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Start

button, point to

All Programs→ Accessories

, and then click

Program Compatibility

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.

Solving Problems 39

Page 40

Memory Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

IF 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 page 73).

• Reseat the memory modules (see page 72) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 52).

40 Solving Problems

Page 41

IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS —

• Reseat the memory modules (see page 73) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see page 73).

• Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For more information about the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 107.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 52).

Mouse Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CLEAN THE MOUSE — See page 119 for instructions on cleaning the mouse.

CHECK THE MOUSE CABLE —

Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent pins.

Remove mouse extension cables, if used, and connect the mouse directly to the computer.

Shut down the computer (see page 59), reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer, and then restart the computer.

RESTART THE COMPUTER —

Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the

Ty p e u, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight

After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the on the setup diagram for your

Start

menu.

Shut down

Turn Off

, and then press <Enter>.

computer.

Start the computer.

TEST THE MOUSE — Connect a properly working mouse to the computer, and try using the mouse.

CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS —

Click the

Click

Try adjusting the settings.

Start

Mouse

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

Solving Problems 41

Page 42

REINSTALL THE MOUSE DRIVER — See page 55.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 58.

Network Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

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CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR — Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack.

CHECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF THE COMPUTER — If the link integrity light is off, that indicates no network communication exists. Replace the network cable. For a description of network lights, see "Controls and Lights" on page 110.

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND LOG ON TO THE NETWORK AGAIN

CHECK YOUR NETWORK SETTINGS — Contact your network administrator or the person who set up

your network to verify that your network settings are correct and that the network is functioning.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 58.

Power Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS GREEN AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT RESPONDING — See "Diagnostic Lights"

on page 49.

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.

42 Solving Problems

Page 43

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS OFF — The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.

• Reseat the power cable into both 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 page 71).

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS STEADY AMBER — A device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.

• Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see page 73).

• Remove and then reinstall any cards (see page 76).

• Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see page 81).

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).

page 71

Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the system board (see

ELIMINATE INTERFERENCE — Some possible causes of interference are:

• Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables

• Too many devices on a power strip

• Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet

Printer Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer’s manufacturer.

CHECK THE PRINTER DOCUMENTATION — See the printer documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.

ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON

Solving Problems 43

Page 44

CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS —

• See the printer documentation for cable connection information.

• Ensure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer (see page 11).

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

VERIFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —

Click the

Click

View installed printers or fax printers

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If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.

Click

Properties

setting is

port(s):

setting is

REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER — See the printer documentation for instructions.

USB

Scanner Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, contact the scanner’s manufacturer.

Start

button, click

and click the

LPT1 (Printer Port)

Control Panel

Ports

, and then click

tab. For a parallel printer, ensure that the

. For a USB printer, ensure that the

Printers and Other Hardware

Print to the following

Print to the following port(s):

CHECK THE SCANNER DOCUMENTATION — See the scanner documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.

UNLOCK THE SCANNER — Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a locking tab or button.

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND TRY THE SCANNER AGAIN

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS —

• See the scanner documentation for cable connection information.

• Ensure that the scanner cables are securely connected to the scanner and the computer.

44 Solving Problems

Page 45

VERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT WINDOWS —

Click the

Click If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.

REINSTALL THE SCANNER DRIVER — See the scanner documentation for instructions.

Start

button, click

Scanners and Cameras

Control Panel

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

Sound and Speaker Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

No sound from speakers

NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been

listening to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume down or off.

CHECK THE SPEAKER CABLE CONNECTIONS — Ensure that the speakers are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If you purchased a sound card, ensure that the speakers are connected to the card.

ENSURE THAT THE SUBWOOFER AND THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED ON — See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate distortion.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

DISCONNECT HEADPHONES FROM THE HEADPHONE CONNECTOR — Sound from the speakers is automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer’s front-panel headphone connector.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.

Solving Problems 45

Page 46

RUN THE SPEAKER DIAGNOSTICS

REINSTALL THE SOUND DRIVER — See page 55.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 58.

No sound from headphones

CHECK THE HEADPHONE CABLE CONNECTION — Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted

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into the headphone connector (see page 61).

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

Video and Monitor Problems

See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

If the screen is blank

CHECK THE MONITOR CABLE CONNECTION —

• Ensure that the graphics cable is connected as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.

• If you are using a graphics extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is defective.

• Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.

• Check the connector for bent or broken pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have missing pins.)

CHECK THE MONITOR POWER LIGHT — If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that the monitor is turned on. If the power light is lit or blinking, the monitor has power. If the power light is blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.

46 Solving Problems

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TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See page 49.

If the screen is difficult to read

CHECK THE MONITOR SETTINGS — See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test.

MOVE THE SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE MONITOR — If your speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor.

MOVE THE MONITOR AWAY FROM EXTERNAL POWER SOURCES — Fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, and other electrical devices can cause the screen image to appear "shaky." Turn off nearby devices to check for interference.

ROTATE THE MONITOR TO ELIMINATE SUNLIGHT GLARE AND POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE

ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —

Click the

Click

Try different settings for

Start

Display

button, click

and click the

Screen resolution

Control Panel

Settings

tab.

, and then click

and

Color quality.

Appearance and Themes

Solving Problems 47

Page 48

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48 Solving Problems

Page 49

Advanced Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Lights

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the back panel (see page 63). The lights can be yellow or green. When the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts, all four lights display solid green. If the computer malfunctions, the color and sequence of the lights identify the problem.

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

The computer is in a normal off condition or a possible pre-BIOS failure has occurred.

ABCD

A possible processor failure has occurred. Contact Dell (see page 123).

ABCD

= yellow

= green

= off

Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet and press the power button.

Advanced Troubleshooting 49

Page 50

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.

ABCD

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A possible graphics card failure has occurred.

ABCD

A possible floppy or hard drive failure has occurred.

• If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module (see page 73), and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module. Continue 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 page 73).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 123).

• If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, reinstall it (see page 81), and then restart the computer.

• If the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the computer.

• If the problem persists or the computer has integrated graphics, contact Dell (see page 123).

Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.

ABCD

A possible USB failure has occurred. Reinstall all USB devices, check cable

ABCD

= yellow

= green

= off

50 Advanced Troubleshooting

connections, and then restart the computer.

Page 51

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

No memory modules are detected.

ABCD

Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error exists.

ABCD

A possible expansion card failure has occurred. 1

ABCD

• If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see page 73).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 123).

• Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see page 73).

• Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer (see page 73).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 123).

Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not a graphics card) (see page 81) and restarting the computer.

If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a different card, and then restart the computer.

Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 58).

If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 123).

= yellow

= green

= off

Advanced Troubleshooting 51

Page 52

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Another failure has occurred.

ABCD

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The computer is in a normal operating condition after POST.

• Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive (see page 99).

• 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.

• The operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive); check system setup (see page 111) to make sure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 123).

None.

ABCD

= yellow

= green

= off

Dell Diagnostics

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" on page 33 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

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

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft

When the boot device list appears, highlight

52 Advanced Troubleshooting

Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer (see page 59) and try again.

Boot to Utility Partition

and press <Enter>.

Page 53

When the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

appears, select the test you want to run (see

page 53).

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the option you want.

Option Function

Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to

20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.

Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes

an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.

Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want

to run.

Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows

you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.

If a problem is 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 and follow the instructions on the screen.

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see page 123).

Main Menu

screen appears, click the button for the

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,

technical support will ask for your Service Tag.

If you run a test from the

Custom Test

Symptom Tree

option, click the applicable tab

described in the following table for more information.

Ta b 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 may indicate requirements for running the

test.

Advanced Troubleshooting 53

Page 54

Tab Function

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

Parameters Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.

Close the test screen to return to the

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restart the computer, close the

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

Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.

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

• Upgrade your operating system.

• Reinstall your operating system.

• Connect or install a new device.

The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.

Main Menu

screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and

screen.

Windows® operating

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

Click the

Under

Click

In the

54 Advanced Troubleshooting

Start

Pick a Category

System

System Properties

button and click

, click

Performance and Maintenance

window, click the

Control Panel

Hardware

tab.

Page 55

Click

Device Manager

Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on

the device icon.

If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver (see page 55).

Reinstalling Drivers

NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com provides approved drivers for Dell™ computers.

If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback

If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.

Click the

Under

Click

In the

Click

Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click

Click the

Click

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.

Start

button and click

Pick a Category

System

System Properties

Device Manager

Drivers

tab.

Roll Back Driver

Control Panel

, click

Performance and Maintenance

window, click the

Hardware

tab.

Properties

Manually Reinstalling Drivers

After copying the required driver files to your hard drive, click the

My Computer

Click

Properties

Click the

Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver.

Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.

Click the

Click

Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)

Click

Browse

When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click

Click

Finish

Hardware

Driver

tab and click

Device Manager

Update Driver

and click

and browse to the location to which you previously extracted the driver files.

and restart your computer.

Start

button and right-click

Advanced Troubleshooting 55

Page 56

Restoring Your Operating System

You can restore your operating system in the following ways:

• Microsoft Windows XP System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files.

• Dell PC Restore by Symantec restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications installed after you received the computer.

Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore

The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your

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computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Windows Help and Support Center for information on using System Restore. To access help, see page 10.

NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or

recover them.

NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not

work if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.

Creating a Restore Point

Click the

Click

System Restore

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Start

button and click

Help and Support

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see page 55) to resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.

NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files

and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

Click the

Start

System Restore

Ensure that

Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.

The

Select a Restore Point

Restore my computer to an earlier time

points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.

56 Advanced Troubleshooting

button, point to

screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore

All Programs→

Accessories→

System Tools

is selected and click

, and then click

Page 57

Select a restore point and click

If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.

Click

The

Restoration Complete

screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and

then the computer restarts.

After the computer restarts, click OK.

To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.

Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open

programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

Click the

System Restore

Click

Start

button, point to

Undo my last restoration

All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools

and click

, and then click

Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec

Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system. PC Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since you received your computer—including data files—are permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos, music files, and so on. If possible, back up all data before using PC Restore.

NOTICE: Using PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications

or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC Restore.

To use PC Restore:

Turn on the computer.

During the boot process, a blue bar with

Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press <Ctrl><F11>.

www.dell.com

appears at the top of the screen.

If you do not press <Ctrl><F11> in time, let the computer finish restarting, and then restart the computer again.

NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.

On the next screen that appears, click

Restore

Advanced Troubleshooting 57

Page 58

On the next screen, click

The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.

When prompted, click

NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.

When prompted, click

The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the screens that appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the computer was turned on.

Click

The

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Enabling System Restore

System Restore

After the computer restarts, click OK.

If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:

Click the

Click

Performance and Maintenance

Click

System

Click the

Ensure that

Confirm

Finish

Yes

screen appears and the computer restarts.

Start

button and click

System Restore

tab.

Turn off System Restore

to reboot the computer.

Control Panel

is unchecked.

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

Click the

Ty p e

Click

In the

computer

58 Advanced Troubleshooting

Start

hardware troubleshooter

Hardware Troubleshooter

, and click

button and click

Help and Support

in the

Search Results

list, click

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my

field and click the arrow to start the search.

list.

Page 59

Removing and Installing Parts

Before You Begin

This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing 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" (see page 59) and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" (see page 60).

• You have read the safety information in your Dell™

• A component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed 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 floppy disk or CD

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.

Shut down the operating system:

Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the click

Turn Off Computer

In the

Turn off computer

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

window, click

Tur n o f f

Product Information Guide.

Start

button, and then

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.

Removing and Installing Parts 59

Page 60

Before Working Inside Your Computer

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

located 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.

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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.

Turn off your computer (see page 59).

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

from the network device.

Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

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

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

Open the computer cover (see page 69).

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.

60 Removing and Installing Parts

Page 61

Front View

*On computers with a floppy drive.

1 CD or DVD drive-activity

light

2 CD or DVD drive eject

button

3 floppy-drive eject button Press to eject a floppy disk from the floppy drive.

4 floppy-drive activity light The floppy drive light is on when the computer reads data from

5 hard-drive activity light The hard drive light is on when the computer reads data from

The drive light is on when the computer reads data from the CD or DVD drive.

Press to eject a disc from the CD or DVD drive.

(On computers with an optional floppy drive.)

or writes data to the floppy drive. Wait until this light turns off before you remove the floppy disk from the drive.

(On computers with an optional floppy drive.)

or writes data to the hard drive. The light might also be on when a device such as your CD player is operating.

Removing and Installing Parts 61

Page 62

6 power button Press to turn on the computer.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the

computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

7 Service Tag Used to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or call

technical support.

8 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.

9 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as

joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see "System Setup" on page 111 for more information on booting to a USB device).

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10 front-panel door Open the door to use the front-panel connectors.

It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

NOTE: The front door is removable; if you remove it or accidentally knock it off its

hinges, it snaps back in place. For instructions on how to reattach the door, see page 65.

62 Removing and Installing Parts

Page 63

Back View

14 13

12*

*Not present on all computers.

1 power connector Insert the power cable.

2 voltage selection switch (may

not be available on all computers)

3 parallel connector Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel

4 diagnostic lights (4) Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem

5 mouse connector Plug a standard mouse into the green mouse connector. Turn

See the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide for more information.

connector. If you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.

based on the diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 49.

off the computer and any attached devices before you connect a mouse to the computer. If you have a USB mouse, plug it into a USB connector.

10*

Removing and Installing Parts 63

Page 64

6 surround connector Use the black surround connector to attach multichannel-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 TV-OUT connector Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see "Connecting to the

Internet" on page 13.

DVI video connector If your monitor has a DVI connector, plug it into the DVI connector on the

computer. If your monitor has a VGA connector, plug it into the VGA connector on the computer.

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10 optional sound card

connectors

11 card slots (5) Access connectors for any installed PCI cards (three slots) and PCI Express cards

modem connector(s) (Optional) If you have a modem, connect a telephone cable to either of the modem

• Line-in connector — Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.

• Microphone connector — Use the pink microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

• Line-out connector — Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers.

• Surround connector — Use the black surround connector to attach multichannelcapable speakers.

•

Center/Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) connector

connector to attach your subwoofer.

(one x16 slot and one x1 slot).

connectors. Do not connect the telephone cable to the network connector.

— Use the yellow center/LFE

NOTE: Not all modems have two connectors.

VGA video connector If your monitor has a DVI connector, plug it into the DVI connector on the

computer. If your monitor has a VGA connector, plug it into the VGA connector on the computer.

64 Removing and Installing Parts

Page 65

14 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. 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.

NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.

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

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.

15 USB 2.0 connectors (6) Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as

printers and keyboards.

It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices.

16 microphone connector Use the pink microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone

for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.

17 line-out connector Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers with

integrated amplifiers.

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

18 center/Low-Frequency

Effects (LFE) connector

19 keyboard connector If you have a standard keyboard, plug it into the purple keyboard connector. If you

20 serial connector Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port.

Use the yellow center/LFE connector to attach your subwoofer.

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

have a USB keyboard, plug it into a USB connector.

Front-Panel Door and Hinge Arms

To prevent damage to your computer, the front-panel door is designed to "break away" if it is lifted up too far. If the front-panel door is open and it is pushed inward too hard, the hinge arms may also break away (the hinge arms are loose when they are detached).

Reattaching the Hinge Arms

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

Disconnect the computer power cable from the electrical outlet.

Remove the front-panel door by gently snapping it off the two hinge arms.

Removing and Installing Parts 65

Page 66

Remove the front-panel insert above the door bay area by pulling the bottom of the insert with your fingers.

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front-panel insert

use fingers to pull here

Lift both hinge arms to the horizontal position.

Use the two view slots to align the pivot bar with the two pivot-bar slots.

66 Removing and Installing Parts

Page 67

view slots (2)

hinge arms (2) in horizontal position

pivot-bar slots (2)

pivot bar

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.

Pull the arms toward you until they snap into position.

If the hinge arms do not snap back into position on the first attempt, slightly reposition the arms and try again.

After the hinge arms snap into position, lower and raise the arms two or three times to properly seat them.

Reattach the front-panel insert.

Reconnect the computer power cable to the electrical outlet.

Reattach the front door (see page 68).

Removing and Installing Parts 67

Page 68

Reattaching the Front Door

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

Disconnect the computer power cable from the electrical outlet.

Lower the hinge arms to the vertical position.

Align the two clips on the inside of the front door with the two hinge arms.

Press inward on the front door until it clips to both hinge arms.

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front-door clips (2)

hinge arms (2) in vertical position

frontpanel door

68 Removing and Installing Parts

Page 69

Opening the Computer Cover

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top

space.

Lay the computer on its side so that the arrow on the bottom of the computer points up.

Open the cover:

Facing the back of the computer, press the release button on the right side of the computer with one hand while pulling up on the top of the cover with the other hand.

Press the release button on the left side of the computer with one hand while pulling up on the top of the cover with the other hand.

Hold the bottom of the computer with one hand, and then pull open the cover with the other hand.

release button

arrow

back of computer

release button

Removing and Installing Parts 69

Page 70

Inside Your Computer

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

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power supply

floppy drive*

hard drive

CD/DVD drive

* On computers with

a floppy drive.

70 Removing and Installing Parts

system board

heat sink and blower assembly

Page 71

System Board Components

SATA connectors (SATA-O, SATA-1, SATA-2, SATA-3)

IDE drive connector (PRI IDE)

floppy drive connector (FLOPPY)

standby power light (AUX_PWR)

main power connector (POWER)

memory module connectors (1, 2, 3, 4)

processor fan connector (CPU FAN)

processor and heat-sink connector

password jumper (PASS)

hard-drive activity light for add-in cards (SCSI LED)

front-panel connector (FRONT PANEL)

internal speaker (SPKR)

card fan connector (PCI FAN)

clear CMOS jumper (CLR CMOS)

battery socket (BATTERY)

PCI Express x16 card connector

front panel audio (FP AUD)

PCI Express x1 card connector

processor power connector (12V PWR)

back of computer

PCI card connectors (PCI SLOT 1, PCI SLOT 2, PCI SLOT 3)

telephony connector (TELEPHONY)

Removing and Installing Parts 71

Page 72

Memory

You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board.

Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For additional information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 107.

DDR2 Memory Overview

DDR2 memory modules should be installed in If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. See the label on the upper-right corner of the module to determine the module’s capacity.

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NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.

The recommended memory configurations are:

– A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2

pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology

– A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 and another

matched pair installed in DIMM connectors 3 and 4

NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules.

• If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200) and DDR2 533-MHz (PC2-4200) memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed.

• Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM connector 1, the connector closest to the processor, before you install modules in the other connectors.

72 Removing and Installing Parts

Page 73

matched pair of memory modules in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 (white securing clips)

matched pair of memory modules in DIMM connectors 3 and 4 (black securing clips)

NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.

NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade,

keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules

from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your

computer may not start properly. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 or DIMM connectors 3 and 4.

Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations

Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use four 1-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as Microsoft space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is less than 4 GB. Certain components within the computer require address space in the 4-GB range. Any address space reserved for these components cannot be used by computer memory.

Windows® XP, can only use a maximum of 4 GB of address

Installing Memory

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity

from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

Lay the computer on its side so that the system board is on the bottom of the inside of the computer.

Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.

Removing and Installing Parts 73

Page 74

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Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector.

memory connector closest to processor

securing clips (2)

connector

notch

memory module

cutouts (2)

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the connector

while you apply equal force to each end of the module.

Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position.

If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.

74 Removing and Installing Parts

crossbar

Page 75

Close the computer cover.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

Right-click the

Click the

To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of memory (RAM) listed.

My Computer

General

tab.

icon and click

Properties

Removing Memory

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity

from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.

Grasp the module and pull up.

If the module is difficult to remove, gently ease the module back and forth to remove it from the connector.

Cards

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity

from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

Removing and Installing Parts 75

Page 76

Your Dell™ computer provides the following slots for PCI and PCI Express cards:

• Three PCI card slots

• One PCI Express x16 card slot

• One PCI Express x1 card slot

PCI Cards

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If you are installing or replacing a card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing a PCI card, see "Removing a PCI Card" on page 80.

If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system.

If you are installing or replacing a PCI Express card, see "Installing a PCI Express Card" on page 81.

Installing a PCI Card

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.

76 Removing and Installing Parts

Page 77

lever

retention arm

filler bracket

If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then

PCI card

edge connector

card connector

continue with step 5.

If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card.

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

Prepare the card for installation.

See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer.

CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a

network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any cards.

Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in

the slot.

Removing and Installing Parts 77

Page 78

not fully seated card

fully seated card

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Before you lower the retention arm, ensure that:

• The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.

• The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.

Press the retention arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

bracket within slot

bracket caught outside of slot

78 Removing and Installing Parts

Page 79

retention arm

alignment guide

alignment bar

filler bracket

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent

the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

See the documentation for the card for information about the card’s cable connections.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then

turn them on.

If you installed a sound card:

Enter system setup (see page 111), select to

Off

Connect external audio devices to the sound card’s connectors. Do not connect external

Audio Controller

, and then change the setting

audio devices to the microphone, speaker/headphone, or line-in connectors on the back panel.

Removing and Installing Parts 79

Page 80

If you installed an add-in network adapter and want to disable the integrated network adapter:

Enter system setup (see page 111), select setting to

Connect the network cable to the add-in network adapter’s connectors. Do not connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel.

Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.

Removing a PCI Card

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.

Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.

If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see page 123).

NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification

of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.

Lower the retention arm and press it into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then

turn them on.

Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.

If you removed a sound card:

Enter system setup (see page 111), select to

Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer.

If you removed an add-in network connector:

Enter system setup (see page 111), select setting to

Connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel of the computer.

Off

Network Controller,

Audio Controller

and then change the

, and then change the setting

Network Controller

, and then change the

80 Removing and Installing Parts

Page 81

PCI Express Cards

Your computer supports one PCI Express x16 card and one PCI Express x1 card.

NOTICE: PCI Express graphics card that run higher than 75 W require an additional cooling fan.

Otherwise, your card could overheat and damage your computer.

If a card fan is not present in your computer and you are installing a graphics card that runs at 75 W or higher, contact Dell (see page 123) to find out how to purchase a card fan.

PCI Express x16 card

PCI Express x16 card slot

PCI Express x1 card

PCI Express x1 card slot

If you are installing or replacing a PCI Express card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing a card, see "Removing a PCI Express Card" on page 85.

If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system.

If you are installing or replacing a PCI card, see "Installing a PCI Card" on page 76.

Installing a PCI Express Card

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.

Removing and Installing Parts 81

Page 82

lever

retention arm

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filler bracket

tab

top of retention mechanism

x16 card

securing slot

securing tab

edge connector

card connector

x1 card

82 Removing and Installing Parts

edge connector

card connector

Page 83

If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 5.

If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card.

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. If your card includes a retention mechanism, remove the top of the retention mechanism by pressing the tab and pulling up on the top. Gently pull the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its connector.

Prepare the card for installation.

See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer.

CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a

network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any cards.

If you are installing the card into the x16 card connector, position the card so the securing slot

is aligned with the securing tab, and gently pull the securing tab.

Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.

not fully seated card

fully seated card

If you replaced a card that was already installed in the computer and you removed the top of

bracket within slot

bracket caught outside of slot

the retention mechanism, you may reinstall the top.

Removing and Installing Parts 83

Page 84

Before you lower the retention arm, ensure that:

• The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.

• The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.

Press the retention arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

retention arm

alignment guide

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alignment bar

filler bracket

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent

the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

If a card fan is not present in your computer and you are installing a graphics card that runs higher than 75 W, contact Dell (see page 123) to find out how to purchase a card fan.

If you installed a PCI Express graphics card that runs at 75 W or higher, install the card fan (see page 86).

Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

See the documentation that came with the card for information about the card’s cable connections.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

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If you installed a sound card:

Enter system setup (see page 111), select

Off

Connect external audio devices to the sound card’s connectors. Do not connect external

Audio Controller

, and then change the setting

audio devices to the microphone, speaker/headphone, or line-in connectors on the back panel.

If you installed an add-in network adapter and want to disable the integrated network adapter:

Enter system setup (see page 111), select setting to

Connect the network cable to the add-in network adapter’s connectors. Do not connect

Off

Network Controller,

and then change the

the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel.

Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.

Removing a PCI Express Card

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.

If your card includes a retention mechanism, remove the top of the retention mechanism by pressing the tab and pulling up on the top.

Gently pull back the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its connector.

If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.

If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see page 123).

NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification

of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.

Lower the retention arm and press it into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then

turn them on.

Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.

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If you removed a sound card:

Enter system setup (see page 111), select

Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer.

If you removed an add-in network connector:

Enter system setup (see page 111), select setting to

Connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel of the computer.

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Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.

Card Fan

NOTICE: PCI Express graphics card that run higher than 75 W require an additional cooling fan.

Otherwise, your card could overheat and damage your computer.

If a card fan is not present in your computer and you are installing a graphics card that runs at 75 W or higher, contact Dell (see page 123) to find out how to purchase a card fan.

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

Audio Controller

, and then change the setting

Network Controller

, and then change the

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

If spare drive rails are installed on the inside of the computer cover, remove them by gently pulling the rails up and out.

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card fan bracket

hooks on inside of computer cover

top edge of card fan bracket

Slide the card fan bracket onto the hooks on the inside of the computer cover.

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Press the top edge of the card fan bracket toward the computer cover until it clicks.

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card fan bracket

top edge of card fan bracket

cabling slot

Route the card fan cable through the cabling slots.

Plug the card fan cable into the card fan connector (PCI FAN) on the system board (see page 71).

If you removed drive rails in step 2, you may attach them to the side of the card fan bracket for convenient storage.

Close the computer cover (see page 104).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

88 Removing and Installing Parts

card fan cable

card fan connector on system board

Page 89

Drives

Your computer supports a combination of these devices:

• Up to two hard drives

• One optional floppy drive

• One optional Zip drive

• Up to two CD or DVD drives

General Installation Guidelines

Connect serial ATA hard drives to the system board connectors labeled SATA-0, SATA-1, SATA-2, or SATA-3. Connect CD/DVD drives to the connector labeled PRI IDE.

When you connect two IDE devices to a single IDE interface cable and configure them for the cable select setting, the device attached to the last connector on the interface cable is the primary or the boot device (drive 0), and the device attached to the middle connector on the interface cable is the secondary device (drive 1). See the drive documentation in your upgrade kit for information on configuring devices for the cable select setting.

Connecting Drive Cables

When you install a drive, you connect two cables—a DC power cable and a data cable—to the back of the drive and to the system board. Some drives may also have an audio connector; one end of the audio cable attaches to the drive connector and the other end attaches to the system board.

Drive Interface Connectors

Serial ATA Connector

interface cable

interface connector

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Most interface connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin on one connector matches a tab or a filled-in hole on the other connector.

When you connect an IDE cable, ensure that you align the colored stripe with the pin 1 connector. When you disconnect an IDE cable, grasp the colored pull tab and pull until the connector detaches.

When you connect and disconnect a serial ATA cable, hold the cable by the connector at each end.

NOTE: The system board serial ATA connector may have an attached cover or shroud.

Power Cable Connector

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Hard Drive

power input connector

power cable

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a

surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.

If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before you begin to remove the hard drive.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

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Removing a Hard Drive

Disconnect the power and data cable from the drive and from the system board.

Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out.

tabs (2)

hard drive

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Installing a Hard Drive

Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation.

Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.

If your replacement hard drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive. Attach the bracket rails to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket rails and then inserting and tightening all four screws (two screws on each rail).

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Install the hard drive into the computer by gently sliding the drive into place until you hear it securely click.

Connect the power and data cable to the drive and to the system board (see page 71).

drive

bracket rails (2)

screws (4)

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Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.

Close the computer cover (see page 104).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, insert a bootable floppy disk into drive A.

Turn on the computer.

Enter system setup (see page 111), and update the appropriate

Exit system setup, and restart the computer.

Partition and logically format your drive before you proceed to the next step.

Drive

option.

See the documentation for your operating system for instructions.

Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 52).

If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, install your operating system on the hard drive.

Adding a Second Hard Drive

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a

surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.

Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

Remove the two plastic rails from the inside of the hard-drive bay by gently pulling the rails up and out of the bay.

Attach the rails to the hard drive using the two screws attached to the rails.

Ensure that the rail tabs are positioned at the back of the hard drive.

NOTICE: Do not install any drive into the lower hard-drive bay until you have removed the green drive

rails from the inside of the hard-drive bay.

Remove the first hard drive from the upper bay and install it in the lower bay:

Disconnect the power and the data cable from the back of the first hard drive.

Press in the two rail tabs and pull the first hard drive out of the upper bay.

Removing and Installing Parts 93

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Gently slide the first hard drive into the lower bay until you hear a click.

Reconnect the power and data cable to the back of the first hard drive.

Gently slide the new hard drive into the upper bay until you hear a click.

rail tabs (2)

second hard drive in upper bay

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Connect a power cable to the drive.

Connect the data cable to the drive and to the system board (see page 71).

Close the computer cover (see page 104).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

Front-Panel Inserts

If you are installing a new floppy or CD/DVD drive instead of replacing a drive, remove the frontpanel inserts.

Open the cover to a 90-degree angle.

Locate the insert that is in front of the drive bay that you want to use.

From inside the computer, press in the release tab of the insert.

first hard drive in lower bay

hard drive bay

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insert release tab

From the outside of the computer, pull the insert away from the computer’s front panel.

Remove the insert from the insert frame by pressing on the four tabs.

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Reattach the empty insert frame over the front of the drive bay (the insert frame fits only one way):

Face the front of the computer and slip the left side of the insert in to the left side of the drive bay opening.

Slightly press the right-side insert release tab and gently push in the insert.

If you are adding a floppy drive and you purchased the drive from Dell, you received a front panel insert in your floppy drive kit. Attach this insert over the front of the drive bay.

front-panel floppy drive insert included in the floppy drive kit

insert frame for floppy drive bay

insert frame for CD/DVD drive bay

floppy drive light

If you are adding a floppy drive that was not purchased from Dell, reattach the empty insert frame over the front of the drive bay.

96 Removing and Installing Parts

floppy drive eject button

Page 97

Floppy Drive

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

NOTE: If you are adding a floppy drive, see "Installing a Floppy Drive" on page 98.

Removing a Floppy Drive

Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the floppy drive.

Disconnect the other end of the data cable from the system board.

power cable

data cable

Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive, slide the drive upward, and then remove it from the floppy-drive bay.

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Installing a Floppy Drive

If you are replacing a drive and the new drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive. Attach the bracket to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket rails and then inserting and tightening all four screws (two screws on each rail).

drive

bracket rails (2)

screws (4)

Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position.

Attach the power and data cables to the floppy drive.

Connect the other end of the data cable to the connector labeled FLOPPY on the system board (see page 71).

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If you are installing a new floppy drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the front-panel inserts (see page 94).

Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.

Close the computer cover. (see page 104).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network device and then plug it in to

the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

Enter system setup (see page 111) and select the appropriate

Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 52).

Diskette Drive

option.

CD/DVD Drive

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

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Removing a CD/DVD Drive

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 59.

Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the drive.

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power cable

data cable

Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive, and then slide the drive upward and remove it from the drive bay.

100 Removing and Installing Parts