Dell 170L User Manual

Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L

Quick Reference Guide

Models MTC2 and DHS

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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.

The

Drivers and Utilities

and may not ship with all computers.

CD (ResourceCD), operating system media, and

Quick Reference Guides

are optional

____________________

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and OptiPlex are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks

of Microsoft Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.

Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Models MTC2 and DHS

September 2004 P/N D7235 Rev. A00

Finding Information for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

About Your Small Desktop Computer

Front and Back Views Inside Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand

About Your Mini-Tower Computer

Front and Back Views Inside Your Computer

Setting Up Your Computer

Small Desktop Computer Mini-tower Computer

Completed Setup

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

Small Desktop Computer Mini-Tower Computer

Solving Problems

Dell Diagnostics System Lights Diagnostic Lights Beep Codes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Using Microsoft Reinstalling Microsoft

Windows® XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

. . . . . . . . . . 24

Using the Drivers and Utilities CD

Index

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

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

Contents 3

4 Contents

Finding Information for Your Computer

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• My computer documentation

• My device documentation

• Desktop System Software (DSS)

• OS updates and patches

• Warranty information

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD)

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers, run the Dell Diagnostics, or access your documentation.

NOTE: The latest drivers and documentation updates can

be found at support.dell.com.

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not

ship with all computers.

Desktop System Software

Located on the Drivers and Utilities CD and the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

Product Information Guide

Readme files may be included on your CD to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical-reference material for technicians or experienced users.

• How to remove and replace parts

• Technical specifications

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

Dell™ OptiPlex™ User’s Guide

Microsoft

Click the

Click

The User’s Guide is also available on the

Utilities

Windows® XP Help and Support Center

Start

button and click

User’s and system guides

Quick Reference Guide 5

Help and Support.

and click

User’s guides

Drivers and

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

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

• Service call status and support history

• Top technical issues for my computer

• Frequently asked questions

• File downloads

• Details on my computer configuration

• Service contract for my computer

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License

These labels are located on your computer.

• Use the Service Tag to

• Enter the Express

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

Dell Premier Support Website — premiersupport.dell.com

The Dell Premier Support website is customized for corporate, government, and education customers. This website may not be available in all regions.

identify your computer when you

support.dell.com

use or contact technical support.

Service Code to direct your call when 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

6 Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer

• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)

Windows Help and Support Center

Click the

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.

• How to reinstall my operating system

Operating System CD

The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System CD. See your OptiPlex User’s Guide for instructions.

NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating

system you ordered.

NOTE: The operating system media are optional and may

not ship with all computers.

• Regulatory Model Information and Chassis Type

DHS—Small desktop chassis

MTC2

—

Start

button and click

Mini-tower chassis

Help and Support

After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities CD to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.

Your operating system product key

label is located on your computer.

Quick Reference Guide 7

About Your Small Desktop Computer

Front and Back Views

service tag

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

front panel door

headphone connector

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

CD/DVD drive eject button

Microsoft Windows Product Key

CD/DVD-drive eject button

front panel door

power light

parallel connector

serial connector

video connector

power button

link integrity light

mouse connector

diagnostic lights

floppy-drive eject button

floppy-drive activity light

hard-drive activity light

network adapter connector

network activity light

line-in connector

optional card slots (2)

A B C D

low-profile PCI card slot

line-out connector

microphone connector

USB 2.0 connectors (4)

power

connector

8 Quick Reference Guide

Inside Your Computer

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

Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before

opening the cover.

NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do not accidently disconnect

cables from the system board.

CD/DVD drive

floppy drive

hard drive

system board

heat sink and blower assembly

optional internal speaker

padlock ring

low-profile PCI card slot

power supply

optional card cage NOTE: Your computer may have a metal bracket instead of a card cage

Quick Reference Guide 9

Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this

section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: Place your computer on a soft surface to prevent

scratching the top cover.

Your computer can be used in either a vertical or horizontal position.

To use the computer in a vertical position, you must attach the computer stand:

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Place the computer on its right side so that the drive bays are at the bottom and fit the stand onto what was the left side of the computer:

Position the stand as shown in the following figure by aligning the large round hole in the stand with the securing button on the side of the cover.

Align the captive screw in the stand with the screw hole in the cover, and tighten the thumbscrew.

Rotate the computer so that the stand is at the bottom and the drives are at the top.

10 Quick Reference Guide

About Your Mini-Tower Computer

Front and Back Views

service tag

CD or DVD drive activity light

CD or DVD eject button

second drive bay

floppy drive light

power light

power button

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

power connector

voltage selection switch

serial connector

video connector

keyboard connector

line-out connector

microphone connector

floppy drive eject button

hard-drive activity light

headphone connector

parallel connector

diagnostic lights (4)

mouse connector

line-in connector

cover latch

USB 2.0 connectors (4)

PCI card slots (3)

network adapter connector

security cable slot

Quick Reference Guide 11

Inside Your Computer

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

Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before

opening the cover.

NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do not accidently disconnect

cables from the system board.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

CD or DVD drive bay

secondary CD or DVD drive bay

floppy drive bay

secondary hard drive bay

primary hard drive bay

power supply

system board

12 Quick Reference Guide

Setting Up Your Computer

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

Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: If your computer has an expansion card installed (such as a modem card), connect the

appropriate cable to the card, not to the connector on the back panel.

You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer. See the appropriate illustrations that follow the instructions.

Connect the keyboard and mouse.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to operate a PS/2 mouse and a USB mouse simultaneously.

NOTE: If you have a USB-compliant mouse or keyboard, use the USB connectors on the back of your

computer.

Connect the modem or network cable.

Insert the network cable, not the phone line, into the network connector. If you have an optional modem, connect the phone line to the modem.

NOTICE: Do not connect a modem cable to the network adapter. Voltage from telephone

communications can cause damage to the network adapter.

Connect the monitor.

Align and gently insert the monitor cable to avoid bending connector pins. Tighten the thumbscrews on the cable connectors.

NOTE: Some monitors have the video connector underneath the back of the screen. See the

documentation that came with your monitor for its connector locations.

Connect the speakers.

Connect power cables to the computer, monitor, and devices and insert the other ends of the power cables to electrical outlets.

Verify that the voltage selection switch is set correctly for your location. Your computer has a manual voltage selection switch. Computers with a voltage selection switch on the back panel must be manually set to operate at the correct operating voltage.

NOTICE: To help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage selection switch, set the switch for

the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location.

NOTE: Before you install any devices or software that did not ship with your computer, read the

documentation that came with the software or device, or contact the vendor to verify that the software or device is compatible with your computer and operating system.

Quick Reference Guide 13

Small Desktop Computer

Setup Without Cards

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Setup With Cards

monitor

keyboard

mouse

speakers

network

USB

14 Quick Reference Guide

network

Mini-tower Computer

Setup Without Cards

Setup With Cards

monitor

keyboard

mouse

speakers

headphones

network

USB

speakers

telephony/ modem

Quick Reference Guide 15

Completed Setup

Small Desktop Computer

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Mini-Tower Computer

Microsoft Windows Product Key

power

Microsoft Windows Product Key

16 Quick Reference Guide

power

Solving Problems

Dell provides a number of tools to help you if your computer does not perform as expected. For the latest troubleshooting information available for your computer, see the Dell Support website at

support.dell.com

If computer problems occur that require help from Dell, write a detailed description of the error, beep codes, or diagnostics light patterns; record your Express Service Code and Service Tag below; and then contact Dell from the same location as your computer.

See "Finding Information for Your Computer" on page 5 for an example of the Express Service Code and Service Tag.

Express Service Code:___________________________

Service Tag:___________________________

Dell Diagnostics

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" of your

User’s Guide

online

It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.

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

Enter system setup, review your computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in system setup and is active.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional (also known as the ResourceCD).

and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

Drivers and Utilities

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

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

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell

Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD.

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

When the Dell Diagnostics

Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

Main Menu

Boot to Utility Partition

appears, select the test you want to run.

and press <Enter>.

Quick Reference Guide 17

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Optional Drivers and Utilities CD

Insert the

Shut down and restart the computer.

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

If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer

boots according to the devices specified in system setup.

When the boot device list appears, highlight

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Select the

Ty p e 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.

Ty p e 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.

Select

Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics

select the version appropriate for your computer.

When the Dell Diagnostics

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the option you want.

Drivers and Utilities

CD.

IDE CD-ROM Device

Boot from CD-ROM

Main Menu

IDE CD-ROM Device

and press <Enter>.

option from the CD boot menu.

option from the menu that appears.

from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed,

appears, select the test you want to run.

Main Menu

screen appears, click the button for the

Option Function

Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and

Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more

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

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.

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.

18 Quick Reference Guide

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

and requires you to answer questions periodically.

based on the symptom of the problem you are having.

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.

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected 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.

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

When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the

Utilities

Close the test screen to return to the restart the computer, close the

CD, remove the CD.

Main Menu

screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and

screen.

Drivers and

System Lights

Your power light may indicate a computer problem.

Power Light Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Solid green Power is on, and the computer is

operating normally.

Blinking green The computer is in the suspended

state (Microsoft and Windows XP).

Blinks green several times and then turns off

Solid yellow The Dell Diagnostics is running a

A configuration error exists. Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 20 to see

test, or a device on the system board may be faulty or incorrectly installed.

Windows® 2000

No corrective action is required.

Press the power button, move the mouse, or press a key on the keyboard to wake the computer.

if the specific problem is identified.

If the Dell Diagnostics is running, allow the testing to complete.

Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 20 to see if the specific problem is identified.

If the computer does not boot, contact Dell for technical assistance.

Quick Reference Guide 19

Power Light Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Blinking yellow A power supply or system board

Solid green and a beep code during POST

Solid green power light, no beep code

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

and no video during POST

Solid green power light and no beep code but the computer locks up during POST

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. The lights can be yellow or green. When the computer starts normally, the patterns or codes on the lights change as the boot process completes. If the POST portion of system boot completes successfully, all four lights display solid green. If the computer malfunctions during the POST process, the pattern displayed on the lights may help identify where in the process the computer halted.

failure has occurred.

A problem was detected while the BIOS was executing.

The monitor or the graphics card may be faulty or incorrectly installed.

An integrated system board device may be faulty.

Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 20 to see if the specific problem is identified. See "Power Problems" in your online User’s Guide.

See "Beep Codes" on page 22 for instructions on diagnosing the beep code. Also, check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 20 to see if the specific problem is identified.

Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 20 to see if the specific problem is identified.

Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 20 to see if the specific problem is identified. If the problem is not identified, contact Dell for technical assistance.

Light Pattern

off off off off

Problem Description Suggested Resolution

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

20 Quick Reference Guide

• Verify that the computer is plugged into a working electrical outlet and that you have pressed the power button.

Light Pattern

yellow green yellow yellow

Problem Description Suggested Resolution

A possible processor failure has occurred.

• Reinstall the processor and restart the computer.

green green yellow yellow

yellow yellow green yellow

yellow green green yellow

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

A possible PCI expansion card failure has occurred.

A possible IDE drive failure has occurred.

• If you have one memory module installed, reinstall it and restart the computer.

• If you have two memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module, and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall the second module.

• If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell.

• Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not the video card) and then 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 24").

• Move each card one at a time to a different PCI slot and restart the computer after each move.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell.

• Reseat all IDE drive power and data cables and restart the computer.

green green green yellow

A possible USB failure has occurred.

• Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer.

Quick Reference Guide 21

Light Pattern

yellow yellow yellow green

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

yellow green yellow green

yellow green green green

Problem Description Suggested Resolution

No memory modules are detected.

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

Another failure has occurred.

• Reinstall all memory modules and restart the computer.

• To eliminate the possibility of a faulty memory connector, remove all memory modules, reinstall one memory module (if the computer supports a single module), and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, move the memory module to a different connector and restart the computer. Continue until you have identified a faulty connector or reinstalled all modules without error.

• Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see "Memory" in the online

• Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell.

• Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from all installed hard drives.

• Check the computer message that appears on your monitor screen.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell.

User’s Guide

for more information).

green green green green

The computer is in a normal operating condition after POST.

Beep Codes

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

If your computer beeps during start-up:

Write down the beep code.

See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 17 to identify a more serious cause.

Contact Dell for technical assistance.

22 Quick Reference Guide

•None.

Code Cause Code Cause

1-1-2 Microprocessor register failure 3-1-4 Slave interrupt mask register failure

1-1-3 NVRAM read/write failure 3-2-2 Interrupt vector loading failure

1-1-4 ROM BIOS checksum failure 3-2-4 Keyboard Controller Test failure

1-2-1 Programmable interval timer failure 3-3-1 NVRAM power loss

1-2-2 DMA initialization failure 3-3-2 Invalid NVRAM configuration

1-2-3 DMA page register read/write

failure

1-3 Video Memory Test failure 3-4-1 Screen initialization failure

1-3-1 through 2-4-4 Memory not being properly

identified or used

3-1-1 Slave DMA register failure 3-4-3 Search for video ROM failure

3-1-2 Master DMA register failure 4-2-1 No timer tick

3-1-3 Master interrupt mask register

failure

4-2-3 Gate A20 failure 4-4-1 Serial or parallel port test failure

4-2-4 Unexpected interrupt in protected

mode

4-3-1 Memory failure above address

0FFFFh

4-3-3 Timer-chip counter 2 failure 4-4-4 Cache test failure

4-3-4 Time-of-day clock stopped

3-3-4 Video Memory Test failure

3-4-2 Screen retrace failure

4-2-2 Shutdown failure

4-4-2 Failure to decompress code to

shadowed memory

4-4-3 Math-coprocessor test failure

Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics

The Dell IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics is a utility that tests the hard drive to troubleshoot or confirm a hard drive failure.

Turn on your computer (if your computer is already on, restart it).

When F2= Setup appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <Ctr><Alt><D>.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

If a failure is reported, see "Hard Drive Problems" in the "Solving Problems" section of the online

User’s Guide

Quick Reference Guide 23

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. In the Microsoft incompatibilities.

Windows XP

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Windows 2000

To resolve incompatibilities using Device Manager:

Windows® 2000 operating system, you can also use Device Manager to resolve

Click the

Ty p e

hardware troubleshooter

Click

Hardware Troubleshooter

In the

Hardware Troubleshooter

computer

Click the

In the

Control Panel

Click the

Click

Device Manager

Click

View

Double-click

Incorrectly configured devices are indicated by a yellow exclamation point ( device has been disabled.

Start

button and click

, and click

Start

button, point to

window, double-click

Hardware

tab.

and click

Resources by connection

Interrupt request (IRQ)

Help and Support

in the

Search Results

list, click

Settings

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my

, and then click

System

field and click the arrow to start the search.

list.

Control Panel

) or a red X if the

Double-click any device marked with an exclamation point to display the

Device

The reconfigured.

Reconfigure the devices or remove the devices from the Device Manager. See the documentation that came with the device for information on configuring the device.

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

Click the

Click

Start

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

troubleshooters

In the

Hardware Troubleshooter

and click

24 Quick Reference Guide

status area in the

button and click

, and then click

list, click

Properties

Help

Hardware

window reports the cards or devices that need to be

on the

Contents

tab, click

Windows 2000

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer

window.

Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore

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

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

recover them.

Creating a Restore Point

Click the

Click

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

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

System Restore

Ensure that

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

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

Start

button and click

System Restore

Start

button, point to

Restore my computer to an earlier time

Select a Restore Point

Help and Support

All Programs→

Accessories→

System Tools

is selected and click

, and then click

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

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

Restoration Complete

The

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.

Quick Reference Guide 25

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

The

After the computer restarts, click OK.

Start

button, point to

Undo my last restoration

System Restore

screen appears and the computer restarts.

All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools

and click

, and then click

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Enabling System Restore

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

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

Before You Begin

If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver.

NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For

conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.

To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:

• Dell™

•Dell

Operating System

Drivers and Utilities

Start

button and click

System Restore

tab.

Turn off System Restore

Control Panel

is unchecked.

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer.

Use the Drivers and Utilities CD or go to the Dell support site to load any required drivers.

NOTE: The Operating System and Drivers and Utilities CDs are optional and may not ship with all

computers.

26 Quick Reference Guide

Reinstalling Windows XP

NOTICE: You must use Windows XP Service Pack 1 or later when you reinstall Windows XP.

To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.

The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.

NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can

overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so.

NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your

computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.

Booting From the Operating System CD

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

Insert the

Restart the computer.

Press <F12> immediately after the DELL™ logo appears.

Operating System

CD. Click

Exit

Install Windows XP

message appears.

If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the computer and try again.

Press the arrow keys to select

When the

Press any key to boot from CD

CD-ROM

, and press <Enter>.

message appears, press any key.

Windows XP Setup

When the

Windows now

Read the information on the

Windows XP Setup

screen appears, press <Enter> to select

Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement

To set up

screen, and press

<F8> to accept the license agreement.

If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current Windows XP data, type

If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.

Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and follow the

to select the repair option, and remove the CD.

instructions on the screen.

The

Windows XP Setup

screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and

install the devices. The computer automatically restarts multiple times.

NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of

your computer.

Quick Reference Guide 27

NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot

from the CD.

When the location and click

Enter your name and organization (optional) in the click

At the

Computer Name and Administrator Password

computer (or accept the one provided) and a password, and click

If the

Modem Dialing Information

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Enter the date, time, and time zone in the

If the

Networking Settings

If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional and you are prompted to provide further information regarding your network configuration, enter your selections. If you are unsure of your settings, accept the default selections.

Windows XP installs the operating system components and configures the computer. The computer automatically restarts.

NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot

from the CD.

When the

Skip

click

When the click

When the

Click

Finish

Reinstall the appropriate drivers with the

Reinstall your virus protection software.

Reinstall your programs.

Regional and Language Options

screen appears, select the settings for your

Personalize Your Software

window, enter a name for your

screen appears, enter the requested information and click

Date and Time Settings

screen appears, click

Welcome to Microsoft

How will this computer connect to the Internet?

screen appears, click

Typical

and click

window, and click

Ready to register with Microsoft?

screen appears, select

No, not at this time

Who will use this computer?

screen appears, you can enter up to five users.

to complete the setup, and remove the CD.

Drivers and Utilities

CD.

screen, and

message appears,

and

NOTE: To reinstall and activate your Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite programs, you need the

Product Key number located on the back of the Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite CD sleeve.

28 Quick Reference Guide

Using the Drivers and Utilities CD

To us e t h e

Drivers and Utilities

CD (also known as the ResourceCD) while you are running the

Windows operating system:

NOTE: To access device drivers and user documentation, you must use the Drivers and Utilities CD while

you are running Windows.

Turn on the computer and allow it to boot to the Windows desktop.

Insert the

If you are using the

ResourceCD Installation

Drivers and Utilities

window opens to inform you that the

CD into the CD drive.

CD for the first time on this computer, the

Drivers and Utilities

about to begin installation.

Click OK to continue.

To complete the installation, respond to the prompts offered by the installation program.

Click

at the

Select the appropriate

Drivers for Your Computer

Welcome Dell System Owner

System Model, Operating System, Device Type,

screen.

and

To pi c

To display a list of device drivers for your computer:

Click

My Drivers

The

Drivers and Utilities

in the

To pi c

drop-down menu.

CD scans your computer’s hardware and operating system, and then

a list of device drivers for your system configuration is displayed on the screen.

Click the appropriate driver and follow the instructions to download the driver to your computer.

To view all available drivers for your computer, click

Drivers

from the

To pi c

drop-down menu.

CD is

Quick Reference Guide 29

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30 Quick Reference Guide

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