Dell 210L User Manual

Dell™ OptiPlex™ 210L

Quick Reference Guide

Models DCSM, DCNE

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

Quick Reference Guide, Drivers and Utilities

CD, and operating system media are optional and may not ship

with all computers.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary in the

User’s Guide

____________________

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

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

September 2006 P/N YC815 Rev. A01

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

System Views

Mini Tower Computer — Front View Mini Tower Computer — Back View

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Mini Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors Desktop Computer — Front View Desktop Computer — Back View

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

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

Desktop Computer — Back-Panel Connectors

Removing the Computer Cover

Before You Begin Turning Off Your Computer Mini Tower Computer Desktop Computer

Inside Your Computer

Mini Tower Computer Desktop Computer

Setting Up Your Computer

Solving Problems

Dell Diagnostics System Lights

Diagnostic Lights

Beep Codes

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

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

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

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

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

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Using the Drivers and Utilities CD

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

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Contents 3

4 Contents

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with 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)

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to run the access your documentation. (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 28).

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

with your computer.

Dell™ Product Information Guide

Dell Diagnostics

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.

NOTE: Drivers and documentation

updates can be found at support.dell.com.

• How to remove and replace parts

• Specifications

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

User’s Guide

Microsoft

Click the Start button, then click Help and Support.

Click Dell User and System Guides, then click System Guides.

Click Dell Optiplex User's Guide.

The User’s Guide is also available on the optional Drivers and

Utilities

Windows® XP Help and Support Center

CD (

Resource

CD)

Quick Reference Guide 5

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, and frequently asked questions

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and order status, warranty, and repair information

• Service and support — Service call status and support history, service contract, and online discussions with technical support

• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers

• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates

• Desktop System Software (DSS) — If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. The software automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.

Pentium®M processors, optical

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License

These labels are located on your computer.

• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use

support.dell.com

technical support.

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting technical support.

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site. NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers can

also use the customized Dell Premier Support website at premier.support.dell.com. The website may not be available in all regions.

or contact

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 "Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP" on page 37 for instructions).

NOTE: The Operating System CD is optional and may not ship with

your computer.

Start

button and click

Help and Support

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

Your operating system product key label is located on your computer.

NOTE: The color of your CD varies

based on the operating system you ordered.

Quick Reference Guide 7

System Views

Mini Tower Computer — Front View

1234

8 Quick Reference Guide

1 CD/DVD drive 2 floppy drive 3 hard-drive activity light 4 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the USB connectors on the front of the computer for devices that you

5 diagnostic lights

6 power button

7 power light The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different

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

Insert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive.

Insert a floppy disk into this drive.

This light flickers when the hard drive is in use.

connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices.

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

Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic code (for more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 32).

Press this button to turn on the computer.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the

power button for 6 seconds or longer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the

power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.

operating states:

• No light — The computer is turned off.

• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.

• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.

• Blinking or solid amber — The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist. See "Power Problems" in your online User’s Guide.

To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For more information about sleep modes and exiting from a power-saving mode, see your online User’s Guide.

For a description of light codes that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer, see "System Lights" on page 31.

Quick Reference Guide 9

Mini Tower Computer — Back View

1 2 3

cover release latch This latch allows you to open the computer cover.

padlock ring Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.

3 voltage selection

switch

10 Quick Reference Guide

Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.

To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the switch to the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location.

NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage-selection switch must be set to 115-V.

Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.

4 power connector Insert the power cable into this connector. 5 back-panel connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector. 6 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.

Mini Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors

parallel connector Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a

USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.

NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically disabled if the computer

detects an installed card containing a parallel connector configured to the same address. For more information, see your online User’s Guide.

link integrity light • Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer.

• Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer.

• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.

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 the back panel of 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 adapter 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.

network activity light This light flashes yellow when the computer is transmitting or receiving network

data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.

Quick Reference Guide 11

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.

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.

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.

USB 2.0 connectors (4) Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as

printers and keyboards.

video connector Plug the cable from your VGA-compatible monitor into the blue connector.

NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be covered by

a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics card. Do not remove the cap.

NOTE: If you are using a graphics card that supports dual monitors, use the y-cable

that came with your computer.

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

designation is COM1 for serial connector 1.

For more information, see your online

User’s Guide

Desktop Computer — Front View

12 Quick Reference Guide

1 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the USB connectors on the front of the computer for devices that you

connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see your online User’s Guide for more information about booting to a USB device).

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

2 hard-drive activity light This light flickers when the hard drive is being accessed. 3 power button Press this button to turn on the computer.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the

power button for 6 seconds or longer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the

power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.

4 Dell badge This badge can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer. To rotate

the badge, place your fingers around the outside of the badge, press firmly, and turn the badge. You can also rotate the badge using the slot provided near the bottom of the badge.

5 power light The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different

operating states:

• No light — The computer is turned off.

• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.

• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.

• Blinking or solid amber — The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist. See "Power Problems" in your online User’s Guide.

To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager.

For a description of light codes that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer see "System Lights" on page 31.

6 diagnostic lights Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the

diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 32.

7 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers. 8 floppy drive Insert a floppy disk into this drive. 9 CD/DVD drive Insert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive.

Quick Reference Guide 13

Desktop Computer — Back View

1 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express Cards. 2 back-panel connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector. 3 power connector Insert the power cable into this connector. 4 voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.

5 padlock ring Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover. 6 cover release latch Use this latch to open the computer cover.

2 3 4 6

To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the switch to the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location.

NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage-selection switch must be set to 115-V.

Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.

Desktop Computer — Back-Panel Connectors

10 9 8

14 Quick Reference Guide

parallel connector Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a

USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.

NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically disabled if the computer

detects an installed card containing a parallel connector configured to the same address. For more information, see your online User’s Guide.

link integrity light • Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the

computer.

• Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the

computer.

• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.

network adapter connector

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

On computers with a network adapter 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.

network activity light This light flashes yellow when the computer is transmitting or receiving network

data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.

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.

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.

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.

Quick Reference Guide 15

USB 2.0 connectors (4) Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as

printers and keyboards.

video connector Plug the cable from your VGA-compatible monitor into the blue connector.

NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be covered by

a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics card. Do not remove the cap.

NOTE: If you are using a graphics card that supports dual monitors, use the y-cable

that came with your computer.

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

designation is COM1 for serial connector 1.

For more information, see your online

User’s Guide

Removing the Computer Cover

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" on page 16 and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" on page 16.

• You have read the safety information in your Dell™

Turning Off Your Computer

Product Information Guide.

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

Turn Off Computer

In the

Turn off computer

window, click

Tur n o f f

Start

button, and then click

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

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, turn them off now.

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 in the

Product Information Guide.

16 Quick Reference Guide

CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a

card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.

NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing

that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.

NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself.

Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

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

Turn off your computer.

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

network wall jack.

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.

Remove the cable cover, if it is attached.

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

removing the cover.

Remove the computer cover:

• Remove the Mini Computer cover (see "Mini Tower Computer" on page 17).

• Remove the Desktop Computer cover (see "Desktop Computer" on page 23).

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.

Mini Tower Computer

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

Product Information Guide.

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

removing the computer cover.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 16.

Lay the computer on its side.

Slide the cover release latch back as you lift the cover.

Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.

Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a soft nonabrasive surface.

Quick Reference Guide 17

18 Quick Reference Guide

1 security cable slot 2 cover release latch 3 padlock ring

Desktop Computer

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

Product Information Guide.

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

removing the computer cover.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 16.

If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.

Slide the cover release latch back as you lift the cover.

Pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.

Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a soft nonabrasive surface.

security cable slot

cover release latch

padlock ring

Quick Reference Guide 19

Inside Your Computer

Mini Tower Computer

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

Product Information Guide.

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

computer cover.

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

from the system board.

1 CD/DVD drive 5 system board 2 floppy drive 6 heat sink assembly 3 power supply 7 hard drive 4 chassis manual voltage-selection switch

20 Quick Reference Guide

System Board Components

fan connector (FAN)

processor connector (CPU)

power connector (12VPOWER)

memory module connectors (DIMM_1, DIMM_2)

serial ATA drive connectors (SATA0, SATA2)

5 6

front-panel connector (FNT_PANEL)

power connector (POWER)

CD/DVD drive connector (IDE)

PCI Express x1 card connector

PCI card connector (2)

FlexBay USB connector

12 Piezo speaker 13

password jumper (PSWD)

battery socket (BATT)

RTC reset jumper (RTCRST)

Quick Reference Guide 21

Jumper Settings

Mini Tower Computer

PSWD

Jumper Setting Description

PSWD

Password features are enabled (default).

1 2 3

Password features are disabled.

RTCRST

The real-time clock has not been reset.

3 2 1

RTCRST

jumpered unjumpered

22 Quick Reference Guide

The real-time clock is being reset (jumpered temporarily).

Desktop 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 removing the

computer cover.

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

from the system board.

1 drive bay (CD/DVD, floppy,

and hard drive)

2 power supply 5 heat sink assembly 3 system board 6 front I/O panel

4 card slots

Quick Reference Guide 23

System Board Components

fan connector (FAN)

processor connector (CPU)

power connector (12VPOWER)

memory module connectors (DIMM_1, DIMM_2)

serial ATA drive connectors (SATA0, SATA2)

5 6

front-panel connector (FNT_PANEL)

power connector (POWER)

CD/DVD drive connector (IDE)

24 Quick Reference Guide

PCI Express x1 card connector

PCI card connector (2)

FlexBay USB connector

12 Piezo speaker 13

password jumper (PSWD)

battery socket (BATT)

RTC reset jumper (RTCRST)

Jumper Settings

Desktop Computer

PSWD

Jumper Setting Description

PSWD

Password features are enabled

1 2 3

(default).

Password features are disabled.

RTCRST

The real-time clock has not been

3 2 1

reset.

RTCRST

The real-time clock is being reset (jumpered temporarily).

jumpered unjumpered

Quick Reference Guide 25

Setting Up Your Computer

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

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.

NOTICE: To help allow the computer to maintain proper operating temperature, ensure that you do not place the

computer too close to a wall or other storage compartment that might prevent air circulation around the chassis.

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

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

NOTE: Your computer may vary slightly from the following illustrations.

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

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

Connect the keyboard and mouse.

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

communications can cause damage to the network adapter

Connect the modem or network cable.

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

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 connect the other ends of the power cables to electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the switch to the voltage that

most closely matches the AC power available in your location.

NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to 115-V.

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.

26 Quick Reference Guide

Set Up Your Keyboard and Mouse

Set Up Your Monitor

Quick Reference Guide 27

Power Connections

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. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.

For an example of the Express Service Code and Service Tag, see "Finding Information" on page 5.

Express Service Code: ___________________________

Service Tag: ___________________________

Dell Diagnostics

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions 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 online User’s Guide and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.

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

28 Quick Reference Guide

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" in your online User’s Guide for instructions), 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 Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD).

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 (optional) (see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive" on page 29).

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

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD

Insert the

Shut down and restart the computer.

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

Main Menu

Drivers and Utilities

Boot to Utility Partition

appears, select the test you want to run.

CD.

and press <Enter>.

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 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 the listing for the CD/DVD drive and press <Enter>.

Select the listing for the CD/DVD drive option from the CD boot menu.

Select the option to boot from the CD/DVD drive from the menu that appears.

Ty p e 1 to start the

Ty p e 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.

Select

Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics

Drivers and Utilities

CD menu.

from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select

the version appropriate for your computer.

When the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

appears, select the test you want to run.

Quick Reference Guide 29

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the

Main Menu

screen appears, click the button for 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. For information on contacting Dell, see your online

User’s Guide

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.

Tab Function

Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.

Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.

Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

Parameters You can customize the test by changing the test settings.

When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the CD (optional), remove the CD.

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

30 Quick Reference Guide

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.

Drivers and Utilities

Main Menu

screen.

screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the

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