Dell 4400 User Manual

Dell™ Dimension™ 4400

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HINT: A HINT 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.

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help
file. To access help files, see page 26.

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2001 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.

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

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dimension, Inspiron, Latitude, OptiPlex, Dell
Precision, DellPlus, and DellNet are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium
are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

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

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of
certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation
and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by
Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless
otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is
prohibited.

November 2001 P/N 6J373 Rev. A00

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

When Using Your Computer

Ergonomic Computing Habits

When Working Inside Your Computer

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

1 Setting Up

Connecting a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Parallel Printer

USB Printer

Installing the Printer Driver

Transferring Information to a New Computer
(Windows XP Only)

Setting Up a Home and Office Network
(Windows XP Only)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turning Off the Computer

Windows XP

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

Windows 2000

2 Solving Problems

Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Accessing Help Files

Power Problems

Start-Up Error Messages

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Contents 3

Video and Monitor Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

If the screen is blank

If the screen is difficult to read

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

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

Sound and Speaker Problems

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

Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

If you cannot print to a parallel port printer

If you cannot print to a USB printer

Scanner Problems

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

. . . . . . . . . . 31

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Modem Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Mouse Problems

Keyboard Problems

Drive Problems

If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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

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

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

If you cannot play a music CD or install a
program from a CD

If you cannot play a DVD movie

If the CD-RW drive stops writing

If you have a hard drive problem

Network Problems

®

Microsoft

Windows® Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

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

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

4 Contents

General Program Problems

A program crashes

A program stops responding

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

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

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

A program error causes the system to lock up

A solid blue screen appears

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

A program is designed for an earlier
Windows operating system

Internet Connection Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

If you have a problem with your Internet connection

. . . . . . . . . 43

. . . . . . 44

E-Mail Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Resolving Other Technical Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Reinstalling Drivers

Using the Windows XP Device Driver Rollback

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Windows XP

Windows 2000

Using System Restore

Creating a Restore Point

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

Undoing the Last System Restore

Reinstalling Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Reinstalling Windows 2000

3 Adding Parts

Front and Back View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Reattaching the Front Door and Hinge Arms

Reattaching the Front Door

Reattaching the Hinge Arms

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

. . . . . . . . . 48

. . . . . . . 49

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

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

. . . . . . 53

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . 62

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

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

Opening the Computer Cover

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

Looking Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

System Board

Adding Cards

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

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

Removing Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Adding Memory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Replacing the AGP Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Contents 5

Adding a Second Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Adding Other Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

5.25-Inch Devices

3.5-Inch Devices

Closing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

4 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Standard Settings

Viewing Settings

System Setup Screens

Clearing Forgotten Passwords

Replacing the Battery

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

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

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

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals

Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

Contacting Dell

Contact Numbers and Addresses

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

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

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit

Regulatory Information

FCC Notices (U.S. Only)

Battery Disposal

NOM Information (Mexico Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

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

Información para NOM (únicamente para México)

Limited Warranties and Return Policy

One-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only)

Two-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only)

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

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

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

Three-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only)

Four-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . 130

. . . . . 99

. . . . . . 99

. . . . . . . . . 114

. . . . . . . 120

. . . . . . . . . . . 127

6 Contents

One-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . 133

Two-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only)

Three-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only)

. . . . . . . . . . 135

. . . . . . . . . 138

"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy
(U.S. and Canada Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

One-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee
(Latin America and the Caribbean Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Contents 7

8 Contents

As you use your computer, observe the following safe-handling guidelines.

When Using Your Computer

CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s)

(including the computer cover, filler brackets, front-panel inserts,
and so on) removed or opened.

• To help avoid damaging your computer, be sure that the voltage

selection switch is set to match the AC power available at your
location:

– 115 V/60 Hz in most of North and South America and some Far

Eastern countries such as South Korea and Taiwan

– 100 V/50 Hz in eastern Japan and 100 V/60 Hz in western Japan

NOTE: The voltage selection switch must be set to the 115V position

even though the AC supply in Japan is 100 V.

– 230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East

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

• To avoid shorting out your computer when disconnecting a network

cable, first unplug the cable from the network adapter on the back of
your computer, and then from the network jack. When reconnecting a
network cable to your computer, first plug the cable into the network
jack, and then into the network adapter.

• To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds

after turning off the computer before disconnecting or connecting a
non-USB device from the computer.

9

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• To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and device power

cables into properly grounded power sources. These cables are
equipped with 3-prong plugs to help ensure proper grounding. Do not
use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from a cable. If you
must use an extension cable, use a 3-wire cable with properly grounded
plugs.

• To help protect your computer from sudden, transient increases and

decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner,
or uninterruptible power supply.

• Be sure that nothing rests on your computer’s cables and that the

cables are not located where they can be stepped on or tripped over.

• Do not spill food or liquids on your computer. If the computer gets

wet, contact Dell (see page 100).

• Do not push any objects into the openings of your computer. Doing so

can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.

• Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not

block cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your
computer; do not place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on a
bed, sofa, or rug.

Ergonomic Computing Habits

10

CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in

injury.

CAUTION: Viewing the monitor screen for extended periods of

time may result in eye strain.

For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines
when setting up and using your computer:

• Position your computer so that the monitor and keyboard are directly

in front of you as you work. Special shelves are available (from Dell and
other sources) to help you correctly position your keyboard.

• Set the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance (usually 510 to

610 millimeters [20 to 24 inches] from your eyes).

• Make sure the monitor screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you

are sitting in front of the monitor.

• Adjust the tilt of the monitor, its contrast and brightness settings, and

the lighting around you (such as overhead lights, desk lamps, and the
curtains or blinds on nearby windows) to minimize reflections and
glare on the monitor screen.

• Use a chair that provides good lower back support.

• Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral,

comfortable position while using the keyboard or mouse

• Always leave space to rest your hands while using the keyboard or

mouse.

• Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides.

• Sit erect with your feet resting on the floor and your thighs level.

• When sitting, make sure the weight of your legs is on your feet and not

on the front of your chair seat. Adjust your chair’s height or use a
footrest, if necessary, to maintain proper posture.

• Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not

have to type for extended periods of time. When you stop typing, try
to do things that use both hands.

11

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monitor screen at or
below eye level

wrists relaxed
and flat

computer positioned
directly in front of
user

arms at desk
level

feet flat on the
floor

When Working Inside Your Computer

12

Before you open the computer cover, perform the following steps in the
sequence indicated.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to service the computer yourself,

except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell
documentation. Always follow installation and service
instructions closely.

Turn off the computer (see page 20).

1

2 Turn off all devices.

3 Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface at the back of

the computer before touching anything inside your computer.

While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the
computer to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal
components.

4 Disconnect any devices connected to the computer, including the

monitor, from their electrical outlets to reduce the potential for
personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or
telecommunication lines from the computer.

5 Disconnect the power cable to your computer, and then press the

power button to ground the system board.

In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:

• When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector, not on the cable

itself. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid
bending any pins. Also, before you connect a cable, make sure that
both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

• Handle components and cards with care. Don’t touch the components

on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal bracket.

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.

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before
you touch anything inside your computer and periodically while you work
inside the computer. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface
on the back of the computer.

You can also take the following steps to prevent static damage:

• Do not remove items from their antistatic packing material until you

are ready to install them in your computer. Just before unwrapping the
antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your
body.

• When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic

container or packaging.

13

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14

SECTION 1

Connecting a Printer

Transferring Information to a New Computer

(Windows XP Only)

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

(Windows XP Only)

Turning Off the Computer

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See the documentation that came with the printer for any recommended
preparation procedures, such as:

• Removing the packaging

• Installing the toner or ink cartridge

• Loading paper

Then follow the instructions that came with the printer to connect it to the
computer. If no information is provided, see the following sections.

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Parallel Printer

Follow the instructions that came with the parallel printer to connect it to
the computer. If no information is provided, then follow the instructions in
this section.

1 Turn off the computer (see page 20).

NOTICE: Use only a standard IEEE parallel cable measuring 3 m (10 ft) or

less to connect the printer to the computer. Use of a nonstandard cable may
prevent the printer from working.

16 Setting Up

2 Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the

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

screws (2)

parallel printer
cable

3 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New

parallel connector
on computer

parallel connector
on printer

clips (2)

notches (2)

Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.

4 Install the printer driver if necessary (see "Installing the Printer Driver"

on page 18).

USB Printer

Follow the instructions that came with the USB printer to connect it to the
computer. If no information is provided, then follow the instructions in this
section.

1 Install the printer driver if necessary (see the following section).

2 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connector on the computer

and the printer. The USB connectors only fit one way.

HINT: You can connect

USB devices while the
computer is turned on.

Setting Up 17

HINT: Your computer has

two USB connectors on
the back panel and two
USB connectors inside the
door on the front panel
(see page 61).

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USB connector

USB printer
cable

USB connector
on printer

Installing the Printer Driver

Follow the instructions that came with the printer to install printer drivers.
If no was information was provided with the printer, then refer to the
following instructions.

18 Setting Up

If you need to install a printer driver, insert the printer installation CD into
the CD or DVD drive. Then follow the prompts on the screen using the
instructions that came with the printer.

If your printer installation CD does not automatically run, click the Start

®

button on the Microsoft

x:\setup.exe (where x is the letter of your CD or DVD drive [usually

Windows® desktop, click Run, and type

drive D]). Then click OK and follow the prompts on your screen. If your
printer installation CD still does not run, check the documentation that
came with your printer for instructions on how to start the printer
installation CD.

If you connect an older printer and it doesn’t work after you install the
driver, access the system setup program (see page 94) and ensure that the
parallel port is set to operate in bidirectional mode.

To check if your printer driver is installed on a computer running the
Windows XP operating system, click the Start button, click Control Panel,
click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click View installed printers
or fax printers. If your computer runs Windows 2000, click the Start button,
point to Settings, and then click Printers. If your printer is listed in the
Printers window, the printer is ready to use.

Windows XP provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data,
such as e-mails, window sizes, toolbar settings, and Internet bookmarks,
from one computer to another. First you collect the data from the source
computer, and then you import the data to the new computer.

If the source computer uses another Windows operating system, the wizard
can be launched from the Windows XP operating system CD or from a
floppy disk created on the Windows XP computer. You may transfer the
data to the new computer over a network or serial connection, or you may
store it on a removable medium, such as a floppy disk, a Zip disk, or a
writable CD.

1 On the computer running Windows XP, click the Start button, point

to All Programs—> Accessories—> System Tools, and then click
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

2 On the welcome screen, click Next.

3 On the Which computer is this? screen, select New Computer, and

then click Next.

4 Follow the instructions on the screen.

HINT: The CD that you

need to place in your CD
or DVD drive is titled
Operating System.

Setting Up 19

Windows XP 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.

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs—>

Accessories—> Communications, and then click Network Setup
Wizard.

2 On the welcome screen, click Next.

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HINT: Selecting the

connection method This

computer connects
directly to the Internet

enables the integrated
firewall provided with
Windows XP.

HINT: If you are having

difficulty turning off your
computer, see "General
Program Problems” on
page 43.

3 Click checklist for creating a network.

4 Complete the checklist and required preparations, and then return to

the Network Setup Wizard.

5 Follow the instructions on the screen.

NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must turn off your computer through the

Start menu rather than by pressing the power button.

Windows XP

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

2 Click the Start button and then click Turn off Computer.

3 Click Tur n o f f.

The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process
finishes.

4 Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power.

20 Setting Up

Windows 2000

1 Save and exit any programs and files you have open.

2 Click the Start button, and then click Shut Down.

3 Click the pull-down menu under What do you want the computer to

do?.

4 Click Shut down and then click OK.

The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process
finishes.

5 Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power.

Setting Up 21

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22 Setting Up

SECTION 2

Finding Solutions
Accessing Help Files
Power Problems
Start-Up Error Messages
Video and Monitor Problems
Sound and Speaker Problems
Printer Problems
Scanner Problems
Modem Problems
Mouse Problems
Keyboard Problems
Drive Problems
Network Problems
Microsoft
General Program Problems
Internet Connection Problems
E-Mail Problems
Resolving Other Technical Problems
Reinstalling Drivers
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Using System Restore
Reinstalling Windows XP
Reinstalling Windows 2000

®

Windows® Error Messages

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Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out where to go for answers. Use this chart
to help you quickly find the answers to your questions.

See page 26.

Get technical assistance from
Dell. See page 100.

See page 27.

24 Solving Problems

See page 28.

See page 30.

See page 31.

See page 34.

See page 36.

See page 37.

See page 37.

See page 40.

See page 33.

See page 41.

See page 43.

See page 46.

See page 44.

See page 46.

Solving Problems 25

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TO ACCESS THE Tell Me How HELP FILE

Microsoft® Windows® XP

1 Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support.
2 Click User and system guides, and then click User’s guides.
3 Click Tell Me How.

Windows 2000

Click the Start button, point to Programs, point to User’s Guides, and then click
Tell Me How.

TO ACCESS HELP IN WINDOWS XP

1 Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support.
2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem, and then click the arrow

icon.

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

TO ACCESS HELP IN WINDOWS 2000

1 Click the Start button, and then click Help.
2 Click the Search tab.
3 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem, and then click List Topics.
4 Click the topic that describes your problem, and then click Display.
5 Follow the instructions shown on the screen.

HINT: See the Tell M e

How help file for

information on the
standby mode.

26 Solving Problems

CHECK THE POWER LIGHT— When the power light is solid green, the

computer has power. If the power light is blinking green, the computer is in
standby mode—press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse. If the power
light is off, the computer is either not turned on or is not receiving electrical
power. If the power light is solid amber, the computer is receiving electrical
power, but an internal power problem may exist—call Dell for technical
assistance (see page 100).

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working

by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

CHECK THE POWER CABLE CONNECTION— Be sure that the power cable is

firmly inserted into the electrical outlet and the computer power connector.

CONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET—

Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify
that the computer turns on.

SWAP THE COMPUTER AND MONITOR POWER CABLES— Swap the

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

CHECK FOR INTER FERENCE— Electrical appliances on the same circuit or

operating near the computer can cause interference. Other causes of
interference: power extension cables, keyboard and mouse extension cables, too
many devices on a power strip, or multiple power strips connected to the same
electrical outlet.

CHECK THE POWER PROPERTIES— See the Tell Me How help file or search

for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center (Help in Windows

2000). To access help files, see page 26.

OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND— Call Dell for technical assistance (see

page 100).

INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA— The operating system is trying to boot to a

nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.

NON-SYSTEM DISK ERROR— There is a floppy disk in the floppy drive.

Remove the floppy disk and restart the computer.

Solving Problems 27

HINT: See the

documentation that come
with your monitor for
fault indications and
troubleshooting
procedures specific to
your monitor.

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If the screen is blank

CHECK THE VIDEO CABLE CONNECTION— Check for bent pins (most video

cable connectors have missing pins, but not bent pins). Ensure that the video
cable is connected as shown on the START HERE sheet for your computer.

PRESS THE MONITOR POWER BUTTON— Be sure that you firmly pressed the

monitor power button.

CHECK THE POWER LIGHT— When 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.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working

by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

SWAP THE COMPUTER AND MONITOR POWER CABLES— Swap the

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

TEST THE VIDEO EX TENS ION CABLE (IF USED)—If you are using a video

extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is defective.

28 Solving Problems

TEST THE MONITOR— If another monitor is available, connect it to the

computer.

CHECK THE BACK PANEL LIGHTS— If all four lights below the serial

connector (see page 61) are not green, call Dell for technical assistance (see
page 100).

CHECK THE POWER PROPERTIES— See the Tell Me How help file or search

for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center (Help in Windows

2000). To access help files, see page 26.

If the screen is difficult to read

ADJUST THE CONTRAST AND BRIGHTNESS— See the documentation that

came with your monitor for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness.

MOVE THE SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE MONITOR— If your speaker

system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 2 ft (60 cm)
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 FACE A DIFFERENT DIRECTION— Eliminate

sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality.

DEGAUSS (DEMAGNETIZE) THE MONITOR— See the documentation that

came with your monitor.

RUN THE MONITOR SELF- TEST— See the documentation that came with

your monitor.

RESTORE THE RECOMMENDED SETTINGS— Restore the original resolution

and refresh rate settings. See the Tell Me How help file for instructions. To access
help files, see page 26.

CHECK FOR ADDITIONAL ADJUSTMENTS— See the documentation that

came with your monitor for any additional adjustments that your monitor may
require.

Solving Problems 29

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

HINT: The volume

control in some MP3
players overrides the
Windows volume setting.
If you have been listening
to MP3 songs, make sure
that you did not turn the
player volume down or off.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS

Windows XP

1 Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
2 Click Appearance and Themes.
3 Click Display, and then click the Settings tab.
4 Try different settings for Screen resolution and Color quality.

Windows 2000

1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Pan el .
2 Double-click the Display icon, and then click the Settings tab.
3 Try different settings for Colors and Screen area.

CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS— See page 49.

ENSURE THAT THE SUBWOOFER AND THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED

ON— See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.

ADJUST THE SPEAKER CONTROLS— If your speakers have volume controls,

adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate distortion.

30 Solving Problems

VERIFY THE SPEAKER CABLE CONNECTIONS— Ensure that the speakers

are connected as shown on the START HERE sheet for your computer and the
setup diagram supplied with the speakers.

BE SURE THAT HEADPHONES ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE FRONT-

PANEL HEADPHONE JACK— Sound from the speakers is automatically

disabled when headphones are connected to the computer’s front-panel
headphone jack.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL— In Windows XP, click the

speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. In Windows 2000, double­click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Be sure that the
volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.