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Dell™Dimension™8200
Technical Overview
Controls and Lights
Solving Problems
System Codes and Messages
Technical Specifications
System Setup Program
Adding Parts
Documentation
Hints, Notices, and Cautions
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help file.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2001–2002DellComputerCorporation.Allrightsreserved.
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, and Dimension are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation;
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
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
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September 2002 Rev. A08
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.
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System Codes and Messages
Dell™Dimension™8200
Diagnostic Codes
POST Beep Codes
System Messages
Diagnostic Codes
Your computer is equipped with four diagnostic lights, which are labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the back of the computer. Each of the four lights can be
yellow, green, or off as shown in the following table. When the computer is turned on or restarted and it is functioning normally, the lights flash during POST.
After the computer starts, the lights remain green to signify normal computer operation.
If a malfunction is detected and the computer fails to start, the lights display a code that identifies the problem. Write down the diagnostic code displayed and
look it up in the following table.
Make sure that the computer is connected to a known working electrical outlet, and then check
whether the front-panel power light on the power button is on or off. If the power light is off, check
the power supply. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions
on obtaining technical assistance.
See "Safety Instructions," and then remove all cards.Ifthecomputerstilldoesnotstart,see
"Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
System board is receiving
power, but the BIOS is not
executing.
Set the configuration jumper to Maintenance mode, and restart the computer. Exit and save changes
in the system setup program. Turn off the computer and reset the configuration jumper to Normal
mode, and then restart the computer.
See "Safety Instructions," and then remove all cards and restart the computer to determine if a
resource conflict exists. If conflict exists, see"Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities." If
the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
Recovery mode from BIOS
Set the configuration jumper to Maintenance mode and restart the computer. Exit and save changes in
the system setup program. Turn off the computer and reset the configuration jumper to Normal mode,
and then restart the computer.
See "Safety Instructions," and then remove all cards and restart the computer to determine if a
resourceconflictexists.Ifconflictexists,see"Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities." If
the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
Microprocessor has failed a
BIOS test.
If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
Memory failed to be sized or
Reseat the memory modules.Iftheproblempersists,see"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Memory modules are
detected, but a memory
configuration or compatibility
error exists.
l Be sure that there are no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements.
l Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with the computer.
If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
l Reseat all memory modules, and then restart the computer.
l 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.
If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
PCI bus failure has occurred.
See "Safety Instructions," and then remove all cards and restart the computer to determine if a
resource conflict exists. If conflict exists, see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities." If
the problem still persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
Video controller failed to
initialize or respond.
If the computer has a video card, reseat the video card. If the problem persists or the computer has
integrated video, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
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POST Beep Codes
If the monitor cannot display errors or problems, during POST the computer might emit a series of beeps, or beep code, that identifies the problem. The POST
beep codes are listed below.
System Messages
IDE bus failure has occurred.
Reseat the drive cables. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
connected to it has failed
initialization.
Disconnect the device from the USB connector. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the
Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Computer has started and
turned over control to the
operating system.
A memory refresh failure occurred.
Reseat the memory modules.
Memory parity cannot be reset.
Reseat the memory modules.
A failure occurred in the first 64 KB of memory.
Reseat the memory modules.
The system timer is not operational.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
8042 Gate A20 cannot be toggled.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
An exception interrupt error occurred.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
A read/write error occurred in the display
memory.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
A CMOS shutdown register test error occurred.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
An invalid BIOS is installed.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
The keyboard controller failed its test.
If you receive this message after making changes in the system setup
program, enter the program and restore the original value(s).
Error in the address decoding circuitry in the
memory.
Reseat the memory modules.
C: Drive Error
C: Drive Failure
The hard drive is not working or is not configured
correctly.
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined
correctly in the system setup program.
Cache Memory Bad, Do
Not Enable Cache
Cache memory is not operating.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
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An error is occurring on the timer on the system
board.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
CMOS Battery State
Low
CMOS Checksum Failure
CMOS System Options
Not Set
CMOS Display Type
Mismatch
CMOS Memory Size
Mismatch
CMOS Time and Date
Not Set
The system configuration information in the system
setup program is incorrect, or the battery charge
may be low.
Enter the system setup program and verify the system configuration; then
restart the computer.
Drive A or B is present but has failed the BIOS POST.
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined
correctly in the system setup program. Check the interface cable at both
ends.
DMA Error
DMA 1 Error
DMA 2 Error
Error in the DMA controller on the system board.
The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.
FDD Controller
Failure
HDD Controller
Failure
BIOS cannot communicate with the floppy drive or
hard-drive controller.
Ensure that the floppy drive or the hard drive is installed correctly in the
computer and defined correctly in the system setup program. Check the
interface cable at both ends.
Interrupt channel on the system board failed the
POST.
The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.
Invalid Boot Diskette
The operating system cannot be located on drive A
or drive C.
Enter the system setup program and confirm that drive A or drive C is
properly identified.
The BIOS has detected a stuck key.
Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be
stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace
the keyboard.
An error occurred with the keyboard connector.
Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be
stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace
the keyboard.
The operating system cannot be located on drive A
or drive C.
Enter the system setup program and confirm that drive A or drive C is
properly identified.
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Documentation
Dell™Dimension™8200
Printed Documentation
Online Documentation
Printed Documentation
To save PDF files (files with an extension of .pdf) to your hard drive, right-click the document title, click Save Target As in Microsoft®Internet Explorer or Save
Link As in Netscape Navigator, and specify a location on your hard drive.
Right-click only the following link:
Dell Dimension 8200 Systems Solutions Guide (.pdf) (3.97 MB) — Provides information on adding upgrades, performing basic troubleshooting procedures, and
reinstalling drivers. It also provides technical specifications.
Online Documentation
The Tell Me How help file is already loaded on your hard drive when you receive your computer. To open the file, click the Start button on the Windows®
desktop, point to Programs—> User's Guides, and then click Tell Me How.
The Tell Me How help file allows you to search for information in multiple ways. You can quickly link to information on the following topics:
l Hardware and software features of your computer
l The Windows desktop, where you can change your wallpaper and screen saver, create shortcuts, and position icons
l Software access, installation, and removal
l Basic file management, such as finding, copying, deleting, and renaming files
l Tips on using your computer hardware
Downloading the Tell Me How Help File and Associated Files
1. Right-click the following link to the hhactivex.dll file: hhactivex.dll.
2. Click Save Target As in Microsoft Internet Explorer or Save Link As in Netscape Navigator, and specify c:\windows\system.
3. Click the Start button on the Microsoft Windows desktop, and then click Run.
4. Type regsvr32 hhactivex.dll and then press <Enter>.
5. Click OK when the installation is complete.
6. Right-click the following link to the file: Dell Dimension 8200 System Tell Me How (.chm) (1.36 MB).
7. Click Save Target As in Microsoft Internet Explorer or Save Link As in Netscape Navigator, and specify a location on your hard drive.
Viewing the Tell Me How Help File
1. Click the Start button on the Windows desktop, point to Programs, and then click Windows Explorer.
2. Navigate to the directory in which you saved the Tell Me How help file.
3. Double-click the file (tellhow.chm).
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HINT: You must right- click the link for a portable document format (PDF) file and save the file to your hard drive. Attempting to open large PDF files
through your browser causes your computer to freeze.
HINT: PDFfilesrequireAdobe™AcrobatReader,whichcanbedownloadedfromtheAdobeWorldWideWebsiteathttp://www.adobe.com/acrobat/.
To view a PDF file, launch Acrobat Reader. Click File—> Open and select the PDF file.
HINT: Tell Me How help files (files with an extension of .chm) require Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or later.
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Adding Parts
Dell™Dimension™8200
Safety Instructions
Shutting Down the Computer
Reattaching the Front Door and Hinge Arms
Opening the Computer Cover
Adding Cards
Removing Cards
Adding Memory
Replacing an AGP Card
Adding a Second Hard Drive
Adding Other Drives
Replacing the Microprocessor
Removing the Front I/O Panel
Replacing the Power Supply
Replacing the System Board
Closing the Computer Cover
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your own personal safety.
As you use your computer, observe the following safe-handling guidelines.
CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on)
removed.
l Your computer is equipped with one of the following:
¡ A fixed-voltage power supply — Computers with a fixed-voltage power supply do not have a voltage selection switch on the back panel and
operate at only one voltage (see the regulatory label on the outside of the computer for its operating voltage).
¡ An auto-sensing voltage circuit — Computers with an auto-sensing voltage circuit do not have a voltage selection switch on the back panel and
automatically detect the correct operating voltage.
¡ 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.
To help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage selection switch, ensure 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 115-V position even though the AC power available in Japan is 100 V.
¡ 230 V/50 Hz in some regions in the Caribbean and South America and most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East
Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.
l Before working inside the computer, unplug the computer to help prevent electric shock or system board damage. Certain system board components
continue to receive power any time the computer is connected to AC power.
l 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.
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l To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting a device from the computer.
l To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and device power cables into properly grounded electrical outlets. 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.
l To help protect your computer from sudden, transient increases and decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or
uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
l Be sure nothing rests on your computer's cables and that the cables are not located where they can be stepped on or tripped over.
l Do not push any objects into the openings of your computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.
l 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.
When Working Inside Your Computer
Before you open the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.
CAUTION: 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: To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before removing a component from the
system board or disconnecting a device from the computer.
1. Perform an orderly computer shutdown using the operating system menu.
2. Turn off your computer and any devices.
3. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as the metal around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer,
before touching anything inside your computer.
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal
components.
4. Disconnect your computer and devices, including the monitor, from their electrical outlets. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines
from the computer.
Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.
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:
l 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 disconnecting 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.
l 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 microprocessor chip by its edges, not by its pins.
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
Static electricity can harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch
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Shutting Down the Computer
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 Turn off.
The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes.
4. Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power.
Windows Millennium Edition (Me) and 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.
Reattaching the Front Door and Hinge Arms
To prevent damage to your computer, the front door is designed to "break away" if it is lifted up too far. If the front door breaks away, you might need to
reattach both the front door and the hinge arms.
Reattaching the Front Door
1. Shut down the computer.
any of your computer's electronic components, such as the microprocessor. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):
l Do not remove components from their antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the component in your computer. Just before unwrapping
the antistatic packaging, discharge static electricity from your body.
l When transporting an electrostatic sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or packaging.
l Handle all electrostatic sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.
The following notice may appear throughout this document to remind you of these precautions:
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge."
Ergonomic Computing Habits
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.
Your computer uses a lithium-ion battery. For instructions about replacing the lithium-ion battery in your computer, refer to the section about replacing the
battery in your Dell computer documentation.
Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your local waste disposal agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site.
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must turn off your computer through the Start menu rather than by pressing the power button.
HINT: If you are having difficulty turning off your computer, see "General Program Problems."
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2. Lower the hinge arms to the vertical position.
3. Align the two clips on the inside of the front door with the two hinge arms.
4. Press inward on the front door until it clips to both hinge arms.
Reattaching the Hinge Arms
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Disconnect the power cable from your computer.
3. Remove the front door, if it is attached.
The front door snaps off of the two hinge arms.
4. Remove the front-panel insert above the front-door bay area.
Pull the bottom of the insert with your fingers to remove it.
5. Lift both hinge arms to the horizontal position.
6. Use the two view slots to align the pivot bar with the two pivot-bar slots.
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7. Pull the arms toward you until they snap into place.
If the hinge arms don't snap back into place on the first attempt, slightly reposition the arms and try again.
8. After the hinge arms clip into place, lower and raise the arms two or three times to properly seat them.
9. Reattach the front-panel insert.
10. Reconnect the power cable to your computer.
11. Reattach the front door as described in "Reattaching the Front Door."
Opening the Computer Cover
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
3. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
4. If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.
5. Lay the computer on its side as shown in the illustration.
6. Open the cover:
a. Facing the back of the computer, press the release button on the right side of the computer with one hand while pulling up on the top of the
cover with the other hand.
b. Press the release button on the left side of the computer with one hand while pulling up on the top of the cover with the other hand.
c. Hold the bottom of the computer with one hand, and then pull open the cover with the other hand.
Adding Cards
NOTICE: Using excessive force to pull the hinge arms into place may damage the arms or the front panel.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
NOTICE: Ensure that there is sufficient space to support the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space.
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1. Shut down the computer.
2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
3. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
4. Open the computer cover.
5. To raise the securing lever, press the tab until it is free from the latch and then lift the lever.
6. Insert the card into the connector.
7. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the connector.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
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8. Lower the plastic securing lever.
9. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
See the documentation that came with the card for information about the card cable connections.
10. Close the computer cover.
11. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
12. Install any drivers required for the card as described in the documentation that came with the card.
Removing Cards
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
3. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
4. Open the computer cover.
5. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
6. To raise the securing lever, press the tab until it is free from the latch and then lift the lever.
7. To remove the card, grasp the card by the top corners and lift it out.
If the card is difficult to remove, gently ease the card back and forth to remove it from the connector.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
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8. If you are not replacing the card, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
If you are adding a card, see "Adding Cards."
9. Lower the securing lever.
10. Close the computer cover.
11. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Adding Memory
You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. For information on the type of memory supported by your
computer, see "Memory" in "Technical Specifications."
RDRAM Overview
RDRAM technology requires that all memory connectors be populated with either a memory module or a continuity module. Memory modules and continuity
modules are easily identified—memory modules have a metal cover on one side of the module and continuity modules do not.
Memory modules are the actual components that provide memory for the microprocessor; continuity modules are used only to complete the memory circuit if
memory modules are not installed in all of the memory connectors.
Another RDRAM requirement is that memory modules must be installed in pairs of matched memory size. This means that if you purchased your computer with
128 MB of memory installed and you want to add another 128 MB of memory, you must remove the two continuity modules and replace them with two 64-MB
memory modules.
HINT: Installing filler brackets over empty card- slot openings is necessary to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the
computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that
you may have, even if the new modules were purchased from Dell. Your original memory modules must be installed as a pair in either connectors RIMM1
and RIMM 2 or RIMM 3 and RIMM4. Do not pair one original memory module with one new memory module in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 or RIMM3 and
RIMM4. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly.
HINT: The metal cover on a memory module is manufactured in various colors. The color of the metal cover has no effect on the module's performance.
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The only two valid memory configurations are:
l A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 with continuity modules installed in connectors RIMM3 and RIMM4
or
l A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 and another matched pair installed in connectors RIMM3 and RIMM4
To install memory modules:
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
3. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
4. Open the computer cover.
5. Remove a memory or a continuity module.
a. Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
b. Grasp the module and pull up.
If the module is difficult to remove, gently ease the module back and forth to remove it from the connector.
6. To insert a module, press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
HINT: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
NOTICE: If you upgrade the memory, the memory modules must be upgraded in matched pairs of identical MB capacity in both memory connectors
RIMM1 and RIMM2 or memory connectors RIMM3 and RIMM4.
NOTICE: Be sure to install memory modules in the first two memory connectors (RIMM1 and RIMM2) nearest the processor before installing memory
modules in the outer two memory connectors (RIMM3 and RIMM4).
NOTICE: All memory connectors must be populated with either a memory module or a continuity module. The computer will not operate if a memory
connector is unpopulated.
NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that
you may have, even if the new modules were purchased from Dell. Your original memory modules must be installed as a pair in either connectors RIMM1
and RIMM 2 or RIMM 3 and RIMM4. Do not pair one original memory module with one new memory module in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 or RIMM3 and
RIMM4. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly.
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7. Align the notches on the bottom of the module with the crossbars in the connector.
8. Insert the module straight down into the connector, ensuring that it fits into the vertical guides at each end of the connector. Press firmly on the ends
of the module until it snaps into place.
If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.
9. Close the computer cover.
10. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
11. Right-click the My Computer icon and then click Properties.
12. Click the General tab.
13. To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of memory (RAM) listed.
Replacing an AGP Card
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
3. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
4. Open the computer cover.
5. Press the card clip lever on the side of the AGP card to release the card from the slot connector, and remove the card.
NOTICE: To avoid breaking the memory module, do not press near the middle of the module.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
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6. To replace the AGP card, gently press it down into the slot connector until it clicks into place. Press the card clip lever while inserting the card into the
slot connector.
Adding a Second Hard Drive
Your computer includes one hard drive. To add a second hard drive:
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
3. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
4. Unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.
See the drive documentation to ensure that the drive is set up for your computer.
5. Open the computer cover.
6. Remove the two green plastic rails from the inside of the hard-drive bay.
These rails are not attached to the inside of the hard-drive bay with screws. To remove the rails, gently pull the rails up and out of the bay.
7. Attach the rails to the hard drive using the two screws attached to the rails.
Ensure that the rail tabs are positioned at the back of the hard drive.
8. Remove the first hard drive from the upper bay and install it in the lower bay.
a. Disconnect the power cable and the data cable from the back of the first hard drive.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
HINT: Two sets of rails are attached to the inside of the computer cover. Use the two longer rails on 5.25-inch drives. Use the shorter rails for 3.5-inch
drives. Rails for a second hard drive are attached inside the hard-drive bay.
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b. Press in the two green rail tabs and pull the first hard drive out of the upper bay.
c. Gently slide the first hard drive into the lower bay until you hear a click.
d. Reconnect the power cable and the data cable to the back of the first hard drive.
9. Gently slide the new hard drive into the upper bay until you hear a click.
10. Locate the extra connector on the drive cable that is attached to your first hard drive, and attach the connector to the second hard drive.
11. Close the computer cover.
12. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
13. See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.
Adding Other Drives
NOTICE: Do not install any drive into the lower hard-drive bay until after you have removed the green drive rails from the inside of the hard-drive cage.
NOTICE: Match the colored strip on the cable with pin 1 on the drive.
HINT: Your computer uses cable-select drive cables. This means that the device connected to the end connector of the drive cable is the master device
and the device connected to the middle connector is the slave device. Be sure the jumper setting on the new device is set for "cable select" (see the
documentation that came with the drive for information).
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
HINT: Drives sold by Dell come with their own operating software and documentation. After you install a drive, refer to the documentation that came
with the drive for instructions on installing and using the drive software.
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Your computer includes a floppy drive and a CD or DVD drive. You can add other devices, such as a Zip drive, a CD-RW drive, or a tape drive.
5.25-Inch Devices
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
3. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
4. Unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.
See the documentation that came with the drive to ensure that the drive is set up for your computer.
5. Remove the two longer, green plastic rails from the inside of the computer cover.
To remove the rails, gently ease the rails up and out.
6. Attach the rails to the drive using the screws supplied with the drive.
Ensure that the rail tabs are positioned at the back of the drive.
7. Open the computer cover.
8. To remove the drive-bay cover panel, carefully press the panel out from the inside of the computer.
9. Gently slide the drive into the bay until you hear a click.
NOTICE: To avoid possibly damaging the drive by electrostatic discharge (ESD), ground yourself by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on
the back of the computer.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
HINT: Two sets of rails are attached to the inside of the computer cover. Use the two longer rails on 5.25-inch drives. Use the shorter rails on 3.5-inch
drives. Rails for a second hard drive are attached inside the hard-drive bay.