Dell 8F765 User Manual

Dell Precision™ Workstations

Setup and Quick Reference Guide

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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.

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2001–2002 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, and Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation;
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT 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.

December 2002 P/N 8F765 Rev. A03

Contents

Finding Information and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Setting Up Your Mini-Tower Computer

Dual Monitors

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

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

Setting Up Your Small Desktop Computer

Dual Monitors

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

Safety First—For You and Your Computer

Opening the Computer Cover

Opening the Cover

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

Inside Your Computer

Removing and Installing Parts

Adding Devices and Software

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

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

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

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

Problems With Additional Devices and Software

Frequently Asked Questions

Solving Problems

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

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

Using the Dell Precision ResourceCD
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
Starting the Dell Diagnostics
Messages and Codes

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

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . 35

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

Contents 3

4 Contents

Finding Information and Assistance

The following table lists the resources that Dell provides as support tools.
Additional resources may be shipped 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

• How to set up my computer

• Troubleshooting information

• Tools and utilities

Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the
ResourceCD)

You can use this CD to access documentation, reinstall drivers, or run
diagnostics tools.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 5

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• Express Service Code and Service

Express Service Code and Product Key

Ta g N um b e r

• Microsoft

®

Windows® License Label

The labels are located on your computer under the front-panel door.

• How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD and Installation Guide

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

6 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• How to remove and replace parts

• Technical specifications

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

• Latest drivers for my computer

• Answers to technical service and support
questions

• Online discussions with other users and
technical support

• Documentation for my computer

• Service call status

• Top technical issues for my computer

• Frequently asked questions

• File downloads

• Details on my computer’s configuration

• Service contract for my computer

User’s Guide Icon

Depending on your operating system, double-click the User’s Guides
icon on your desktop or click the Start button and then click Help and
Support to access the electronic documentation stored on your
hard drive.

Dell Support Website — support.euro.dell.com

The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:

• Knowledge Base — Hints, tips, and online courses

• Customer Forum — 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, order status, warranty, and
repair information

• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates

• Reference — Computer documentation, product specifications, and
white papers

Dell Premier Support Website —

premiersupport.dell.com

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

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 7

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• System board connectors System Information Label

• Warranty Information Dell System Information Guide

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• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer
and devices

8 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Windows XP Help and Support Center

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

arrow icon.

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

Setting Up Your Mini-Tower Computer

You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer.

Mini-Tower Computer Features

5

1

4

NOTE: The numbers in

the figures correspond to
the setup tasks.

7

6

2

3

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 9

Connect the keyboard and mouse as shown. Do not connect a Universal
Serial Bus (USB) mouse or keyboard to the USB connectors on the front of
the computer.

NOTE: Do not attempt

to operate a PS/2 mouse
and a USB mouse
simultaneously.

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Keyboard and Mouse

1

10 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

USB connectors (2)

headphones/speakers
connector

Network Adapter and Modem

2

Insert the network cable, not the phone line, into the network connector.

If you have an optional modem, connect the phone line to the modem.

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

from telephone communications can cause damage to the network adapter.

NOTE: If your computer

has a network expansion
card installed, connect the
network cable to the
network card, not to the
connector on the
computer back panel.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 11

Monitor

3

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

Use the primary port if you are using one monitor with an optional
dual-monitor card.

NOTE: Some flat-panel

displays and graphic
cards support Digital
Visual Interface (DVI).
If your monitor and card

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have DVI connectors, Dell
recommends that you use
DVI instead of VGA.

For setting up dual monitors, see "Dual Monitors" on page 18.

12 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Speakers

4

Connect the speakers to the computer as shown on the instructions
supplied with the speakers.

NOTE: If your computer

has an audio expansion
card installed, connect
external audio devices to
the sound card, not to the
connectors on the
computer back panel.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 13

Plug in the computer and the monitor to their electrical outlets.

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Power Connection

5

14 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Power On

6

Press the power button on your computer and monitor to turn them on.

hard-drive
access light

power light

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 15

When you start the computer for the first time, a few system start-up
messages may appear, including one that shows your Service Tag and
Express Service Code.

Your computer is preconfigured with the operating system already installed.
Before turning on your computer for the first time, you must complete all
the previous setup steps, connecting all devices for your computer.

The initial setup of the operating system is automatic and may take several
minutes. Additional setup time may be required, depending on your
system’s internal and external devices.

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Follow the operating system prompts to complete setup. You may be
prompted to enter the Windows Product Key (also called the Product ID or
COA) to complete the registration. You can find this above the service tag
on your computer.

Operating System

7

NOTE: For more

information on setting up
the operating system, see
the operating system
installation guide.

For future reference, write the number below:

Product Key (ID or COA): ________________________________________

16 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Additional Devices and Software

8

Before you install any devices or software that did not ship with your
computer, read the documentation that came with the software or device or
contact the vendor to verify that the software or device is compatible with
your computer and operating system. See "Adding Devices and Software" on
page 34.

Congratulations! You have completed the setup for your computer.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 17

Dual Monitors

NOTICE: Do not use any other cables or attach the monitor cable directly to

the dual-monitor graphic card.

NOTE: Some flat-panel

displays and graphic
cards support Digital
Visual Interface (DVI).
If your monitor and card
have DVI connectors, Dell
recommends that you use
DVI instead of VGA.

NOTE: A second monitor

is optional and requires a

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multimonitor graphics
adapter card.

The dual-monitor cable is color coded; the blue connector is for the primary
monitor, and the black connector is for the secondary monitor. Attach
the appropriate monitor cable to the dual-monitor cable. To enable
dual-monitor support, both monitors must be attached when the computer
starts. See "Frequently Asked Questions" on page 36 for more information.

OR

18 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Setting Up Your Small Desktop Computer

You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer.

Small Desktop Computer Features

2

1

6

NOTE: The numbers in

the figures correspond to
the setup tasks.

34 5

7

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 19

Connect the keyboard and mouse as shown. Do not connect a USB mouse
or keyboard to the USB connectors on the front of the computer.

NOTE: Do not attempt

to operate a PS/2 mouse
and a USB mouse
simultaneously.

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Keyboard and Mouse

1

20 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

headphone/speaker
connector

USB connectors (2)

Network Adapter and Modem

2

Insert the network cable, not the phone line, into the network connector.

If you have an optional modem, connect the phone line to the modem.

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

from telephone communications can cause damage to the network adapter.

NOTE: If your computer

has a network expansion
card installed, connect the
network cable to the
network card, not to the
connector on the
computer back panel.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 21

Monitor

3

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

Use the primary port if you are using one monitor with an optional
dual-monitor card.

NOTE: Some flat-panel

displays and graphic
cards support Digital
Visual Interface (DVI).
If your monitor and card

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have DVI connectors, Dell
recommends that you use
DVI instead of VGA.

For setting up dual monitors, see "Dual Monitors" on page 28.

22 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Speakers

4

Connect the speakers to the computer as shown on the instructions
supplied with the speakers.

NOTE: If your computer

has an audio expansion
card installed, connect
external audio devices to
the sound card, not to the
connectors on the
computer back panel.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 23

Plug in the computer and the monitor to their electrical outlets.

www.dell.com | support.euro.dell.com

Power Connection

5

24 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Power On

6

Press the power button on your computer and monitor to turn them on.

power light

hard-drive
access light

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 25

When you start the computer for the first time, a few system start-up
messages may appear, including one that shows your Service Tag and
Express Service Code.

Your computer is preconfigured with the operating system already installed.
Before turning on your computer for the first time, you must complete all
the previous setup steps, connecting all devices for your computer.

The initial setup of the operating system is automatic and may take several
minutes. Additional setup time may be required, depending on your
system’s internal and external devices.

www.dell.com | support.euro.dell.com

Follow the operating system prompts to complete setup. You may be
prompted to enter the Windows Product Key (also called the Product ID or
COA) to complete the registration. You can find this above the service tag
on your computer.

Operating System

7

NOTE: For more

information on setting up
the operating system, see
the operating system
installation guide.

For future reference, write the number below:

Product Key (ID or COA): ________________________________________

26 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Additional Devices and Software

8

Before you install any devices or software that did not ship with your
computer, read the documentation that came with the software or device or
contact the vendor to verify that the software or device is compatible with
your computer and operating system. See "Adding Devices and Software" on
page 34.

Congratulations! You have completed the setup of your computer.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 27

Dual Monitors

NOTICE: Do not use any other cables or attach the monitor cable directly to

the dual-monitor graphic card.

NOTE: Some flat-panel

displays and graphic
cards support Digital
Visual Interface (DVI).
If your monitor and card
have DVI connectors, Dell
recommends that you use
DVI instead of VGA.

NOTE: A second monitor

is optional and requires a

www.dell.com | support.euro.dell.com

multimonitor graphics
adapter card.

The dual-monitor cable is color coded; the blue connector is for the primary
monitor, and the black connector is for the secondary monitor. Attach
the appropriate monitor cables to the dual-monitor cable. To enable
dual-monitor support, both monitors must be attached when the computer
starts. See "Frequently Asked Questions" on page 36 for more information.

OR

28 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Safety First—For You and Your Computer

While working inside your computer, do not attempt to service the
computer except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell
documentation. Always follow the instructions closely.

Working inside your computer is safe—if you observe the following
precautions.

CAUTION: FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF

THE EQUIPMENT

Before you start to work on the computer, perform the following steps in the
sequence indicated:

1 Tu r n o f f the computer and all devices.
2 Touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer, such as the metal

around the card-slot openings at the back of your computer, before
touching anything inside your computer.

3 Disconnect the computer and devices from their electrical outlets.

Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock. Also
disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the
computer.

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

In addition, Dell recommends that you periodically review the safety
instructions in the documentation that came with your computer.

Opening the Computer Cover

You may need to open the computer cover if you are going to remove or
install a part, reset a forgotten password, or diagnose a computer problem.

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "Safety First—

For You and Your Computer" on page 29.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 29

NOTE: Before

disconnecting a device
from the computer or
removing a component
from the system board,
verify that the standby
power light on the system
board has turned off. See
the interior service label
located on the inside of
the cover to locate the
standby power light.

Opening the Cover

1 Turn off the computer and devices, disconnect them from their

electrical outlets, and wait 10 to 20 seconds.

2 If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back

panel, remove the padlock.

3 Open the computer cover:

NOTE: On the small

desktop computer, remove
the stand before you open
the cover. On the mini­tower computer, place the
computer on its side

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before you open the cover.

Mini-Tower Computer

a Press the two release buttons until the cover is free to swing up.
b Raise the back of the cover, and pivot it toward the front of the

computer.

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the system board of the mini-tower computer,

open the cover until it catches at a 45-degree angle. Then remove the optical
drive data cable and/or the hard-drive data cable from the system board and
open the cover to a 90-degree angle.

30 Setup and Quick Reference Guide