Dell 900 User Manual
Dell™ Dimension™ 900 System
REFERENCE AND
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
www.dell.com
support.dell.com
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 1999–2001 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, Dell Precision, DellWare, Inspiron, Latitude, OptiPlex, and Dimension are trademarks
of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Pen ti um are registered trademarks and Celeron and MMX are trademarks of Intel Corporation;
MS-DOS, 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.
March 2001 P/N 4870V Rev. A05
Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer system from potential damage and to ensure your own personal safety.
NOTICE: Your computer is designed to work only while upright in the stand
shipped with it. Do not attempt to place the computer flat on a desktop,
and do not set heavy objects, such as a monitor, on top of the computer.
When Using Your Computer System
As you use your computer system, observe the following safety guidelines.
CAUTION: Do not operate your computer system with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on)
removed.
• To help avoid damaging your computer, be sure the voltage selection switch on
the power supply is set to match the AC power available at your location:
— 100 volts (V)/50 hertz (Hz) in eastern Japan and 100 V/60 Hz in western Japan
— 115 V/60 Hz in most of North and South America and some Far Eastern coun-
tries such as South Korea and Taiwan
— 230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East
Also be sure your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate
with the AC power available in your location.
• Before working inside the computer, unplug the system 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.
• Before disconnecting a device from the computer, disconnect the power cable to
your computer and then press the power button to help avoid possible damage to
the system board.
• To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and device power cables into
properly grounded power sources. These cables are equipped with three-prong
plugs to help ensure proper grounding. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the
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grounding prong from a cable. If you must use an extension cable, use a threewire cable with properly grounded plugs.
• To help protect your computer system from sudden, transient increases and
decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or
uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
• Be sure nothing rests on your computer system’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, refer to
“If Your Computer Gets Wet” in Chapter 5.
• 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
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 system:
• Position your system 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 comfort able viewing distance (usually 510 to 610 millimeters
[mm] [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.
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wrists relaxed and flat
arms at desk 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.
monitor screen at or below eye level
monitor and
keyboard
positioned
directly
in front of user
feet flat on the floor
When Working Inside Your Computer
Before you remove the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence
indicated.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to service the computer system yourself, except
as explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell documentation. Always
follow installation and service instructions closely.
1. Turn off your computer and all devices.
2. 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.
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3. 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.
4. 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 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, make sure both
connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
• Handle components and cards with care. Don’t touch the components or con-
tacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting 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
Static electricity can harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent
static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch 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.
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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):
• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not
remove the component from the antistatic packing material until you are ready to
install the component 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.
• Handle all 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” in the safety
instructions at the front of this guide.
Preface
About This Guide
This guide is intended for anyone who uses a Dell Dimension 900 system. It can be
used by both first-time and experienced computer users who want to learn about the
features and operation of the systems or who want to upgrade their computers. The
chapters and appendixes are summarized as follows:
• Chapter 1, “Introduction,” provides an overview of the system features and infor-
mation on preventive maintenance to protect the computer.
• Chapter 2, “Installing Upgrades on the System Board,” provides information on
performing various upgrades, such as installing additional memory. The chapter
includes a basic orientation to internal features of the computer.
• Chapter 3, “Basic Troubleshooting,” contains checklists to use before calling Dell
for technical assistance.
• Chapter 4, “Software Solutions,” has information on reinstalling software.
• Chapter 5, “Checking Inside Your Computer,” presents troubleshooting proce-
dures for system components such as expansion cards, memory, and drives.
• Chapter 6, “Getting Help,” provides information on obtaining technical assis-
tance. Users who have been unable to resolve problems using the
troubleshooting information provided in this guide can refer to this chapter.
• Appendix A, “System Specifications,” is supplemental reference material.
• Appendix B, “System Setup Program,” describes the system setup program
used for checking and changing system configuration data.
• Appendix C, “Beep Codes and System Messages,” documents status and error
messages generated during system start-up. Included are possible causes and
corrective actions.
• Appendix D, “Regulatory Notices,” provides regulatory information on the system.
Warranty and Return Policy Information
Dell Computer Corporation (“Dell”) manufactures its hardware products from parts
and components that are new or equivalent to new in accordance with industrystandard practices.
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Other Documents You May Need
NOTE: Information updates are sometimes included with your system to describe
changes to your system or software. Always read these updates before consulting
any other documentation because the updates often contain the latest information.
Besides this Reference and Troubleshooting Guide, the following documentation is
included with your system:
• The Getting Started sheet provides step-by-step instructions for setting up your
computer system.
• The Dell Dimension Systems Setup Guide describes how to properly set up your
operating system and connect a printer.
• The Dell Dimension 900 System Help describes the features and operation of
your computer. It includes tips on using your computer hardware and answers to
commonly asked questions. To open the Help, click the Start button, point to
Programs—> Dell Documents, and then click Dell Dimension Help. You may
also double-click the Dell Documents icon on the Windows desktop, click Sys-
tem Information, click System Documentation, and then click Dell Dimension
Help.
• Online documentation is included for your computer devices (such as a video or
modem card) and for any options you purchase separately from your computer.
To access this supplemental documentation, double-click the Dell Documents
icon on the Windows desktop, click System Information, and then click System
Documentation.
• Operating system documentation.
• Technical information files—sometimes called “readme” files—may be installed
on your hard-disk drive to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to
your system or reference material intended for experienced users.
Notational Conventions
The following subsections describe notational conventions used in this document.
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Throughout this guide, blocks of text may be accompanied by an icon and printed in
bold type or in italic type. These blocks are notes, notices, and cautions, and they are
used as follows:
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of
your computer system.
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 potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
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Typographical Conventions
The following list defines (where appropriate) and illustrates typographical conventions used as visual cues for specific elements of text throughout this document:
• Interface components are window titles, button and icon names, menu names
and selections, and other options that appear on the monitor screen or display.
They are presented in bold.
Example: Click OK.
• Keycaps are labels that appear on the keys on a keyboard. They are enclosed in
angle brackets.
Example: <Enter>
• Key combinations are series of keys to be pressed simultaneously (unless other-
wise indicated) to perform a single function.
Exa mple: <Ctrl><Alt><Enter>
• Commands presented in lowercase bold are for reference purposes only and are
not intended to be typed when referenced.
Example: “Use the format command to . . . .”
In contrast, commands presented in the Courier New font are part of an instruction and intended to be typed.
Example: “Type format a: to format the diskette in drive A.”
• Filenames and directory names are presented in lowercase bold.
Examples: autoexec.bat and c:\windows
• Screen text is a message or text that you are instructed to type as part of a com-
mand (referred to as a command line). Screen text is presented in the Courier
New font.
Example: The following message appears on your screen:
No boot device available
Example: “Type md c:\programs and press <Enter >.”
• Variables are placeholders for which you substitute a value. They are presented in
italics.
Example: DIMM_x (where x represents the DIMM socket designation)
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Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Hardware Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Available Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Padlock Ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Chapter 2 Installing Upgrades on the System Board . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Safety First—For You and Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Jumpers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Password Jumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Processor Mode Jumper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
NVRAM Jumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Boot-Block Select Jumper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
PCI Expansion Card Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Installing Expansion Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Removing Expansion Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Adding Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Installing a DIMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Removing a DIMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Replacing the System Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
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Chapter 3 Basic Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Backing Up Data Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Installing Additional Hardware and Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
DellWare Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Checking the Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
External Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Start-Up Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Environmental Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Network Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Diskette Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Optical Drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Hard-Disk Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Running the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Starting the Dell Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Dell Diagnostics Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Using the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Device Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Chapter 4 Software Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Using the Power Management Features in Windows 98, Windows Me, and
Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Reinstalling Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Your System’s Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Using the Dell Dimension ResourceCD to Reinstall Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Temporarily Disabling the Virus-Scanning Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Windows 98 and Windows Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Reinstalling Windows 98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Reinstalling Windows Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Reinstalling Windows 2000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
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Chapter 5 Checking Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Expansion Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Modem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Network Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
System Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Reseating DIMMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
If Your Computer Gets Wet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
If Your Computer Is Damaged. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Chapter 6 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Help Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Automated Order-Status System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Technical Support Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Problems With Your Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Before You Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Dell Contact Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Appendix A System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Appendix B System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Entering the System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Using the System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
System Setup Screens and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
System Information Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
Product Information Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6
Disk Drives Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7
IDE Primary Channel Master Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8
Onboard Peripherals Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9
Boot Options Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11
Date and Time Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13
System Security Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-14
Advanced Options Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-15
Memory/Cache Options Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-16
PnP/PCI Options Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17
Disabling a Forgotten Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-18
Clearing NVRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-19
xv
Appendix C Beep Codes and System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
POST Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Appendix D Regulatory Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
VCCI Notice (Japan Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2
Class A ITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2
Class B ITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3
Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3
Index
Figures Figure 1-1. Padlock Ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Figure 2-1. Removing the Computer Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Figure 2-2. Removing the Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Figure 2-3. Inside the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Figure 2-4. System Board Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Figure 2-5. Removing the Riser-Board Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Figure 2-6. PCI Expansion Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Figure 2-7. Riser Board PCI Expansion-Card Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Figure 2-8. Removing the Filler-Bracket Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Figure 2-9. Removing the Filler Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Figure 2-10. Installing an Expansion Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Figure 2-11. Installing a DIMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Figure 2-12. Removing a DIMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Figure 2-13. Drive Shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Figure 2-14. System Battery and Battery Socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
Figure 3-1. Diagnostics Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Figure 3-2. Dell Diagnostics Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Figure 5-1. Expansion-Card Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Figure 5-2. Incorrect Expansion-Card Installations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Figure 6-1. Diagnostics Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Figure B-1. Main Screen Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Figure B-2. System Information Screen Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
Figure B-3. Product Information Screen Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6
Figure B-4. Disk Drives Screen Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7
Figure B-5. IDE Primary Channel Master Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8
Figure B-6. Onboard Peripherals Screen Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9
Figure B-7. Boot Options Screen Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11
Figure B-8. Date and Time Screen Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13
Figure B-9. System Security Screen Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-14
Figure B-10. Advanced Options Screen Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-15
xvi
Figure B-11. Memory/Cache Options Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-16
Figure B-12. PnP/PCI Options Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17
Figure D-1. VCCI Class A ITE Regulatory Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3
Figure D-2. VCCI Class B ITE Regulatory Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3
Tables Table 2-1. System Board Connectors and Sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Table 2-2. Password Jumper Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Table 2-3. Processor Mode Jumper Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Table 2-4. NVRAM Jumper Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Table 2-5. Boot-Block Jumper Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Table 3-1. Start-Up Routine Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Table 6-1. Dell Contact Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Table A-1. Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Table B-1. System Setup Navigation Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Table B-2. Main Screen Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Table B-3. System Information Screen Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
Table B-4. Product Information Screen Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6
Table B-5. Disk Drives Screen Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7
Table B-6. IDE Primary Channel Master Submenu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8
Table B-7. Onboard Peripherals Screen Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9
Table B-8. Boot Options Screen Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11
Table B-9. Date and Time Screen Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13
Table B-10. System Security Screen Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-14
Table B-11. Advanced Options Screen Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-15
Table B-12. Memory/Cache Options Submenu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-16
Table B-13. PnP/PCI Options Screen Submenu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17
Table C-1. POST Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Table C-2. System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
xvii
xviii
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
Dell™ Dimension™ 900 computer systems are high-speed personal computers that
include an Intel
Instruction, Multiple Data (SIMD) Extensions or a Celeron™ processor with MMX™
technology. These systems incorporate a high-performance Peripheral Component
Interconnect (PCI) design, allowing a wide range of initial configurations and upgrade
possibilities.
This chapter provides information about the following topics:
®
Socket 370 Pentium® III microprocessor with Streaming Single
• Major hardware and software features of your computer
• Available upgrades for your computer
• Theft-deterrent features to protect your computer
Hardware Features
You r De ll computer offers the following hardware features:
• An Intel Socket 370 Pentium III processor with Streaming SIMD Extensions or a
Celeron processor with MMX technology.
The System Information screen in the system setup program lists the speed of
your system’s processor. For information on accessing this application program,
see Appendix B, “System Setup Program.”
• Minimum memory configuration of 64 megabytes (MB) synchronous dynamic
random-access memory (SDRAM). You can increase memory up to 512 MB by
installing 32-, 64-, 128-, or 256-MB SDRAM dual in-line memory modules
(DIMMs) in the two DIMM sockets on the system board.
NOTE: The system memory value reported by the operating system is 1 or 2 MB
less than the memory installed because that memory is reserved for video functions. For example, if the computer has 64 MB of system memory, the operating
system may report 62 or 63 MB.
support.dell.com Introduction 1-1
The system board includes the following integrated features:
• Integrated Intel 810e video controller with Dynamic Video Memory and 4 MB of
SDRAM for display cache.
• Supports two one-third–length 32-bit PCI expansion cards for connecting PCI
devices to the PCI bus.
NOTE: PCI expansion-card connector PCI1 (see Figure 2-7) is reserved for use
with Dimension 900 system-specific expansion cards available only from Dell
(see “Available Upgrades,” found later in this chapter). PCI expansion-card connector PCI2 is available for use with any one-third–length commercial PCI card.
• Self-Monitoring and Analysis Reporting Technology II (SMART II) support, which
warns you at system start-up if your hard-disk drive has become unreliable.
Hard-disk drives shipped with these systems are SMART II-compliant.
• Two integrated drive electronics (IDE) interfaces on the PCI bus that support
Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA)-33/66 Ultra direct memory access (DMA)
hard-disk drives and optical drives, such as CD-ROM drives.
NOTE: Inconsistencies in the manufacturing of CD-ROM media may cause some
higher-speed CD-ROM drives to vibrate more than others. Such vibration and
associated noise does not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD.
• Full compliance with PCI specification 2.2.
• Full compliance with Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) specifi-
cation 1.0A.
• For systems running the Microsoft
Millennium Edition (Me), or Windows 2000 operating system, the two highperformance Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports provide a single connection point
for multiple USB-compliant devices. You can connect and disconnect these
devices while the system is running. For your convenience, a USB port connector
is located on the front side of the computer and another USB port connector is
located on the back side.
NOTE: If you attach a USB device that was not included in your original system
configuration, you may need to install a specific driver for that device to obtain its
full functionality. Contact the USB device manufacturer for more information.
®
Windows® 98 Second Edition, Windows
• One serial port and one bidirectional parallel port for connecting external devices.
• A Personal System/2 (PS/2)-style keyboard port and a PS/2-compatible mouse
port.
Software Features
The following software is included with your Dell computer system:
• The Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows 2000, or Windows Me,
Windows NT
information, see your operating system documentation.
1-2 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
®
4.0 operating system is installed on your hard-disk drive. For more
• Virus-scanning software.
• Video drivers designed to support the integrated Intel Direct accelerated graphics
port (AGP) Graphics Accelerator (see “Video Drivers” in Chapter 4 for more information). Before changing the resolution, check the monitor documentation to
determine the supported resolutions and refresh rates.
• Dell Diagnostics for evaluating the computer’s components and devices (see
“Running the Dell Diagnostics” in Chapter 3).
• The system setup program for viewing and changing system configuration infor-
mation (see Appendix B, “System Setup Program”).
Available Upgrades
The upgrades Dell offers undergo rigorous testing to ensure proper operation with
your computer. You should review “PCI Expansion Card Upgrades” in Chapter 2 to be
sure you have the necessary slots or resources available before purchasing such an
upgrade.
Dell offers a variety of expansion cards to increase system functionality:
• Fax/modem card
• 10/10 0–megabit-per-second (Mbps) network card
You can expand your system's memory up to 512 MB by installing additional 168-pin,
100-megahertz (MHz) non-error checking and correction (non-ECC) SDRAM DIMMs in
the DIMM sockets on the system board. Purchasing memory upgrades from Dell
Spare Parts ensures system compatibility; these upgrades are also covered under
your system warranty. See “Adding Memory” in Chapter 2 before purchasing a mem-
ory upgrade.
To order any of these upgrades, call Dell.
Padlock Ring
On the back of the computer is a padlock ring (see Figure 1-1) for attaching commercially available theft-deterrent devices.
support.dell.com Introduction 1-3
padlock ring
Figure 1-1. Padlock Ring
The padlock ring allows you to secure the computer cover to the chassis with a padlock to prevent unauthorized access to the inside of the computer. To use the padlock
ring, insert a commercially available padlock through the ring, and then lock the
padlock.
1-4 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
CHAPTER 2
Installing Upgrades on the System Board
This chapter describes how to install expansion cards and system memory. It also
tells you how to remove and replace the computer cover and familiarizes you with
internal components.
Safety First—For You and Your Computer
Working inside your computer is safe—if you observe the following precautions.
CAUTION FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF YOUR
EQUIPMENT
Before working on your computer, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off your computer and all devices.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Disconnect the power cable to your computer, and then press the power
button to ground the system board.
In addition, Dell recommends that you review the safety instructions at the front of
this guide.
support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-1
Installation Guidelines
Keep a static-sensitive component in its antistatic packing material until you are ready
to install the component in the computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, discharge static electricity from your body.
Make sure you have adequate lighting and a clean work space. If you temporarily disconnect cables or remove expansion cards, note the position of the connectors and
slots so that you can reassemble the system correctly. Also note the extra connectors
available for upgrades.
Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover
To remove the computer cover, perform the following steps:
1. Observe the “Caution for Your Personal Safety and Protection of Your Equipment” found earlier in this chapter. Also, observe the safety instructions at the
front of this guide.
NOTICE: To avoid inadvertently damaging the system board, be sure that
you disconnect the computer’s power cable from the electrical outlet and
from the back of the chassis before removing the computer cover. The system board continues to receive a small amount of power when the system
is turned off and attached to an electrical outlet (the system-board power
indicator [see Figure 2-4] is on when power is detected).
2. Lift the computer out of its stand.
3. Place the computer in a horizontal position (see Figure 2-1).
4. If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove
the padlock.
5. Remove the three screws that secure the cover to the back panel (see
Figure 2-1).
2-2 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
screws (3)
Figure 2-1. Removing the Computer Cover
6. Slide the cover toward the back of the computer about one-half inch.
7. Lift off the cover.
To replace the computer cover, perform the following steps:
1. Check all cable connections, especially those that might have come loose during
your work. Fold cables and unused connectors out of the way so that they do not
catch on the computer cover or interfere with airflow inside the computer.
2. Check to see that no tools or extra parts (including screws) are left inside the
computer.
3. Remove the front bezel by slightly lifting the three bezel tabs (see Figure 2-2) and
gently pulling the bezel away from the front panel.
support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-3
front panel tabs (3)
bezel
Figure 2-2. Removing the Bezel
4. Place the cover on the computer, and slide it toward the front of the computer.
5. Replace the screws that you removed when you removed the computer cover.
6. If you are using a padlock to secure your system, reinstall the padlock.
7. Replace the bezel.
8. Place the computer in its stand.
CAUTION: Your system is designed to work only in a vertical orientation
using the stand shipped with the computer. Do not attempt to operate the
system lying flat on a desktop, and do not set heavy objects such as a
monitor on top of the computer.
Inside Your Computer
Figure 2-3 shows the computer with its cover removed as an aid in locating internal
features and components.
When you look inside your computer, note the DC power cables coming from the
power supply. These cables supply power to the system board and to internal drives.
The flat ribbon cables are the interface cables for internal drives. An interface cable connects a drive to an interface connector on the system board.
The system board—the large printed circuit board secured to the left side of the
chassis—holds the computer’s control circuitry and other electronic components.
Some hardware options are installed directly onto the system board.
2-4 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
optical drive
power supply
diskette drive
system board
riser-board
bracket
expansion-card
slots
line-out
connector
USB connector
voltage-select switch
AC power receptacle
mouse connector
Figure 2-3. Inside the Computer
video connector
parallel port connector
serial port connector
keyboard connector
support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-5
System Board
Figure 2-4 shows the system board connectors and sockets, and Table 2-1 describes
their functions.
microprocessor
socket (U9)
keyboard (lower)
and mouse (upper)
connectors (CN1)
parallel port, video,
and serial port
connectors (CN3)
USB port
connector (CN6)
line-out
connector (PH1)
audio signal cable
connector (CN13)
processor
mode jumper (JPX1)
riser-board
connector (SL1)
boot-block
select jumper (JP7)
DIMM sockets (DIMMn)
processor fan
connector (FN1)
NVRAM jumper (JPX2)
jumper (not used)
system board power
indicator (LED1)
password
jumper (JP6)
DC main power input
connector (CN2)
power button connector (JP1)
power-button indicator
connector (JP2)
hard-disk drive activity
indicator connector (JP3)
secondary IDE interface
connector (CN7)
primary IDE interface
connector (CN8)
front audio/USB
board audio signal
cable connector
(CN4)
microphone
connector (CN5)
headphone
connector (CN5)
USB port
connector (CN5)
front audio/USB board interface
connector (CN12)
diskette-drive interface connector (CN16)
battery socket (BT1)
Figure 2-4. System Board Features
2-6 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
u
Table 2-1. System Board Connectors and Sockets
Connector or
Socket Description
BT1 Battery socket
CN1 Keyboard and mouse connectors
CN2 DC main power input connector
CN3 Parallel port connector (sometimes referred to as LPT1), video
connector, and serial port connector
CN4 Front audio/USB board audio signal cable connector
CN5 USB port connector, headphone connector, and microphone
connector
CN6 USB port connector
CN7 Secondary IDE interface connector for optical drive
CN8 Primary IDE interface connector
CN12 Front audio/USB board interface connector
CN13 Audio signal cable connector
CN16 Diskette-drive interface connector
DIMMn DIMM socket
FN1 Processor fan connector
JP1 Power button connector
JP2 Power-button indicator connector
JP3 Hard-disk drive activity indicator connector
JP6 Password jumper
JP7 Boot-block select jumper
JPX1 Processor mode jumper
JPX2 NVRAM jumper
LED1 System board power indicator
PH1 Line-out connector
SL1 Riser-board connector
U9 Microprocessor socket
NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.
support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-7
Jumpers
Jumpers are small blocks on the system board with two or more pins emerging from
them. Plastic plugs containing a wire fit down over the pins, creating a circuit. To
change a jumper setting, pull the plug off its pin(s) and carefully fit it down onto the
pin(s) indicated.
NOTICE: Make sure your system is turned off and unplugged from the electrical outlet before you change a jumper setting. Otherwise, damage to
your system or unpredictable results may occur.
Password Jumper
Figure 2-4 shows the location of the password jumper (JP6) in your computer.
Table 2-2 describes the settings and functions of the password jumper.
Table 2-2. Password Jumper Settings
Jumper
Settings Description
Enables system password features (default)
Bypasses system password features
NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.
2-8 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Processor Mode Jumper
Figure 2-4 shows the location of the processor mode jumper (JPX1) in your computer.
Table 2-3 describes the settings and functions of the processor mode jumper settings.
Table 2-3. Processor Mode Jumper Settings
Jumper
Settings Description
Enables processor normal mode (default). Change this setting
only if instructed to by Dell Technical Support.
Enables processor safe mode
NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.
NVRAM Jumper
Figure 2-4 shows the location of the nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM)
jumper (JPX2) in your computer. Table 2-4 describes the settings and functions of the
NVRAM jumper settings.
Table 2-4. NVRAM Jumper Settings
Jumper
Settings Description
Retains current NVRAM settings (default). Change this setting
only if instructed to by Dell Technical Support.
Clears NVRAM
NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.
support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-9
Boot-Block Select Jumper
Figure 2-4 shows the location of the boot-block select jumper (JP7) in your computer.
Table 2-5 describes the settings and functions of the boot-block select jumper.
Table 2-5. Boot-Block Jumper Settings
Jumper
Settings Description
Normal boot setting (default). Change this setting only if
instructed to by Dell Technical Support.
Boot from top block setting
NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.
Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket
Certain system board upgrades require that you remove and replace the riser-board
bracket. To remove the riser-board bracket, perform the following steps.
CAUTION: Before you remove the computer cover, see “Safety First—For
You and Your Computer” found earlier in this chapter.
1. Remove the computer cover according to the instructions in “Removing and
Replacing the Computer Cover” found earlier in this chapter.
2. Remove the riser-board screw (see Figure 2-5).
3. Hold the back of the diskette drive with one hand to prevent it from moving as
you perform step 4.
4. Slip one finger into the oval opening on top of the riser-board bracket (see
Figure 2-5). Then slightly lift the back end of the riser-board bracket and gently pull
the riser-board bracket toward the back of the computer until its front tab is free
from the front chassis slot and its two side diskette-drive slots are clear of the
diskette-drive tabs.
CAUTION: When handling the riser board bracket, always hold it by placing a finger through the oval opening in the bracket (see Figure 2-5). Do
not grasp the bracket by its edges, which may be sharp.
2-10 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
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