Dell 900 User Manual

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Dell™ Dimension™ 900 System

REFERENCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

www.dell.com support.dell.com

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____________________

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

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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.

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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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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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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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• 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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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diskette-drive slots and tabs (2)

diskette drive

front tab

Figure 2-5. Removing the Riser-Board Bracket

To replace the riser-board bracket, perform the following steps:

riser-board bracket

riser-board securing tabs (5)

screw

back tabs (3)

oval opening

1. Hold the back of the diskette drive with one hand to prevent it from moving as you perform this process.

2. Slip one finger into the oval opening on top of the riser-board bracket (see Figure 2-5). Then position the riser-board bracket on top of the diskette drive so that the riser-board securing tabs fit over both sides of the riser board and its diskette-drive slots align with the diskette-drive tabs (see Figure 2-5).

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.

3. Gently push the riser-board bracket toward the front of the computer until its three back tabs fit into the three slots on the back of the chassis.

4. Replace the riser-board screw (see Figure 2-5).

5. Replace the computer cover according to the instructions in “Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover” found earlier in this chapter.

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PCI Expansion Card Upgrades

NOTE: This computer does not support older expansion card technologies, such as Industry-Standard Architecture (ISA) cards.

The riser board accommodates up to two one-third–length, 32-bit Peripheral Compo- nent Interconnect (PCI) expansion cards. PCI expansion-card connector 1 (PCI1) is reserved for use with Dimension 900 system-specific expansion cards available only from Dell (see “Available Upgrades” in Chapter 1). PCI expansion-card connector 2 (PCI2) is available for use with any one-third–length commercial PCI card.

Figure 2-6 shows a typical one-third–length PCI expansion card. Figure 2-7 shows the two PCI expansion-card connectors on the riser board.

PCI expansion card

Figure 2-6. PCI Expansion Card

Figure 2-7. Riser Board PCI Expansion-Card Connectors

Make sure that you have a slot available for the type of card you are installing. Also check the Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000 Device Manager, or Windows NT Diagnostics for an available interrupt request (IRQ) line that is supported by the card.

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PCI2 connector

PCI1 connector

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To check for an IRQ line in the Microsoft Windows 98 or Windows Me operating system, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.

2. Double-click the System icon.

3. Click the Device Manager tab.

4. Double-click the Computer icon to open the Computer Properties window and view the View Resources tab.

To check for an IRQ line in the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.

2. Double-click the System icon.

3. Click the Hardware tab.

4. Click Device Manager.

5. Click View, and then click Resources by connection.

6. Double-click Interrupt request (IRQ) to view the IRQ assignments.

To check for an IRQ line in the Microsoft Windows NT operating system, start the Windows NT Diagnostics in the Administrative To o l s (Common) folder and view the Resources tab.

NOTE: If an IRQ supported by your card is not available, try reassigning resources used by other devices or disabling unused devices.

Installing Expansion Cards

1. Prepare the expansion card for installation as instructed in the documentation that came with the expansion card.

Check the documentation to make sure the card is configured to work with other devices already installed in your computer.

2. Remove the computer cover according to the instructions in “Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover” found earlier in this chapter.

3. Remove the riser-board bracket according to the instructions in “Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket” found earlier in this chapter.

4. Choose an expansion-card connector for the card.

NOTE: The PCI1 connector (see Figure 2-7) is reserved for use with Dimension 900 system-specific expansion cards available only from Dell (see “Available Upgrades” in Chapter 1). The PCI2 connector is available for use with any one-third–length commercial PCI card.

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5. Remove the screw that secures the filler-bracket cap to the back panel of the computer (see Figure 2-8), and remove the filler-bracket cap.

filler-bracket cap

screw

Figure 2-8. Removing the Filler-Bracket Cap

6. Unscrew and remove the metal filler bracket that covers the card-slot opening for the expansion slot you intend to use (see Figure 2-9).

Figure 2-9. Removing the Filler Bracket

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NOTICE: Use one hand to support the riser board while installing an expansion card into an expansion-card connector. Otherwise, damage to the riser-board connector or system board may occur.

7. Insert the expansion card firmly into the expansion-card connector.

A cutout in the card-edge connector aligns with a crossbar in the expansion-card connector. Gently rock the card into the connector until it is fully seated (see Figure 2-10).

card-edge connector cutout

expansion card

card-edge connector

Figure 2-10. Installing an Expansion Card

expansion-card connector

riser board

card-mounting bracket

screw

8. When the card is firmly seated in the connector, secure the card-mounting bracket (see Figure 2-10) with the screw you removed in step 6.

Make sure that the front of the card-edge connector is completely seated in the expansion-card connector. The bottom of the card-mounting bracket must be inside the card-slot opening, and the top of the bracket must be flush against the bracket mount with the notch aligned with the screw hole in the bracket mount. “Expansion Cards” in Chapter 5 provides more information on correctly seating an expansion card.

9. Replace the filler-bracket cap and screw that you removed in step 5.

10. Connect any cables required for the card as described in the documentation that came with the card.

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11. Replace the riser-board bracket according to the instructions in “Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket” found earlier in this chapter.

12. Replace the computer cover.

13. See the documentation that came with the expansion card for information on installing any required drivers for your operating system.

Removing Expansion Cards

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 bracket according to the instructions in “Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket” found earlier in this chapter.

3. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.

4. Remove the screw that secures the filler-bracket cap to the back panel of the computer (see Figure 2-8), and remove the filler-bracket cap.

5. Remove the screw from the card-mounting bracket.

NOTICE: Use one hand to support the riser board while removing an expansion card from an expansion-card connector. Otherwise, damage to the riser-board connector or system board may occur.

6. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

7. If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty card-slot opening in the bracket mount.

NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.

8. Replace the filler-bracket cap and screw that you removed in step 4.

9. Replace the riser-board bracket according to the instructions in “Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket” found earlier in this chapter.

10. Replace the computer cover, and reconnect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets and turn them on.

Adding Memory

You can increase memory to a maximum of 512 megabytes (MB) by installing combinations of 3.3-volt (V) 32-, 64-, 128-, and 256-MB dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) in the two DIMM sockets on the system board. This system supports only non-error checking and correction (non-ECC), 100-megahertz (MHz) DIMMs. Purchasing memory upgrades from Dell Spare Parts ensures system compatibility; these upgrades are also covered under your system warranty.

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NOTE: Your computer is designed for peak performance with specific DIMMs that are validated through rigorous testing. The system may not recognize other synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) DIMMs and may fail power-on self-test (POST).

Installing a DIMM

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 bracket according to the instructions in “Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket” found earlier in this chapter.

3. Remove the expansion cards according to the instructions in “Removing Expansion Cards” found earlier in this chapter.

4. Press outward on the plastic securing clips at each end of the DIMM socket to release the clips as shown in step 1 of Figure 2-11.

securing clips (2)

cutouts (2)

Figure 2-11. Installing a DIMM

5. Orient the DIMM so that the cutouts on its edge connector align with the crossbars in the central groove of the socket.

NOTICE: Do not press near the middle of the DIMM. Doing so could break the module.

6. Insert the DIMM straight down into the socket, making sure that it fits into the vertical guides at each end of the socket.

Press firmly at each end until the DIMM snaps into place (see step 2 of Figure 2-11).

If you inserted the DIMM correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the DIMM (see step 3 of Figure 2-11).

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7. Replace the expansion cards, riser-board bracket, and the computer cover, and reconnect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets and turn them on.

8. To enter the system setup program, restart the computer and press <Del> when the blue Dell logo screen appears. Verify that the amount displayed for Tot a l Memory on the System Information screen is correct.

If the memory total is incorrect, turn off the computer, and remove computer cover, riser-board bracket, and expansion cards. Then reseat the DIMMs in their sockets, and repeat step 7.

Removing a DIMM

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 bracket according to the instructions in “Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket” found earlier in this chapter.

3. Remove the expansion cards according to the instructions in “Removing Expansion Cards” found earlier in this chapter.

4. Press outward on the plastic securing clips at each end of the DIMM socket until the DIMM disengages from the socket (see Figure 2-12).

securing clips (2)

Figure 2-12. Removing a DIMM

5. Replace the expansion cards, riser-board bracket, and the computer cover, and reconnect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets and turn them on.

6. To enter the system setup program, restart the computer system and press <Del> when the blue Dell logo screen appears. Verify that the amount displayed for To ta l M e mo r y on the System Information screen is correct.

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Replacing the System Battery

A 3.0-V CR2032 coin-cell battery mounted in a system board socket (see Figure 2-4) maintains system configuration, date, and time information. The battery can last several years.

NOTE: Leave your power strip turned on when the computer is turned off to extend battery life.

If the battery expires, the computer loses the system configuration information whenever it is disconnected from its electrical outlet. If you have to repeatedly reset this information after turning on the computer, replace the battery.

To replace the system battery with another CR2032 coin-cell battery, perform the following steps.

1. Make a copy of the screens in the system setup program.

You will need a written or printed copy of the system configuration information to restore the correct settings later. See Appendix B, “System Setup Program,” for instructions.

2. Remove the computer cover according to the instructions in “Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover” found earlier in this chapter.

3. Remove the riser-board bracket according to the instructions in “Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket” found earlier in this chapter.

4. Remove the front bezel by slightly lifting the three bezel tabs (see Figure 2-13), and gently pulling the bezel away from the front panel.

5. Remove the drive shelf screws, and lift the drive shelf approximately one-half inch.

The drive shelf is attached to the chassis with two screws—one to the right of the optical drive and one to the left of the diskette drive as you face the front of the computer (see Figure 2-13).

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screws (2)

bezel

drive shelf

bezel t abs (3)

Figure 2-13. Drive Shelf

NOTICE: If you pry out the battery with a blunt object, insert the object between the battery and the socket. Otherwise, you may damage the system board by prying off the socket or by breaking circuit traces on the system board.

6. Locate the battery on the system board (see Figure 2-4), and pry it out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt, nonconductive object, such as a plastic screwdriver.

NOTICE: Inserting the battery upside-down will damage the system board circuitry.

7. Insert the battery into the socket with the side labeled “+” facing up (see Figure 2-14).

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battery

battery socket (BT1)

Figure 2-14. System Battery and Battery Socket

8. Lower the drive shelf and replace the two screws that you removed in step 5.

9. Replace the bezel, riser-board bracket, and computer cover, and reconnect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets.

10. Restart the system, press <Del> when the blue Dell logo screen appears to enter the system setup program, and restore the correct settings.

For instructions, see Appendix B, “System Setup Program.”

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CHAPTER 3

Basic Troubleshooting

This chapter guides you through some initial checks and procedures that can solve basic computer problems. It can also direct you to the appropriate chapter in this guide for detailed troubleshooting information and procedures to solve more complex problems. You should complete the checks in this chapter before calling Dell for technical assistance; even if these checks do not provide an immediate solution, they can help support technicians diagnose and fix the problem.

NOTE: If your computer is wet or damaged, see “If Your Computer Gets Wet” or “If Your Computer Is Damaged” in Chapter 5.

Backing Up Data Files

You can lose data when a system failure occurs. If your system is behaving erratically, back up your data files immediately.

You do not need to back up Dell-installed driver files for Dell-installed devices. The driver files are preserved on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD.

NOTE: In case of warranty replacement of your hard-disk drive, you will receive a blank formatted drive from Dell. You must reinstall application programs and restore data files.

Installing Additional Hardware and Software

If the problem you are experiencing began after you made a change to your computer, such as installing new hardware or software, undo the change if possible.

If the problem is resolved, check any documentation that came with the hardware or software you attempted to install or that describes the change you made. In particular, read any text files (such as readme.txt) included with the software package or hard- ware product; such files contain information updating or supplementing the documentation for the software or hardware. Typically, readme files provide installation information, describe new product enhancements or corrections that have not yet been documented, and list known problems.

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If you were trying to install new hardware, double-check configuration settings and available system resources (see “Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities” in Chapter 4). Also make sure you changed the appropriate settings in the system setup program for the system’s new hardware configuration (see Appendix B, “System Setup Program”).

If you need additional technical assistance on the installation of hardware or software, contact the product manufacturer or the company from whom you purchased the product.

DellWare™ Support

DellWare products are supported by the item’s manufacturer. To receive product sup- port information, call 1-800-753-7201.

Checking the Basics

Use the following sections to perform an initial check of your computer system or to isolate a problem.

External Connections

Improperly set switches and controls, loose cables, and improperly connected cables are the most likely sources of problems for your computer system. A quick check of all the switches, controls, and cable connections can easily solve these problems. Usually reseating (disconnecting and then reconnecting) the cables corrects these problems.

NOTE: See the “System Features” section of the Dell Dimension 900 System Help for the location of your computer’s external connectors and controls.

To check computer connections, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the computer, the monitor, and all attached devices.

2. Reseat all power cables connected to the computer, the monitor, and devices and to electrical outlets.

3. Reseat the keyboard (purple) and mouse (green) interface cable connectors in the proper connectors on the back of the computer.

4. Reseat any devices attached to the serial port, parallel port, and Universal Serial Bus (USB) port connectors.

Each of the serial, parallel, and USB interface cable connectors must be firmly attached to an appropriate connector on the back of the computer as well as to the interface connector on the device. The captive screws on the serial and parallel interface cable connectors must be secure enough to ensure a firm connection.

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5. Reseat the video-interface cable connectors (blue) in the video connector on the back of the computer and in the connector on the back of the monitor.

NOTE: On some monitors, the video interface cable is permanently attached.

6. Turn on the computer, the monitor, and all attached devices.

Power

If you are experiencing problems with power to your computer, perform the following tasks:

• Check the computer’s and monitor’s power indicators. When lit or flashing, the

power indicator verifies that the power supply is operating. Whenever the power is on, the fan on the power supply should also spin.

• Plug a device such as a lamp that you know works into the electrical outlet to

make sure the power source is OK.

• Plug the computer directly into that working electrical outlet, bypassing any

power protection devices, power strips, and extension cables to verify that the system turns on.

• Turn off the computer and any attached devices, and disconnect them from their

electrical outlets. Disconnect any devices attached to the computer except for the mouse and the monitor. Reseat the power cable at the back of the computer; then reconnect the computer and monitor to an electrical outlet, making sure that all connections fit tightly together. Turn on the computer system. If the computer boots (starts), turn it off again and reconnect devices one at a time, turning on the system each time to see if the problem returns.

• Turn off the system, and swap the monitor and computer power cables.

Start-Up Routine

NOTE: Most of the checks in Table 3-1 require observation of computer functions and indications, some of which can occur simultaneously. You may need to restart the computer several times to complete all these checks.

Table 3-1. Start-Up Routine Indications

Indication Action

You hear a series of beeps. See Table C-1.

A message is displayed on the monitor. See Table C-2.

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Environmental Factors

A number of external factors, including temperature extremes and humidity, magnetic influences, sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI), and poor input power or signal quality, can interfere with the performance of your computer and attached devices. Monitors are especially susceptible to these environmental factors. The following items can adversely affect the performance of a computer system:

• Inadequate ventilation from operating the computer in a confined space, such as

a desk enclosure

• Direct sunlight causing the computer to overheat

• Line noise or power drops and surges from electrical outlets due to poor wiring

• Line noises or surges through telephone lines

• High-voltage electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating in close prox-

imity to the computer

• Speakers, especially the subwoofer, or telephone too close to the monitor, gener-

ating magnetic fields that distort the display image

• Fluorescent lights or halogen lamps causing display flickering or distortion

• Electrical extension cords and keyboard and mouse extension cables

• Too many devices on a power strip or multiple power strips from one electrical

outlet

• Electrical conduits in an adjoining wall or elevators on the other side of the wall

• Large metal beams inside the wall behind the system

• Dust accumulation near the fan or power supply

If removing potential sources of problems does not help, try moving the computer and the monitor.

Monitor

This section lists some basic checks you can do for most monitors. Check the documentation that came with the monitor for fault indications and troubleshooting procedures specific to your monitor. If you purchased the monitor from Dell, you can also find troubleshooting information on Dell’s World Wide Web site (http://support.dell.com).

If you have no picture, try the following checks:

• Make sure the computer is turned on.

• Make sure the monitor’s power button is completely depressed.

• If the monitor’s power indicator is lit, adjust contrast and brightness to their max-

imum settings.

• Verify the electrical outlet by plugging in an appliance that you know works.

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• If you have not already done so, plug the monitor directly into an electrical outlet,

bypassing any power protection devices, power strips, and extension cables to verify that the monitor turns on.

• If the power indicator is not lit, check for a bad power cable by turning off the sys-

tem and swapping the monitor and computer power cables.

• Perform the monitor self-test as described in the documentation that came with

the monitor.

If the picture quality is poor, perform these checks:

• Rotate the monitor to face a different direction. If the picture changes, see

“Environmental Factors” found earlier in this chapter. Monitors are particularly susceptible to EMI, which causes colors to fade and blend.

• If the orientation of the computer affects the display geometry, check the docu-

mentation that came with the monitor for information on adjustments.

• Degauss (demagnetize) the monitor as described in the documentation that

came with the monitor.

• If you changed the resolution or refresh rate settings of the monitor, return the

monitor to its manufacturer’s recommended settings (see the monitor documentation).

• Turn off the computer system, and examine the video-interface cable connector

for bent, pushed in, broken, or missing pins. Check the documentation that came with your monitor for additional information.

NOTE: Some missing pins may be normal for your monitor; check the documentation that came with the monitor.

• Remove any video extension cables, reseat the monitor’s video-interface cable

connector, and securely tighten the captive screws. Then reboot the computer system.

• Perform the monitor self-test as described in the documentation that came with

the monitor.

• If another monitor or computer is available, try swapping monitors between

systems.

• Move the computer and the monitor to another room.

If you completed the basic monitor checks and suspect a problem with the video, perform the following checks:

• Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. Double-click

the Display icon, and click the Settings tab. Try different settings for Colors and Screen area (Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000) or Desktop Area (Windows NT).

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• Change the display type to standard video graphics array (VGA) as follows:

1. Restart the system.

2. For Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000, press <F8> when you

see the Starting Windows ... message, and then select Safe Mode from the boot manager screen.

For Windows NT, select Windows NT Workstation 4.0 [VGA Mode] from the boot manager screen.

• Reinstall the video drivers (see “Video Drivers” in Chapter 4).

Speakers

Perform the following checks for speaker problems:

• Ensure that the speakers are properly connected as shown on the Getting

Started sheet or as described in the documentation that came with the speakers.

• Reseat all speaker connections and make sure they are inserted fully. Verify that

the audio jacks are not bent or broken.

• Verify that the speakers and/or subwoofer are turned on and are connected to a

known good power source.

• Turn up the volume knob on the speakers. If the audio is distorted, make sure

that the volume is not turned to its maximum setting. Adjust the treble and/or bass if the sound is distorted.

• Turn up the volume by clicking the yellow speaker icon in the Windows taskbar

and adjusting the volume setting.

• Turn off the monitor and such devices as fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen

lamps to check for interference from those devices.

• Plug the speakers into the headphone jack of the optical drive, make sure the

headphone volume control is turned up, and play a music CD.

• Check for conflicts as described in “Resolving Software and Hardware Incompat-

ibilities” in Chapter 4. Then reinstall the audio drivers as described in “Reinstalling Drivers” in Chapter 4.

Modem

NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog line only. Using a nonanalog line, such as a digital or private branch exchange (PBX) line, will damage the modem.

NOTE: If your modem can dial and connect to one Internet service provider (ISP) or to a fax machine, your modem is functioning properly. For assistance, contact the ISP to which you cannot connect.

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If you are experiencing problems with a modem, perform the following checks:

• If you have any other telephone devices plugged into this line, such as answering

machines, dedicated fax machines, surge protectors or line splitters, then bypass them and plug the modem cable directly into the telephone connector on the wall.

• Disconnect the cable from the modem and plug it directly into a telephone.

Listen for a dial tone.

• Check that the modem cable is connected to the line jack (the jack with a

connector-shaped icon) on the modem. Reseat the cable connections.

• Plug a telephone cable into the telephone jack (the jack with a telephone icon) on

the modem and listen for a dial tone.

• Try a different cable; if you are using a cable that is 10 feet or more in length, try a

shorter one.

• Low connection speeds can be caused by line noise. If you have persistent prob-

lems, contact your telephone company to check for data noise and imbalanced lines.

• See “Modem” in Chapter 5 for further troubleshooting information.

Network Cards

In general, network malfunctions may be caused by the following problems:

• Wrong or incorrectly installed network interface controller (NIC) drivers

• Interrupt request (IRQ) conflicts

• Damaged RJ45 connector or patch cable

• Bad hub port connection

• Incorrectly installed or malfunctioning network card

NOTE: If you can connect to the network but are having problems accessing network resources, contact your network administrator.

To troubleshoot a network card, perform the following steps:

1. Run the diagnostics for your network card as described in the documentation that came with the card.

If the network card is not detected, go to step 2.

If the network card does not pass all the tests, see Chapter 6, “Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

2. Remove the computer cover as described in “Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover” in Chapter 2.

3. Remove the riser-board bracket as described in “Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket” in Chapter 2.

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4. Remove all expansion cards installed in the computer (see “Removing Expansion Cards” in Chapter 2) except the network card to prevent a card that is incorrectly configured from causing an interrupt or input/output (I/O) port resource conflict.

5. Replace the riser-board bracket and computer cover, connect all external cables, and turn on the system.

6. Clear nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM) as described in “Clearing NVRAM” in Appendix B.

7. Check the network hardware connections by performing the following steps:

a. Check the network card connector for physical damage.

b. Ensure that the cable is inserted properly.

c. Replace the patch cable or network cable from the wall jack to the computer.

d. If replacing the patch cable or network cable does not solve the problem, try

moving the computer to known good location on the network.

e. If you still cannot connect to the network, ensure that the right drivers are

being used.

If the network card is still not detected, see Chapter 6, “Getting Help,” for information on obtaining technical assistance. If the network card is detected, repeat step 1.

Diskette Drives

If you have diskette drive problems, perform the following checks:

• Make sure the diskette is not write-protected if you are trying to copy data to it.

• Try a different diskette in the drive. If the new diskette works, the original one

may be defective.

• Check the settings on the Disk Drives option of the system setup program as

described in Appendix B, “System Setup Program.”

• Run the Diskette device group as described in “Running the Dell Diagnostics”

found later in this chapter.

Optical Drives

If you have problems with an optical drive, such as a CD-ROM drive, perform the following checks.

NOTE: Inconsistencies in the recording of CD-ROM media may cause some higherspeed CD-ROM drives to vibrate more than others. Such vibration and associated noise do not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD. It should be noted that not all media can be read by all drives.

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• Double-click the My Computer icon, and check to see if the drive is recognized

by the system. Most of the common boot-sector viruses cause the optical drive to “disappear.” Use virus-scanning software to check for and remove any viruses. If Dell installed Windows 98 or Windows Me on your system, you should already have virus-scanning software.

• Clean the disc with a soft, lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.

• Try another optical media title.

• Enter the system setup program as described in Appendix B, “System Setup

Program,” and verify that Device Detection Mode is set to Auto for the appropriate integrated drive electronics (IDE) drive option.

• Run the appropriate tests in the IDE Devices device group as described in “Run-

ning the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.

Hard-Disk Drives

If you have hard-disk drive problems, perform the following checks:

• For Windows 98 and Windows Me, run the ScanDisk utility by clicking the Start

button, pointing to Programs—> Accessories—> System Tools, and clicking ScanDisk.

• For Windows NT, run the error-checking utility by opening the property sheet of

the affected volume(s) and clicking Check Now in the Error-checking section of the To ol s tab.

• For Windows 2000, perform the following steps:

1. Double-click the My Computer icon located on the Windows desktop.

2. Click File, and then click Properties.

3. Click the To o ls tab.

4. Under Error-checking, click Check Now.

5. Under Check disk options, click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.

6. Click Start.

• Run the appropriate tests in the IDE Devices device group as described in “Run-

ning the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.

• Check the settings for the Disk Drives option of the system setup program as

described in Appendix B, “System Setup Program.”

Running the Dell Diagnostics

Whenever a major component or device in your computer system does not function properly, run the Dell Diagnostics provided on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD to check your computer's hardware. If you find a problem you cannot solve by yourself,

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the diagnostic tests can provide you with important information you will need when talking to Dell's service and support personnel.

NOTICE: Use the Dell Diagnostics to test only your Dell computer system. Using this program with other computers may cause incorrect computer responses or result in error messages.

The Dell Diagnostics provides a series of menus and options from which you choose particular test groups or subtests. You can also control the sequence in which the tests are run. The diagnostic test groups or subtests also have these helpful features:

• Options that let you run tests individually or collectively

• An option that allows you to choose the number of times a test group or subtest

is repeated

• The ability to display or print out test results or to save them in a file

• Options to temporarily suspend testing if an error is detected or to terminate

testing when an adjustable error limit is reached

• A Devices menu category that briefly describes each test and its parameters

• A Config menu category that describes the configuration of the devices in the

selected device group

• Status messages that inform you whether test groups or subtests were com-

pleted successfully

• Error messages that appear if any problems are detected

As long as the microprocessor and the input and output components of your computer system (the monitor, keyboard, optical drive, and diskette drive) are working, you can use the Dell Diagnostics. If you are experienced with computers and know what component(s) you need to test, simply select the appropriate diagnostic test group(s) or subtest(s). If you are unsure about how to begin diagnosing a problem, read the rest of this section.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics

To start the diagnostics, perform the following steps:

1. Turn on (or restart) your system.

2. Enter the system setup program by pressing <Del> when the blue Dell logo appears.

If you wait too long and the operating system begins to load into memory, let the system complete the load operation. Then shut down the system and try again.

See Appendix B, “System Setup Program,” for more information.

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3. Change the first bootable device to IDE CD-ROM in the Boot Options screen.

Write down the first bootable device option that you are changing (usually Floppy Disk A:) so you can change the setting back after you run the diagnostics.

See Appendix B, “System Setup Program,” for more information.

4. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the optical drive.

5. Press <Esc> to exit and save the system setup program settings.

6. When the boot menu appears on the screen, select the 1. Start computer with CD-ROM support option and press <Enter>.

7. Verify that the prompt drive letter is the optical drive letter in which you placed the Dell Dimension ResourceCD (usually d:). If not, type the optical drive letter followed by a colon <:>, and press <Enter>.

NOTE: Press <Shift> and <;> to type the colon <:>character on the Japanese keyboard.

8. Type dimcdiag and press <Enter>.

The DIAGNOSTICS MENU appears (see Figure 3-1). The menu allows you to run all or specific diagnostic tests or to exit to the MS-DOS prompt.

NOTE: Before you read the rest of this section, you may want to start the Dell Diagnostics so that you can see it on the screen of your monitor.

9. After running the diagnostics, repeat steps 1 through 3 to reset the first bootable device to its original option (usually Floppy Disk A:).

For a quick check of your system, select Quickly Test All Devices. This option runs only the subtests that do not require user interaction and that do not take a long time to run. Dell recommends that you choose this option first to increase the odds of tracing the source of the problem quickly. For a thorough check of your system, select

Fully Test All Devices. To check a particular area of your system, select Select Devices to Test.

To select an option from this menu, highlight the option and press <Enter>, or press the key that corresponds to the highlighted letter in the option you choose.

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Figure 3-1. Diagnostics Menu

Dell Diagnostics Main Screen

When you select Select Devices to Test from the DIAGNOSTICS MENU, the main screen of the diagnostics appears (see Figure 3-2). The main screen lists the diagnostic test device groups, lists the devices of the selected device group, and allows you to select options from a menu. From this screen, you can enter two other types of screens.

Information on the main screen of the diagnostics is presented in the following areas:

• Two lines at the top of the screen identify the version number of the Dell

Diagnostics.

• On the left side of the screen, the Device Groups area lists the diagnostic test

groups in the order they will run if you select All from the Run Tests menu. Press the up- or down-arrow key to highlight a device group.

• On the right side of the screen, the Devices for Highlighted Group area lists the

devices to be tested for the selected device group.

• Two lines at the bottom of the screen are the menu area. The first line lists the

menu options you can select; press the left- or right-arrow key to highlight a menu option. The second line gives information about the option currently highlighted.

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Figure 3-2. Dell Diagnostics Main Screen

Do not be concerned if the Device Groups area does not list the names of all the components or devices you know are part of your computer system. For example, you will not see a mouse listed, although you know one is attached to your computer. If you select the Pointing Devices device group, Mouse is listed under Devices for

Highlighted Group. Similarly, you can test your printer connection through the Paral- lel Ports device group.

Using the Dell Diagnostics

The online Help in the Dell Diagnostics provides instructions on how to use the program and explains each menu item, test group, subtest, and test and error result. To enter the Help menu, perform the following steps:

1. Highlight Select Devices to Test in the DIAGNOSTICS MENU.

2. Press <Enter>.

3. Press <h>.

The Help menu options are Menu, Keys, Device Group, Device, Tes t , and Versions. The online Help also provides detailed descriptions of the devices that you are testing. The Help options are explained in the following subsections.

Menu describes the main menu screen area, the device groups, and the different diagnostic menus and commands and provides instructions on how to use them.

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Keys

Keys explains the functions of all the keystrokes that can be used in the Dell Diagnostics.

Device Group

Device Group describes the test group that is presently highlighted in the Device Groups list on the main menu screen. It also provides reasoning for using some

tests.

Device

Device is the educational section of the online Help. It describes the function and purpose of the highlighted device in the Device Groups area. For example, the following information appears when you select Device for Diskette in the Device Groups list:

Diskette drive A:

The diskette disk drive device reads and writes data to and from diskettes. Diskettes are flexible recording media, sometimes contained in hard shells. Diskette recording capacities are small and access times are slow relative to hard disk drives, but they provide a convenient means of storing and transferring data.

Test

Te s t provides a thorough explanation of the subtest highlighted for a selected device group. For example, the following description is provided for the Diskette Drive Seek Te s t :

Diskette drive A: - Diskette Drive Seek Test

This test verifies the drive's ability to position its read/ write heads. The test operates in two passes: first, seeking from the beginning to ending cylinders inclusively, and second, seeking alternately from the beginning to ending cylinders with convergence towards the middle.

Versions

Versions lists the version numbers of the subtests that are used by the Dell Diagnostics.

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CHAPTER 4

Software Solutions

This chapter describes software features and procedures, such as power management features and reinstalling drivers, that can often solve problems with your computer system.

Using the Power Management Features in Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000

For Windows 98, the power management features of your Dell system can be set through the Power Management Properties window. For Windows 2000 and Win- dows Me, the power management features can be set through the Power Options Properties window. If you press <Del> when the computer restarts, your computer’s power management features can be set through the system setup program.

To set the power management features in Windows 98, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Power Management icon.

3. Set the power management features in the Power Management Properties window.

To set the power management features in Windows 2000 and Windows Me, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Power Options icon.

3. Set the power management features in the Power Options Properties window.

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The Power Schemes tab allows you to select the power scheme (Always On, Home/Office Desktop, or Portable/Laptop) and power mode settings for your computer. For Windows 2000 and Windows Me, the following options are available for each power scheme setting:

• Tu rn off monitor — Turns off the monitor so that the system uses less power.

You can press any key to turn on the monitor. The Windows desktop is restored exactly as it appeared before the monitor was turned off.

• Turn off hard disk — Turns off the hard-disk drive so that the system uses less

power. You can press any key to turn on the hard-disk drive. The Windows desktop is restored exactly as it appeared before the hard-disk drive was turned off.

• System standby — Turns off the monitor, stops the hard-disk drive, and turns off

other internal devices so that the computer uses less power. When the system resumes from standby mode, the Windows desktop is restored exactly as it appeared prior to entering standby mode.

NOTE: The system may take several seconds to resume operation from the power scheme settings.

The Advanced tab allows you to display the Power Management icon on the Windows 98 taskbar and the Power Options icon on the Windows 2000 and Windows Me taskbar. You may also select the option to have a password prompt appear when the system resumes from standby mode. For Windows 2000 and Windows Me, you may set the system to power off or to enter standby mode when you press the power button.

For Windows 2000 and Windows Me, the following additional tabs are included in the Power Options Properties window:

• The Hibernate tab allows you to enable hibernate mode support and displays

available disk space for hibernation.

• The UPS tab displays the status of the uninterruptible power supply (UPS), if

installed.

Reinstalling Drivers

All of your system’s drivers for Dell-installed devices are operative when you receive the system—no further installation or configuration is needed. However, if you ever need to reinstall any of these drivers, the driver files are provided on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD.

Device problems can often be corrected by reinstalling the appropriate drivers. Also, hardware manufacturers frequently provide updated drivers that support feature enhancements or that correct problems. Obtain updated drivers for products purchased from Dell at the support section of the Dell World Wide Web site (http://support.dell.com).

NOTICE: Drivers available on the Dell Web site have been validated for correct operation on Dell systems. Installing drivers obtained from other sources may cause errors or performance degradation.

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Your System’s Drivers

The device drivers that can be reinstalled on your system are listed below:

• Intel Chip Set Update Utility Driver — Installs Windows device installation files

(.inf) that tell the operating system how certain chip set components should be configured for proper operation.

• Intel Security Driver — Provides a heightened level of security for transmitting

data across a network or across the Internet.

• Intel 810e Video Driver — Enables the system’s video controller to function

properly.

• ADI Audio Driver — Enables the system’s audio controller to produce sound.

• Other Drivers — Control devices, such as modem cards or network interface

controller (NIC) cards, that may installed on your system. For instructions on how to reinstall these drivers, see the device’s documentation by double-clicking the Dell Documents icon on the Windows desktop, clicking System Information, and then clicking System Documentation.

NOTES: If a driver does not appear under a selected operating system on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, then the driver is not required by that operating system.

If you reinstall Windows 98, you must reinstall the Intel Chip Set Update Utility before you reinstall any other drivers.

Using the Dell Dimension ResourceCD to Reinstall Drivers

NOTICE: The Dell Dimension ResourceCD contains drivers for devices that might not be installed in your computer. Do not install device drivers unless you first identify the specific driver intended for the hardware installed in your computer (see “Your System’s Drivers,” found earlier in this chapter). Installing incorrect drivers might make your computer inoperable.

1. Start the computer’s operating system.

2. If you have not initially installed the Dell Dimension ResourceCD application pro- gram, proceed to the next step. If you have previously installed the application program, proceed to step 6.

3. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the optical drive.

The ResourceCD Installation application program automatically starts.

4. Follow the instructions on your screen.

5. When the InstallShield Wizard Complete window appears, remove the Dell Dimension ResourceCD from the optical drive, and then click Finish to restart the computer.

6. After the operating system starts, insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the optical drive.

The Welcome Dell System Owner screen appears.

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7. C l i c k Next.

8. Change the language in the Language list located in the upper-right corner of the

window, if needed.

9. Select the model of your computer in the System Model list.

10. Select your computer’s operating system in the Operating System list.

11. Select the type of device in the Device Type list.

12. Select Drivers in the Topic list.

13. Click the name of the driver that you want to reinstall.

See “Your System’s Drivers,” found earlier in this chapter, for a list of drivers that you can reinstall on your computer.

14. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Temporarily Disabling the Virus-Scanning Program

Before you install commercially available software, temporarily disable any virusscanning program running on your computer. For instructions on temporarily disabling virus protection, see the online documentation provided with your virus-scanning software.

NOTICE: When virus-scanning software is disabled, viruses are not detected on your system.

After you install the software, reenable the virus-scanning program. See the online documentation provided with your virus-scanning software for instructions.

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

For a device to operate properly, both the device and its software must be compatible with the operating system.

Windows 98 and Windows Me

Windows 98 and Windows Me interrupt request (IRQ) conflicts occur if a device either is not detected during the Windows 98 or Windows Me Plug and Play setup or is detected but incorrectly configured. To check for conflicts, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.

2. In the Control Panel, double-click the System icon.

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3. Click the Device Manager tab.

4. In the Device Manager list, check for conflicts with other devices.

Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) beside the conflicting device or a red X if the device has been disabled.

5. Double-click the malfunctioning device type in the Device Manager list.

6. Double-click the icon for the specific device in the expanded list.

The Properties window appears.

If there is an IRQ conflict, the Device status area in the Properties window reports what expansion cards or devices are sharing the device's IRQ.

7. Resolve the IRQ conflicts.

You can also use the Windows 98 Hardware Conflict Troubleshooter. To use the troubleshooter, click the Start button and click Help. Double-click Troubleshooting on the Contents tab, and then double-click If you have a hardware conflict. In Windows Me, double-click Troubleshooting in the What would you like help with? list, click Hardware & system device problems, click Hardware, memory, & oth- ers, and then click Hardware Troubleshooter.

Windows 2000

To check for conflicts on a computer running Windows 2000, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.

2. In the Control Panel, double-click the System icon.

3. Click the Hardware tab.

4. Click Device Manager.

5. Click View and then click Resources by connection.

6. Double-click Interrupt request (IRQ) to view the IRQ assignments.

Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) beside the conflicting device or a red X if the device has been disabled.

7. Double-click the malfunctioning device type in the Device Manager list.

8. Double-click the icon for the specific device in the expanded list.

The Properties window appears.

If there is an IRQ conflict, the Device status area in the Properties window reports what expansion cards or devices are sharing the device's IRQ.

9. Resolve the IRQ conflicts.

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You can also use the Windows 2000 Hardware Conflict Troubleshooter. To use the troubleshooter, click the Start button and click Help. Double-click Troubleshooting

and Maintenance on the Contents tab, and then double-click If you have a hardware conflict.

Windows NT

To check for conflicts on a computer running Windows NT, perform the following steps:

1. Open the Event Viewer in the Administrative Tools (Common) folder, and

check for any relevant event log messages.

2. Start the Windows NT Diagnostics from the Administrative Tools (Common) folder, and check current resource assignments on the Resources tab.

3. Then click the Services tab and view the state of Services and Devices.

Reinstalling Windows 98

NOTICE: The operating system CD provides options for reinstalling your Windows 98 Second Edition operating system. The options can potentially overwrite files installed by Dell and possibly affect programs installed on your hard-disk drive. Therefore, Dell does not recommend that you reinstall your operating system unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.

NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows 98, you must disable any virus protection software installed on your system before you reinstall Windows 98.

1. Turn on the computer and enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative.

2. In the system setup program Boot menu, change the boot sequence so that the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive boots first, as directed by a Dell technical support representative. Then place the operating system CD in the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive and close the drive tray.

3. Exit the system setup program.

The system restarts.

4. At the Welcom e window, click OK.

5. Double-click Refresh Windows OS.

6. Click OK.

7. C l i c k OK again.

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8. Remove the operating system CD from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive and click

OK to restart your system.

The Getting ready to run Windows for the first time screen appears.

9. If the mouse tutorial starts, press <Esc> to exit and then press y.

10. Click the regional setting closest to where you live and click Next.

11. Click your keyboard layout and click Next.

12. In the User Information window, type your name and, if applicable, company name, and then click Next.

The Name field must be completed; the Company Name field is optional.

The License Agreement window appears.

13. Click I accept the Agreement, and then click Next.

14. Type the Windows product key in the fields provided, and then click Next.

The product key is the bar code number found on the Microsoft Windows label, which is located on the side of your system.

15. In the Date/Time Properties window, adjust the date and time properties, click Apply, and then click OK.

Windows 98 updates the system settings and restarts your system.

16. When the Start Wizard appears, click Finish.

The Enter Windows Password window appears. To continue without creating a Windows user name and password, click OK. Otherwise, type your user name and password in the appropriate fields and then click OK.

17. If you created a Windows user name and password, type your password and click OK.

NOTICE: Make sure that you reinstall the Intel Chip Set Update Utility driver before you reinstall any other drivers.

18. Reinstall the appropriate drivers.

19. Reenable your virus protection software.

20. Enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative.

21. In the system setup program Boot menu, change the boot sequence so that the diskette drive boots first, as directed by a Dell technical support representative. Then, exit the system setup program.

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Reinstalling Windows Me

NOTICE: The operating system CD provides options for reinstalling your Windows Me operating system. The options can potentially overwrite files installed by Dell and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, Dell does not recommend that you reinstall your operating system unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.

NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows Me, you must disable any virus protection software installed on your system before you reinstall Windows Me.

1. Turn on the computer and enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative.

3. Exit the system setup program.

4. Select Boot From CD-ROM, and then press <Enter>.

If you wait too long to make this selection, the computer automatically boots from the hard drive. If this occurs, allow the computer to boot completely, and then restart it and try again.

5. Select Start Windows Setup from CD-ROM, and then press <Enter>

6. Press <Enter> again.

7. S e l e c t Continue Setup and replace your current operating system, and then press <Enter>.

8. Press <Enter> again.

ScanDisk automatically starts and checks your hard-disk drive.

9. Click Next in the Welcome to Windows Me window.

10. Select the directory in which Windows resides.

If C:\WINDOWS (recommended) is displayed, select it, and then click Next.

If C:\WINDOWS.000 (recommended) is displayed, click Other, change C:\WINDOWS.000 to C:\WINDOWS, and then click Next.

11. Ensure that Ty p i c a l is selected, and then click Next.

12. Specify a computer name, workgroup, and computer description, if desired, and then click Next.

13. Select a country in the Country/Region window, and then click Next.

14. Specify a time zone in the Establish Time Zone window, and then click Next.

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15. Click Finish.

Windows Setup installs necessary files, and then restarts the system.

16. S el ect Boot From Hard Drive, and then press <Enter>.

17. In the User Information window, type your name and, if applicable, company name, and then click Next.

The Name field must be completed; the Company Name field is optional.

The License Agreement window appears.

18. Click I accept the Agreement, and then click Next.

19. Type the Windows product key in the fields provided, and then click Next.

The product key is the bar code number found on the Microsoft Windows label, which is located on the side of your system.

20. Click Finish.

Windows Setup installs additional files, and then restarts the system.

21. Select Boot From Hard Drive, and then press <Enter>.

Windows Setup installs additional files, and then restarts the system.

22. Select Boot From Hard Drive, and then press <Enter>.

23. Enter a password in the Enter Network Password window, if desired, and then click Next.

24. Remove the Dell Product Recovery CD from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

25. Enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative.

26. In the system setup program Boot menu, change the boot sequence so that the diskette drive boots first, as directed by a Dell technical support representative. Then, exit the system setup program.

Reinstalling Windows 2000

1. Insert the operating system CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

2. Shut down the computer.

3. Start the computer.

4. Press any key when the Press any key to boot from CD message appears on the screen.

5. When the Windows 2000 Setup screen appears, ensure that the To setup Win2000 now, press ENTER option is highlighted. Then press <Enter>.

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6. Read the information in the License Agreement screen, and then press <F8> to

continue.

7. When the Windows 2000 Professional Setup screen appears, use the arrow

keys to select the Windows 2000 partition option that you want. To continue, press the key specified in the partition option that you chose.

8. When the Windows 2000 Professional Setup screen reappears, use the arrow

keys to select the type of filing system that you want Windows 2000 to use, and then press <Enter>.

9. Press <Enter> again to restart your computer.

10. C lick Next when the Welcome to the Windows 2000 Setup Wizard screen

appears.

11. When the Regional Settings screen appears, select the settings for your locale, and then click Next.

12. Enter your name and organization in the Personalize Your Software screen, and then click Next.

13. When prompted, enter the Windows product key, which is printed on the Microsoft label on your computer. Then click Next.

14. When the Computer Name and Administrator Password screen appears, enter a name for your computer and a password, if desired. Then click Next.

15. Enter the date and time in the Date and Time Settings screen, and then click Next.

Windows 2000 now begins to install its components and configure the computer.

16. When the Completing the Windows 2000 Setup Wizard screen appears, remove the CD from the drive, and then click Finish.

The computer automatically restarts.

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CHAPTER 5

Checking Inside Your Computer

This chapter describes troubleshooting procedures for expansion cards and system memory. Some procedures require you to access the inside of the computer and remove and reinstall components. Procedures are also included for checking a wet or damaged computer.

CAUTION: Before completing any of the procedures in this chapter, be sure to follow the procedures in “Safety First—For You and Your Computer” in Chapter 2.

Expansion Cards

If an error message indicates an expansion-card problem or if an expansion card seems to perform incorrectly or not at all, the problem could be a faulty connection, a conflict with software or other hardware, or a faulty expansion card. If software problems and conflicts have been eliminated, perform the following general steps to troubleshoot expansion cards:

1. Remove the computer cover as described in “Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover” in Chapter 2.

2. Remove the riser-board bracket as described in “Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket” in Chapter 2.

3. Remove all of the internal and external cables attached to the expansion cards.

4. Remove the expansion cards as described in “Removing Expansion Cards” in Chapter 2. Then reinstall the expansion cards, fully seating the cards in their connectors.

Figure 5-1 illustrates a correctly seated expansion card, and Figure 5-2 illustrates incorrect expansion-card installations.

5. Reconnect the cable connectors to the appropriate connectors on the expansion cards.

6. Replace the riser-board bracket.

7. Replace the computer cover, connect all external cables, and turn on the system.

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fully seated

Figure 5-1. Expansion-Card Installation

not fully seated

front edge not seated

Figure 5-2. Incorrect Expansion-Card Installations

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The following subsections provide troubleshooting procedures for some specific types of expansion cards.

Modem

In general, modem malfunctions may be caused by any of the following problems:

• Incorrectly seated modem in the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) slot

• Interrupt request (IRQ) conflicts

• Incorrect drivers installed

• Incorrect software configuration

To troubleshoot a modem card, perform the following steps:

1. Check for modem IRQ conflicts.

See “Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities” in Chapter 4. Resolve any modem IRQ conflicts, and restart the computer system.

2. Verify the modem configuration as follows:

a. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.

b. In the Control Panel, double-click Modems for Windows 98, Windows Me,

and Windows NT or double-click Phone and Modem Options for Windows 2000.

c. If there are multiple entries for the same modem, remove those entries and

restart the computer.

If there are modems listed that are not part of the system configuration, remove them from the list.

If you are using Windows NT, verify the modem properties and then proceed to step 3.

d. Click the Diagnostics tab.

e. Highlight the COM port that the modem is using.

f. Click More Info to verify that the system can communicate with the modem.

If the modem reports information to the system, the modem is operating properly.

3. Remove the computer cover as described in “Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover” in Chapter 2.

4. Remove the riser-board bracket as described in “Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket” in Chapter 2.

5. Remove and reinstall the modem, fully seating the card in its connector (see Figure 5-1).

6. Replace the riser-board bracket.

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7. Replace the computer cover, connect all external cables, and turn on the system. Enter the system setup program as described in Appendix B, “System Setup Program,” and verify that the Serial Port 1 is set to Enabled.

NOTE: If you have persistent problems with low connection speeds, contact your telephone company to check for data noise and imbalanced lines or your Internet service provider (ISP) for information about their service.

Network Cards

In general, network malfunctions may be caused by the following problems:

• Wrong or incorrectly installed network interface controller (NIC) drivers

• IRQ conflicts

• Damaged RJ45 connector or patch cable

• Bad hub port connection

• Incorrectly installed or malfunctioning network card

NOTE: If you can connect to the network but are having problems accessing network resources, contact your network administrator.

To troubleshoot a network card, perform the following steps:

1. Run the diagnostics for your network card as described in the documentation that came with the card.

If the network card is not detected, go to step 2.

If the network card does not pass all the tests, see Chapter 6, “Getting Help,” for

instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

2. Remove the computer cover as described in “Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover” in Chapter 2.

3. Remove the riser-board bracket as described in “Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket” in Chapter 2.

4. Remove all expansion cards installed in the computer (see “Removing Expansion Cards” in Chapter 2) except the network card to prevent an incorrectly configured card from causing an interrupt or input/output (I/O) port resource conflict.

5. Replace the riser-board bracket.

6. Replace the computer cover, connect all external cables, and turn on the system.

7. Clear nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM) as described in “Clearing NVRAM” in Appendix B.

8. If the network hardware is functional, check the network connections as follows:

a. Check the network card connector for physical damage.

b. Ensure that the cable is inserted properly.

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c. Replace the patch cable or network cable from the wall jack to the computer.

d. If replacing the patch cable or network cable does not solve the problem, try

moving the computer to a known good location on the network.

e. If you still cannot connect to the network, ensure that the right drivers are

being used.

9. If the network card is still not detected, see Chapter 6, “Getting Help,” for information on obtaining technical assistance. If the network card is detected, repeat step 1.

System Memory

If a random-access memory (RAM) error message appears, troubleshoot the memory by performing the following steps:

1. Turn on the computer and monitor.

2. If you hear a beep code, see Appendix C, “Beep Codes and System Messages.”

3. If you received an error message after making changes in the system setup program, restore the original values and restart the system.

4. Enter the system setup program as described in Appendix B, “System Setup Program,” and verify 1st Bank, 2nd Bank, and To t a l Memory on the System Information screen.

If the memory amount displayed in megabytes (MB) does not match the computer’s configuration, reseat the dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) as described in the next subsection.

Reseating DIMMs

1. Remove the computer cover as described in “Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover” in Chapter 2.

2. Remove the riser-board bracket as described in “Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket” in Chapter 2.

3. Remove the expansion cards as described in “Removing Expansion Cards” in Chapter 2.

4. Remove the DIMMs as described in “Removing a DIMM” in Chapter 2.

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5. Check the DIMMs and DIMM sockets for broken tabs and damaged connectors.

If a module is damaged, replace it. If a DIMM socket is damaged, see Chapter 6, “Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

6. Reinstall the DIMMs as described in “Installing a DIMM” in Chapter 2.

7. Replace the expansion cards and the riser-board bracket.

8. Replace the computer cover, reconnect the system to an electrical outlet, and turn on the system.

9. Enter the system setup program as described in Appendix B, “System Setup Program,” and verify 1st Bank, 2nd Bank, and To t a l Memory on the System Information screen.

If the problem still exists and you have a single DIMM, repeat steps 1 through 5, installing the DIMM in a different socket. If you have more than one DIMM, try installing one at a time.

10. If the problem persists, see Chapter 6, “Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

If Your Computer Gets Wet

Liquids from spills, splashes, and excessive humidity can damage your computer. If an external device (such as a printer) gets wet, contact the manufacturer of that device for instructions. If your computer gets wet, perform the following steps:

1. Immediately unplug the computer from the electrical outlet.

2. Remove the computer cover as described in “Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover” in Chapter 2.

3. Let the computer dry for at least 24 hours.

NOTICE: Make sure that the computer is thoroughly dry before proceeding.

4. Remove the riser-board bracket as described in “Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket” in Chapter 2.

5. Remove all expansion cards installed in the computer (see “Removing Expansion Cards” in Chapter 2), and replace the riser-board bracket.

6. Replace the computer cover, reconnect the system to an electrical outlet, and turn on the computer system.

If the system does not have power, see Chapter 6, “Getting Help,” for instruc- tions on obtaining technical assistance.

7. Turn off the system, and disconnect it from the electrical outlet.

8. Remove the computer cover.

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9. Remove the riser-board bracket.

10. Reinstall all the expansion cards you removed in step 5, replace the riser-board bracket, and replace the computer cover.

See “Installing Expansion Cards” in Chapter 2 for instructions.

11. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the optical drive.

NOTES: For systems running Windows 98 or Windows Me, also insert the Microsoft Windows 98 Boot Disk or Microsoft Windows Me Boot Disk into the diskette drive.

For systems running Windows NT, also insert the Hard Drive Diagnostics and Utilities diskette included with your computer system or any MS-DOS bootable diskette into the diskette drive.

12. Turn on the computer system.

If the system does not start, see Chapter 6, “Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

13. When the boot screen appears, select Start Computer with CD-ROM Support.

14. A t t he a:\ prompt, type x: (where x is the drive letter for the optical drive, which is displayed on the line above the a:\ prompt). Press <Enter>.

15. Type diags32 and press <Enter>.

The DIAGNOSTICS MENU appears.

16. Type q to quickly test your computer system.

If the tests do not complete successfully, see Chapter 6, “Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

If Your Computer Is Damaged

If your computer is dropped or damaged, check it to make sure it still functions properly. If a device attached to the computer is dropped or damaged, contact the manufacturer for technical assistance. To troubleshoot a damaged computer, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the computer cover as described in “Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover” in Chapter 2.

2. Check the connections in the computer.

Check all power and interface cable connections for the drives. Make sure all cables are securely and properly connected to the system board. Verify that all expansion cards are firmly seated as shown in Figure 5-1 and that all components are properly seated in their connectors and sockets.

3. Replace the computer cover, and reconnect the system to an electrical outlet.

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4. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the optical drive.

NOTES: For systems running Windows 98 or Windows Me, also insert the Microsoft Windows 98 Boot Disk or Microsoft Windows Me Boot Disk into the diskette drive.

For systems running Windows NT, also insert the Hard Drive Diagnostics and Utilities diskette included with your computer system or any MS-DOS bootable diskette into the diskette drive.

5. Turn on the computer system.

If the system does not start, see Chapter 6, “Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

6. When the boot screen appears, select Start Computer with CD-ROM Support.

7. At the a:\ prompt, type x: (where x is the drive letter for the optical drive, which is displayed on the line above the a:\ prompt). Press <Enter>.

8. Type diags32 and press <Enter>.

The DIAGNOSTICS MENU appears.

9. Type q to quickly test your computer system.

If the tests do not complete successfully, see Chapter 6, “Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

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CHAPTER 6

Getting Help

This chapter describes the tools Dell provides to help you when you have a problem with your computer. It also tells you when and how to call Dell for technical or customer assistance.

Technical Assistance

If you need assistance with a technical problem, perform the following steps:

1. Complete the basic troubleshooting checks described in “Checking the Basics” in Chapter 3.

2. Run the Dell Diagnostics as described in “Running the Dell Diagnostics” in Chapter 3.

3. Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist (found later in this chapter), and fill it out.

4. Use Dell’s extensive suite of online support services available at Dell’s World Wide Web support site (http://support.dell.com) for help with installation and troubleshooting procedures.

For more information, refer to “World Wide Web” found later in this chapter.

5. If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem and you need to talk to a Dell technician, call Dell’s technical support service.

The system information label provides your system's five-character service tag sequence. The label is located on the upper-left corner of the computer.

For instructions on using the technical support service, refer to “Technical Support Service” and “Before You Call” found later in this chapter.

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Help Tools

Dell provides a number of tools to assist you. These tools are described in the following sections.

NOTE: Some of the following tools are not always available in all locations. Please call your local Dell representative for information on availability.

World Wide Web

The Internet is your most powerful tool for obtaining information about your computer and other Dell products. From Dell's World Wide Web home page (http://www.dell.com), you can access product information, order status, and technical support.

From Dell's technical support page (http://support.dell.com), click one of the following:

Support Your Dell — Enter your service tag and then click Submit. The service tag sequence is listed on the system information label. See the System Help for the location of the system information label.

From this page you can access a number of tools and information such as system documentation, drivers, and basic input/output (BIOS) updates, and self-diagnostic tools for resolving many computer-related issues by following interactive flowcharts.

Online Knowledge Center — This tool searches the Dell Knowledge Base and Dell Support for answers and related topics.

Dell can be accessed electronically using the following addresses:

• World Wide Web

http://www.dell.com/ap/ (for Asian/Pacific countries only)

http://www.dell.com/

http://www.euro.dell.com (for Europe only)

• Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP)

ftp.dell.com/

• Electronic Support Service

apsupport@dell.com (for Asian/Pacific countries only)

support@us.dell.com

support.euro.dell.com (for Europe only)

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• Electronic Quote Service

apmarketing@dell.com (for Asian/Pacific countries only)

sales@dell.com

• Electronic Information Service

info@dell.com

Automated Order-Status System

You can call this automated service to check on the status of any Dell products that you have ordered. A recording prompts you for the information needed to locate and report on your order. For the telephone number to call, refer to “Dell Contact Numbers” found later in this chapter.

Technical Support Service

Dell’s industry-leading hardware technical-support service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer your questions about Dell hardware.

Our technical support staff pride themselves on their track record: more than 90 percent of all problems and questions are taken care of in just one toll-free call, usually in less than 10 minutes. When you call, our experts can refer to records kept on your Dell system to better understand your particular question. Our technical support staff use computer-based diagnostics to provide fast, accurate answers to questions.

To c o n t ac t De l l’s technical support service, first refer to the section titled “Before You Call” and then call the number listed in “Dell Contact Numbers” found later in this chapte r.

Problems With Your Order

If you have a problem with your order, such as missing parts, wrong parts, or incorrect billing, contact Dell for customer assistance. Have your invoice or packing slip handy when you call. For the Customer Care telephone number to call, refer to “Dell Contact Numbers” found later in this chapter.

Product Information

If you need information about additional products available from Dell or if you would like to place an order, visit Dell’s World Wide Web site at http://www.dell.com/. For the telephone number to call to speak to a sales specialist, refer to “Dell Contact Numbers” found later in this chapter.

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Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit

Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows:

1. Call Dell to obtain an authorization number, and write it clearly and prominently on the outside of the box.

For the telephone number to call, refer to “Dell Contact Numbers” found later in this chapter.

2. Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describing the reason for the return.

3. Include a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist indicating the tests you have run and any error messages reported by the Dell Diagnostics.

4. Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned (power cables, software diskettes, guides, and so on) if the return is for credit.

5. Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing materials.

You are responsible for paying shipping expenses. You are also responsible for insuring any product returned, and you assume the risk of loss during shipment to Dell Computer Corporation. Collect-on-delivery (C.O.D.) packages are not accepted.

Returns that are missing any of the preceding requirements will be refused at our receiving dock and returned to you.

Before You Call

Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (Figure 6-1). If possible, turn on your system before you call Dell for technical assistance, and call from a telephone at or near the computer. You may be asked to type some commands at the keyboard, relay detailed information during operations, or try other troubleshooting steps possible only at the computer system itself. Make sure the system documentation is available.

CAUTION: If you need to remove the computer covers, be sure to first disconnect the computer system’s power and modem cables from all electrical outlets.

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Diagnostics Checklist

Name: ______________________________________________________________Date: ______________________

Address: ________________________________________________________Phone number: _________________

Service tag (bar code on the back of the computer): _________________________________________________

Return Material Authorization Number (if provided by Dell support technician): ___________________________

Operating system and version: ____________________________________________________________________

Peripherals: ____________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Expansion cards:_________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Are you connected to a network? yes no

Network, version, and network card: _______________________________________________________________

Programs and versions: ___________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Refer to your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the system’s start-up files. If the computer is connected to a printer, print each file. Otherwise, record the contents of each file before calling Dell.

Error message, beep code, or diagnostic code: ______________________________________________________

Description of problem and troubleshooting procedures you performed: ________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Figure 6-1. Diagnostics Checklist

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Dell Contact Numbers

Table 6-1 provides area codes and telephone numbers for each department or service available in Japan.

Table 6-1. Dell Contact Numbers

Country (City)

Japan

(Kawasaki)

Department Name or Service Code Toll-Free Num-

Area Local Number or

ber

Technical Support (Server)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . toll free: 0120-1984-35

Technical Support (Dimension™ and Inspiron™)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . toll free: 0120-1982-26

Technical Support Outside of Japan (Dimension and Inspiron)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520-1435

Technical Support (Dell Precision™, OptiPlex™, and Latitude™)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . toll free: 0120-1984-33

Technical Support Outside of Japan (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .556-3894

Customer Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 044 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .556-4240

24-Hour Automated Order Status Service. . . . . . . 044 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .556-3801

Home and Small Business Group Sales . . . . . . . . 044 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .556-3344

Individual User . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 044 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 556-1760

Preferred Accounts Division Sales

(over 400 employees) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 044 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .556-3433

Large Corporate Accounts Sales

(over 3500 employees) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 044 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .556-3430

Business Sales Division (up to 400 employees) . . 044 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .556-1465

Government, Education, and Medical Sales . . . . . 044 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .556-3345

Dell Global Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 044 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .556-3469

Faxbox Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 044 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .556-3490

Switchboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 044 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .556-4300

Web site: http://support.jp.dell.com

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APPENDIX A

System Specifications

Table A-1. Technical Specifications

Microprocessor

Microprocessor type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intel Socket 370 Pentium III processor that

runs at an external speed of 100 MHz or an Intel Socket 370 Celeron processor that runs at an external speed of 66 MHz

L1 cache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 KB (16-KB data cache; 16-KB instruction

cache)

L2 cache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128-KB SDRAM

Math coprocessor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . internal to processor

System Information

System chip set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intel 810e chip set

Data bus width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 bits

Address bus width. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 bits

DMA channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . eight

Interrupt levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Display cache. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 MB

System BIOS chip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Y2K-, DMI 2.0s-, and system management

Bus type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PCI (version 2.2)

Bus speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 MHz

PCI-to-PCI bridging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . supported

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

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BIOS 2.3-compliant BIOS in 4-Mb flash chip

Expansion Bus

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Table A-1. Technical Specifications (continued)

Expansion Bus (continued)

Expansion-card connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . supports two one-third–length

PCI expansion cards

Expansion-card connector size . . . . . . . . . 120 pins

ACPI specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0a

Expansion-card connector data

width (maximum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 bits

System Clock

System clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 or 100 MHz (matches external bus

speed)

Memory

Architecture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . non-ECC SDRAM 168-pin modules

DIMM sockets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . two; gold contacts

DIMM capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 64, 128, and 256 MB

Minimum RAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 MB

Maximum RAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512 MB

Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 MHz

Clock cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 ns (supports 4 clocks only)

CAS latency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . three

SPD revision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2

Buffering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . unbuffered

Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.3 V

Data bus width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 bits

BIOS address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F0000h

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

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Table A-1. Technical Specifications (continued)

Drives

Externally accessible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . one 3.5-inch bay for a slim-height 3.5-inch

diskette drive; one 5.25-inch bay for a slimheight optical drive

Internally accessible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . one bay for 1-inch–high IDE hard-disk drive

Ports and Connectors

Externally accessible:

Serial (DTE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-pin connector; 16550-compatible

Parallel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-pin connector (bidirectional)

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-pin connector

PS/2-style keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-hole mini-DIN connector

PS/2-compatible mouse . . . . . . . . . . 6-hole mini-DIN connector

USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . one USB-compliant connector on the front

panel; one on the back panel

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . two front-panel miniature jacks for

microphone and headphones and one back-panel miniature line-out jack for speakers

Internally accessible:

Primary IDE channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-pin connector on PCI bus

Secondary IDE channel . . . . . . . . . . 50-pin slimline connector on PCI bus

Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-pin slimline connector

Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-pin connector

Video

Graphics architecture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intel Dynamic Video Memory (DVM)

technology

Graphics accelerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intel Direct AGP 2D and 3D graphics

accelerator

Display cache. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-MB, 133-MHz SDRAM

Graphics memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dynamically assigned from system

memory

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

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Table A-1. Technical Specifications (continued)

Video (continued)

Video resolutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 x 600 pixels; 75-Hz refresh rate with

16.7 million colors

1024 x 786 pixels; 75-Hz refresh rate with 64,000 colors

1280 x 1024 pixels; 75-Hz refresh rate with 256 colors

1600 x 1200 pixels; 75-Hz refresh rate with 256 colors

Controls and Indicators

Power control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . push button

Power indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . green on system board;

green on front panel

Hard-disk drive access indicator . . . . . . . . green

Power

DC power supply:

Wattage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 W

Heat dissipation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 808 BTU (nominal)

Voltage (switch-selectable on

back panel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 V at 50 to 60 Hz for Japanese

Backup battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-V CR2032 coin cell

Physical

Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.8 cm (3.0 inches)

Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31.0 cm (12.2 inches)

Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29.5 cm (11.6 inches)

Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.6 kg (14.5 lb)

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

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systems; 90 to 135 V at 60 Hz; 180 to 265 V at 50 Hz;

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Table A-1. Technical Specifications (continued)

Environmental

Temperature:

Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F)

Relative humidity:

Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% to 80% (noncondensing)

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5% to 95% (noncondensing)

Maximum vibration:

Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.25 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1/2 octave/min

Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.5 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1/2 octave/min

Maximum shock:

Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bottom half-sine pulse with a change in

velocity of 50.8 cm/sec (20 inches/sec)

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-G faired-square wave with a velocity

change of 508 cm/sec (200 inches/sec)

Altitude:

Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

–15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . –15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)

At 35°C (95°F), the maximum operating altitude is 914 m (3000 ft).

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

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APPENDIX B

System Setup Program

This appendix describes the system setup program, which you can use to configure your computer as well as enable and disable your computer’s password features.

Each time you turn on or restart your computer, the system compares the installed hardware to the hardware listed in the configuration information stored in nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM) on the system board. If the computer detects a discrepancy between the two, it generates error messages that identify the incorrect configuration settings. The computer then prompts you to enter the system setup program to correct the setting.

You can use the system setup program as follows:

• To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove

any hardware in your system

• To set or change user-selectable options—for example, the user password

Dell recommends that you print the system setup program screens (by pressing <Print Screen>) or write down the information for future reference.

Entering the System Setup Program

Enter the system setup program as follows:

1. Turn on (or restart) your system.

2. When the blue Dell logo appears, press <Del>.

If you wait too long and the operating system begins to load into memory, let the system complete the load operation. Then shut down the system and try again.

You can also enter the system setup program by responding to certain error messages.

Using the System Setup Program

Table B-1 lists the keys you use to view or change information on the system setup screens and to exit the program.

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Table B-1. System Setup Navigation Keys

Keys Action

Moves the highlight bar up or down to select an item.

Selects the submenu for the current option. Returns to selected screen from the Key Help Guide.

Switches to full screen mode.

Returns to the parent menu; from the Main screen, prompts you to exit with or without saving changes.

Moves the cursor to the previous or next menu option.

Moves the screen page up and down.

Moves the cursor to the beginning of the page.

Moves the cursor to the end of the page.

Displays the Key Help Guide.

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System Setup Screens and Options

The system setup screens are organized as follows:

• The left side of each screen lists options that define the installed hardware in

your system.

• The right side of each screen displays options that contain settings or values that

you can change. Values that are grayed out contain status information reported by the system.

• The bottom of each screen displays help information for the option with a cur-

rently highlighted field if the system setup program is not in full screen mode.

• Pressing <Alt><h> displays the Key Help Guide, which lists keys and their func-

tions for the currently displayed screen.

The Main screen provides access to the following screens:

• System Information screen — Displays a compilation of the present settings of

the basic system configuration

• Product Information screen — Displays system product version numbers and

identification codes

• Disk Drives screen — Provides settings for the system drives

• Onboard Peripherals screen — Provides settings for the integrated system

board ports and controllers

• Boot Options screen — Provides information about which device boots the sys-

tem and options for boot type

• Date and Time screen — Provides selections for setting the system date and

time

• System Security screen — Provides selections for setting the system’s security

level

• Advanced Options — Provides a menu for setting the system’s cache and

Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) device options and Plug and Play operation

The Main screen also allows you to load the system setup program’s default settings and to cancel all changes to the settings.

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Main Screen

Figure B-1. Main Screen Menu

Table B-2. Main Screen Menu Options

Option Function

System Information

Product Information

Disk Drives Displays the Disk Drives screen. See “Disk Drives

Onboard Peripherals

Boot Options Displays the Boot Options screen. See “Boot Options

Date and Time Displays the Date and Time screen. See “Date and

System Security Displays the System Security screen. See “System

Advanced Options Displays the Advanced Options screen. See “Advanced

Load Default Settings Resets the system setup program to its default settings.

Abort Settings Change Cancels all changes to the system setup settings.

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

Displays the System Information screen. See “System Information Screen” found later in this appendix.

Displays the Product Information screen. See “Product Information Screen” found later in this appendix.

Screen” found later in this appendix.

Displays the Onboard Peripherals screen. See “Onboard Peripherals Screen” found later in this appendix.

Screen” found later in this appendix.

Times Screen” found later in this appendix.

Security Screen” found later in this appendix.

Options Screen” found later in this appendix.

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System Information Screen

Figure B-2. System Information Screen Menu

Table B-3. System Information Screen Menu Options

Option Function

None Displays a compilation of the present settings of the basic

system configuration.

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

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Product Information Screen

Figure B-3. Product Information Screen Menu

Table B-4. Product Information Screen Menu Options

Option Function

None Displays system product version numbers and identification

codes.

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

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Disk Drives Screen

Figure B-4. Disk Drives Screen Menu

Table B-5. Disk Drives Screen Menu Options

Option Function

Floppy Drive A Selects the type of diskette drive. Valid selections are

1.44 MB, 3.5-inch (default); 2.88 MB, 3.5-inch; 720 KB,

3.5-inch; or None.

Floppy Drive B Because the chassis supports only one diskette drive, this

IDE Primary Channel Master

IDE Primary Channel Slave

IDE Secondary Channel Master

IDE Secondary Channel Slave

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

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option should be set to None.

Identifies the first drive attached to the primary EIDE interface, usually the boot hard-disk drive. See “IDE Primary Channel Master Submenu” found later in this appendix.

Identifies the second drive attached to the primary EIDE interface, if there is one. The format of this submenu is the same as the one described in “IDE Primary Channel Master Submenu” found later in this appendix.

Identifies the first drive attached to the secondary EIDE interface, usually a CD-ROM drive. The format of this submenu is the same as the one described in “IDE Primary Channel Master Submenu” found later in this appendix.

Identifies the second drive attached to the secondary EIDE interface, if there is one. The format of this submenu is the same as the one described in “IDE Primary Channel Master Submenu” found later in this appendix.

Page 94

IDE Primary Channel Master Submenu

Figure B-5. IDE Primary Channel Master Submenu

Table B-6. IDE Primary Channel Master Submenu Options

Option Function

Device Detection Mode

Device Type Displays the device type as Hard Disk, CD-ROM,

Cylinder If you set Device Detection Mode to User, you can enter the

Head If you set Device Detection Mode to User, you can enter the

Sector If you set Device Detection Mode to User, you can enter the

Size Displays the size of the drive.

Hard Disk 32 Bit Access

Advanced PIO Mode

DMA Transfer Mode

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

Specifies the mode of device detection on the channel. Selections are Auto (default), User, and None.

DVD-ROM, or None.

number of cylinders from 0 to 16383.

number of heads from 0 to 16.

number of sectors from 0 to 63.

Set to Enabled (default) to enhance the hard-disk drive access-rate performance. Otherwise, set to Disabled.

Sets the PIO mode to Auto (default), Mode 0, Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3, or Mode 4. Set to Auto to optimize the harddisk drive timing.

Sets the DMA transfer mode to Auto (default), Multiword 0,

Multiword 1, Multiword 2, Ultra Mode 0, Ultra Mode 1, Ultra Mode 2, Ultra Mode 3, Ultra Mode 4, or Disabled.

B-8 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

Page 95

Onboard Peripherals Screen

Figure B-6. Onboard Peripherals Screen Menu

Table B-7. Onboard Peripherals Screen Menu Options

Option Function

Serial Port Configures the serial port. Set this option to Enabled

(default) or Disabled. If set to Enabled, you can set the fol- lowing additional options:

Base Address Available base I/O addresses are 3F8h (default), 3E8h, 2F8h,

IRQ Available interrupts are 4 (default) and 3.

Parallel Port Configures the parallel port. Set this option to Enabled

Base Address If port is set to Enabled, available base I/O addresses are

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

support.dell.com System Setup Program B-9

and 2E8h.

(default) or Disabled. Depending on the port setting, you can set the following additional options:

378h (default) and 278h.

Page 96

Table B-7. Onboard Peripherals Screen Menu Options (continued)

Option Function

IRQ If port is set to Enabled, available interrupts are 7 (default)

and 5.

Operation Mode

Sets parallel port to EPP (default), ECP, Standard, or Bi-Directional mode of operation.

NOTE: See the device manufacturer's documentation for information on which mode to use before changing this setting.

ECP DMA Channel

Floppy Disk Controller

PS/2 Mouse Controller

If operation mode is set to ECP, sets the DMA channel to 1 (default) or 3.

Determines if the diskette-drive controller is Enabled (default) or Disabled.

Determines if the mouse controller is Enabled (default) or Disabled.

IDE Controller Determines the IDE controller mode. Selections are Both

(default), Primary, or Disabled.

USB Host Controller

Determines if the USB host controller is Enabled (default) or Disabled. If set to Enabled, you can set the following addi- tional option:

USB Legacy Mode

Set to Disabled (default) if legacy USB support is not desired. Enabled allows support for legacy USB devices.

NOTE: USB Legacy Mode automatically sets to Disabled if a PS/2 keyboard is detected by the system during POST.

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

B-10 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

Page 97

Boot Options Screen

Figure B-7. Boot Options Screen Menu

Table B-8. Boot Options Screen Menu Options

Option Function

Boot Sequence Determines the sequence of the first, second, and third boot

devices. The selections are Floppy Disk A:, Hard Disk C:, and IDE CD-ROM.

NOTE: If a NIC card is installed, it appears as a fourth boot device.

Primary Display Adapter

Fast Boot Configures POST speed. Select Auto (default) to bypass

Silent Boot Configures the Dell logo screen at boot. Selections are

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

support.dell.com System Setup Program B-11

Configures the primary display device. Select Auto (default) to have the computer first check for a video PCI expansion card and, if one is found, initialize it as the primary display device. Select Onboard to initialize the integrated video con- troller as the primary display device, regardless of the presence of a video card.

some test procedures during POST. Select Disabled to allow full POST test procedures.

Enabled (default) and Disabled.

Page 98

Table B-8. Boot Options Screen Menu Options (continued)

Option Function

Num Lock After Boot

Determines whether the keyboard’s Num Lock mode remains on after the system boots. The selections are Disabled (default) and Enabled.

Memory Test Configures memory testing during boot. If Fast Boot is

Disabled, boot memory testing can be Disabled (default) or Enabled.

Configuration Tab le

Update BIOS with Boot Block

Displays the system configuration table at boot. Set to

Enabled (default) or Disabled.

NOTICE: Do not change this option from Disabled (default). If the option is set to Enabled, you cannot restart your computer without technical assistance.

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

B-12 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

Page 99

Date and Time Screen

Figure B-8. Date and Time Screen Menu

Table B-9. Date and Time Screen Menu Options

Option Function

Date Resets the date on the computer’s internal calendar.

Time Resets the time on the computer’s internal clock.

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

support.dell.com System Setup Program B-13

Page 100

System Security Screen

Figure B-9. System Security Screen Menu

Table B-10. System Security Screen Menu Options

Option Function

Supervisor Password

User Password Sets, changes, or cancels a user password.

Floppy Drive Provides security for the diskette drive. Selections are

Hard Disk Drive Provides security for the hard-disk drive. Selections are

NOTE: The Glossar y in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.

Sets, changes, or cancels a supervisor password.

Normal (default), Write Protect All Sectors, and Write Protect Boot Sector.

B-14 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

Dell 900 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Safety Instructions

When Using Your Computer System

Ergonomic Computing Habits

When Working Inside Your Computer

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

Preface

About This Guide

Warranty and Return Policy Information

Other Documents You May Need

Notational Conventions

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

Typographical Conventions

Contents

Introduction

Hardware Features

Software Features

Available Upgrades

Padlock Ring

Installing Upgrades on the System Board

Installation Guidelines

Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover

Inside Your Computer

System Board

Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket

PCI Expansion Card Upgrades

Installing Expansion Cards

Removing Expansion Cards

Adding Memory

Installing a DIMM

Removing a DIMM

Replacing the System Battery

Basic Troubleshooting

Backing Up Data Files

Installing Additional Hardware and Software

Checking the Basics

External Connections

Power

Start-Up Routine

Environmental Factors

Monitor

Speakers

Modem

Network Cards

Diskette Drives

Optical Drives

Hard-Disk Drives

Running the Dell Diagnostics

Starting the Dell Diagnostics

Dell Diagnostics Main Screen

Using the Dell Diagnostics

Software Solutions

Reinstalling Drivers

Temporarily Disabling the Virus-Scanning Program

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Reinstalling Windows 98

Reinstalling Windows Me

Reinstalling Windows 2000

Checking Inside Your Computer

Expansion Cards

System Memory

If Your Computer Gets Wet

If Your Computer Is Damaged

Getting Help

Technical Assistance

Help Tools

Problems With Your Order

Product Information

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit

Before You Call

Dell Contact Numbers

System Specifications

System Setup Program

Entering the System Setup Program

Using the System Setup Program

System Setup Screens and Options

Main Screen