Dell 9N756, 4500 User Manual

Dell™ Dimension™ 4500

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

HINT: A HINT indicates important information that helps you make better

use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of

data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage,

personal injury, or death.

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

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2002 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.

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

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

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

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

April 2002 P/N 9N756 Rev. A00

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

When Using Your Computer

When Working Inside Your Computer

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

Battery Disposal

Finding Information for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

1 Setting Up

Connecting a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Parallel Printer

USB Printer

Installing the Printer Driver

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . 11

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

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

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

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

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Setting Up a Home and Office Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Connecting to a Network Adapter

Network Setup Wizard

Turning Off the Computer

2 Solving Problems

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

Finding Help Information

Battery Problems

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

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

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

Contents 3

Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Floppy drive problems

CD drive problems

Problems writing to a CD-RW drive

DVD drive problems

Hard drive problems

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

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

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

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

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

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

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

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

General Problems

A program stops responding

A program crashes repeatedly

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

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

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

A program is designed for an earlier Windows
operating system

A solid blue screen appears

Other software problems

Other technical problems

General hardware problems

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Mouse Problems

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

Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Power Problems

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

4 Contents

Sound and Speaker Problems

Video and Monitor Problems

If the screen is blank

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

If the screen is difficult to read

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

3 Advanced Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Using System Restore

Creating a Restore Point

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

Undoing the Last System Restore

Reinstalling Drivers

Using Windows

Using the Dell Dimension ResourceCD

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . 54

Reinstalling Windows

4 Adding Parts

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

Front View

Back View

Reattaching the Front Door and Hinge Arms . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Reattaching the Front Door

Reattaching the Hinge Arms

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

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

. . . . . . 51

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

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

®

XP Device Driver Rollback . . . . . . . . . . 53

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

®

XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

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

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

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

Opening the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Looking Inside Your Computer

System Board

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

Installing and Removing Cards

Installing a Card

Removing a Card

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Adding Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Removing a Memory Module

Adding a Memory Module

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Contents 5

Adding or Replacing the AGP Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Card Removal

Card Installation

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Adding a Second Hard Drive

Closing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

5 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Standard Settings

Viewing Settings

System Setup Program Screens

Clearing Forgotten Passwords

Replacing the Battery

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals

Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

Contacting Dell

Contact Numbers and Addresses

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

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

. . . . . 95

. . . . . . 95

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

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

. . . . . . . . . 111

6 Contents

Regulatory Information

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

NOM Information (Mexico Only)

Limited Warranties and Return Policy

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

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

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

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

One-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only)

Two-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only)

Three-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

. . . . . . . . . . . . 114

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

. . . . . . . . . . . 120

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

. . . . . . . . . . . 126

. . . . . . . . . . . 128

. . . . . . . . . . 131

"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . 135

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Contents 7

8 Contents

Use the following safety guidelines to protect yourself and your computer.

When Using Your Computer

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

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

• Your computer is equipped with either an auto-sensing voltage selector
or a manual voltage selection switch. Computers with an auto-sensing
voltage selector do not have a voltage selection switch on the back
panel and automatically detect the correct operating voltage.
Computers with a voltage selection switch on the back panel must be
manually set to operate at the correct operating voltage. To help avoid
damaging a computer with a manual voltage selection switch, be sure
that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power
available at your location:

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

Eastern countries such as South Korea and Taiwan

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

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

even though the AC supply in Japan is 100 V.

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

NOTE: Auto-select power supplies do not require a voltage selection

switch. Your power supply may not have this switch.

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

• To avoid shorting out your computer when disconnecting a network
cable, first unplug the cable from the network adapter on the back of
your computer, and then from the network jack. When reconnecting a
network cable to your computer, first plug the cable into the network
jack, and then into the network adapter.

Safety Instructions 9

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• To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds
after turning off the computer before disconnecting or connecting a
non-USB device from the computer.

• 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 grounding prong from a cable. If
you must use an extension cable, use a three-wire cable with properly
grounded plugs.

• To help protect your computer from sudden, transient increases and
decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner,
or uninterruptible power supply.

• Be sure that nothing rests on your computer’s cables and that the
cables are not located where they can be stepped on or tripped over.

• Do not spill food or liquids on your computer. If the computer gets
wet, contact Dell (see page 95).

10 Safety Instructions

• 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.

When Working Inside Your Computer

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

CAUTION: Do not attempt to service the computer yourself,

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

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

after turning off the computer before removing a component from the system
board or disconnecting a device from the computer.

Perform an orderly computer shutdown using the operating system

1

menu (see page 22).

2 Turn off your computer and any devices.

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

the computer before touching anything inside your computer.

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

4 Disconnect any devices connected to the computer, including the

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

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

power button to ground the system board.

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

• When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector, not on the cable
itself. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid
bending any pins. Also, before you connect a cable, make sure that
both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

• Handle components and cards with care. Don’t touch the components
on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal bracket.

CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is

incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or
equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used
batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

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

Safety Instructions 11

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

• Do not remove items from their antistatic packing material until you
are ready to install them in your computer. Just before unwrapping the
antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your
body.

• When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic
container or packaging.

Battery Disposal

Your computer uses a lithium battery. For instructions about replacing the
lithium battery in your computer, see page 93. The lithium battery is a long­life battery, and it is very possible that you will never need to replace it.

Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your
local waste disposal agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit
site.

12 Safety Instructions

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer

ResourceCD

• Drivers for my computer

• My computer documentation

• My device documentation

You can use this CD to access documentation and reinstall drivers (see
page 52).

• How to set up a printer

Owner’ s Manual

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

• How to add parts

• How to contact Dell

• Warranty information

• Express Service Code and Service Tag
Number

• Windows License Label

Express Service Code and Windows License Label

Located on your computer.

Safety Instructions 13

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• How to reinstall my operating system

Operating System CD

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• Latest drivers for my computer

• Answers to technical service and support

questions

• Online discussions with other users and
technical support

• Documentation for my computer

If you reinstall your operating system, use the ResourceCD to reinstall
drivers for the devices that came with your computer (see page 55).

Dell | Support website

The Dell | Support website provides several online tools, including:

• Knowledge Base — hints, tips, and online courses

• Customer Forum — online discussion with other Dell customers

• Upgrades — upgrade information for components, such as memory,

the hard drive, and the operating system

• Customer Care — contact information, order status, warranty, and
repair information

• Downloads — drivers, patches, and software updates

• Reference — computer documentation, product specifications, and

white papers

14 Safety Instructions

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• How to set up my computer Start Here Setup Diagram

• Tips on using Windows

• How to clean my computer

• How to use my mouse and keyboard

• How to use Windows

®

XP

• Documentation for my computer and
devices

Tell Me How Help File

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

Windows XP Help and Support Center

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

the arrow icon.

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

Safety Instructions 15

16 Safety Instructions

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SECTION 1

Connecting a Printer

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Turning Off the Computer

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

• Removing the packaging

• Installing the toner or ink cartridge

• Loading paper

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

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Parallel Printer

1 Turn off the computer (see page 22).

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

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

Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the

2

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

screws (2)

parallel printer
cable

parallel connector
on computer

parallel connector
on printer

clips (2)

18 Setting Up

notches (2)

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

Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.

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

on page 19).

USB Printer

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

1

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

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

USB connector
on computer

USB printer
cable

USB connector
on printer

Installing the Printer Driver

HINT: You can connect

USB devices while the
computer is turned on.

HINT: Your computer has

six USB 2.0 connectors,
four on the back panel
(see page 62) and two
inside the door on the
front panel (see page 60).

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

HINT: A driver is a

software program that
allows a hardware device
controller to function
properly and to
communicate with the
computer.

Setting Up 19

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

®

button on the Microsoft

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

Windows® desktop, click Run, and type

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

If you connect an older printer and it doesn’t work after you install the
driver, access the system setup program (see page 90) and ensure that the
parallel port is set to operate in bidirectional mode.

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HINT: The CD that you

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

To check if your printer driver is installed on a computer, click Control
Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click View installed
printers or fax printers. If your printer is listed in the Printers window, the

printer is ready to use.

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

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

To transfer information to a new computer:

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

System Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

2 On the welcome screen, click Next.

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

then click Next.

20 Setting Up

4 Follow the instructions on the screen.

Connecting to a Network Adapter

Before your computer can communicate on a network, your computer must
have a network adapter installed and a network cable connected to it.

network adapter
connector on
computer

network cable

Network Setup Wizard

Windows XP provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the
process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between
computers in a home or small office.

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

Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.

2 On the welcome screen, click Next.

3 Click checklist for creating a network.

Complete the checklist and required preparations, and then return to

4

the Network Setup Wizard.

5 Follow the instructions on the screen.

HINT: Selecting the

connection method This
computer connects
directly to the Internet

enables the integrated
firewall provided with
Windows XP.

Setting Up 21

HINT: If you are having

difficulty turning off your
computer, see "General
Problems" on page 33.

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

Start menu rather than by pressing the power button.

1

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

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

3 Click Tur n o f f .

The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process
finishes.

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

22 Setting Up

SECTION 2

Finding Solutions

Finding Help Information

Battery Problems

Drive Problems

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

General Problems

Keyboard Problems

Mouse Problems

Network Problems

Power Problems

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

Sound and Speaker Problems

Video and Monitor Problems

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

See page 39.

Press a key or move the
mouse. See the Tell Me How
help file for information on
standby mode.

Get technical assistance from
Dell. See page 95.

See page 31.

24 Solving Problems

See page 44.

See page 43.

See page 41.

See page 30.

See page 37.

See page 36.

See page 27.

See page 38.

See page 42.

See page 31.

See page 33.

See page 33.

See page 30.

See page 30.

Solving Problems 25

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TO ACCESS THE Tell Me How HELP FILE

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

TO ACCESS WINDOWS HELP

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

icon.

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

TO LOCATE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR YOUR COMPUTER — See
page 13.

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.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section,

follow the safety instructions on page 9.

26 Solving Problems

REPLACE THE BATTERY — If you have to repeatedly reset time and date

information after turning on the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays
during start-up, replace the battery (see page 93). If the battery still does not
work properly, contact Dell (see page 95).

Floppy drive problems

ENSURE THAT WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE — Double-click

My Computer on the desktop. If the floppy drive is not listed, perform a full scan
with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can
sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.

TEST THE DRIVE

• Insert another disk to eliminate the possibility that the original floppy disk is
defective.

• Insert a bootable floppy disk and reboot the computer.

ENSURE THAT THE DISK IS NOT FULL OR WRITE-PROTECTED —

Ensure that the disk has available space and that it is not write-protected
(locked). See the following illustration.

back of floppy disk

write-protected

not write­protected

Solving Problems 27

HINT: High-speed CD

drive vibration is normal
and may cause noise. This
does not indicate a defect

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in the drive or the CD.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You may

accidentally misalign the heads, which can render the drive inoperable.

CLEAN THE DRIVE — Use a commercially available cleaning kit.

CD drive problems

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Click the speaker icon in
the lower-right corner of your screen.

• Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging
it up.

• Ensure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked.

TEST THE DRIVE WITH ANOTHER CD — Insert another CD to eliminate
the possibility that the original CD is defective.

CHECK THE SPEAKERS AND SUBWOOFER — See "Sound and Speaker
Problems" on page 43.

ENSURE THAT WINDOWS RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE — Double-click My
Computer on the desktop. If the CD drive is not listed, perform a full scan with

your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes
prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.

28 Solving Problems

CLEAN THE DISC — See the Tell Me How help file for instructions on

cleaning your CDs. To access help files, see page 26.

CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS — See page 54.

Problems writing to a CD-RW drive

TURN OFF STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A
CD-RW

DISC — For information on power conservation modes, see the Te l l

Me How help file or search for the keyword standby in Windows Help. To access
help files, see page 26.

CHANGE THE WRITE SPEED TO A SLOWER RATE — The CD-RW drive
must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If the stream is interrupted, an
error occurs. Try closing all programs before writing to the CD-RW.

DVD drive problems

TEST THE DRIVE WITH ANOTHER DVD — Insert another DVD to
eliminate the possibility that the original DVD is defective.

ENSURE THAT WINDOWS RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE — Double-click My
Computer on the desktop. If the DVD drive is not listed, perform a full scan with

your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes
prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.

HINT: If you disable

standby mode to write to a
CD-RW drive, remember
to reenable standby mode
when you finish writing to
the CD.

HINT: Because of

different regions
worldwide and different
disc formats, not all DVD
titles work in all DVD
drives.

CLEAN THE DISC — See the Tell Me How help file for instructions on
cleaning your DVDs. To access help files, see page 26.

CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS — See page 54.

Hard drive problems

RUN CHECK DISK

1 Double-click My Computer on the desktop.
2 Right-click the drive letter (local disk) that you want to scan for errors, and

then click Properties.

3 Click the Tools tab.
4 Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
5 Click Start.

Solving Problems 29

HINT: Connect the

modem to an analog
telephone jack only. The
modem does not operate
while it is connected to a
digital telephone network.

CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS — See page 54.

CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION — Verify that the telephone

line is connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label or
a connector-shaped icon next to it.) Ensure that you hear a click when you insert
the telephone line connector into the modem.

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CHECK THE TELEPHONE JACK — Disconnect the telephone line from the
modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.

CONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK —

If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering
machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use
the telephone to connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack.

USE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE — If you are using a line that is 3 m
(10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.

RUN THE MODEM HELPER DIAGNOSTICS — Click the Start button, point
to Programs, and then click Modem Helper. Follow the instructions on the
screen to identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is not available
on all computers.)

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS

1 Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
2 Click Printers and Other Hardware.
3 Click Phone and Modem Options.
4 Click the Modems tab.
5 Click the COM port for your modem.
6 Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to

®

verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.
If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.

30 Solving Problems

TURN OFF CALL WAITING (CATCH-PHONE) — See your telephone

directory for instructions on deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up
networking connection properties.

1 Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
2 Click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Phone and Modem

Options.

3 Click your connection type to highlight it.
4 Click the Dialing Rules tab, and then click Edit.
5 Click the To Disable Call Waiting box to place a checkmark in it.
6 Select the disable code from the drop-down menu (for example, *70).
7 Click Apply, and then click OK.

ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET — With the
Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a
checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the
Internet.

ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE SUBSCRIBED TO AN INTERNET SERVICE

PROVIDER — Contact an Internet service provider to subscribe.

CONTACT YOUR INTERNET SER VICE PROVIDER — Contact your Internet
service provider for assistance.

CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS — See page 54.

A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not use these characters in

filenames.

Solving Problems 31

A REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUND — The program that you are

trying to open is missing an essential file. To remove and then reinstall the
program:

1 Click the Start button.
2 Click Control Panel.
3 Click Add or Remove Programs.
4 Select the program you want to remove.
5 Click the Change or Remove Program icon.
6 See the program documentation for installation instructions.

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INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA — The operating system is trying to boot to a
nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.

NON- SYSTEM DISK ERROR — A floppy disk is in the floppy drive. Remove
the floppy disk and restart the computer.

NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. CLOSE SOME PROGRAMS AND

TRY AGAIN — You have too many programs open. Close all windows and open

the program that you want to use. In some cases, you might have to restart your
computer to restore computer resources. If so, try running the program that you
want to use first.

OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND — Contact Dell (see page 95).

THE FILE BEING COPIED IS TOO LARGE FOR THE DESTINATION

DRIVE — The file that you are trying to copy is too large to fit on the disk. Try

copying the file to a blank disk or using a larger-capacity disk.

x:\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY — Insert a disk
into the drive and try again.

32 Solving Problems

A program stops responding

END THE PROGRAM

1 Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2 Click the Applications tab.
3 Click the program that is no longer responding.
4 Click End Task.

TURN THE COMPUTER OFF — If your computer locks up and you are unable
to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press
and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns
off. Then press the power button again to turn on the computer. You might lose
data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.

A program crashes repeatedly

CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — Many software
manufacturers maintain websites with information that may help you solve the
problem. Ensure that you properly installed and configured the program. If
necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

HINT: Software usually

includes installation
instructions in its
documentation or on a
floppy disk or CD.

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system

RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD

Windows XP provides a Program Compatibility Wizard that configures a
program so it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating
system environments.

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs—> Accessories, and then click

Program Compatibility Wizard.

2 In the welcome screen, click Next.
3 Follow the instructions on the screen.

Solving Problems 33

A solid blue screen appears

TURN THE COMPUTER OFF — If the computer does not respond to a
keystroke or a proper shutdown, press the power button for at least 8 to
10 seconds until the computer turns off. Press the power button again to restart
the computer. The chkdsk program automatically runs during the start-up
process. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Other software problems

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CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE

MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION

BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY — If your computer has a CD-RW
drive or a zip drive installed, see the drive’s documentation for instructions.

ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE NOT MADE AN ERROR WHILE ENTERING

DATA — See the program documentation to make sure that the values or

characters you are entering are valid.

CHECK FOR VIRUSES — Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard
drive, floppy disks, or CDs.

RESTART THE COMPUTER — Save and close any open files, exit any open
programs, and then shut down your computer through the Start menu instead of
pressing the power button. Otherwise, you may lose data.

CHECK FOR COMPATIBILITY

• Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on
your computer and that your computer meets the minimum hardware
requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation for
information.

• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

34 Solving Problems

ENSURE THAT YOU PROPERLY INSTALLED AND CONFIGURED THE

PROGRAM — See the software documentation for information. If necessary,

uninstall and then reinstall the program.

Other technical problems

GO TO THE DELL | SUPPORT WEBSITE — Go to support.dell.com for
help with general usage, installation, and troubleshooting questions. See "Dell
Technical Support Policy" on page 94 for a description of the hardware and
software support provided by Dell.

E-MAIL DELL — Go to the Dell | Support website, and then click E-Mail
Dell in the Communicate list. Send an e-mail message to Dell about your

problem; you can expect to receive an e-mail message from Dell within hours.
See "Dell Technical Support Policy" on page 94 for a description of the hardware
and software support provided by Dell.

CALL DELL — If you cannot solve your problem by using the Dell | Support
website or e-mail service, call Dell for technical assistance (see page 95). See
"Dell Technical Support Policy" on page 94 for a description of the hardware and
software support provided by Dell.

General hardware problems

If your computer exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, a device
conflict may exist:

• Your computer locks up, particularly while using a specific device.

• A recently added device does not work.

• A sound card emits noise or demonstrates other problems.

• Unintelligible characters print from the printer.

• The mouse pointer does not move or "stutters" when it moves.

• Messages appear stating that the computer is not operating at

maximum performance.

• Errors occur and programs crash for no apparent reason.

• Nothing displays on the monitor.

Solving Problems 35

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REMOVE ANY RECENTLY ADDED HARDWARE TO SEE IF IT RESOLVES

THE CONFLICT — If removing the hardware resolves the conflict, see the

hardware documentation for configuration and troubleshooting instructions. If
the problem persists, contact the hardware manufacturer for technical assistance.

CHECK YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION FOR ADDITIONAL

TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION

CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS — See page 54.

RESTART THE COMPUTER

• If the mouse is functioning, shut down the computer (see page 22). After the
computer shuts down, press the power button to restart the computer.

• If the computer does not respond to a keystroke or the mouse, press the power
button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Press the
power button again to restart the computer.

CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE

• Shut down the computer (see page 22), reconnect the keyboard cable as
shown on the Start Here

setup diagram for your computer, and then restart the

computer.

• Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to the computer.

• Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed

cables. Straighten bent pins.

• Remove keyboard extension cables and connect the keyboard directly to the
computer.

36 Solving Problems

TEST THE KEYBOARD — Connect a properly working keyboard to the

computer, and try using the keyboard. If the new keyboard works, the original
keyboard is faulty.

CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS — See page 54.

RESTART THE COMPUTER

1 Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the Start menu.
2 Ty p e u, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight Shut down or Turn Of f, and

then press <Enter>.

3 After the computer turns off, press the power button to restart the computer.

IF YOU CONNECTED THE MOUSE BEFORE TURNING ON THE

COMPUTER, RECONNECT THE MOUSE CABLE

1 Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the Start menu.
2 Ty p e u, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight Shut down or Turn Of f, and

then press <Enter>.

3 After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the Start

Here setup diagram for your computer.

4 Start the computer.

IF YOU CONNECTED THE MOUSE AFTER TURNING ON THE COMPUTER,

REMOVE THE POWER CABLE, AND THEN RECONNECT THE MOUSE
CABLE — If the mouse is connected after the power is turned on, the mouse

appears to be nonfunctional. To make the mouse function properly:

1 While your computer is on, remove the power cable from the back of the

computer.

2 Connect the mouse to the computer.
3 Reconnect the power cable.
4 Turn on your computer.

Pressing the power button does not clear the computer’s settings and does not
restore mouse functionality.

CHECK THE MOUSE CABLE

• Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed
cables. Straighten bent pins.

• Ensure that the cable is firmly connected to the computer.

TEST THE MOUSE — Connect a properly working mouse to the computer, and
try using the mouse. If the new mouse works, the original mouse was faulty.

Solving Problems 37

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

ligh

ligh

CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS

1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other

Hardware.

2 Click Mouse.
3 Try adjusting the settings.

REINSTALL THE MOUSE DRIVER — See page 52.

CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS — See page 54.

CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR — Ensure that the network

cable is connected as shown on page 21.

CHECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF THE COMPUTER —

No light indicates that there is no network communication. Try replacing the
network cable.

These lights indicate there is network communcation:

• Green light—indicates a 10-Mbps network connection

• Orange light—indicates a 100-Mbps network connection

• Blinking amber—indicates network traffic

38 Solving Problems

t

t

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND TRY TO LOG ON TO THE NETWORK

AGAIN

CHECK YOUR NETWORK SETTINGS — Contact your network administrator
or the person who set up your network to verify that your network settings are
correct and that the network is functioning.

CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS — See page 54.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section,

follow the safety instructions on page 9.

ADJUST THE POWER PROPERTIES — Your computer may be in standby or

hibernate mode. For information on power conservation modes, see the Tell Me
How help file, or search for the keyword standby or hibernate in Windows

®

Help.

To access help files, see page 26.

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING GREEN — The computer is in standby
mode. Press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse to resume normal
operation.

HINT: If the power light

on the front is green and
your computer is not
responding, see
"Diagnostic Lights" on
page 48.

Solving Problems 39

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IF THE POWER LIGHT IS OFF — The computer is either turned off or is not
receiving power.

• Ensure that the power cable is firmly inserted into both the power connector
on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.

• If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is
plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned on.

• Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device,
such as a lamp.

• Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your
location (see page 9).

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

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

• Ensure that the microprocessor power cable is securely connected to the
system board (see page 69).

• Ensure that the power supply cables are securely connected to the system
board (see page 69).

• Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see page 76).

• Remove and then reinstall any cards (see page 70).

• Remove and then reinstall the video card, if applicable (see page 78).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 95).

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS AMBER AND GREEN — The computer is
receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.

• Ensure that the microprocessor power cable is securely connected to the
system board (see page 69).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 95).

40 Solving Problems

ELIMINATE INTERFERENCE — Electrical appliances on the same circuit or

operating near the computer can cause interference. Other causes of interference
are:

• Power extension cables

• Keyboard and mouse extension cables

• Too many devices on a power strip

• Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet

CHECK THE PRINTER DOCUMENTATION — See the printer documentation
for setup and troubleshooting information.

ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON — See the printer
documentation for power button information.

VERIFY THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS

• See the printer documentation for cable connection information.

• Ensure that the printer cable is connected as described on page 18.

• Ensure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the

computer.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is
working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

HINT: Dell does not

cover the printer’s
warranty. If you need
technical assistance for
your printer, call the
printer’s manufacturer.
See the printer
documentation for the
correct phone number.

VERIFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS

1 Click the Start button.
2 Click Control Panel.
3 Click Printers and Other Hardware.
4 Click View installed printers or fax printers. If the printer is listed, right-click

®

the printer icon.

5 Click Properties, and then select the Ports tab. For a parallel printer, ensure

that the Print to the following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port). For a
USB printer, ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is USB.

REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER — See page 52.

CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS — See page 54.

Solving Problems 41

HINT: Dell does not

cover the scanner’s
warranty. If you need
technical assistance for
your scanner, call the
scanner’s manufacturer.
See the scanner
documentation for the
correct phone number.

CHECK THE SCANNER DOCUMENTATION — See the scanner
documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.

UNLOCK THE SCANNER — Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a
locking tab or button.

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND TRY THE SCANNER AGAIN

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CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS

• If your scanner has a power cable, ensure that the power cable is firmly
connected to a working electrical outlet and that the scanner is turned on.

• Ensure that the scanner cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the
scanner.

VERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT®
W

INDOWS

1 Click the Start button.
2 Click Control Panel.
3 Click Printers and Other Hardware.
4 Click Scanners and Cameras. If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes

®

the scanner.

REINSTALL THE SCANNER DRIVER — See the scanner documentation for
instructions.

42 Solving Problems

CHECK THE SPEAKER CABLE CONNECTIONS — Ensure that the speakers

are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.

ENSURE THAT THE SUBWOOFER AND THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED

ON — See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have

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

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Click or double-click the
speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is
turned up and that the sound is not muted.

DISCONNECT HEADPHONES FROM THE HEADPHONE CONNECTOR —

Sound from the speakers is automatically disabled when headphones are
connected to the computer’s front-panel headphone connector.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is
working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTER FERENCE — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent
lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.

HINT: The volume

control in some MP3
players overrides the
Windows

®

volume
setting. If you have been
listening to MP3 songs,
ensure that you did not
turn the player volume
down or off.

RUN THE SPEAKER DIAGNOSTICS — Some speaker systems have self-
diagnostics. See the speaker documentation for diagnostics instructions.

REINSTALL THE AUDIO (SOUND) DRIVER — See page 52.

CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS — See page 54.

Solving Problems 43

HINT: See the monitor

documentation for
troubleshooting
procedures.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

If the screen is blank

CHECK THE MONITOR POWER LIGHT — If the power light is lit or blinking,
the monitor has power. If the power light is blinking, press a key on the keyboard
or move the mouse.

PRESS THE MONITOR POWER BUTTON — Firmly press the button to
ensure that the monitor is turned on.

CHECK THE MONITOR CABLE CONNECTION — Check the connector for
bent or broken pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have missing
pins.) Ensure that the video cable is connected as shown on the Start Here setup
diagram for your computer.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is
working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

SWAP THE POWER CABLES — Swap the computer and monitor power
cables to determine if the power cable is defective.

TEST THE VIDEO EXTENS ION CABLE (IF USED) — If you are using a
video extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is
defective.

44 Solving Problems

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

the computer.

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See page 48.

If the screen is difficult to read

CHECK THE MONITOR SETTINGS — See the monitor documentation for
instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing
(degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test.

MOVE THE SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE MONITOR — If your speaker
system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft)
away from the monitor.

MOVE THE MONITOR AWAY FROM EXTERNAL POWER SOURCES —

Fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, and other electrical devices can cause the
screen image to appear "shaky." Turn off nearby devices to check for interference.

ROTATE THE MONITOR TO FACE A DIFFERENT DIRECTION — Eliminate
sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS® DISPLAY SETTINGS

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

RESTORE THE RECOMMENDED SETTINGS — Restore the original
resolution and refresh rate settings. See the Tell Me How help file for instructions.
To access help files, see page 26.

CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS — See page 54.

Solving Problems 45

46 Solving Problems

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

SECTION 3

Diagnostic Lights

Using System Restore

Reinstalling Drivers

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Reinstalling Windows

®

XP

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer is equipped with four
lights on the back panel labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" (see page 62). These
lights can be yellow or green. When the computer starts normally, the lights
flash. After the computer starts, the lights remain green. If the computer
malfunctions, the color and sequence of the lights identify the problem.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section,

follow the safety instructions on page 9.

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Diagnostic Code Definition Corrective Action

YYGG

ABCD

GYGY

ABCD

Memory modules
are detected, but a
memory failure has
occurred.

Memory modules
are detected, but a
memory
configuration or
compatibility error
exists.

• If you have one memory module
installed, reinstall it (see page 76), and
then restart the computer.

• If you have two or more memory
modules installed, remove the modules,
reinstall one module (see page 76), and
then restart the computer. If the
computer starts normally, reinstall an
additional module. Continue until you
identify a faulty module or reinstall all
modules without error.

• If available, install properly working
memory of the same type into your
computer (see page 76).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see page 95).

• Be sure that there are no special
memory module/memory connector
placement requirements (see page 76).

• Verify that the memory modules that
you are installing are compatible with
the computer (see page 87).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see page 95).

48 Advanced Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Code Definition Corrective Action

GYYY

ABCD

YGYY

ABCD

No memory
modules are
detected.

PCI bus failure has
occurred.

• Reinstall all memory modules (see
page 76) and then restart the computer.

• To eliminate the possibility of a faulty
memory connector, remove all memory
modules, install one memory module (if
the computer supports a single
module), and restart the computer.
Then move the memory module to
another connector and restart the
computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see page 95).

1 Determine if a conflict exists by

removing a card (not the video card)
(see page 74) and then restarting the
computer.

2 If the problem persists, reinstall the card

that you removed, remove a different
card (see page 70), and then restart the
computer.

3 Repeat this process for each card. If the

computer starts normally, troubleshoot
the last card removed from the
computer for resource conflicts (see
"Resolving Software and Hardware
Incompatibilities" on page 54).

4 If the problem persists, contact Dell

(see page 95).

YGYG

ABCD

Video controller
failure.

• If the computer has a video card,
remove the card and reinstall it (see
page 78).

• If the problem persists or the computer
has integrated video, contact Dell (see
page 95).

Advanced Troubleshooting 49

Diagnostic Code Definition Corrective Action

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

GGGY

ABCD

Other failure. • Ensure that the cables are properly

connected from the hard drive,
CD drive, and DVD drive to the system
board (see page 69).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see page 95).

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides System Restore
to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without
affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system
settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. System
Restore also includes the following features.

NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not

monitor your data files or recover them.

Creating a Restore Point

Using the System Restore Wizard

1 Click the Start button.

2 Click Help and Support.

3 Click System Restore.

4 Follow the instructions on the screen.

Manually Creating Restore Points

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

2 Click Create a restore point.

3 Click Next.

50 Advanced Troubleshooting

System Tools, and then click System Restore.

4 Type a name for your new restore point in the Restore point

description field.

The present date and time are automatically added to your restore
point.

5 Click Create.

6 Click OK.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

If problems occur after installing a device driver, first try using Device
Driver Rollback (see page 53). If that is unsuccessful, then use System
Restore.

NOTICE: Before restoring the computer to an earlier operating state, save

and close all open files and close all open programs. Do not alter, open, or
delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

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

1

System Tools, and then click System Restore.

2 Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected, and

then click Next.

3 Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.

The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you
to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available
restore points appear in bold.

4 Select a restore point, and then click Next.

If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is
automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click
the restore point that you prefer.

5 Click Next.

The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore
finishes collecting data, and then the computer automatically restarts.

6 After the computer restarts, click OK.

To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a
different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.

Advanced Troubleshooting 51

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Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Before undoing the last system restore, save and close all open files

and close all open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs
until the system restoration is complete.

Click the Start button, point to All Programs—>

1

Accessories—> System Tools, and then click System Restore.

2 Select Undo my last restoration and click Next.

3 Click Next.

The System Restore screen appears, and then the computer
automatically restarts.

4 After the computer restarts, click OK.

Enabling System Restore

If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space
available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore
is enabled:

1 Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.

2 Click Performance and Maintenance.

3 Click System.

4 Click the System Restore tab.

5 Make sure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.

A driver is a software program that allows a hardware device controller to
function properly and to communicate with the computer. Sometimes you
can fix a device problem by reinstalling its driver.

52 Advanced Troubleshooting

NOTICE: The Dell | Support website and the Dell Dimension ResourceCD

provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained
from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

Using Windows® XP Device Driver Rollback

Windows XP Device Driver Rollback replaces a device driver with the
previously installed version if you install a new driver that causes system
instability. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then try
using System Restore (see page 50) to return your operating system to the
operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver.

To use Device Driver Rollback:

1 Click the Start button, and then right-click My Computer.

2 Click Properties.

3 Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.

4 In the Device Manager window, right-click the device for which the

new driver was installed, and then click Properties.

5 Click the Drivers tab.

6 Click Roll Back Driver.

Using the Dell Dimension ResourceCD

If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore does not resolve the
problem, then reinstall the driver from the Dell Dimension ResourceCD:

1 With the Windows desktop displayed, insert the ResourceCD into the

CD or DVD drive.

If this is your first time to use the ResourceCD, go to step 2. If not, go
to step 5.

2 When the ResourceCD Installation program starts, follow the

prompts on the screen.

3 When the InstallShield Wizard Complete window appears, remove

the ResourceCD and click Finish to restart the computer.

4 When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the ResourceCD into

the CD or DVD drive.

Advanced Troubleshooting 53

5 At the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next.

HINT: The ResourceCD

displays drivers only for
hardware that came on
your computer. If you
installed additional
hardware, those drivers
might not be displayed by
the ResourceCD. If those
drivers are not displayed,
exit the ResourceCD
program. For drivers

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

information, see the
documentation that came
with that product.

A message stating that the ResourceCD is detecting hardware in your
computer appears.

The drivers that are used by your computer are automatically displayed
in the My Drivers—The ResourceCD has identified these
components in your system window.

6 Click the driver that you want to reinstall and follow the instructions

on the screen.

If a particular driver is not listed, then that driver is not required by
your operating system.

Microsoft® Windows® XP IRQ conflicts occur if a device either is not
detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly
configured.

To check for conflicts on a computer running Windows XP:

1 Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.

2 Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.

3 Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.

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

5 Double-click any conflicting device listed to bring up the Properties

6 Double-click the malfunctioning device type in the Device Manager

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

54 Advanced Troubleshooting

Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (
conflicting device or a red

X if the device has been disabled.

!) beside the

window to determine what needs to be reconfigured or removed from
the Device Manager.

Resolve these conflicts before checking specific devices.

list.

The Properties window appears.

8 Resolve any IRQ conflicts, as described in step 5.

If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties
window reports the cards or devices that share the device's IRQ.

You can also use the Windows XP Hardware Troubleshooter:

1 Click the Start button.

2 Click Help and Support.
3 Ty p e hardware troubleshooter in the Search field, and then click

the arrow to start the search.

4 Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.

5 In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware

conflict on my computer.

6 Click Next.

®

Before reinstalling the Microsoft® Windows XP operating system to correct
a problem, try correcting the problem by performing a Windows XP System
Restore (see page 50). The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours, and
you will need to reinstall your drivers, virus protection program, and other
software when the process is complete.

NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling your

Windows XP 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 XP, you must disable any

virus protection software installed on your computer before you reinstall
Windows XP.

To reinstall Windows XP:

1 To reinstall Windows XP, insert the Operating System CD into the CD

or DVD drive.

Close any program or utility that might run after you insert the CD
into the drive.

Advanced Troubleshooting 55

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2 Turn off the computer (see page 22), and then turn the computer on

again.

3 When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to
wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop. Then shut down
the computer and try again.

4 Use the arrow keys to select the CD-ROM option, and then press

<Enter>.

5 When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to

select To set up Windows now.

6 Read the information in the License Agreement window, and then

press <F8> on your keyboard to agree with the license information.

7 If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to

recover your current Windows XP data, type

r to select the repair

option, and then go to step 16.

If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to
select the fresh copy option, and then press <Enter> on the next
screen to select the highlighted partition (recommended). Then follow
the instructions on the screen.

The Windows XP Setup screen appears and Windows XP begins to
copy files and install the devices. The computer automatically restarts
multiple times before it requires additional input.

8 When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click the green arrow

9 When the Regional Settings screen appears, select the settings for

10 Enter your name and organization in the Personalize Your Software

11 If you are reinstalling Windows XP Home Edition, enter a name for

56 Advanced Troubleshooting

icon at the bottom of the screen to continue. Follow the directions on
the screen to finish.

your locale, and then click Next.

screen, and then click Next.

your computer when the Computer Name window appears, and then
click Next.

If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional, enter a name for your
computer and a password when the Computer Name and
Administrator Password window appears, and then click Next.

12 If the Modem Dialing Information screen appears, enter the

requested information. Then click Next.

13 Enter the date, time, and time zone in the Date and Time Settings

window, and then click Next.

14 If you have a network card in your computer, select the appropriate

network settings.

If you do not have a network card, this option does not appear.

Windows XP begins to install its components and configure the
computer. The computer automatically restarts.

15 When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click the green arrow

icon at the bottom of the screen to continue. Follow the directions on
the screen to finish.

16 Remove the CD from the drive.

17 Reinstall the appropriate drivers (see page 52).

18 Reinstall your virus protection software.

19 Reinstall your other software programs.

See the documentation supplied with the software for instructions.

Advanced Troubleshooting 57

58 Advanced Troubleshooting

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SECTION 4

Front and Back View of the Computer

Reattaching the Front Door and Hinge Arms

Opening the Computer Cover

Looking Inside Your Computer

Installing and Removing Cards

Adding Memory

Adding or Replacing the AGP Card

Adding a Second Hard Drive

Closing the Computer Cover

Front View

CD volume
control dial

CD activity light

CD drive eject
button

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CD headphone jack

floppy drive light

power button

floppy drive
eject button

hard drive light

60 Adding Parts

HINT: The front-panel

door is removable; if you
remove it or accidentally
knock it off its hinges, it
snaps back in place. For
instructions on how to
reattach the door, see
page 62.

Windows
license label*

USB 2.0 connectors

*

May be located on the side of your computer.

headphone
connector

service tag

Adding Parts 61

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Back View

power connector

voltage selection switch

keyboard connector

USB 2.0 connectors

serial connector

parallel connector

diagnostic lights

USB 2.0 connectors

microphone
connector

mouse connector

line-out
connector

line-in
connector

video connector

To prevent damage to your computer, the front door is designed to "break
away" if it is opened up too far. If the front door breaks away, you might need
to reattach both the front door and the hinge arms.

Reattaching the Front Door

1 Shut down the computer (see page 22).

2 Lower the hinge arms to the vertical position.

3 Align the two clips on the inside of the front door with the two hinge

arms.

4 Press inward on the front door until it clips to both hinge arms.

62 Adding Parts

front-door
clips (2)

front door

hinge arms (2)

Reattaching the Hinge Arms

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section,

follow the safety instructions listed in "When Working Inside Your
Computer" on page 10.

Shut down the computer (see page 22).

1

2 Disconnect the power cable from your computer.

3 Remove the front door, if it is attached.

The front door snaps off of the two hinge arms.

4 Remove the front-panel insert above the front-door bay area.

Pull the bottom of the insert with your fingers to remove it.

Adding Parts 63

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front-panel
insert

use fingers
to pull here

64 Adding Parts

5 Lift both hinge arms to the horizontal position.

6 Use the two view slots to align the pivot bar with the two pivot-bar

slots.

view slots (2)

hinge arms in
horizontal
position

pivot-bar slots (2)

pivot bar

NOTICE: Using excessive force to pull the hinge arms into place may damage

the arms or the front panel.

7

Pull the arms toward you until they snap into place.

If the hinge arms don’t snap back into place on the first attempt,
slightly reposition the arms and try again.

Adding Parts 65

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8 After the hinge arms snap into place, lower and raise the arms two or

three times to properly seat them.

9 Reattach the front-panel insert.

10 Reconnect the power cable to your computer.

11 Reattach the front door as described on page 62.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section,

follow the safety instructions on page 9.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your

computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

1

Shut down the computer (see page 22).

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your

computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their

2

electrical outlets.

3 Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then

press the power button to ground the system board.

NOTICE: Ensure that there is sufficient space to support the open cover—at

least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space.

66 Adding Parts

4

Lay the computer on its side so that the arrow on the bottom of the
computer points up.

5 Locate the two release buttons shown in the illustration.Then, press

the two release buttons as you lift the cover.

release
button

arrow

release button

Adding Parts 67

HINT: The AGP card is

removed from the
following illustration to
provide a better view of
the inside of your
computer.

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CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section,

follow the safety instructions on page 9.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your

computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do

not inadvertently disconnect cables from the system board.

computer cover*
(page 66 and
page 83)

drive cables

power cables

power supply

filler brackets for
empty card slots (4)
(page 70)

68 Adding Parts

hard drive
(page 80)

system board
(page 69)

* Depending on the types of drives installed in your computer, the cover

may not open as widely as shown in the figure.

System Board

floppy drive
connector (FLOPPY)

main power connector
(MAIN POWER)

standby power light
(CR3F1)

memory module
connectors
(DIMM 0, DIMM 1)
page 76

microprocessor fan
connector (J1D2)

microprocessor
connector (J1D1)

CD drive connector
(SEC IDE)

hard drive connector
(PRI IDE)

front panel switch
connector (J60H1)

configuration jumper
(J6F2) page 92

AGP slot connector
(AGP SLOT) page 78

battery socket
(BATTERY) page 93

PCI card connectors
(PCI SLOTS 1–4)
page 70

front panel audio
cable connector
(J706A4)

12-V power
connector (J4B1)

*

On computers with the optional telephony modem.

telephony voice modem
connector (J5B1)

CD audio connector

*

(J5B2)

*

Adding Parts 69

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section,

follow the safety instructions on page 9.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your

computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

The computer’s card connectors allow you to install different types of
devices such as modems, network adapters, and video cards.

Installing a Card

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Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the

safety instructions on page 9.

If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from

1

the operating system.

2 Shut down the computer (see page 22).

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your

computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their

3

electrical outlets.

4 Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then

press the power button to ground the system board.

5 Open the computer cover (see page 66).

6 Press the tab on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.

70 Adding Parts

card

edge
connector

card
connector

filler bracket

tab

card retention arm

7 If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a

card-slot opening. Then continue with step 9.

8 If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer,

remove the card (see page 74).

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the
card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

9 Prepare the card for installation.

See the documentation that came with the card for information on
configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise
customizing it for your computer.

10 Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Make sure that

the card is fully seated in the slot.

If the card is full-length, insert the end of the card into the card guide
bracket as you lower the card toward its connector on the system
board. Insert the card firmly into the card connector on the system
board.

Adding Parts 71

bracket caught

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outside of slot

bracket
within slot

11 Before you lower the retention arm, make sure that:

not fully seated card

fully seated card

• The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the
alignment bar

• The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the
alignment guide

Press the arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

72 Adding Parts

card retention arm

alignment guide

alignment bar

filler
bracket

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the

cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage
to the equipment.

Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

12

See the documentation for the card for information about the card’s
cable connections.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network

wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

Close the computer cover (see page 83), reconnect the computer and

13

devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

14 Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card

documentation.

Adding Parts 73

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Removing a Card

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section,

follow the safety instructions on page 9.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your

computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

Shut down the computer (see page 22).

1

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your

computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

2

Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their
electrical outlets.

3 Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then

press the power button to ground the system board.

4 Press the tab on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.

tab

card retention arm

card
bracket

74 Adding Parts

latch

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

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 filler bracket in the

empty card-slot opening.

card

card bracket

slot connector

system board

filler bracket in empty
card-slot opening

If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell.

NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is

necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer. The brackets
also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.

8

Lower the retention arm and press it into place, securing the card(s) in
the computer.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network

wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

9

Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to
electrical outlets, and turn them on.

10 Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.

Adding Parts 75

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section,

follow the safety instructions on page 9.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your

computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on
the system board. For information on the type of memory supported by your
computer, look under "Memory" in "Technical Specifications" on page 87.

HINT: Memory

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purchased from Dell is
covered under your
computer warranty.

1 Shut down the computer (see page 22).

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your

computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their

2

electrical outlets.

3 Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then

press the power button to ground the system board.

4 Open the computer cover (see page 66).

Removing a Memory Module

1 If your computer has an AGP card, remove it (see page 78).

2 Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module

connector.

3 Grasp the module and pull up.

If the module is difficult to remove, gently ease the module back and
forth to remove it from the connector.

76 Adding Parts

Adding a Memory Module

1 Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module

connector.

memory module connectors

securing clips (2)

notches (2)

memory module

connector

cutouts (2)

step 1

step 2

step 3

2 Align the notches on the bottom of the module with the crossbars in

the connector.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight

down into the socket with equal force applied at each end of the module.

Insert the module straight down into the connector, ensuring that it

3

fits into the vertical guides at each end of the connector. Press firmly
on the ends of the module until it snaps into place.

If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the
cutouts at each end of the module.

4 Close the computer cover (see page 83).

Adding Parts 77

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NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network

wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

5

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn
them on.

6 Right-click the My Computer icon and then click Properties.

7 Click the General tab.

8 To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of

memory (RAM) listed (see page 90).

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section,

follow the safety instructions on page 9.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your

computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

Your Dell™ computer provides a connector for an AGP card.

1 Shut down the computer (see page 22).

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your

computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their

2

electrical outlets.

78 Adding Parts

3 Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then

press the power button to ground the system board.

4 Open the computer cover (see page 66).

Card Removal

1 Remove the filler bracket by raising the card retention arm and sliding

the bracket up.

tab

filler bracket

2 On the card clip, press the tab toward the card slot.

3 Pull the card up and out of the card clip.

AGP card

card clip
lever

card clip

slot connector

Adding Parts 79

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Card Installation

1 To add or replace the card, gently press it down into the slot connector

until it clicks into place.

AGP card

card clip
lever

card clip

slot connector

2 Release the card clip lever, ensuring that the tab on the card clip lever

fits into the notch on the front end of the card.

3 Secure the card by lowering the hinged lever on the back panel.

4 Close the computer cover (see page 83).

80 Adding Parts

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network

wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn

5

them on.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section,

follow the safety instructions on page 9.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your

computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface.

Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently
cushion it.

Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured

1

for your computer.

2 Perform an orderly computer shutdown using the operating system

menu.

3 Turn off your computer and any devices.

4 Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the

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

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

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your

computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

Disconnect your computer and devices from their power sources. Also,

5

disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the
computer.

6 Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then

press the power button to ground the system board.

7 Open the computer cover (see page 66).

8 Remove the two green plastic rails from the inside of the hard-drive

bay by gently pulling the rails up and out of the bay.

9 Attach the rails to the hard drive using the two screws attached to the

rails.

Ensure that the rail tabs are positioned at the back of the hard drive.

NOTICE: Do not install any drive into the lower hard-drive bay until you have

removed the green drive rails from the inside of the hard-drive bay.

10

Remove the first hard drive from the upper bay and install it in the
lower bay:

a Disconnect the power and the hard-drive cables from the back of

the first hard drive.

Adding Parts 81

b Press in the two green rail tabs and pull the first hard drive out of

the upper bay.

c Gently slide the first hard drive into the lower bay until you hear a

click.

d Reconnect the power and hard-drive cables to the back of the first

hard drive.

11 Gently slide the new hard drive into the upper bay until you hear a

click.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

rail tabs (2)

second hard drive
in upper bay

first hard drive in
lower bay

hard drive bay

12 Connect a power cable to the drive.

NOTICE: Match the colored strip on the cable with pin 1 on the drive.

13

Locate the extra connector on the drive cable that is attached to your
first hard drive and attach the connector to the second hard drive.

Your computer uses cable-select drive cables, which means that the
device connected to the end connector of the drive cable is the master
device and the device connected to the middle connector is the slave
device. Be sure that the jumper setting on the new device is set for
"cable select" (see the documentation that came with the drive for
information).

82 Adding Parts

power cable

second hard-drive
cable (secondary
drive)

first hard-drive
cable (primary
boot drive)

14 Close the computer cover (see page 83).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network

wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn

15

them on.

16 See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on

installing any software required for drive operation.

1 Ensure that all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way.

Make sure that cables are not routed over the drive cage—they will
prevent the cover from closing properly.

2 Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer.

3 Pivot the cover down and ensure that the release buttons click into

place.

Adding Parts 83

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NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network

wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

4

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn
them on.

84 Adding Parts

SECTION 5

Specifications

Standard Settings

Clearing Forgotten Passwords

Replacing the Battery

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

Contacting Dell

Regulatory Information

Limited Warranties and Return Policy

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Microprocessor

®

Microprocessor type Intel

Pentium® 4

L1 cache 8 KB first-level

L2 cache integrated 256-KB or 512-KB at full

microprocessor speed

System Information

System chip set Intel 845E

DMA channels four

Interrupt levels 15

System BIOS chip 4 Mb (512 KB)

System clock 400- or 533-MHz data rate

Expansion Bus

Bus types PCI and AGP

Bus speed PCI: 33 MHz; AGP: 66 MHz

AGP connector one

AGP connector size 172 pins

AGP connector data width

32 bits

(maximum)

AGP bus protocols 4x/2x modes at 1.5 V

PCI connectors four

PCI connector size 120 pins

PCI connector data width

32 bits

(maximum)

86 Appendix

Memory

Architecture DDR SDRAM

Memory connectors two

Memory capacities 128-, 256-, and 512-MB non-ECC DDR

SDRAM

Minimum memory 128 MB

Maximum memory 1 GB

Memory type DDR (non-ECC)

BIOS address F8000h

Drives

Externally accessible two 5.25-inch bays

two 3.5-inch bays

Internally accessible two bays for 1-inch–high IDE hard drives

Available devices ATA-100 Ultra DMA hard drive, CD drive,

floppy drive, Zip drive, DVD drive,
DVD+RW drive, and CD-RW drive

Ports and Connectors

Externally accessible:

Serial 9-pin connector; 16550C-compatible

Parallel 25-hole connector (bidirectional)

Video 15-hole connector

Keyboard 6-pin mini-DIN connector or USB connector

Mouse 6-pin mini-DIN connector or USB connector

USB two front-panel and four back-panel USB 2.0-

compliant connectors

Headphone front-panel miniature jack

Audio three miniature jacks for line-in, line-out, and

microphone

Appendix 87

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Ports and Connectors (continued)

Internally accessible:

Primary IDE channel 40-pin connector on PCI local bus

Secondary IDE channel 40-pin connector on PCI local bus

Floppy drive 34-pin connector

Video

Video controller AGP 4X

Audio

Audio controller 1981A

Controls and Lights

Power control push button

Power light green light on power button—blinking green

in sleep state; solid green for power-on state;
solid amber for possible internal power
problem

Hard-drive access light green

Diagnostic code lights four bicolor (amber and green) located on

back panel

88 Appendix

Power

DC power supply:

Wattage 250 W

Heat dissipation 534 BTU (fully-loaded computer without

monitor)

Voltage (see page 9 for important
voltage setting information)

90 to 135 V at 50/60 Hz; 180 to 265 V at
50/60 Hz; 100 V at 50/60 Hz for Japanese
computers

Backup battery 3-V CR2032 coin cell

Physical

Height x Width x Depth 42.5 x 18.1 x 44.7 cm

(16.7 x 7.1 x 17.6 inches)

Weight 12.7 kg (28 lb)

Environmental

Temperature:

Operating 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)

*

Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F)

Relative humidity 20% to 80% (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 23-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 10,670 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)

*

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

*

Appendix 89

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

The system setup program contains the standard settings for your
computer.

NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user, don’t change the settings

for this program. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly.

See the following figure for an example of the main program screen.

90 Appendix

Viewing Settings

1 Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2 When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press <F2> immediately.

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to
wait until you see the Microsoft
down your computer and try again.

®

Windows® desktop. Then shut

System Setup Program Screens

The system setup program screens display the current configuration
information for your computer. Information on the screen is divided into
five areas:

• Title – The area at the top of all system setup screens that displays
your computer’s model number.

• Computer data – Two boxes below the title that display the system
processor, L2 cache, service tag, and the version number of the BIOS.

• Options – A scrollable box listing options that define the configuration
of your computer (including installed hardware, power conservation,
and security features).

Fields to the right of the listed options contain settings or values. The
settings and values that you can change are brighter on the screen. All
other settings and values are set by the computer and cannot be
changed. When
<Enter> to access a pop-up menu of additional options.

• Key functions – A line of boxes across the bottom of all system setup
screens that lists keys and their functions within the system setup
program.

• Help – Press <F1> for information on the option that is selected
(highlighted).

<Enter> appears to the right of an option, press

Appendix 91

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section,

follow the safety instructions on page 9.

If you forget your supervisor or setup password, you cannot operate your
computer or change settings in the system setup program until you clear the
forgotten password(s).

NOTICE: The following procedure resets all standard settings for your

computer. Before proceeding, record all current settings so that you can
restore them when you finish this procedure.

1

Shut down the computer (see page 22).

2 Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their

electrical outlets.

3 Open the computer cover (see page 66).

4 Locate the configuration jumper on the system board (see page 69),

and move the jumper plug so that pins 2 and 3 are jumpered (to
“clear” the password when you turn on the computer).

5 Close the computer cover (see page 83), plug your computer into an

electrical outlet, and turn on the computer.

6 Access the system setup program (see page 90) and assign a new

supervisor or setup password in the Maintenance menu.

7 Exit and save the system setup program settings.

92 Appendix

8 After the computer boots, turn it off, and unplug it from the electrical

outlet.

9 Open the computer cover again.

10 Move the configuration jumper plug so that pins 1 and 2 are jumpered

(the “normal” setting).

11 Close the computer cover, connect your computer and devices to

electrical outlets, and turn on the computer.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section,

follow the safety instructions on page 9.

A coin-cell battery maintains computer configuration, date, and time
information. The battery can last several years.

If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on
the computer, replace the battery.

CAUTION: A new battery can explode if it is incorrectly installed.

Replace the 3-V CR2032 battery only with the same or equivalent
type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Record all the screens in the system setup program (see page 90) so

1

that you can restore the correct settings at step 7.

2 Open the computer cover (see page 66).

3 Locate the battery socket BATTERY (see page 69).

4 Remove the battery by carefully prying it out of its socket with your

fingers or with a blunt, nonconducting object such as a plastic
screwdriver.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the system board while you pry the battery

loose, be sure to insert the plastic screwdriver between the battery and the
socket (not the system board).

battery socket
(BATTERY)

battery

Appendix 93

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

5 Insert the new battery into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing

up and snap it into place.

6 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn

them on.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network

wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

Access the system setup program (see page 90) and restore the settings

7

you recorded in step 1.

8 Properly dispose of the old battery (see page 12).

Technician-assisted technical support requires the cooperation and
participation of the customer in the troubleshooting process and provides
for restoration of the operating system, application software, and hardware
drivers to the original default configuration as shipped from Dell, as well as
the verification of appropriate functionality of the computer and all Dell­installed hardware. In addition to this technician-assisted technical support,
online technical support is available at support.dell.com. Additional
technical support options may be available for purchase.

94 Appendix

Dell provides limited technical support for the computer and any "Dell-

1

installed" software and peripherals

. Support for third-party software and
peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer, including those
purchased and/or installed through Dell Software and Peripherals,

2

Readyware, and Custom Factory Integration (DellPlus™)

1

Repair services are provided pursuant to the terms and conditions of your limited
warranty and any optional support service contract purchased with the
computer.

2

All Dell-standard components included in a Custom Factory Integration (CFI)
project are covered by the standard Dell limited warranty for your computer.
However, Dell also extends a parts replacement program to cover all nonstand­ard, third-party hardware components integrated through CFI for the duration
of the computer’s service contract.

.

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals

Dell-installed software includes the operating system and some of the
application software that is preinstalled on the computer during the
manufacturing process (Microsoft Office, Norton Antivirus, and so on).

Dell-installed peripherals include any internal expansion cards, or Dell­branded module bay or PC Card accessories. In addition, any Dell-branded
monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, microphones for telephonic modems,
docking stations/port replicators, networking products, and all associated
cabling are included.

Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

Third-party software and peripherals include any peripheral, accessory, or
application software sold by Dell not under the Dell brand (printers,
scanners, cameras, games, and so on). Support for all third-party software
and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer of the product.

When you need to contact Dell, use the telephone numbers, codes, and
electronic addresses provided in the following tables. If you need assistance
in determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international
operator.

See "Dell Technical Support Policy" on page 94 for a description of the
hardware and software support provided by Dell.

HINT: Toll-free numbers

are for use within the
country for which they are
listed.

Appendix 95

Contact Numbers and Addresses

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Antigua and Barbuda General Support 1-800-805-5924

Argentina (Buenos Aires)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 54

City Code: 11

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Australia (Sydney)

International Access Code: 0011

Country Code: 61

City Code: 2

Austria (Vienna)

International Access Code: 900

Country Code: 43

City Code: 1

Barbados General Support 1-800-534-3066

Department Name or Service Area,

Website and E-Mail Address

Tech Support and Customer Care toll-free: 0-800-444-0733

Sales 1-810-444-3355

Tech Support Fax [phone]

Customer Care Fax [phone]

Website: www.dell.com.ar

Home and Small Business 1-300-65-55-33

Government and Business toll-free: 1-800-633-559

Preferred Accounts Division (PAD) toll-free: 1-800-060-889

Customer Care toll-free: 1-800-819-339

Corporate Sales toll-free: 1-800-808-385

Transaction Sales toll-free: 1-800-808-312

Fax toll-free: 1-800-818-341

Home/Small Business Sales 01 795 67602

Home/Small Business Fax [phone]

Home/Small Business Customer Care 01 795 67603

Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Care 0660 8056

Home/Small Business Technical Support 01 795 67604

Preferred Accounts/Corporate Technical Support 0660 8779

Switchboard 01 491 04 0

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

Local Numbers, and

Area Codes,

Toll-Free Numbers

96 Appendix

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code

Department Name or Service Area,

Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

City Code

Belgium (Brussels)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 32

City Code: 2

Technical Support 02 481 92 88

Customer Care 02 481 91 19

Home/Small Business Sales toll-free: 0800 16884

Corporate Sales 02 481 91 00

Fax [phone]

Switchboard 02 481 91 00

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

E-mail for French Speaking Customers:
support.euro.dell.com/be/fr/emaildell/

Bermuda General Support 1-800-342-0671

Brazil

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 55

City Code: 51

Customer Support, Technical Support 0800 90 3355

Tech Support Fax [phone]

Customer Care Fax [phone]

Sales 0800 90 3390

Website: www.dell.com/br

Brunei

Country Code: 673

Customer Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4966

Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4949

Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4955

Canada (North York, Ontario)

International Access Code: 011

Automated Order-Status System toll-free: 1-800-433-9014

AutoTech (Automated technical support) toll-free: 1-800-247-9362

Customer Care (From outside Toronto) toll-free: 1-800-387-5759

Customer Care (From within Toronto) 416 758-2400

Customer Technical Support toll-free: 1-800-847-4096

Sales (Direct sales—from outside Toronto) toll-free: 1-800-387-5752

Sales (Direct sales—from within Toronto) 416 758-2200

Sales (Federal government, education, and medical) toll-free: 1-800-567-7542

Sales (Major accounts) toll-free: 1-800-387-5755

TechFax toll-free: 1-800-950-1329

Cayman Islands General Support 1-800-805-7541

Appendix 97

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code

Department Name or Service Area,

Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

City Code

Chile (Santiago)

Sales, Customer Support, and Technical Support toll-free: 1230-020-4823

Country Code: 56

City Code: 2

China (Xiamen)

Country Code: 86

City Code: 592

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Home and Small Business Technical Support toll-free: 800 858 2437

Corporate Accounts Technical Support toll-free: 800 858 2333

Customer Experience toll-free: 800 858 2060

Home and Small Business toll-free: 800 858 2222

Preferred Accounts Division toll-free: 800 858 2062

Large Corporate Accounts North toll-free: 800 858 2999

Large Corporate Accounts East toll-free: 800 858 2020

Large Corporate Accounts South toll-free: 800 858 2355

Large Corporate Accounts GCP toll-free: 800 858 2055

Large Corporate Accounts HK toll-free: 800 964108

Large Corporate Accounts GCP HK toll-free: 800 907308

Colombia General Support 980-9-15-3978

Costa Rica General Support 0800-012-0435

Czech Republic (Prague)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 420

City Code: 2

Technical Support 02 22 83 27 27

Customer Care 02 22 83 27 11

Fax [phone]

TechFax 02 22 83 27 28

Switchboard 02 22 83 27 11

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

98 Appendix

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Denmark (Copenhagen)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 45

Dominican Republic General Support 1-800-148-0530

El Salvador General Support 01-899-753-0777

Finland (Helsinki)

International Access Code: 990

Country Code: 358

City Code: 9

Department Name or Service Area,

Website and E-Mail Address

Technical Support 7023 0182

Customer Care (Relational) 7023 0184

Home/Small Business Customer Care 3287 5505

Switchboard (Relational) 3287 1200

Fax Switchboard (Relational) 3287 1201

Switchboard (Home/Small Business) 3287 5000

Fax Switchboard (Home/Small Business) 3287 5001

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail Support (Portable Computers):
[e-mail]

E-mail Support (Desktop Computers):
[e-mail]

E-mail Support (Servers):
[e-mail]

Technical Support 09 253 313 60

Technical Support Fax [phone]

Relational Customer Care 09 253 313 38

Home/Small Business Customer Care 09 693 791 94

Fax [phone]

Switchboard 09 253 313 00

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

E-mail Support (Servers):
[e-mail]

Local Numbers, and

Area Codes,

Toll-Free Numbers

Appendix 99

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code

Department Name or Service Area,

Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

City Code

France (Paris) (Montpellier)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 33

City Codes: (1) (4)

Home and Small Business

Technical Support 0825 387 270

Customer Care 0825 823 833

Switchboard 0825 004 700

Switchboard (Calls from outside of France) 04 99 75 40 00

Sales 0825 004 700

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Fax [phone]

Fax (Calls from outside of France) 04 99 75 40 01

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/fr/fr/emaildell/

Corporate

Technical Support 0825 004 719

Customer Care 0825 338 339

Switchboard 01 55 94 71 00

Sales 0155947100

Fax [phone]

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/fr/fr/emaildell/

Germany (Langen)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 49

City Code: 6103

Technical Support 06103 766-7200

Home/Small Business Customer Care 0180-5-224400

Global Segment Customer Care 06103 766-9570

Preferred Accounts Customer Care 06103 766-9420

Large Accounts Customer Care 06103 766-9560

Public Accounts Customer Care 06103 766-9555

Switchboard 06103 766-7000

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

Guatemala General Support 1-800-999-0136

100 Appendix