Dell 9T217 User Manual

Dell Precision™ 350 Workstation

Setup and Quick Reference Guide

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

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

use of your computer.

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

data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage,

personal injury, or death.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the “Glossary” in the

User’s Guide.

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this

document to Microsoft

Windows® operating systems are not applicable.

____________________

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

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Microsoft 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.

December 2002 P /N 9T217 Rev. A01

Contents

Finding Information for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Connect the keyboard and the mouse Connect the modem or the network cable Connect the monitor Connect the speakers Connect the power cables and turn on the computer

and monitor Install additional software or devices

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Opening the Computer Cover

Inside Your Computer

Solving Problems

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Using System Restore in Windows XP

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

Using the Last Known Good Configuration in Windows 2000

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics Starting the Dell Diagnostics Beep Codes Error Messages Diagnostic Lights

Frequently Asked Questions

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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. . . . . . . 20

Contents 3

4 Contents

Finding Information for Your Computer

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

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• My computer documentation

• My device documentation

• How to set up my computer

• Troubleshooting information

• Tools and utilities

Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD)

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

Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 5

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• Express Service Code and Service Tag

• Microsoft

Windows® License Label

Express Service Code and Product Key

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

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

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

6 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• How to remove and replace parts

• Technical specifications

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

• Location of connectors on the system board System Information Label

User’s Guide Icon

To access the electronic documentation stored on your hard drive:

If you are using Microsoft Windows 2000, double-click the User’s Guides icon on your desktop. If you are using Windows XP, click the Start button and click Help and Support.

• Latest drivers for my computer

• Answers to technical service and support questions

• Online discussions with other users and technical support

• Documentation for my computer including the Service Manual

This label is located on the inside of your computer cover.

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

The Dell Support website at support.dell.com 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

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 7

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• Service call status

• Top technical issues for my computer

• Frequently asked questions

• File downloads

• Details on my computer’s configuration

Dell Premier Support Website —

premiersupport.dell.com

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

• Service contract for my computer

• Warranty Information System Information Guide

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• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer and devices

Windows XP Help and Support Center

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

arrow icon.

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

8 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Setting Up Your Dell Precision™ 350 Computer

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

Connect the keyboard and the mouse

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 9

NOTE: If your computer

has a network card installed, connect the network cable to the card.

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Connect the modem or the network cable

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

from telephone communications can damage the network adapter.

10 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Connect the monitor

Depending on your graphics card, you can connect your monitor in various ways.

A B C D

NOTICE: Your computer may require the use of the provided adapter or cable

to connect to your monitor.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 11

For single- and dual-monitor capable cards with a single connector

VGA Adapter

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VGA

• Use the VGA adapter when you have a single monitor graphics card and you want to connect to a VGA monitor.

Dual VGA Y Cable Adapter

VGA

• Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a single connector and you want to connect to one or two VGA monitors.

The dual-monitor cable is color coded; the blue connector is for the primary monitor, and the black connector is for the secondary monitor. To enable dual-monitor support, both monitors must be attached when the computer starts.

Dual DVI Y Cable Adapter

DVI

• Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a single connector and you want to connect to one or two DVI monitors.

12 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

For dual-monitor capable cards with 1 DVI and 1 VGA connector

Single DVI/Single VGA

DVI

Dual VGA With VGA Adapter

VGA

• Use the appropriate connector when you connect to

• Use the VGA adapter when you want to connect to

one or two monitors.

For dual-monitor capable cards with 2 DVI connectors

Dual DVI

DVI

• Use the DVI connectors to connect to one or two DVI monitors.

Dual DVI With One VGA Adapter

DVI

VGA

• Use the VGA adapter to connect a VGA monitor to one DVI connector.

VGA

two VGA monitors.

Dual DVI With Two VGA Adapters

VGA

• Use two VGA adapters to connect two VGA monitors to the DVI connectors.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 13

NOTE: If your computer

has an audio card installed, connect the speakers to the card.

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Connect the speakers

14 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Connect the power cables and turn on the computer and monitor

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 15

Install additional software or devices

Before you install any devices or software that did not ship with your computer, read the documentation that came with the software or device or contact the vendor to verify that the software or device is compatible with your computer and operating system.

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Congratulations! You have completed the setup for your computer.

For more information about your computer, including removing and replacing parts, diagnostics and troubleshooting tools, access the User’s Guide from your hard drive, the Drivers and Utilities CD, or the Dell Support website.

To access the User’s Guide from your hard drive:

If you have Windows 2000, double-click the User’s Guides icon.

If you have Windows XP, click the Start button and click Help and

Support.

To access the User’s Guide from the CD:

1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD into the drive.

If you are using the Drivers and Utilities CD for the first time, the ResourceCD Installation window opens to inform you that the CD is about to begin installation.

2 Click OK to continue, and then respond to the prompts offered by the

installation program.

3 Click Next at the Welcome Dell System Owner screen.

To access the User’s Guide from the Dell Support Site:

1 Go to www.support.dell.com.

2 Follow the prompts on the website that ask for information about your

computer.

16 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

3 At the Dell Support website home page, click Reference, click User’s

Guides, click Systems, and then select your Dell Precision computer.

Opening the Computer Cover

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

follow the safety instructions in the System Information Guide.

Shut down the computer through the Start menu.

2 Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off. If your

computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your computer, turn them off now.

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

computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the

computer.

4 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from electrical

outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

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

panel, remove the padlock.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your

computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

Lay the computer on its side as shown in the illustration.

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

least 30 cm (1 ft) of desktop space.

Open the computer cover:

a Facing the back of the computer, press the release button on the

right side of the computer with one hand while pulling up on the top of the cover with the other hand.

b Press the release button on the left side of the computer with one

hand while pulling up on the top of the cover with the other hand.

c Hold the bottom of the computer with one hand, and then pull

open the cover with the other hand.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 17

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1 release buttons (2)

2 padlock ring

3 security cable slot

18 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Inside Your Computer

1 hard drive 6 heat sink and blower assembly

2 internal speaker 7 power supply

3 chassis intrusion switch 8 floppy drive

4 system board 9 CD/DVD drive

5 padlock ring

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 19

Solving Problems

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Microsoft® Windows® XP

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 click Control Panel.

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2 Click Performance and Maintenance and click System.

3 Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.

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

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

5 Double-click any conflict to display the Properties window.

X if the device has been disabled.

!) beside the

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

6 Resolve conflicts by reconfiguring the devices or removing the devices

from the Device Manager.

To use the Windows XP Hardware Troubleshooter:

1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field, and click the

arrow to start the search.

3 Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.

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

conflict on my computer, and then click Next.

Windows 2000

To check for conflicts on a computer running Windows 2000:

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

Pane l.

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

20 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

3 Click the Hardware tab.

4 Click Device Manager.

5 Click View and click Resources by connection.

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

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

7 Double-click any conflict to display the Properties window.

X if the device has been disabled.

!) beside the

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

8 Resolve conflicts by reconfiguring the devices or removing the devices

from the Device Manager.

To use the Windows 2000 Hardware Troubleshooter:

1 Click the Start button and click Help.

2 Click Troubleshooting and Maintenance on the Contents tab, click

Windows 2000 troubleshooters, and then click Hardware.

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

conflict on my computer, and then click Next.

Using System Restore in Windows XP

The 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. See "Windows XP Help and Support Center" on page 8 for additional information on using System Restore.

NOTICE: Back up your data files regularly. System Restore does not monitor

your data files or recover them.

Creating a Restore Point

1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2 Click System Restore.

3 Follow the instructions on the screen.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 21

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Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

NOTICE: Before you restore 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→ 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 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.

Using the Last Known Good Configuration in Windows 2000

1 Restart your computer and press <F8> when the message Please

select the operating system to start

2 Highlight Last Known Good Setting, press <Enter>, press <L>, and

then select your operating system when prompted.

22 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

appears.

Other Options to Help Resolve Additional Device or Software Conflicts

NOTICE: The following processes erase all of the information on your hard

drive.

• If the previous procedures did not work, run a low-level format of your hard drive.

See your operating system installation guide for more information.

• Reinstall your operating system using the operating system installation guide and operating system CD.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" in your User’s Guide and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. Running the Dell Diagnostics may help you resolve the problem without contacting Dell. If you do contact Dell, the test results can provide important information for Dell's service and support personnel.

The Dell Diagnostics allows you to:

• Perform express, extended, or custom tests on one or all devices

• Select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are having

• Choose how many times a test is run

• Display test results

• Suspend testing if an error is detected

• Access online help information that describes the tests and devices

• Receive status messages that tell you whether tests completed successfully

• Receive error messages if problems are detected

Starting the Dell Diagnostics

It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.

NOTICE: Only use the Dell Diagnostics to test your Dell™ computer. Using

this program with other computers can result in error messages.

Enter system setup, review your computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in system setup and is active.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 23

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

1 Shut down and restart the computer.

2 When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

NOTE: If you receive a

message stating that no Diagnostics utility partition has been found, follow the instructions to

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run the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD.

NOTE: This feature

changes the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in system setup.

If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer through the Start menu and try again.

3 When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition

and press <Enter>.

4 When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you

want to run.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD

1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD into the CD drive.

2 Shut down and restart the computer.

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

If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer through the Start menu and try again

3 When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM Device

and press <Enter>.

4 Select the IDE CD-ROM Device option from the CD boot menu.

5 Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears. 6 Type 1 to start the ResourceCD menu. 7 Type 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.

8 Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If

multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your platform.

9 When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you

want to run.

24 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

1 After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears,

click the button for the option you want.

Option Function

Express Test

Extended Test

Custom Test

Symptom Tr ee

If a problem is encountered during a test, a message displaying the

Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.

Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.

Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.

Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.

error code and a description of the problem appear. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.

NOTE: The Service Tag

for your computer is located at the top of each test screen.

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell.

3 If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click

the applicable tab described in the following table for more information.

Tab Function

Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions

encountered.

Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and

problem description.

Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for

running the test.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 25

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Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected

device.

The Dell Diagnostics obtains your configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests and displays it in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.

Parameters Allows you to customize the test by changing the test

settings.

4 When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics

from the Drivers and Utilities CD, remove the CD.

5 Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the

Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.

Beep Codes

Your computer might emit a series of beeps that identify a problem. One possible series (code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This series tell you that the computer encountered a memory problem.

If a beep code is emitted, write it down and look it up under "Beep Codes" in the User’s Guide.

Error Messages

NOTE: If the message is

not listed, see the documentation for either the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.

26 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

If an error occurs during start-up, a message may be displayed on the monitor identifying the problem. See "Error Messages" in the User’s Guide for suggestions on resolving any problems.

Diagnostic Lights

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer is equipped with four lights on the back panel labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D". 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 in the System Information Guide.

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Normal off condition or possible power failure.

Verify that the computer power cable is plugged into the computer and a working electrical outlet. Press the power button.

YYYG

YYGY

YYGG

Possible BIOS failure; the computer is in the recovery mode.

Possible microprocessor failure.

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

Run the BIOS Recovery utility, wait for recovery completion, and then restart the computer.

Reinstall the microprocessor, and restart the computer.

Remove and reinstall all memory modules and CRIMMs. Ensure that all the connector tabs are locked. Restart the computer.

Install the memory modules in memory connectors RIMM 1 (located closest to the microprocessor) and RIMM 2 and ensure that, if no additional memory is used, CRIMMs are installed in memory connectors RIMM 3 and RIMM 4.

If you installed memory modules in memory connectors RIMM3 and RIMM4 that were not purchased from Dell, remove the modules and replace them with the CRIMMs that were originally installed in your computer.

If available, install Dell memory of the same type into your computer.

If the problem persists, contact Dell.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 27

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

YGYY

Possible expansion card failure.

1 Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not

the video card) and then restarting the computer.

2 If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you

removed, remove a different card, 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" in your User’s Guide).

4 If the problem persists, contact Dell.

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YGYG

Possible video card failure or bad on-board video.

If the computer has a video card, remove the card and reinstall it.

If the problem persists or the computer has integrated video, contact Dell.

YGGY

YGGG

GYYY

Possible floppy or hard drive failure.

Check all power and data cable connections, and then restart the computer.

Possible USB failure. Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and

then restart the computer.

No memory modules are installed.

Reinstall all memory modules and then restart the computer.

If the problem persists, contact Dell.

28 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

GYYG

Possible system board failure.

Perform the procedures in "System Board Problems" in your User’s Guide.

If the problem persists, contact Dell.

GYGY

GYGG

GGYY

GGGY

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

Possible system board resource and/or hardware failure.

Possible expansion card failure.

Other failures has occurred.

Ensure that there are no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements (see "Memory" in your User’s Guide).

Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer (see "Memory" in your User’s Guide).

Reinstall the memory modules and then restart the computer.

If the problem persists, contact Dell.

Perform the procedure in "System Board Problems" and see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" in your User’s Guide.

If the problem persists, contact Dell.

1 Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not

the video card) and then restarting the computer.

2 If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you

removed, remove a different card, 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" in your User’s Guide).

4 If the problem persists, contact Dell.

Ensure that the cables are properly connected from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive to the system board.

If the problem persists, contact Dell.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 29

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

GGGG

Normal operating condition after POST.

None.

If a computer problem occurs that you are unable to resolve through the steps in this section or the procedures in "Finding Solutions" in your User’s Guide, complete the following steps before you contact Dell:

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1 Write a detailed description of the error, beep code, or diagnostic light

problem.

2 Record your Express Service Code and Service Tag.

3 Contact Dell from the same location as your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I... Solution Where to Find Additional

Set up my computer to use two monitors?

Connect my monitor when the monitor cable connector doesn’t seem to fit the connector on the back of my computer?

If your computer has the required graphics card to support dualmonitor setup, then look in your box for a Y-cable. The cable has a single connector on one end (plug this connector into the back panel) and branches into two connectors (plug these connectors into the monitor cables). See "Connect the monitor" on page 11.

If your graphics card has a DVI connector but your monitor has a VGA connector, then you need to use an adapter. An adapter should be included in the box.

Information

Contact Dell Technical Support for more information.

30 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

+ 140 hidden pages