Dell C7565 User Manual

Download

Dell™ Dimension™ 5000

CD or DVD eject button

CD or DVD activity light

FlexBay for optional floppy drive or Media Card Reader

microphone connector

headphone connector

diagnostic lights

hard drive activity light

power button

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

Service Tag

cover latch release

power connector

sound-card connectors

USB 2.0 connectors (5)

Model DCSM

card slots for PCI Express x16 (1), PCI (2), PCI Express x1 (1)

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network adapter

VGA video connector (integrated)

serial connector

parallel connector

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.

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 Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, P owerEdge, P owerV ault, P owerApp,

DellNet, and PowerConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Micr osoft, W indows, and Outlook 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 Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model DCSM

January 2005 P/N C7565 Rev. A01

Contents

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Printer Cable Connecting a USB Printer

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

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

Connecting a Parallel Printer

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

Connecting to the Internet

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

Playing CDs and DVDs

Adjusting the Volume Adjusting the Picture

Copying CDs and DVDs

How to Copy a CD or DVD Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs Helpful Tips

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

Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)

Connecting Two Monitors

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors Connecting One Monitor With a VGA Connector and One

Monitor With a DVI Connector Connecting a TV

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

Changing the Display Settings

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter Network Setup Wizard

Power Management

Standby Mode Hibernate Mode

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Power Options Properties

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

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

Hyper-Threading

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

Contents 3

2 Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Battery Problems

Drive Problems

CD and DVD drive problems Hard drive problems

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

Media Card Reader Problems

Keyboard Problems

Lockups and Software Problems

The computer does not start up The computer stops responding A program stops responding A program crashes repeatedly

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

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

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

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

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

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

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

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

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system A solid blue screen appears Other software problems

Memory Problems

Mouse Problems

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

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

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

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

. . . . . 33

4 Contents

Network Problems

Power Problems

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Sound and Speaker Problems

No sound from speakers No sound from headphones

Video and Monitor Problems

If the screen is blank

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

If the screen is difficult to read

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

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

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

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

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

3 Troubleshooting Tools

Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Dell Diagnostics

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

Drivers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Restoring Your Operating System

Using Microsoft Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

. . . . . . . . . . . . 49

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

Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

4 Removing and Installing Parts

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer

Front View of the Computer

Back View of the Computer

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Removing the Computer Cover

Inside View of Your Computer

System Board Components

Memory

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

DDR2 Memory Overview Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations Installing Memory Removing Memory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Cards

PCI Cards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

PCI Express Cards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

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

Contents 5

Drive Panels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Removing the Drive Panel Removing the Drive-Panel Insert Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert Replacing the Drive Panel.

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

Drives

IDE Drive Addressing Connecting Drive Cables Drive Interface Connectors Power Cable Connector Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Hard Drive

Floppy Drive

Media Card Reader

CD/DVD Drive

Battery

Replacing the Computer Cover

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Removing a Hard Drive Installing a Hard Drive Adding a Second Hard Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Removing a Floppy Drive Installing a Floppy Drive

Removing a Media Card Reader Installing a Media Card Reader

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

Removing a CD/DVD Drive Installing a CD/DVD Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Replacing the Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

5 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

6 Contents

System Setup

Overview

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Entering System Setup System Setup Options Boot Sequence

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

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

Clearing Forgotten Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Clearing CMOS Settings

Cleaning Your Computer

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Mouse Floppy Drive CDs and DVDs

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

FCC Notices (U.S. Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Class A Class B

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

FCC Identification Information

Contacting Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

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

. . . . . . . . 116

. . . . . . . . . 116

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Contents 7

8 Contents

Finding Information

NOTE: Additional documentation may be included with your computer, depending on your country.

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• Warranty information

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• How to set up my computer

Setup Diagram

Finding Information 9

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

• Latest drivers for my computer

• Answers to technical service and support questions

• Online discussions with other users and technical support

• Documentation for my computer

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License

These labels are located on your computer.

• Use the Service Tag to

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support

site.

The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such

• Customer Care — Contact information, order status,

• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates

• Reference — Computer documentation, product

identify your computer when you use

support.dell.com

contact technical support.

contacting technical support. The Express Service Code is not available in all countries.

from technicians, and online courses

customers

as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

warranty, and repair information

specifications, and white papers

10 Finding Information

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Setting Up a Printer

NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.

See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:

• Obtain and install updated drivers

• Connect the printer to the computer

• Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge

• Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance

Printer Cable

Your printer connects to your computer with either a USB cable or a parallel cable. Your printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer box.

Connecting a USB Printer

NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.

Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so.

Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 11

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Connecting a Parallel Printer

Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so.

Turn off the computer (see page 53).

NOTICE: For best results, use a 3-m (10-ft) or shorter parallel cable.

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

USB connector on computer

USB printer cable

USB connector on printer

12 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

parallel connector on computer

connector on printer

screws (2)

parallel printer cable

notches (2)

Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the

Cancel

window appears, click

Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

Add New Hardware Wizard

clips (2)

Connecting to the Internet

NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.

To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:

• Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.

• DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your telephone on the same line simultaneously.

• Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable TV line.

If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 13

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an AOL or MSN connection:

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

Double-click the

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

If you do not have an Internet connection with a different ISP:

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

Click the

The

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New Connection Wizard

Click

Connect to the Internet

In the next window, click the appropriate option:

• If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click

service providers (ISPs)

• If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD, click

• If you have a CD, click

Click

If you selected instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

MSN Explorer

Start

button and click

AOL

Internet Explorer

appears.

Set up my connection manually

Use the CD I got from an ISP

Set up my connection manually

icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an

Choose from a list of Internet

, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.

Click the appropriate option under click

Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on page 29. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.

14 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

How do you want to connect to the Internet?

, and then

Playing CDs and DVDs

NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed when

you are not using the drive.

NOTICE: Do not move the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs.

Press the eject button on the front of the drive.

Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray.

Press the eject button or gently push in the tray.

To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came with your computer.

NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs.

A CD player includes the following basic buttons:

Play

Move backward within the current track

Pau se

Move forward within the current track

Stop

Go to the previous track

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15

Eject

Go to the next track

A DVD player includes the following basic buttons:

Stop

Restart the current chapter

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For more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click

Adjusting the Volume

NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing.

Click the

Volume Control

In the

Volume Control

slide it up or down to increase or decrease the volume.

For more information on volume control options, click

Play

Fast forward

Pau se

Fast reverse

Advance a single frame while in pause mode

Go to the next title or chapter

Continuously play the current title or chapter

Go to the previous title or chapter

Eject

Start

button, point to

Help

on the CD or DVD player (if available).

All Programs → Accessories→ Entertainment

window, click and drag the bar in the

Help

in the

Volume Control

, and then click

column and

window.

16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Adjusting the Picture

If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth are using too much memory and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display properties:

Click the

Under

In the setting to

Click the drop-down menu under

Click OK.

Start

button and click

Pick a category

Pick a task...

Display Properties

800 by 600 pixels

, click

Control Panel

Appearance and Themes

Change the screen resolution

window, click and drag the bar in

Color quality

, and then click

Screen resolution

Medium (16 bit)

to change the

Copying CDs and DVDs

NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs or DVDs.

This section applies only to computers that have a CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R, or DVD/CD-RW combo drive.

NOTE: The types of CD or DVD drives offered by Dell may vary by country.

The following instructions show how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD. You can also use Sonic RecordNow for other purposes, including creating CDs from audio files on your computer and creating MP3 CDs. For instructions, see the Sonic RecordNow documentation that came with your computer. Open Sonic RecordNow, click the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of the window, and then click

RecordNow Help

RecordNow Tutorial

How to Copy a CD or DVD

NOTE: If you have a DVD/CD-RW combo drive and you experience recording problems, check for

available software patches at the Sonic support website at support.sonic.com.

Currently, five DVD-writable disc formats are available: DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM. The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell™ computers can write to DVD+R and DVD+RW media, and can read DVD-R and DVD-RW media. However, DVD-writable drives do not write to and might not read DVD-RAM media. In addition, commercially available DVD players for home theater systems might not read all five formats.

NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using Sonic

RecordNow.

Click the

RecordNow!

Click either the audio tab or the data tab, depending on the kind of CD or DVD you want to copy.

Click

Start

button, point to

Exact Copy

All Programs→

Sonic→ RecordNow!

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17

, and then click

To copy the CD or DVD:

•

If you have one CD or DVD drive

computer reads your source CD or DVD and copies it to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive.

When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the CD or DVD drive and click

, ensure that the settings are correct and click

Copy

. The

If you have two CD or DVD drives

• source CD or DVD and click the blank CD or DVD.

Once you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you have created automatically ejects.

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Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs

Your CD-RW drive can write to two different types of recording media: CD-Rs and CD-RWs (including high-speed CD-RWs). Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs to write to CDs or to erase, rewrite, or update data on CDs.

Your DVD-writable drive can write to four different types of recording media: CD-Rs, CD-RWs (including high-speed CD-RWs), DVD+Rs, and DVD+RWs. Blank DVD+Rs can be used to permanently store large amounts of information. After you create a DVD+R disc, you may not be able to write to that disc again if the disc is "finalized" or "closed" during the final stage of the disc creation process. Use blank DVD+RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on that disc later.

Helpful Tips

• Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after you start Sonic RecordNow and open a RecordNow project.

• You must use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs do not play in most home or car stereos.

• You cannot create audio DVDs with Sonic RecordNow.

• Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software installed.

• Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a 650-MB blank CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1 or 2 MB of the blank CD to finalize the recording.

• Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD recording until you are familiar with CD recording techniques. If you make a mistake, you can erase the data on the CD-RW and try again. You can also use blank CD-RWs to test music file projects before you record the project permanently to a blank CD-R.

• See the Sonic support website at

, select the drive into which you have inserted your

Copy

. The computer copies the data on the CD or DVD to

support.sonic.com

for additional information.

18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)

Use the Media Card Reader to transfer data directly to your computer.

The Media Card Reader supports the following memory types:

•xD-Picture Card

• SmartMedia (SMC)

• CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II)

• MicroDrive Card

• SecureDigital Card (SD)

• MultiMediaCard (MMC)

• Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro)

For information on installing a Media Card Reader, see "Installing a Media Card Reader" on page 92.

Memory Stick

xD-Picture Card and SmartMedia (SMC)

CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II) and MicroDrive Card

(MS/MS Pro)

SecureDigital Card (SD)/ MultiMediaCard (MMC)

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19

To use the Media Card Reader:

Check the media or card to determine the proper orientation for insertion.

Slide the media or card into the appropriate slot until it is completely seated in the connector.

If you encounter resistance, do not force the media or card. Check the card orientation and try again.

Connecting Two Monitors

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

NOTICE: If you are connecting two monitors that have VGA connectors, you must have the optional DVI

adapter. If you are connecting two flat-panel monitors, at least one of them must have a VGA connector. If you are connecting a TV, you may connect only one monitor (VGA or DVI) in addition to the TV.

If you purchased a graphics card that supports dual monitors, follow these instructions to connect and enable your monitors. The instructions tell you how to connect either two monitors (each with a VGA connector), one monitor with a VGA connector and one monitor with a DVI connector, or aTV.

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

NOTE: If your computer has integrated video, do not connect either monitor to the integrated video

connector. If the integrated video connector is covered by a cap, do not remove the cap to connect the monitor or the monitor will not function.

Connect one of the monitors to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the computer.

Connect the other monitor to the optional DVI adapter and connect the DVI adapter to the DVI (white) connector on the back of the computer.

20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

optional DVI adapter

DVI (white) connector

TV-OUT connector

VGA (blue) connector

Connecting One Monitor With a VGA Connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

Connect the VGA connector on the monitor to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the computer.

Connect the DVI connector on the other monitor to the DVI (white) connector on the back of the computer.

Connecting a TV

NOTE: To connect a TV to your computer, you must purchase an S-video cable, which is available at

most consumer electronics stores. An S-video cable is not included with your computer.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

Connect one end of the S-video cable to the TV-OUT connector on the back of the computer.

Connect the other end of the S-video cable to the S-video input connector on your TV.

Connect the VGA or DVI monitor.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21

Changing the Display Settings

After you connect the monitor(s) or TV, turn on the computer.

The Microsoft

Enable clone mode or extended desktop mode in the display settings.

• In clone mode, both monitors display the same image.

• In extended desktop mode, you can drag objects from one screen to the other, effectively

doubling the amount of viewable work space.

For information on changing the display settings for your graphics card, see the user’s guide in the Help and Support Center (click the

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

system guides

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter

NOTICE: Plug the network cable into the network adapter connector on the computer. Do not plug the

network cable into the modem connector on the computer. Do not plug a network cable into a telephone wall jack.

Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer.

Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is secure.

Connect the other end of the network cable to a network device.

Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor.

Start

, click

Device guides

button, click

, and then click the guide for your graphics card).

Help and Support

, click

User and

network adapter connector

network adapter connector on computer

22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

network device

network cable

Network Setup Wizard

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system 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.

Click the click

On the welcome screen, click

Click

NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the

integrated firewall provided with Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1).

Complete the checklist and required preparations.

Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.

Start

button, point to

Network Setup Wizard

Checklist for creating a network

All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications

, and then

Power Management

The Microsoft® Windows® XP power management features can reduce the amount of electricity your computer uses when it is on and you are not using it. You can reduce power to just the monitor or the hard drive, or you can use standby mode or hibernate mode to reduce power to the entire computer. When the computer exits from a power conservation mode, the Windows desktop is restored to the state it was in before it entered the mode.

NOTE: Windows XP Professional includes security and networking features not available in

Windows XP Home Edition. When a Windows XP Professional computer is connected to a network, different options related to security and networking appear in certain windows.

Standby Mode

Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a time-out. When the computer exits from standby mode, it returns to the operating state it was in before it entered standby mode.

To set standby mode to automatically activate after a defined period of inactivity:

Click the

Under

To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click the

Turn Off Computer

To exit from standby mode, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.

NOTICE: If your computer loses power while in standby mode, it may lose data.

Start

button and click

Pick a category

or pick a Control Panel icon

, click

, and then click

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

Stand by

, click

Power Options

Start

button, click

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23

Hibernate Mode

Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits from hibernate mode, the desktop is restored to the state it was in

To activate hibernate mode:

Click the

Under

Pick a category

Under

or pick a Control Panel icon

Define your hibernate settings on the Power

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To exit from hibernate mode from hibernate mode. Pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse does not bring the computer out of hibernation, because the keyboard and the mouse do not function when the computer is in hibernate mode.

Because hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to store the contents of the computer memory, Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file before shipping the computer to you. If the computer’s hard drive becomes corrupted, Windows XP recreates the hibernate file automatically.

Power Options Properties

Define your standby mode settings, hibernate mode settings, and other power settings in the

Options Properties

Click the

Under

Pick a category

Under

or pick a Control Panel icon

Define your power settings on the Power

Start

button and click

, click

press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit

window. To access the

Start

button and click

, click

before it entered hibernate mode.

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

, click

Power Options

Schemes

tab,

Advanced

Power Options Properties

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

, click

Power Options

Schemes

tab,

Advanced

tab, and

window:

tab, and

Hibernate

tab.

Power

tab.

Power Schemes Tab

Each standard power setting is called a scheme. If you want to select one of the standard Windows schemes installed on your computer, choose a scheme from the The settings for each scheme appear in the fields below the scheme name. Each scheme has different settings for starting standby mode or hibernate mode, turning off the monitor, and turning off the hard drive.

The

Power schemes

•

Always On

Home/Office Desk

• minimal power conservation.

24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

(default) — If you want to use your computer with no power conservation.

drop-down menu displays the following schemes:

— If you use your computer as a home or office computer and you require

Power schemes

drop-down menu.

•

Presentation

— If you want your computer to run without interruption (using no power

conservation).

Minimal Power Management

•

— If you want your computer to run with minimal power

conservation.

•

Max Battery

— If your computer is a portable computer and you run your computer from

batteries for extended periods of time.

If you want to change the default settings for a scheme, click the drop-down menu in the

monitor

Turn off hard disks, System stand by

, or

System hibernates

field, and then select a time-

Turn off

out from the displayed list. Changing the time-out for a scheme field permanently changes the default settings for that scheme, unless you click

Save As

and enter a new name for the changed

scheme.

NOTICE: If you set the hard drive (hard disk) to time-out before the monitor does, your computer may

appear to be locked up. To recover, press any key on the keyboard or click the mouse. To avoid this problem, always set the monitor to time-out before the hard drive.

Advanced Tab

The

Advanced

tab allows you to:

• Place the power options icon in the Windows taskbar for quick access.

• Set the computer to prompt you for your Windows password before the computer exits from standby mode or hibernate mode.

• Program the power button to activate standby mode, activate hibernate mode, or turn off the computer.

To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding drop-down menu and click

Hibernate Tab

The

Hibernate

you defined on the

Hibernate

tab allows you to enable hibernate mode. If you want to use the hibernate settings

Power Schemes

tab, click the

Enable hibernate support

tab.

For more information on power management options:

Click the

In the

Start

button and click

Help and Support

window, click

Performance and maintenance

window, click

check box on the

Conserving power on your computer

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25

Hyper-Threading

Hyper-Threading is an Intel® technology that can enhance overall computer performance by allowing one physical processor to function as two logical processors, capable of performing certain tasks simultaneously. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft (SP1) or later operating system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of Hyper-Threading technology. While many programs can benefit from Hyper-Threading, some programs have not been optimized for Hyper-Threading and may require an update from the software manufacturer. Contact the software manufacturer for updates and information about using Hyper-Threading with your software.

To determine if your computer is using Hyper-Threading technology:

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Click the

Click

Hardware

In the

Device Manager

is enabled, the processor is listed twice.

You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through system setup. For more information on accessing system setup, see page 105. For more information on Hyper-Threading, search the Knowledge Base on the Dell Support website at

Start

button, right-click

and click

My Computer

Device Manager

window, click the plus (+) sign next to

, and then click

support.dell.com

Windows® XP Service Pack 1

Properties

Processors

. If Hyper-Threading

26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips

Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer:

• If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures and ensure that the part is correctly installed.

• If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.

• If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. This message may help technical support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).

• If an error message occurs in a program, see the program’s documentation.

Battery Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

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 98). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see page 118).

Drive Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

ENSURE THAT MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE — Click the Start button and

click My Computer. If the floppy, CD, or 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.

Solving Problems 27

TEST THE DRIVE —

• Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective.

• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.

CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK — See page 114.

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 49.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See page 46.

CD and DVD drive problems

NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a

defect in the drive or the CD or DVD.

NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all

DVD drives.

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.

CHECK THE SPEAKERS AND SUBWOOFER — See "Sound and Speaker Problems" on page 39.

Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive

CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS — The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the CD/DVD-RW.

TURN OFF STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A CD/DVD-RW DISC — Search for the keyword standby in Windows Help.

28 Solving Problems

Hard drive problems

RUN CHECK DISK —

Click the

Right-click

Click

Click the

Under

Click

Start

button and click

Local Disk C:

Properties

Tools

tab.

Error-checking

, click

My Computer

Check Now

Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors Start

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is

connected to a digital telephone network.

CHECK THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK® EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS — If you cannot open your e-mail attachments:

In Outlook Express, click

Click

Do not allow attachments

To ol s

, click

Options

to remove the checkmark.

, and then click

Security

CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION — C

HECK THE TELEPHONE JACK — ONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK —

SE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE —

• 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.

• Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.

• 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. 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 All 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.)

Solving Problems 29

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —

Click the

Click

Click the

Click the COM port for your modem.

Click

Start

button and click

Control Panel Printers and Other Hardware Phone and Modem Options

Modems

Properties

tab.

, click the

Diagnostics

tab, and then click

Query Modem

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

to verify that the modem is

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET — Ensure that you have subscribed to an Internet provider. 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. For help, contact your Internet service provider.

Error Messages

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

A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not use these characters in filenames.

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:

Click the

Select the program you want to remove.

Click the

See the program documentation for installation instructions.

drive letter :\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY — The drive cannot read the disk. Insert a disk into the drive and try again.

Start

button, click

Control Panel

Change or Remove Program

, and then click

icon.

Add or Remove Programs

INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA — Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.

NON- SYSTEM DISK ERROR — Remove the floppy disk from the drive and restart your computer.

30 Solving Problems

NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. CLOSE SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN — 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, run the program that you want to use first.

OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND — Contact Dell (see page 118).

Media Card Reader Problems

NO DRIVE LETTER IS ASSIGNED —

When Microsoft Windows XP detects the Media Card Reader, the device is automatically assigned a drive letter as the next logical drive after all other physical drives in the system. If the next logical drive after the physical drives is mapped to a network drive, Windows XP does not automatically assign a drive letter to the Media Card Reader.

To manually assign a drive for the Media Card Reader:

Right-click My Computer and select

Select the

Right-click the corresponding drive letter in the right pane that needs to be changed.

Select

From the drop-down list, select the new drive letter assignment for the Media Card Reader.

Click OK to confirm your selection.

Disk Management

Drive Letter and Paths.

NOTE: The Media Card Reader appears as a mapped drive only when it is connected. Each of the four

Media Card Reader slots are mapped to a drive even if no media is installed. If you attempt to access the Media Card Reader when no media is inserted, you are prompted to insert media.

option.

Manage

FLEXBAY DEVICE IS DISABLED —

There is a FlexBay disable option in the BIOS setup that appears only when the FlexBay device is installed. If the FlexBay device is physically installed, but it is not running, check to see if it is enabled in the BIOS setup.

Solving Problems 31

Keyboard Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE —

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

• Shut down the computer (see page 53), reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer, and then restart the computer.

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

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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

TEST THE KEYBOARD — Connect a properly working keyboard to the computer, and try using the keyboard.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 49.

Lockups and Software Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

The computer does not start up

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See page 43.

ENSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE

LECTRICAL OUTLET

The computer stops responding

NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.

TURN THE COMPUTER OFF — If 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 restart your computer.

32 Solving Problems

A program stops responding

END THE PROGRAM —

Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.

Click

Applications

Click the program that is no longer responding.

Click

End Task

A program crashes repeatedly

NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.

CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system

RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —

The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so it runs in an environment similar to nonWindows XP operating system environments.

Click the

Wizard

In the welcome screen, click

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Start

button, point to

All Programs→ Accessories

, and then click

Program Compatibility

A solid blue screen appears

TURN THE COMPUTER OFF — If 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 restart your computer.

Solving Problems 33

Memory Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

IF YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE —

• Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the problem.

• See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional memory (see page 63).

• Reseat the memory modules (see page 63) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 46).

34 Solving Problems

IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS —

• Reseat the memory modules (see page 63) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see page 63).

• Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For more information about the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 101.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 46).

Mouse Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CLEAN THE MOUSE — See "Mouse" for instructions on cleaning the mouse on page 115.

CHECK THE MOUSE CABLE —

Remove mouse extension cables, if used, and connect the mouse directly to the computer.

Reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.

RESTART THE COMPUTER —

Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the

Ty p e u, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight

After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the on the setup diagram for your computer.

Start the computer.

Start

menu.

Shut down

Turn Off

, and then press <Enter>.

TEST THE MOUSE — Connect a properly working mouse to the computer, and try using the mouse.

CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS —

Click the

Click

Try adjusting the settings.

Start

Mouse

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

REINSTALL THE MOUSE DRIVER — See page 48.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 49.

Solving Problems 35

Network Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR — Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into

both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack.

CHECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF THE COMPUTER — If the link integrity light is off, that indicates no network communication exists. Replace the network cable. For a description of network lights, see "Controls and Lights" on page 104.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND 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.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 49.

Power Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS GREEN AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT RESPONDING — See "Diagnostic Lights"

on page 43.

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

36 Solving Problems

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

• Reseat the power cable 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. Also bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.

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

• Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see page 61).

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS STEADY AMBER — A device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.

• Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see page 63).

• Remove and then reinstall any cards (see page 65).

• Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see page 70).

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

• Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location (if applicable).

• Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the system board (see page 61).

ELIMINATE INTERFERENCE — Some possible causes of interference are:

• Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables

• Too many devices on a power strip

• Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet

Printer Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located

in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer’s manufacturer.

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

ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON

Solving Problems 37

CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS —

• See the printer documentation for cable connection information.

• Ensure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer (see page 11).

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

VERIFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —

Click the

Click

View installed printers or fax printers

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.

Click

Properties

setting is

port(s):

setting is

REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER — See the printer documentation for instructions.

USB

Scanner Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, contact the scanner’s manufacturer.

Start

button, click

and click the

LPT1 (Printer Port)

Control Panel

Ports

, and then click

tab. For a parallel printer, ensure that the

. For a USB printer, ensure that the

Printers and Other Hardware

Print to the following

Print to the following port(s):

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

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS —

• See the scanner documentation for cable connection information.

• Ensure that the scanner cables are securely connected to the scanner and the computer.

38 Solving Problems

VERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT WINDOWS —

Click the

Click If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.

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

Start

button, click

Scanners and Cameras

Control Panel

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

Sound and Speaker Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

No sound from speakers

NOTE: 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.

CHECK THE SPEAKER CABLE CONNECTIONS — Ensure that the speakers are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If you purchased a sound card, ensure that the speakers are connected to the card.

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 INTERFERENCE — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.

Solving Problems 39

REINSTALL THE SOUND DRIVER — See page 49.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 49.

No sound from headphones

CHECK THE HEADPHONE CABLE CONNECTION — Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted into the headphone connector (see page 56).

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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.

Video and Monitor Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.

If the screen is blank

CHECK THE MONITOR CABLE CONNECTION —

• Ensure that the graphics cable is connected as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.

• If you are using a graphics extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is defective.

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

• Check the connector for bent or broken pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have missing pins.)

CHECK THE MONITOR POWER LIGHT — If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that the monitor is turned on. 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.

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

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See page 43.

40 Solving Problems

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 ELIMINATE SUNLIGHT GLARE AND POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE

ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —

Click the

Click

Try different settings for

Start

Display

button, click

and click the

Screen resolution

Control Panel

Settings

tab.

, and then click

and

Color quality.

Appearance and Themes

Solving Problems 41

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42 Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tools

Diagnostic Lights

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the front panel (see page 55). The lights can be yellow or green. When the computer starts normally, all four lights flash solid green. After the computer starts and the user accesses the operating system, all four lights go off. If the computer malfunctions, the color and sequence of the lights identify the problem.

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

The computer is starting normally. None.

• The computer is in a normal on condition and the operating system is running.

• The computer is in a normal off condition.

A possible processor failure has occurred. Contact Dell (see page 118).

• None.

• If the computer is off, plug it into a working electrical outlet and press the power button.

Troubleshooting Tools 43

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

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

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A possible graphics card failure has occurred.

A possible floppy or hard drive failure has occurred.

• If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module (see page 63), and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module. Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.

• If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see page 63).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 118).

• If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, reinstall it (see page 70), and then restart the computer.

• If the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the computer.

• If the problem persists or the computer has integrated graphics, contact Dell (see page 118).

Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 118).

A possible USB failure has occurred. Reinstall all USB devices, check cable

44 Troubleshooting Tools

connections, and then restart the computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 118).

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

No memory modules are detected.

• If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see page 63).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 118).

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

• Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see page 63).

• Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer (see page 63).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 118).

A possible expansion card failure has occurred. 1

Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not a graphics card) (see page 70) and restarting the computer.

If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a different card, and then restart the computer.

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 49).

If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 118).

Troubleshooting Tools 45

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Another failure has occurred.

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• Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive (see page 93).

• If there is an error message on your screen identifying a problem with a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive), check the device to make sure it is functioning properly.

• The operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive); check system setup (see page 105) to make sure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 118).

Dell Diagnostics

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" on page 27 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

When the 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

When the boot device list appears, highlight

When the Dell Diagnostics

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the option you want.

46 Troubleshooting Tools

Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer (see page 53) and try again.

Main Menu

Boot to Utility Partition

appears, select the test you want to run.

Main Menu

screen appears, click the button for the

and press <Enter>.

Option Function

Express Test 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.

Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes

an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.

Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want

to run.

Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows

you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.

If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see page 118).

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,

technical support will ask for your Service Tag.

If you run a test from the

Custom Test

Symptom Tree

option, click the applicable tab

described in the following table for more information.

Ta b Function

Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions

encountered.

Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the

problem description.

Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the

test.

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information 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.

Troubleshooting Tools 47

Close the test screen to return to the restart the computer, close the

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

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Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft system. You may need to install drivers if you:

• Upgrade your operating system

• Reinstall your operating system

• Connect or install a new device

Identifying Drivers

If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.

Main Menu

screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and

screen.

Windows® operating

Windows XP

Click the

Under

Pick a Category

Click

System

In the

System Properties

Click

Device Manager

Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the device icon.

If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver.

Reinstalling Drivers

NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com provides approved drivers for Dell™ computers.

If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

48 Troubleshooting Tools

Start

button and click

Control Panel

, click

Performance and Maintenance

window, click the

Hardware

tab.

Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback

If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.

Click the

Under

Click

In the

Click

Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click

Click the

Click

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.

Manually Reinstalling Drivers

After copying the required driver files to your hard drive, click the

My Computer

Click

Click the

Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver.

Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.

Click the

Click

When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click

Click

Start

button and click

Pick a Category

System

System Properties

Device Manager

Drivers

Roll Back Driver

Properties

Hardware

Driver

Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)

Browse

and browse to the location to which you previously extracted the driver files.

Finish

and restart your computer.

, click

tab.

tab and click

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

window, click the

Device Manager

Update Driver

Hardware

tab.

and click

Properties

Start

button and right-click

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

Click the

Ty p e

Click

Start

button and click

hardware troubleshooter

Hardware Troubleshooter

Help and Support

in the

Search Results

field and click the arrow to start the search.

list.

Troubleshooting Tools 49

In the

Hardware Troubleshooter

computer

Restoring Your Operating System

You can restore your operating system in the following ways:

• Microsoft Windows XP System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files.

• Dell PC Restore by Symantec restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications installed after you received the computer.

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Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore

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. See the Windows Help and Support Center for information on using System Restore.

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

recover them.

NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not

work if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.

Creating a Restore Point

Click the

Click

System Restore

Follow the instructions on the screen.

, and click

Start

button and click

list, click

Help and Support

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see page 49) to resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.

NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files

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

Click the

System Restore

Ensure that

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

Select a Restore Point

The points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.

50 Troubleshooting Tools

Start

button, point to

All Programs→

Restore my computer to an earlier time

screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore

Accessories→

System Tools

is selected and click

, and then click

Select a restore point and click

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.

Click

The

Restoration Complete

screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and

then the computer restarts.

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.

Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open

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

Click the

System Restore

Click

Enabling System Restore

Start

button, point to

Undo my last restoration

All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools

and click

, and then click

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:

Click the

Click

Click the

Ensure that

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

System

System Restore

tab.

Turn off System Restore

is unchecked.

Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec

NOTE: Dell PC Restore is not available in all countries.

Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system. PC Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since you received your computer permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos, music files, and so on. If possible, back up all data before using PC Restore.

NOTICE: Using PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications

or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC Restore.

—

including data files—are

Troubleshooting Tools 51

To use PC Restore:

Turn on the computer.

During the boot process, a blue bar with

Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press <Ctrl><F11>.

If you do not press <Ctrl><F11> in time, let the computer finish restarting, and then restart the computer again.

NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.

On the next screen that appears, click

On the next screen, click

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The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.

When prompted, click

NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.

When prompted, click

The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the screens that appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the computer was turned on.

Click

The

System Restore

After the computer restarts, click OK.

Restore

Confirm

Finish

Yes

to reboot the computer.

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appears at the top of the screen.

screen appears and the computer restarts.

52 Troubleshooting Tools

Removing and Installing Parts

Before You Begin

This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:

• You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" (see page 53) and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" (see page 54).

• You have read the safety information in your Dell™

• A component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.

Recommended Tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

• Small flat-blade screwdriver

• Phillips screwdriver

• Flash BIOS update program floppy disk or CD

Turning Off Your Computer

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn

off your computer.

Shut down the operating system:

Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the click

Turn Off Computer

In the

Turn off computer

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.

window, click

Tur n o f f

Product Information Guide.

Start

button, and then

Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.

Removing and Installing Parts 53

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located

in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a

card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.

NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to

servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.

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NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable

itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside

the computer.

Turn off your computer (see page 53).

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it

from the network device.

Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before removing the cover.

Remove the computer cover (see page 59).

NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted

metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

54 Removing and Installing Parts

Front View of the Computer

Removing and Installing Parts 55

1 cover latch release Use this latch to remove the cover. See "Removing the

2 CD or DVD activity light The drive light is on when the computer reads data from the

3 CD or DVD eject button Press to eject a disk from the CD or DVD drive.

4 FlexBay drive Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media Card

5 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect

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6 hard-drive activity light The hard drive activity light is on when the computer reads

7 vents For adequate cooling, do not block any of the vents.

8 power button Press to turn on the computer.

Computer Cover" on page 59.

CD or DVD drive.

Reader. For information on using the Media Card Reader, see "Media Card Reader" on page 89.

occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see "System Setup Options" on page 108 for more information on booting to a USB device). It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light might also be on when a device such as a CD player is operating.

NOTICE: Ensure that there is a minimum of two inches of

space between all vents and any object near these vents.

NOTICE: Keep the vent area clean and dust-free to ensure

that the system is adequately ventilated. Use only a dry cloth to clean the vent area to avoid water damage to the system.

9 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most

10 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer

11 diagnostic lights (4) Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem

12 Service Tag Used to identify your computer when you access the Dell

56 Removing and Installing Parts

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button

to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

kinds of speakers.

microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.

based on the diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 43.

Support website or call technical support.

Back View of the Computer

Removing and Installing Parts 57

1 power connector Insert the power cable.

2 sound card connectors (5)

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3 USB 2.0 connectors (5) Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as

4 network adapter connector To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a

• Line-in connector — Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.

• Line-out connector — Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers.

• Microphone connector — Use the pink microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

• Surround connector — Use the black surround connector to attach multichannelcapable speakers.

• Center/subwoofer connector — Use the yellow subwoofer connector to attach multiple speakers.

printers and keyboards.

It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices.

network cable to either a network jack or your network or broadband device. Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached.

NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.

On computers with a network connector card, use the connector on the card.

It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation.

VGA video connector If your monitor has a VGA connector, plug it into the VGA connector on the

computer.

6 serial connector Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port.

7 parallel connector Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a

USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.

8 card slots (4) Access connectors for any installed PCI cards (two slots) and PCI Express cards

(one x16 slot and one x1 slot).

58 Removing and Installing Parts

Removing the Computer Cover

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before removing the cover.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the removed cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk

top space.

NOTICE: Ensure that you are working on a level, protected surface to avoid scratching either the

computer or the surface on which it is resting.

Lay your computer on its side with the computer cover facing up.

Pull back the cover release latch located on the top panel.

cover latch release

computer cover

back of computer

bottom hinges

Removing and Installing Parts 59

Locate the three hinge tabs on the bottom edge of the computer.

Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up, using the bottom hinges as leverage points.

Release the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside in a secure location.

Inside View of Your Computer

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

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CD or DVD drive

*floppy drive

power supply

hard drive

system board

*May not be present on all computers.

60 Removing and Installing Parts

System Board Components

memory module connectors (1, 2, 3, 4)

processor power connector

processor and heat sink connector

floppy drive connector (FLOPPY)

fan connector (CPU FAN)

SATA connectors (2) (SATA-0, SATA-2)

front panel I/O connector

main power connector

IDE drive connector

clear CMOS jumper (RTCRST)

password jumper (PSWD)

FlexBay USB connector

battery socket (BATTERY)

serial PS/2 connector

PCI Express x16 card connector

PCI card connectors

PCI Express x1 card connector

Removing and Installing Parts 61

Memory

You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board.

Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For additional information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 101.

DDR2 Memory Overview

DDR2 memory modules should be installed in If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. See the label on the module to determine the module’s capacity.

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NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.

The recommended memory configurations are:

– A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2

pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology

– A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 and another

matched pair installed in DIMM connectors 3 and 4

NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules.

• If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200) and DDR2 533-MHz (PC2-4300) memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed.

• Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM connector 1, the connector closest to the processor, before you install modules in the other connectors.

62 Removing and Installing Parts

matched pair of memory modules in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 (white securing clips)

matched pair of memory modules in DIMM connectors 3 and 4 (black securing clips)

NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.

NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade,

keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules

from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your

computer may not start properly. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 or DIMM connectors 3 and 4.

Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations

Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use four 1-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as Microsoft space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is less than 4 GB. Certain components within the computer require address space in the 4-GB range. Any address space reserved for these components cannot be used by computer memory.

Windows® XP, can only use a maximum of 4 GB of address

Installing Memory

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity

from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

Lay the computer on its side so that the system board is on the bottom of the inside of the computer.

Removing and Installing Parts 63

Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.

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Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector.

memory connector closest to processor

securing clips (2)

connector

notch

memory module

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

while you apply equal force to each end of the module.

Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position.

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

64 Removing and Installing Parts

cutouts (2)

crossbar

Replace the computer cover.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

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

Right-click the

Click the

To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of memory (RAM) listed.

My Computer

General

tab.

icon and click

Properties

Removing Memory

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity

from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.

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.

Cards

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity

from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

Removing and Installing Parts 65

Your Dell™ computer provides the following slots for PCI and PCI Express cards:

• Two PCI card slots

• One PCI Express x16 card slot

• One PCI Express x1 card slot

PCI Cards

Your computer supports two PCI cards.

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If you are installing or replacing a card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing a PCI card, see "Removing a PCI Card" on page 69.

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

If you are installing or replacing a PCI Express card, see "Installing a PCI Express Card" on page 70.

Installing a PCI Card

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

66 Removing and Installing Parts

release tab

card retention door

alignment bar

alignment guide

filler bracket

Gently push the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because the door is captive, it will remain in the open position.

If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 5.

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

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

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.

CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a

network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any cards.

Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.

Removing and Installing Parts 67

not fully seated card

fully seated card

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alignment guide

alignment bar

Before you close the card retention door, ensure that:

• 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.

bracket within slot

bracket caught outside of slot

release tab

card retention door

68 Removing and Installing Parts

Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the card(s).

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.

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 device and then plug it into

the computer.

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

If you installed a sound card:

Enter system setup (see page 105), select to

Off

Connect external audio devices to the sound card’s connectors. Do not connect external

Audio Controller

, and then change the setting

audio devices to the microphone, speaker/headphone, or line-in connectors on the back panel.

If you installed an add-in network adapter and want to disable the integrated network adapter:

Enter system setup (see page 105), select setting to

Connect the network cable to the add-in network adapter’s connectors. Do not connect

Off

Network Controller,

and then change the

the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel.

Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.

Removing a PCI Card

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

Gently push the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because the door is captive, it will remain in the open position.

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

If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see page 118).

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.

Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the card(s).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

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

Removing and Installing Parts 69

Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.

If you removed a sound card:

Enter system setup (see page 105), select to

Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer.

If you removed an add-in network connector:

Enter system setup (see page 105), select setting to

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Connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel of the computer.

PCI Express Cards

Your computer supports one PCI Express x16 card and one PCI Express x1 card.

If you are installing or replacing a PCI Express card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing a card, see "Removing a PCI Express Card" on page 75.

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

If you are installing or replacing a PCI card, see "Installing a PCI Card" on page 66.

Installing a PCI Express Card

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

Audio Controller

, and then change the setting

Network Controller

, and then change the

70 Removing and Installing Parts

card retention door

card retention mechanism

release tabs (2)

Gently push the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because the door is captive, it will remain in the open position. (See page 66 for an illustration of the card retention door.)

If your computer includes a card retention mechanism, to secure the x16 card in place from the top:

Pivot the mechanism upward and gently squeeze in on the sides to release the mechanism from the two tab slots holding it in place.

Set the retention mechanism aside in a secure location.

If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 5.

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

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. If your card includes a retention mechanism, remove the top of the retention mechanism by pressing the tab and pulling up on the top. Gently pull the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its connector.

Removing and Installing Parts 71

PCI Express x16 card

PCI Express x16 card slot

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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.

CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a

network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any cards.

If you are installing the card into the x16 card connector, position the card so the securing slot is aligned with the securing tab, and gently pull the securing tab.

NOTICE: Ensure that you release the securing tab to unseat the card. If the card is not removed

correctly, the system board may be damaged.

Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.

PCI Express x1 card

securing tab

PCI Express x1 card slot

72 Removing and Installing Parts

not fully seated card

fully seated card

alignment guide

alignment bar

If you replaced a card that was already installed in the computer and you removed the

bracket within slot

bracket caught outside of slot

retention mechanism, you may reinstall the retention mechanism.

Before replacing the card retention mechanism, ensure that:

• 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.

Snap the card retention mechanism into place, securing the x16 PCI card.

Removing and Installing Parts 73

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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.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

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

If you installed a sound card:

Enter system setup (see page 105), select to

Off

Connect external audio devices to the sound card’s connectors. Do not connect external audio devices to the microphone, speaker/headphone, or line-in connectors on the back panel.

If you installed an add-in network adapter and want to disable the integrated network adapter:

Enter system setup (see page 105), select setting to

card retention door

card retention mechanism

release tabs (2)

Audio Controller

, and then change the setting

Off

Network Controller,

and then change the

74 Removing and Installing Parts

Connect the network cable to the add-in network adapter’s connectors. Do not connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel.

Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.

Removing a PCI Express Card

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

If your computer includes a card retention mechanism, to secure the x16 card in place from the top:

Pivot the mechanism upward and gently squeeze in on the sides to release the mechanism from the two tab slots holding it in place.

Set the retention mechanism aside in a secure location.

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

If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see page 118).

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.

Reseat the card retention mechanism in the tabs and pivot downward to snap it into place.

Close the card retention door to snap it into place, securing the card(s).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

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

Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.

If you removed a sound card:

Enter system setup (see page 105), select to

Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the

Audio Controller

, and then change the setting

computer.

If you removed an add-in network connector:

Enter system setup (see page 105), select setting to

Connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel of the computer.

Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.

Network Controller

, and then change the

Removing and Installing Parts 75

Drive Panels

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before removing the cover.

Removing the Drive Panel

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

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sliding plate

drive panel

sliding plate lever

Grasping the lever on the sliding plate, pull the sliding plate to the right until it snaps into the open position.

NOTE: This sliding plate secures and releases the drive panel and helps to secure the drives.

76 Removing and Installing Parts

By pushing from the inside and pivoting the drive panel to the left, you can release the drive panel from its side hinges.

Set the drive panel aside in a secure location.

Removing the Drive-Panel Insert

drive panel

drive panel tabs

On the inside of the drive panel, gently press the two drive-panel insert tab inward.

Pivot the drive-panel insert outward.

Set the drive-panel insert aside in a secure location.

drive panel insert

Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert

drive panel

drive panel insert

drive panel tabs

Removing and Installing Parts 77

Align the tabs slots with the drive-panel insert tabs and seat the drive panel insert under the right edge.

Rotating inward toward the drive panel, align and snap the drive-panel insert into place on the drive panel.

Ensure that the drive-panel insert is correctly seated in the drive panel.

Replacing the Drive Panel.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

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sliding plate

sliding plate lever

drive panel

Align the drive panel tabs with the side-door hinges.

Rotate the drive panel toward the computer until it snaps into place on the front panel.

Grasping the lever, pull the sliding plate to the left, snapping it into the closed position to secure the drive panel.

78 Removing and Installing Parts

Drives

Your computer supports a combination of these devices:

• Up to two serial ATA drives

• One FlexBay drive (floppy drive or Media Card Reader)

• Up to two CD or DVD drives

CD/DVD drive(s)

FlexBay for optional floppy drive or Media Card Reader

hard drive(s)

Connect CD/DVD drives to the connector labeled "IDE" on the system board. Serial ATA hard drives should be connected to the connectors labeled "SATA0" or "SATA2" on the system board.

IDE Drive Addressing

When you connect two IDE devices to a single IDE interface cable and configure them for the cable select setting, the device attached to the last connector on the interface cable is the master or boot device (drive 0), and the device attached to the middle connector on the interface cable is the slave device (drive 1). See the drive documentation in your upgrade kit for information on configuring devices for the cable select setting.

Removing and Installing Parts 79

Connecting Drive Cables

When you install a drive, you connect two cables—a DC power cable and a data cable—to the back of the drive and to the system board.

Drive Interface Connectors

Most interface connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin on one connector matches a tab or a filled-in hole on the other connector. Keyed connectors ensure that the pin-1 wire in the cable (indicated by the colored stripe along one edge of the IDE cable—serial ATA cables do not use a colored stripe) goes to the pin-1 end of the connector. The pin-1 end of a connector on a board or a card is usually indicated by a silk-screened “1” printed directly on the board or card.

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NOTICE: When you connect an IDE interface cable, do not place the colored stripe away from pin 1 of

the connector. Reversing the cable prevents the drive from operating and could damage the controller, the drive, or both.

Serial ATA Connector

interface connector

interface cable

Power Cable Connector

To connect a drive using the power cable, locate the power input connector on the system board.

80 Removing and Installing Parts

power input connector

power cable

Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables

When removing an IDE drive data cable, grasp the colored pull tab and pull until the connector detaches.

When connecting and disconnecting a serial ATA data cable, hold the cable by the black connector at each end.

Like IDE connectors, the serial ATA interface connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin on one connector matches a tab or a filled-in hole on the other connector.

Hard Drive

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before removing 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.

Removing and Installing Parts 81

NOTICE: If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before

you begin this procedure.

Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.

Removing a Hard Drive

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53."

Disconnect the power and hard-drive cables from the drive.

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serial ATA data cable

power cable

82 Removing and Installing Parts

Press in on the blue tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out of the computer.

tabs (2)

hard drive

Installing a Hard Drive

Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation.

Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.

NOTE:

If your replacement hard drive does not have the plastic guide bracket attached, remove the bracket from the old drive by unsnapping it from the drive. Snap the bracket onto the new drive.

drive

bracket rails (2)

Gently slide the drive into place until you hear a click or feel the drive securely installed.

Connect the power and hard-drive cables to the drive.

Removing and Installing Parts 83

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Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.

Replace the computer cover (page 99).

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 them on.

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

Adding a Second Hard Drive

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before removing 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 for your computer.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

Remove the plastic guide bracket from the inside of the hard-drive bay by gently pulling the bracket up and out of the bay.

Snap the bracket to the hard drive.

84 Removing and Installing Parts

Gently slide the new drive (second hard drive) into place until you hear a click or feel the drive securely installed.

rail tabs (2)

secondary hard drive in lower bay

primary hard drive in upper bay

Connect a power cable to the drive.

Connect the data cable to the drive and to the system board (see page 61).

hard drive bay

Floppy Drive

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before removing the cover.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

NOTE: If you are adding a floppy drive, see "Installing a Floppy Drive" on page 87.

Removing a Floppy Drive

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53."

Remove the drive panel (see page 76).

Removing and Installing Parts 85

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Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the floppy drive.

NOTE: If you are installing a PCI Express x16 card, this card may cover the floppy-drive connectors.

Remove this card before connecting the floppy-drive cables

Remove the floppy drive by sliding and holding the drive release latch downward. Then, slide the drive out of the computer.

power cable

data cable

86 Removing and Installing Parts

sliding plate lever

sliding plate

floppy drive

Installing a Floppy Drive

NOTE: In the event the replacement or new floppy drive does not have the shoulder screws, use the

screws located within the drive panel insert.

Removing and Installing Parts 87

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Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53."

Remove the drive panel (see page 76).

Gently slide the drive into place until you hear a click or feel the drive securely installed.

drive

screws (4)

NOTE:

If you are installing a new floppy drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the drive panel insert where you want the drive to be installed, insert the shoulder screws located in the back of the drive panel insert into the drive, and then slide the drive back into place.

Attach the power and data cables to the floppy drive.

Connect the other end of the data cable to the connector labeled "FLOPPY" on the system board (see page 61) and route the cable through the clip on the shroud.

88 Removing and Installing Parts

power cable

data cable

If you are installing a new floppy drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the drive-panel inserts (see page 85).

Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.

Replace the drive panel (see page 78).

Replace the computer cover (see page 99).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network device and then plug it in to

the computer.

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

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

Enter system setup (see page 105) and select the appropriate

Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 46).

Diskette Drive

option.

Media Card Reader

For information on using the Media Card Reader, see "Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)" on page 19.

Removing and Installing Parts 89

Removing a Media Card Reader

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity

from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

Lay the computer on its side so that the system board is on the bottom of the inside of the computer.

Remove the computer cover (page 59).

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Remove the drive panel (see page 76).

*Media Card Reader

cable

Not present on all computers.

Disconnect the USB cable on the back of the Media Card Reader to the front panel USB connector on the system board (see page 61) and route the cable through the clip on the shroud.

90 Removing and Installing Parts

sliding plate lever

sliding plate

Media Card Reader

While pushing on the back of the drive, remove the Media Card Reader by sliding and holding the drive latch release downward.

Replace the drive panel (see page 78).

Replace the computer cover (see page 99).

Removing and Installing Parts 91

Installing a Media Card Reader

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity

from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

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Lay the computer on its side so that the system board is on the bottom of the inside of the computer.

Remove the computer cover (see page 59).

Remove the drive panel (see page 76).

Remove the Media Card Reader and bracket from its packaging.

Ensure that the Media Card Reader is installed before the FlexBay USB cable is connected.

Media Card Reader

screws

NOTE: Connect the USB cable on the back of the Media Card Reader to the front panel USB connector

on the system board (see page 61).

Make sure the FlexBay USB cable is connected to the back of the Media Card Reader.

92 Removing and Installing Parts

FlexBay cable

Media Card Reader

Insert the Media Card Reader by sliding and holding the drive release latch downward. Then, slide the drive in to seat it in the computer.

Route the USB cable through the cable routing clip.

Replace the computer cover (see page 99).

CD/DVD Drive

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before removing the cover.

Removing and Installing Parts 93

Removing a CD/DVD Drive

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

Remove the computer cover (see page 59).

Remove the drive panel (see page 76).

Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the drive.

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data cable

power cable

94 Removing and Installing Parts

Remove the CD/DVD drive by sliding and holding the drive release latch downward. Then, slide the drive out of the computer.

sliding plate lever

sliding plate

CD/DVD drive

Installing a CD/DVD Drive

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

If you are installing a new CD/DVD drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the drivepanel inserts (see page 77).

Removing and Installing Parts 95

Gently slide the drive into place until you hear a click or feel the drive securely installed.

NOTE:

If you are installing a new CD/DVD drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the drive panel inserts and slide the drive into place. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.

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drive

screws (4)

96 Removing and Installing Parts

Connect the power and data cables to the drive.

data cable

power cable

Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.

Replace the computer cover (see page 99).

Replace the drive panel (see page 78).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network device and then plug it in to

the computer.

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

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

Enter system setup (see page 105) and select the appropriate

Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 46).

Drive

option.

Removing and Installing Parts 97

Battery

Replacing the Battery

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity

from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

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

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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 battery only with the

same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

To replace the battery:

Record all the screens in system setup (see page 105) so that you can restore the correct settings in step 8.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

Locate the battery socket (see page 99).

NOTICE: If you pry the battery out of its socket with a blunt object, be careful not to touch the system

board with the object. Ensure that the object is inserted between the battery and the socket before you attempt to pry out the battery. Otherwise, you may damage the system board by prying off the socket or by breaking circuit traces on the system board.

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.

98 Removing and Installing Parts

Insert the new battery into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing up, and snap the battery into place.

battery

battery socket

Replace the computer cover (see page 99).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

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

Enter system setup (see page 105) and restore the settings you recorded in step 1.

Properly dispose of the old battery. See the

Product Information Guide

for battery disposal

information.

Replacing the Computer Cover

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

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

Gently pull the power cables toward you so that they do not get caught underneath the drives.

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

Align the bottom of the cover with the tabs located along the bottom edge of the computer.

Using the tabs as leverage, rotate the cover downward and close.

Snap the cover into place by pulling back on the cover release latch, and then releasing the latch when the cover is seated.

Removing and Installing Parts 99

Ensure that the cover is seated correctly before moving it to the upright position.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

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

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100 Removing and Installing Parts

Dell C7565 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Finding Information

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Cable

Connecting a USB Printer

Connecting a Parallel Printer

Connecting to the Internet

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

Playing CDs and DVDs

Adjusting the Volume

Adjusting the Picture

Copying CDs and DVDs

How to Copy a CD or DVD

Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs

Helpful Tips

Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)

Connecting Two Monitors

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors

Connecting One Monitor With a VGA Connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector

Connecting a TV

Changing the Display Settings

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter

Network Setup Wizard

Power Management

Standby Mode

Hibernate Mode

Power Options Properties

Hyper-Threading

Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips

Battery Problems

Drive Problems

CD and DVD drive problems

Hard drive problems

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

Media Card Reader Problems

Keyboard Problems

Lockups and Software Problems

The computer does not start up

The computer stops responding

A program stops responding

A program crashes repeatedly

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system

A solid blue screen appears

Other software problems

Memory Problems

Mouse Problems

Network Problems

Power Problems

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

Sound and Speaker Problems

No sound from speakers

No sound from headphones

Video and Monitor Problems

If the screen is blank

If the screen is difficult to read

Troubleshooting Tools

Diagnostic Lights

Dell Diagnostics

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

Identifying Drivers

Reinstalling Drivers

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Restoring Your Operating System

Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore

Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec

Removing and Installing Parts

Before You Begin

Recommended Tools

Turning Off Your Computer

Before Working Inside Your Computer