Dell D490 User Manual

Dell Precision™ Workstation 690

Quick Reference Guide

Model DCD0

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the

problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see Glossary in your

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

User’s Guide

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 and Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Xeon, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

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

Model DCD0

January 2006 P/N MD490 Rev. A00

Contents

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Setting Up Your Computer

About Your Computer

Front View Back View

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

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

Back Panel Connectors Inside View

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

System Board Components

Locating Your User’s Guide

Removing the Computer Cover

Computer Stand

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

Attaching the Computer Stand Removing the Computer Stand

Caring for Your Computer

Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Using Microsoft

Windows® XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Using the Last Known Good Configuration Dell Diagnostics Before you start testing

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

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

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

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

Beep Codes

Diagnostic Lights

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Error Messages

Diagnostic Light Codes Before POST Diagnostic Light Codes During POST

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

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

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

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

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

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Contents 3

4 Contents

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media

may not be available in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• My computer documentation

• My device documentation

• Desktop System Software (DSS)

• How to set up my computer

• How to care for my computer

• Basic troubleshooting information

• How to run the Dell™ Diagnostics

• Error codes and diagnostic lights

• How to remove and install parts

• How to open my computer cover

Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as Resource CD)

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers, run the Dell Diagnostics or access your documentation. Readme files may be included on your CD to provide last-

minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technicalreference material for technicians or experienced users.

NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at

support.dell.com.

Quick Reference Guide

NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at

support.dell.com.

Quick Reference Guide 5

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Warranty information

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

• How to remove and replace parts

• Specifications

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

User’s Guide

Microsoft

Windows® XP Help and Support Center

Click the Start button and click

Click User’s and system guides and click

Help and Support

User’s Guide

The User’s Guide is also available on the Drivers and Utilities CD.

Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License

These labels are located on your computer.

• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use

support.dell.com

or contact technical support.

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting technical support.

6 Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, and online courses, frequently asked questions

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region or business segment to view the

appropriate support site.

NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers

can also use the customized Dell Premier support website at premier.support.dell.com. The website may not be available in all regions.

• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and order status, warranty, and repair information

• Service and support — Service call status and support history, service contract, online discussions with technical support

• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers

• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates

• Desktop System Software (DSS)— If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should reinstall the DSS utility prior to installing any of the drivers. DSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, optical drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. The software automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.

• How to use Windows XP

• How to work with programs and files

• Documentation for devices (such as modem)

Windows Help and Support Center

Click the

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Start

button and click

Help and Support

Quick Reference Guide 7

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to reinstall my operating system

Operating System CD

devices that came with your computer. Your operating system product key label is located on your computer.

NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating

system you ordered.

NOTE: The Operating System CD may be optional and may

not ship with your computer.

• How to use Linux

• E-mail discussions with users of Dell Precision™ products and the Linux operating system

• Additional information regarding Linux and my Dell Precision computer

Dell Supported Linux Sites

• Linux.dell.com

• Lists.us.dell.com/mailman/listinfo/linux-precision

The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System CD. See your User’s Guide for instructions. After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) to reinstall drivers for the

8 Quick Reference Guide

Setting Up Your Computer

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

Information Guide.

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

Connect the keyboard and the mouse.

Connect the modem or the network cable.

NOTICE: Do not connect a modem cable to the

network adapter. Voltage from telephone communications can damage the network adapter.

NOTE: If your computer has a network card installed,

connect the network cable to the card.

Quick Reference Guide 9

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

Connect the monitor.

NOTE: You may need to use

the provided adapter or cable to connect your monitor to the computer.

10 Quick Reference Guide

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

One VGA adapter:

VGA

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

Dual VGA Y cable adapter:

Dual DVI Y cable adapter:

VGA

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

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

DVI

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

Quick Reference Guide 11

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

One DVI connector and one VGA connector:

DVI

VGA

Two VGA connectors with one VGA adapter:

VGA

Use the appropriate connector(s) when you want to connect your computer to one or two monitors.

For dual-monitor capable cards with two DVI connectors

Two DVI connectors:

Two DVI connectors with one VGA adapter:

DVI

Use the DVI connectors to connect your computer to one or two DVI monitors.

Use the VGA adapter to connect a VGA monitor to one of the DVI connectors on your computer

DVI

Use the VGA adapter when you want to connect your computer to two VGA monitors.

Two DVI connectors with two VGA adapters:

VGA

Use two VGA adapters to connect two VGA monitors to the DVI connectors on your computer.

12 Quick Reference Guide

Connect the speakers.

NOTE: If your

computer has a sound card installed, connect the speakers to the card.

Connect the power cables and turn on the computer and monitor.

Quick Reference Guide 13

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

You have now completed the setup for your computer.

Install additional software or devices.

About Your Computer

CAUTION: Your computer is heavy (it has an approximate minimum weight of 55 lbs) and can be difficult to

maneuver. Seek assistance before attempting to lift, move, or tilt it; this computer requires a two-man lift. Always lift correctly to avoid injury; avoid bending over while lifting. See your Product Information Guide for other important safety information.

CAUTION: Before setting your computer upright, install the computer stand. Failure to install the stand before

setting the computer upright could cause the computer to tip over, potentially resulting in bodily injury or damage to the computer.

14 Quick Reference Guide

Front View

Quick Reference Guide 15

1-3 5.25-inch drive bays Can hold a CD/DVD drive, or a Media Card Reader, floppy drive, or SATA hard

drive in a 5.25-inch drive bay carrier.

NOTE: The drive carriers are only for use in the 5.25-inch drive bays. The

floppy-drive/ Media Card Reader and hard-drive carriers are not interchangeable.

4 5.25-inch drive bay with

special 3.5-inch drive panel plate

Can hold a CD/DVD drive, or a Media Card Reader, floppy drive, or SATA hard drive in a 5.25-inch drive bay carrier. The drive-panel plate shown here is only for use with a floppy drive or Media Card Reader; it can be installed in front of any of the four 5.25-inch drive bays. For more information, see your User’s Guide.

NOTE: The drive carriers are only for use in the 5.25-inch drive bays. The floppy drive/

Media Card Reader and hard drive carriers are not interchangeable.

5 hard-drive activity light The hard drive light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to the

hard drive. The light might also be on when a device such as your CD player is operating.

6 IEEE 1394 connector Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as digital video

cameras and external storage devices.

16 Quick Reference Guide

7 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as

flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable USB devices (see your User’s Guide for more information).

It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

8 power button Press to turn on the computer.

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

computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

NOTE: The power button can also be used to wake the system or to place it into a

power-saving state. See your User’s Guide for more information.

9 power light The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:

• No light — The computer is turned off or in a hibernation mode.

• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.

• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving state.

• Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" in your

To exit from a power-saving state, press the power button or use the keyboard or the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For more information about sleep states and exiting from a power-saving state, see your User’s Guide.

See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 35 for a description of light codes that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer.

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

voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

11 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones.

12 network link light The network link light is on when a good connection exists between a 10-Mbps,

100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps (or 1-Gbps) network and the computer.

13 diagnostic lights (4) Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the

diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 35.

User’s Guide

Quick Reference Guide 17

Back View

1 power connector Insert the power cable. The appearance of this connector may differ from what is

pictured here.

2 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI, PCI-X, or PCI Express cards.

NOTE: The center five connector slots support full-length cards: one PCI, one PCI

express x16, one PCI express x8 (wired as x4), and two PCI-X slots; the connector slots at the top and at the bottom support half-length cards: two PCI express x8 slots (wired as x4).

3 back panel connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the

Connectors" on page 19).

appropriate connector

(see "Back Panel

18 Quick Reference Guide

Back Panel Connectors

1 234 6

13 12 11 10 89

1 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.

NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically disabled if the computer

detects an installed card containing a parallel connector configured to the same address. For more information, see your User’s Guide.

2 line-out/ headphone

connector

3 mouse connector Plug a standard mouse into the green mouse connector. Turn off the computer

4 USB 2.0 connectors (3) It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you

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

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

and any attached devices before you connect a mouse to the computer. If you have a USB mouse, plug it into a USB connector.

If your computer is running the Microsoft necessary mouse drivers have been installed on your hard drive.

connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable USB devices. Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

Windows® XP operating system, the

Quick Reference Guide 19

5 link integrity light

6 network adapter

connector

• Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer.

• Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer.

• Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps (or 1-Gbps) network and the computer.

• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.

To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a 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 an additional network connector card, use the connectors on the card and on the back of the computer when setting up multiple network connections (such as a separate intra- and extranet).

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.

7 network activity light Flashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting or receiving network

data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.

8 USB 2.0 connectors (2) It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you

connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable USB devices. Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

9 IEEE 1394 connector Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as digital video

cameras and external storage devices.

10 keyboard connector If you have a standard keyboard, plug it into the purple keyboard connector. If you

have a USB keyboard, plug it into a USB connector.

11 line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette

player, CD player, or VCR.

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

12 serial connector Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. If necessary,

the address for this port can be modified through System Setup (see your User’s Guide for more information).

13 serial connector Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. If necessary,

the address for this port can be modified through System Setup (see your User’s Guide for more information).

20 Quick Reference Guide

Inside View

1 power supply

2 hard drive bay

3 memory shroud

4 front fan

5 card fan

6 5.25-inch drive bay with 3.5-inch drive panel

7 5.25-inch drive bay

NOTICE: The memory shroud holds the

(optional) memory riser cards in place; its thumbscrews must be sufficiently tight in order to secure the risers and to avoid damage.

plate

Quick Reference Guide 21

System Board Components

2 3456 9

1 8

26272829

232425

22 Quick Reference Guide

1 secondary processor connector (CPU_1) 18 FlexBay connector (USB)

2 front fan connector (FAN_FRONT) 19 floppy drive (DSKT)

3 card cage fan connector (FAN_CCAG) 20 front panel connector (FRONTPANEL)

4 internal speaker connector (INT_SPKR) 21 front panel 1394 connector (FP1394)

5 power connector (POWER2) 22 chassis intrusion header (INTRUDER)

6 IDE drive connector (IDE) 23 PCI-Express x8 card slot, wired as x4

(SLOT7_PCIE)

7 password jumper (PSWD) 24 PCI-X card slot (SLOT6_PCIX)

8 auxiliary hard-drive LED connector

(AUX_LED)

9 battery socket (BATTERY) 26 PCI card slot (SLOT4_PCI)

25 PCI-X card slot (SLOT5_PCIX)

NOTE: This slot is not available in the dual-

graphics configuration

10 SATA connectors (SATA_0, SATA_1, SATA_2) 27 PCI-Express x8 card slot, wired as x4

(SLOT3_PCIE)

NOTE: In the dual-graphics configuration, this slot

is replaced by a x16 slot on the graphics riser. It holds a graphic card.

11 RTC reset jumper (RTCRST) 28 PCI-Express x16 card slot (SLOT2_PCIE)

NOTE: This slot is not available in the dual-

graphics configuration

12 main power connector (POWER1) 29 PCI-Express x8 card slot, wired as x4

(SLOT1_PCIE)

NOTE: In the dual-graphics configuration, this slot

is replaced by a x16 slot on the graphics riser. It holds a graphics card.

13 hard drive connector (HDD_3) 30 memory fan connector (FAN_MEM)

14 hard drive connector (HDD_2) 31 white memory module connectors (DIMM_1-4)

support memory modules or memory module risers

15 hard drive connector (HDD_1) 32 black memory module connectors (DIMM_5-8)

support memory modules only when no memory riser cards are installed; otherwise these must be left empty

16 hard drive connector (HDD_0) 33 primary processor connector (CPU_0)

17 hard drive fan (FAN_HDD)

Quick Reference Guide 23

Cable Colors

Device Color

Hard drive (with on-board controller)

Floppy drive black pull-tab

CD/DVD drive orange pull-tab

blue cable

Locating Your User’s Guide

Your

User’s Guide

• Technical specifications

• Front and back views of your computer, including all of the available connectors

• Inside views of your computer, including a detailed graphic of the system board and the connectors

• Instructions for cleaning your computer

• Information on software features, such as Legacy Select Technology control, using a password, and system setup options

• Tips and information for using the Microsoft Windows XP operating system

• Instructions for removing and installing parts, including memory, cards, drives, the microprocessor, and the battery

• Information for troubleshooting various computer problems

• Instructions for using the Dell Diagnostics and reinstalling drivers

• Information on how to contact Dell

You can access the

contains additional information about your computer such as:

User’s Guide

from your hard drive or the Dell Support website at

support.dell.com

Removing the Computer Cover

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

Information Guide.

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

removing the cover.

CAUTION: Your computer is heavy (it has an approximate minimum weight of 55 lbs) and can be difficult to

CAUTION: The computer stand should be installed at all times to ensure maximum system stability. Failure to

install the stand could result in the computer tipping over, potentially resulting in bodily injury or damage to the computer.

24 Quick Reference 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.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" in the

NOTICE: Opening the computer cover while the computer is running could result in a shutdown without warning

and a loss of data in open programs. The computer cooling system cannot function properly while the cover is removed.

If you have installed a security cable, remove it from the security cable slot.

Carefully, with the help of an assistant, remove the computer stand (see "Removing the Computer

User’s Guide

Stand").

CAUTION: Your computer is heavy (it has an approximate minimum weight of 55 lbs) and can be difficult to

CAUTION: The computer stand should be installed at all times to ensure maximum system stability. Failure to

install the stand could result in the computer tipping over, potentially resulting in bodily injury or damage to the computer.

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.

Carefully, with the help of an assistant, lower your computer down to a flat surface with the cover facing up.

Pull back the cover latch release.

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

Quick Reference Guide 25

1 cover latch release

2 computer cover

3 cover hinges

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

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

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

NOTICE: The computer cooling system cannot function properly while the computer cover is not installed. Do not

attempt to boot the computer before reinstalling the computer cover.

Computer Stand

CAUTION: Your computer is heavy (it has an approximate minimum weight of 55 lbs) and can be difficult to

CAUTION: The computer stand should be installed at all times to ensure maximum system stability. Failure to

install the stand could result in the computer tipping over, potentially resulting in bodily injury or damage to the computer.

26 Quick Reference Guide

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

Attaching the Computer Stand

CAUTION: Your computer is heavy (it has an approximate minimum weight of 55 lbs) and can be difficult to

CAUTION: The computer stand should be installed at all times to ensure maximum system stability. Failure to

install the stand could result in the computer tipping over, potentially resulting in bodily injury or damage to the computer.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" in the

If you have installed a security cable, remove it from the security cable slot.

Set the stand on the ground in front of the computer, so that the front and the back of the stand touch the ground. If the front and the back of the stand point up toward the ceiling, the stand is upside down.

Ensure that the alignment guide faces the computer. If the alignment guide points away from the computer, the stand is backwards.

User’s Guide

Quick Reference Guide 27

1 computer

2 computer stand

3 alignment guide

Align the center of the stand with the center of the computer.

Carefully, with the help of an assistant, tilt the computer backwards slightly- just high enough to slide the stand beneath it.

Slide the rear of the stand into the rear foot of the computer, and ensure that the alignment guide slides into place.

Center the front bar of the stand in the corresponding notch in the front foot of the computer.

Carefully set the computer back down; the front bar of the stand should snap into place under the weight of the computer.

Removing the Computer Stand

CAUTION: Your computer is heavy (it has an approximate minimum weight of 55 lbs) and can be difficult to

28 Quick Reference Guide

CAUTION: The computer stand should be installed at all times to ensure maximum system stability. Failure to

install the stand could result in the computer tipping over, potentially resulting in bodily injury or damage to the computer.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" in the

Carefully, with the help of an assistant, tip the computer back at a very slight angle from the ground.

Pull the front of the computer stand down towards the ground, to release it from the front of the computer.

Pull the computer stand toward the front of the computer until the stand is free.

User’s Guide

Caring for Your Computer

To help maintain your computer, follow these suggestions:

• To avoid losing or corrupting data, never turn off your computer when the hard drive light is on.

• Schedule regular virus scans using virus software.

• Manage hard drive space by periodically deleting unnecessary files and defragmenting the drive.

• Back up files on a regular basis.

• Periodically clean your monitor screen, mouse, and keyboard (see your information).

User’s Guide

for more

Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips

Perform the following checks 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. The 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.

• If the recommended action in the troubleshooting section is to see a section in your

support.dell.com (on another computer if necessary) to access your

User’s Guide.

User’s Guide

, go to

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.

Quick Reference Guide 29

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

Click the

Ty p e

Click

In the click

Start

button and click

hardware troubleshooter

Hardware Troubleshooter

Help and Support

in the

list, click

in the

field and click the arrow to start the search.

Search Results

list.

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer

, and

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 (see "Finding Information" on page 5) for information about using System Restore.

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

them.

Creating a Restore Point

Click the

Click

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

Start

button and click

System Restore

Help and Support

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

Restore

Ensure that

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

The

Start

button, point to

Restore my computer to an earlier time

Select a Restore Point

All Programs→

Accessories→

System Tools

is selected and click

, and then click

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

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

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

Restoration Complete

The

screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the

computer restarts.

After the computer restarts, click OK.

30 Quick Reference Guide

System

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