Dell DC01L, GX404 User Manual

Download

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Dell™ XPS™ 420 Owner’s Manual

Model DC01L

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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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, XPS, Dell TravelLite, the Dell Media Xcelerator,

Y ours Is Her e, and StrikeZone are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, Intel Core 2 Extreme , Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Core 2 Quad, Intel SpeedStep, and Intel ViiV are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, Outlook, SideShow,and the Windows Vista Start button are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Blu-ray Disc is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license.

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 DC01L

November 2007 P/N GX404 Rev. A01

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Contents

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer . . . 15

Front and Back View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . 15

Front View

Front I/O Connectors

Back View

Back I/O Connectors

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

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

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

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

Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure

Connecting Monitors

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

Connecting a Monitor (Without an Adapter)

Connecting a Monitor (With an Adapter)

Connecting Two or More Monitors

Connecting a TV

Changing the Display Settings

About Your RAID Configuration

RAID Level 0 Configuration

RAID Level 1 Configuration

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

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

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

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

Configuring Your Computer for RAID

Using the Intel

Dell DataSafe (Optional)

RAID Option ROM Utility . . . . . 33

Application Accelerator . . . . . 36

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

. . . . . . . 22

. . . . 25

. . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . 28

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Contents 3

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Intel® Viiv™ Technology (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Using Intel Viiv Quick Resume Technology (QRT)

Enabling the QRT Feature in System Setup

Enabling the QRT Feature in the Operating

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

System

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

. . . . 42

Using Multimedia

Playing CDs or DVDs

Copying Media

How to Copy a CD or DVD

How to Copy a Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) Media

Using Blank CDs and DVDs

Helpful Tips

Using a Media Card Reader

Understanding the Media Xcelerator™ (Optional)

Understanding Windows LCD display

Configuring the LCD display

Adding Gadgets To LCD Display Menu

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

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

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

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. . . . . 45

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

. . . 49

SideShow™ and the

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

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

. . . . . . . 51

Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Printer Cable

Connecting a USB Printer

Connecting to the Internet

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . 54

4 Contents

Network Setup Wizard

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

Transferring Information to a New Computer

. . . . . . 56

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Power Management Options in Windows Vista . . . . 56

Sleep Mode

Hybrid Sleep

Hibernate Mode

Configuring Power Management Settings

2 Optimizing for Greater Performance . . . . 59

Understanding Intel™ SpeedStep® Technology . . . . 59

3 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Coin-Cell Battery Problems

Drive Problems

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

IEEE 1394a Device Problems

Keyboard Problems

Lockups and Software Problems

Memory Problems

Mouse Problems

Network Problems

Power Problems

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

Sound and Speaker Problems

Video and Monitor Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

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

. . . . . 57

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

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

. . . . . . 63

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

. . . . . . . . . . . 72

. . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Power Lights

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Diagnostic Lights

Beep Codes

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

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

Contents 5

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System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Dell Diagnostics

When to Use Dell Diagnostics

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

. . . . . . . . . . . 86

Starting Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

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

Starting Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

. . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

What Is a Driver?

Identifying Drivers

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

Using Windows Device Driver Rollback

Using the Drivers and Utilities Media

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . 91

. . . . . . 91

. . . . . . . 92

Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows Vista™ Operating System

Restoring Your Operating System

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

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

Using Microsoft

Using Dell Factory Image Restore

Using the Operating System Media

Windows System Restore . . . . 94

. . . . . . . . . 95

. . . . . . . . 96

4 Removing and Installing Parts . . . . . . . . 99

6 Contents

Troubleshooting LCD Display Problems

. . . . . . . . . 98

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Recommended Tools

Turning Off Your Computer

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Removing the Computer Cover

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

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

. . . . . . . 100

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

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Inside View of Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

System Board Components

Memory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Memory Overview

Installing Memory

Removing Memory

Cards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

PCI Cards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

PCI Express Cards

Drive Panels

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Removing the Drive Panel

Removing the Drive-Panel Insert

Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert

Replacing the Drive Panel

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

Drives

General Installation Guidelines

Hard Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Removing a Hard Drive

Installing a Hard Drive

Adding a Second Hard Drive

Installing a Hard Drive in the FlexBay

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

. . . . . . . . . 125

. . . . . . . . . 126

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

. . . . . . . . . . 128

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

. . . . . . . . . . . . 132

. . . . . . . 134

Removing a Hard Drive From the FlexBay

. . . . . 135

Floppy Drive

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

Removing a Floppy Drive

Installing a Floppy Drive

Media Card Reader

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Removing a Media Card Reader

Installing a Media Card Reader

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

. . . . . . . . . . 140

. . . . . . . . . . 142

Contents 7

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CD/DVD Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Removing a CD/DVD Drive

Installing a CD/DVD Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Processor Airflow Shroud

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Removing the Processor Airflow Shroud Assembly

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Installing the Processor Airflow Shroud Assembly

Fans

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Removing the Processor Fan Cage

Installing the Processor Fan Cage

Removing the Processor Fan

Installing the Processor Fan

Removing the Card Fan

Installing the Card Fan

Processor

Removing the Processor

Installing the Processor

System Board

Removing the System Board

Installing the System Board

Power Supply

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

. . . . . . . . 149

. . . . . . . . . 150

. . . . . . . . . . . . 151

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

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. . . . . . . . . . . . 158

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Power Supply (PSU) DC Connector Pin Assignments

Removing the Power Supply

Installing the Power Supply

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

. . . . . . . . . . . . 165

. . . . . . . . . . . . 166

8 Contents

Front I/O Panel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Front I/O-Panel Components

Removing the Front I/O Panel

Installing the Front I/O Panel

. . . . . . . . . . . . 167

. . . . . . . . . . . 168

. . . . . . . . . . . . 169

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Coin-Cell Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery

. . . . . . . . . . 170

Replacing the Computer Cover

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

A Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

System Setup

Overview

Entering System Setup

System Setup Options

Boot Sequence

Clearing Forgotten Passwords

Clearing CMOS Settings

Cleaning Your Computer

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor

Mouse

Floppy Drive

CDs and DVDs

FCC Notices (U.S. Only)

Class A

Class B

FCC Identification Information

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

. . . . . . . . . . . 194

Getting Help

Obtaining Assistance

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Technical Support and Customer Service

DellConnect

Online Services

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

. . . . . 196

Contents 9

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AutoTech Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Automated Order-Status Service

. . . . . . . . . 197

Problems With Your Order

Product Information

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit

Before You Call

Contacting Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

. . . . . 198

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Index

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

10 Contents

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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 device documentation

• Desktop System Software (DSS)

Drivers and Utilities Media

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the Drivers and Utilities media to reinstall drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 91), access your documentation, or run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 86).

Readme files may also be included on your media to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical reference material for technicians and experienced users.

NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates

can be found at support.dell.com.

Finding Information 11

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What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• How to set up my computer

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

Setup Diagram

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows Product Key

These labels are located on your computer.

• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use or contact support.

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

support.dell.com

NOTE: As an increased security measure,

the newly designed Microsoft Windows license label incorporates a missing portion or "hole" to discourage removal of the label.

12 Finding Information

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What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

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

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

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

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

• Service and Support — Service call status, support history, service contract, and online discussions with 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 on your computer, you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration, providing critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel

Pentiu m® M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer.

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region or business

segment to view the appropriate support site.

To download Desktop System Software:

Go to

support.dell.com

, select your business segment, and then enter your Service Tag or product model.

Select

Drivers & Downloads

click

Select your operating system and

, and then

language, and then search for the keyword

Desktop System Software

NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface

may vary depending on your selections.

Finding Information 13

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What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to use your Windows™ operating system

• How to work with programs and files

• How to personalize my desktop

• How to reinstall my operating system

Windows Help and Support

To access Windows Help and Support:

• In Windows Vista™, click the Windows Vista Start button

Help and Support

Type a word or phrase that describes your

™

and click

problem, and then click the arrow icon.

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Operating System Media

The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System media (see "Restoring Your Operating System" on page 94).

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

The operating system product key label is located on your computer.

NOTE: The color of your Operating System

CD varies according to the operating system

you ordered.

14 Finding Information

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Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Front and Back View of the Computer

Front View

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15

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1 cover release latch Use this latch to remove the cover (see "Removing

the Computer Cover" on page 101).

2 storage space Use to stack CDs, place a digital camera while

transferring images to system and so on.

3 LCD display menu Use to scroll through the different menu options

available on LCD display.

4 LCD navigation

buttons

5 optical drive tray eject

button (2)

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

Use to navigate the menu options on LCD display. Use the buttons to scroll up and down, navigate options on left and right, or select.

Use to eject the drive tray of an optical drive.

NOTE: The self-tending doors on the optical drive open

automatically when the eject button is pressed.

NOTICE: Ensure that there is a minimum of

two inches of space between all vents and any object near the 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.

7 IEEE 1394 connector Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data

devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices.

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 "Power Management Options in Windows Vista" on page 56).

16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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9 USB connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you

connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable USB devices. For more information on booting to a USB device, see "System Setup" on page 178.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the back USB

connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

10 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones

and most kinds of speakers.

11 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a personal

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

12 3.5-inch flexbays (2) Can hold an optional Media Card Reader, audio

input, video input, output device with or without a graphics accelerator device, floppy drive or an additional hard drive.

13 5.25-inch drive bays (2) Can hold CD-RW/DVD, audio or video input or

output with or without graphics accelerator device, DVD-RW or Blu-ray Disc™.

14 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 may also be on when a device such as your CD player is operating.

15 diagnostic lights(4) Use the sequence of these diagnostics lights to help

troubleshoot a problem with your computer (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 86).

16 network indicator light The network link light is on when a good connection

exists between a network and the computer.

17 LCD display Displays a “Now playing” screen for audio and video

applications. Allows you to navigate, select, and launch devices available on your system.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17

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Front I/O Connectors

12 43

1 microphone

connector

2 headphone

connector

3 USB connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you

4 IEEE 1394

connector

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

Use the headphone connector to attach headphones.

connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable USB devices. For more information on bootable USB devices see "Boot Sequence" on page 186.

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

Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices.

18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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Back View

1 power connector Insert the power cable. The appearance of this connector

may differ from what is pictured.

2 audio connectors Connect appropriate audio devices (see "Back I/O

Connectors" on page 20).

3 USB connectors Recommended for devices that typically remain connected,

such as printers and keyboards.

4 S/PDIF (RCA) Connects to external digital stereo speakers.

5 eSATA Use it to connect to additional storage devices.

4 5

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19

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6 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express cards.

NOTE: Some connector slots support full-length cards.

7 IEEE 1394 Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices

such as digital video cameras and external storage devices.

8 network adapter

connector

NOTICE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network

connector.

Use the network adapter connector to attach your computer to a network or broadband device.

Back I/O Connectors

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 IEEE 1394 Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices

such as digital video cameras and external storage devices.

2 eSATA Use this connector to connect to external SATA storage

devices.

3 S/PDIF (RCA) Connects to external digital stereo speakers.

4 USB connectors

(4)(rear quad)

Use the back, rear-quad USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

11 13 12

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB

connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks, cameras, or bootable USB devices.

20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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5 link integrity

light

6 network adapter

connector

7 network activity

light

8 surround sound

connector

9 line-in

connector

10 line-

out/headphone 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 (1-Gbps) network and the computer.

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

NOTICE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network

adapter connector.

Use the network adapter connector 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, and then 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.

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).

NOTE: 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.

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.

Use the (black) surround sound connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers.

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

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.

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.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21

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11 S/PDIF

(optical) connector

12 center/subwoof

er LFE connector

13 side surround

sound connector

14 USB 2.0

connectors (2) (rear dual)

Use the S/PDIF optical connector to transmit digital audio without going through an analog audio conversion process.

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

Use the (orange) center/subwoofer connector to attach a center speaker or a single subwoofer.

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

NOTE: The LFE (Low Frequency Effects) Audio channel, found

in digital surround sound audio schemes, carries only low frequency information of 80 Hz and below. The LFE channel drives a subwoofer to provide extremely low bass extension. Systems not using subwoofers can shunt the LFE information to the main speakers in the surround sound setup.

Use the (gray) side surround sound connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers. The side-surround output provides enhanced surround audio for computers with

7.1 speakers.

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

Use the back, rear-dual USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB

connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks, cameras, or bootable USB devices.

Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure

Installing your computer in an enclosure can restrict the airflow and impact your computer’s performance, possibly causing it to overheat. Follow the guidelines below when installing your computer in an enclosure:

NOTICE: The operating temperature specifications indicated in your Owner’s

Manual reflect the maximum ambient operating temperature. The room’s ambient temperature needs to be a consideration when installing your computer in an enclosure. For example, if the ambient room temperature is at 25° C (77° F), depending on your computer’s specifications, you only have 5° to 10° C (9° to 18° F) temperature margin before you reach your computer’s maximum operating temperature. For details about your computer’s specifications, see "Specifications" on page 173.

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• Leave a 10.2 centimeter (4 inch) minimum clearance on all vented sides of the computer to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.

• If your enclosure has doors, they need to be of a type that allows at least 30% airflow through the enclosure (front and back).

• If your computer is installed in a corner on a desk or under a desk, leave at least 5.1 centimeters (2 inch) of clearance from the back of the computer to the wall to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.

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• Do not install your computer in an enclosure that does not allow airflow.

Restricting the airflow impacts your computer’s performance, possibly causing it to overheat.

Connecting Monitors

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury, do not overload an

electrical outlet, power strip, or convenience receptacle. The total ampere rating of all products plugged into an electrical outlet, power strip, or other receptacle should not exceed 80 percent of the branch circuit rating.

NOTE: Your video card has three different ports: a DVI (White) port, a DVI-I (Black)

port , and a VGA (Blue) port.

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1 DVI (white) connector 2 TV-OUT connector 3 VGA (blue) connector

Connecting a Monitor (Without an Adapter)

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

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

Shut down the operating system:

• In Windows Vista™, click the Windows Vista Start button

the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu as shown below, and then click

Shut Down

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.

Ensure that the computer and all 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 about 4 seconds to turn them off.Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25

™ c

lick

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Connect the DVI or VGA connector of your monitor to the appropriate connector on the back of the computer:

To connect a monitor with a DVI connector, use the (white) DVI port on your computer.

To connect a monitor with a VGA connector, use the (blue) VGA port on your computer.

NOTE: To connect a monitor with a VGA connector to the DVI-I (black) port on

your computer, use a dongle.

Connecting a Monitor (With an Adapter)

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: In order to connect a monitor with a VGA connector to the DVI port on the

back of your computer, a DVI-to-VGA adapter is required.

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

Shut down the operating system:

click

• In Windows Vista, corner of the Start menu as shown below, and then click

Start

, click the arrow in the lower-right

Shut Down

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.

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Connect the DVI-to-VGA adapter to the VGA connector on your monitor, and then connect the other end of the adapter to the (white) DVI port on the back of the computer.

1 DVI (white) connector 2 DVI-to-VGA adapter

(optional)

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27

3 TV-OUT connector

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Connecting Two or More Monitors

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: Your video card has one DVI (white) port, one DVI-I (black) port, and one

VGA (blue) port.

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

Shut down the operating system:

• In Windows Vista, click corner of the Start menu as shown below, and then click

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.

Start

click the arrow in the lower-right

Shut Down

Connect two or more monitors to the appropriate DVI or VGA ports on the back of the computer.

NOTE: In order to connect a monitor with a VGA connector to the DVI port on

the back of your computer, a DVI-to-VGA adapter is required.

To connect two or more monitors directly to the DVI or VGA ports on your computer, see "Connecting a Monitor (Without an Adapter)" on page 25.

To connect the VGA connectors of one or more monitors to the DVI port(s) on your computer, see "Connecting a Monitor (With an Adapter)" on page 26.

NOTE: To connect a monitor with a VGA connector to the DVI-I (black) port on

your computer, use a dongle.

Change the display settings to support multiple monitors (see "Changing the Display Settings" on page 30).

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Connecting a TV

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: If you are connecting a TV to your computer, you may connect only one

monitor (VGA or DVI) in addition to the TV.

NOTE: See the documentation that came with your TV to ensure that you properly

configure and connect the TV.

To connect a TV to your computer, an S-video cable is required. If you do not have an S-video cable, you may purchase one at most consumer electronics stores. An S-video cable is not included with your computer.

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

Shut down the operating system:

• In Windows Vista, click corner of the Start menu as shown below, and then click

Start

click the arrow in the lower-right

Shut Down

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.

Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.

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 one monitor, as needed, with a DVI or VGA connector as described in "Connecting Monitors" on page 24.

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Changing the Display Settings

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

The Microsoft

Enable extended desktop mode in the display settings. In extended

Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor.

desktop mode, you can drag objects from one screen to the other, effectively doubling the amount of viewable work space.

About Your RAID Configuration

This section provides an overview of the RAID configuration you may have selected when you purchased your computer. There are several RAID configurations available in the computer industry for different types of uses. Your computer supports RAID level 0 and RAID level 1. A RAID level 0 configuration is recommended for high-performance programs or gaming, and a RAID level 1 configuration is recommended for users who require a high level of data integrity. For example, those in the digital photography and audio industries.

NOTE: RAID levels do not represent a hierarchy. A RAID level 1 configuration is not

inherently better or worse than a RAID level 0 configuration.

The drives in a RAID configuration should be the same size in order to ensure that the larger drive does not contain unallocated (and therefore unusable) space.

RAID Level 0 Configuration

NOTICE: Because RAID level 0 configurations provide no data redundancy, a

failure of one drive results in the loss of all data (the data on the remaining drive is also inaccessible). Therefore, ensure that you perform regular backups when you use a RAID level 0 configuration.

A RAID level 0 configuration uses a storage technique known as data striping to provide a high data access rate. Data striping is a method of writing consecutive segments, or stripes, of data sequentially across the physical drives to create a large virtual drive. Data striping allows one of the drives to read data while the other drive is searching for and reading the next block.

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serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 0

segment 1

segment 3

segment 5

hard drive 1

segment 2

segment 4

segment 6

hard drive 2

Another advantage of a RAID level 0 configuration is that it utilizes the full storage capacities of the drives. For example, two 120-GB drives combine to provide 240 GB of hard drive space on which to store data.

NOTE: In a RAID level 0 configuration, the size of the configuration is equal to the

size of the smallest drive multiplied by the number of drives in the configuration.

RAID Level 1 Configuration

A RAID level 1 configuration uses a data-redundancy storage technique known as mirroring to enhance data integrity. When data is written to the primary drive, the data is also duplicated, or mirrored, on the second drive in the configuration. RAID level 1 sacrifices high data-access rates for its data redundancy advantages.

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serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 1

segment 1

segment 2

segment 3

segment 4

segment 5

segment 6

hard drive 1

segment 1 duplicated

segment 2 duplicated

segment 3 duplicated

segment 4 duplicated

segment 5 duplicated

segment 6 duplicated

hard drive 2

If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the surviving drive. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data from the surviving drive.

NOTE: In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the configuration is equal to the

size of the smallest drive in the configuration.

Configuring Your Computer for RAID

Your computer can be configured for RAID, even if you did not select a RAID configuration when the computer was purchased. You must have at least two hard drives installed in your computer to set up a RAID configuration. For an explanation of RAID levels, see "About Your RAID Configuration" on page 30. For instructions on how to install a hard drive, see "Installing a Hard Drive" on page 130.

You can use one of two methods to configure RAID hard drive volumes. The first method uses the Intel before you install the operating system onto the hard drive. The second method uses the Intel

Application Accelerator and is performed after you

have installed the operating system.

Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before beginning any of the RAID configuration procedures in this document.

RAID Option ROM utility and is performed

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Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode

NOTICE: Back up any data you want to keep before entering the RAID-Enabled

mode. The RAID configuration procedure can result in loss of all data from the hard drives.

Enter system setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 179).

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight press <Enter>.

Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight and then press <Esc>.

NOTE: For more information about RAID options, see "System Setup Options"

on page 180.

Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight <Enter> to exit system setup and resume the boot process.

Drives

, then press <Enter>.

SATA Operation

RAID On

Save/Exit

, press <Enter>,

, and then press

, then

Using the Intel® RAID Option ROM Utility

NOTE: Hard drives of any size may be used to create a RAID configuration using the

Intel RAID Option ROM utility. Ideally, however, the drives should be of equal size to avoid unallocated or unused space. For an explanation of RAID levels, see "About Your RAID Configuration" on page 30.

Creating a RAID Level 0 Configuration

NOTICE: The following procedure will result in the loss of all data on your hard

drives. Back up any data you want to keep before continuing.

NOTE: Use the following procedure only if you are reinstalling your operating

system. Do not use the following procedure to migrate an existing storage configuration to RAID level 0 configuration.

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 33).

Press <Ctrl><I> when you are prompted to enter the Intel® RAID Option ROM utility.

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight then press <Enter>.

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default name, then press <Enter>.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 33

Create RAID Volume

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Press the up- and down-arrow keys to select <Enter>.

If there are more than two hard drives available, press the up- and down-arrow keys and spacebar to select the two or three drives you want to use to make up your configuration, then press <Enter>.

NOTE: Select the strip size closest to the size of the average file you want to store

on the RAID volume. If you do not know the average file size, choose 128 KB as your strip size.

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to change the strip size, then press <Enter>.

Select the desired capacity for the volume, then press <Enter>.

The default value is the maximum available size.

Press <Enter> to create the volume.

Press <Y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.

Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main

RAID Option ROM utility screen.

Intel

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to select

Install the operating system. See "Reinstalling Windows Vista" on page 97.

RAID0 (Stripe)

Exit

, and then press <Enter>.

, then press

Creating a RAID Level 1 Configuration

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 33).

Press <Ctrl><I> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Create RAID Volume

press <Enter>.

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default name, then press <Enter>.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

RAID1 (Mirror)

, then press

<Enter>.

If there are more than two hard drives available, press the up- and down-arrow keys and spacebar to select the two drives you want to use to make up your volume, then press <Enter>.

34 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

, then

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Select the desired capacity for the volume, then press <Enter>.

The default value is the maximum available size.

Press <Enter> to create the volume.

Press <Y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.

Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main Intel RAID Option ROM utility screen.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

Install the operating system (see "Reinstalling Windows Vista" on page 97).

Deleting a RAID Volume

NOTICE: The following procedure will result in the loss of all data on the hard

drives in your RAID configuration. Back up any data you want to keep before continuing.

Exit

, and then press <Enter>.

NOTICE: If your computer currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume

in the Intel RAID Option ROM utility, your computer will become unbootable.

Press <Ctrl><I> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Delete RAID Volume

press <Enter>.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the RAID volume you want to delete, then press <Delete>.

Press <Y> to confirm the deletion of the RAID volume.

Press <Esc> to exit the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 35

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Using the Intel® Application Accelerator

If you already have one hard drive with the operating system installed on it, and you want to add a second hard drive then reconfigure both drives into a RAID volume without losing the existing operating system or data, use the migrating option (see "Migrating to a RAID Level 0 Configuration" on page 38 or "Migrating to a RAID Level 1 Configuration" on page 39). Create a RAID level 0 volume or RAID level 1 volume only when:

• You are adding two new drives to an existing single-drive computer (with the operating system installed on the single drive), and you want to configure the two new drives into a RAID volume.

• You already have a two-hard drive computer configured into a volume, but you still have some space left on the volume that you want to designate as a second RAID volume.

Creating a RAID Level 0 Configuration

NOTICE: The following procedure will result in the loss of all data on the hard drives

in your RAID configuration. Back up any data you want to keep before continuing.

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 33).

Click

Start

and point to

Intel Matrix Storage Manager

Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator

to launch the Intel® Storage Utility.

→

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your

computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAIDEnabled Mode" on page 33).

On the RAID Volume Wizard, then click

On the

Actions

menu, select

Create RAID Volume

Select Volume Location

to launch the Create

screen, click the first hard drive you want

to include in your RAID level 0 volume, then click the right arrow.

Click to add a second hard drive, then click

To add a third hard drive in your RAID level 0 volume, click the right arrow and click on the third drive until three drives appear in the window, and then click

Selected

36 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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In the

Specify Volume Size

click

Click

Finish

to create the volume, or click

Creating a RAID Level 1 Configuration

NOTICE: The following procedure will result in the loss of all data on the hard

drives in your RAID configuration. Back up any data you want to keep before continuing.

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 33).

Click the

Accelerator

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Manager

Utility.

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your

computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAIDEnabled Mode" on page 33).

On the

Actions

menu, select

RAID Volume Wizard.

Click

at the first screen.

Confirm the volume name, select click

to continue.

On the

Select Volume Location

to use to create your RAID level 0 volume, then click the right arrow. Click to add a second hard drive until two drives appear in the and then click

In the

Specify Volume Size

click

Click

Finish

Follow Microsoft Windows procedures for creating a partition on the new

to create the volume, or click

RAID volume.

window, click the

Volume Size

Back

to make changes.

desired, then

Programs→ Intel(R) Application

to launch the Intel® Storage

Create RAID Volume

RAID 1

as the RAID level, and then

to launch the Create

screen, click the first hard drive you want

Selected

window, select the

Volume Size

Back

to make changes.

desired, then

window,

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 37

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Deleting a RAID Volume

NOTE: While this procedure deletes the RAID 1 volume, it also splits the RAID 1

volume into two non-RAID hard drives with a partition, and leaves any existing data files intact. Deleting a RAID 0 volume, however, destroys all data on the volume.

Click the

Accelerator

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Manager

Utility.

Right-click the select

Delete Volume

On the

Highlight the RAID volume you want to delete in the

Delete RAID Volume Wizard

Vol um e

icon of the RAID volume you want to delete, then

the right-arrow button to move the highlighted RAID volume into the

Selected

Click

box, and then click

Finish

to delete the volume.

Programs→ Intel(R) Application

to launch the Intel® Storage

screen, click

Available

box, click

Migrating to a RAID Level 0 Configuration

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 33).

Click the

Accelerator

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Manager

All Programs→ Intel(R) Application

to launch the Intel® Storage

Utility.

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your

computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAIDEnabled Mode" on page 33).

On the

Drive

Click

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default name.

From the drop-down box, select

Select the appropriate strip size from the drop-down box, and then click

Actions

menu, select

Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard

to launch the Migration Wizard.

on the Migration Wizard screen.

RAID 0

NOTE: Select the strip size closest to the size of the average file you want to

store on the RAID volume. If you do not know the average file size, choose 128 KB as your strip size.

as the RAID level

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On the

Select Source Hard Drive

which you want to migrate, and click

NOTE: The source hard drive should be the hard drive containing the data or

operating system files that you want to keep on the RAID volume.

On the

Select Member Hard Drive

to select the member drive(s) to span the stripe array, then click

On the then click

NOTICE: The next step will result in the loss of all data on the member drive.

Click

Specify Volume Size

Finish

to start migrating, or click

your computer normally during the migration process.

Migrating to a RAID Level 1 Configuration

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 33).

Click the

Accelerator

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Manager

Utility.

screen, double-click the hard drive from

screen, double-click the hard drive(s)

screen, select the

Back

Volume Size

you want,

to make changes. You can use

All Programs→ Intel(R) Application

to launch the Intel® Storage

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your

computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAIDEnabled Mode" on page 33).

On the

Drive

Click

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default name.

From the drop-down box, select

On the which you want to migrate, and click

On the

Actions

menu, click

Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard

to launch the Migration Wizard.

on the first Migration Wizard screen.

RAID 1

Select Source Hard Drive

NOTE: The source hard drive should be the hard drive containing the data or

operating system files that you want to keep on the RAID volume.

screen, double-click the hard drive from

Select Member Hard Drive

as the RAID level

screen, double-click the hard drive to select the member drive that you want to act as the mirror in the configuration, then click

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 39

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On the click

NOTICE: The next step will result in the loss of all data on the member drive.

Click

Specify Volume Size

Finish

to start migrating, or click

screen, select the volume size you want, then

Back

to make changes. You can use

your computer normally during migration process.

Creating a Spare Hard Drive

A spare hard drive may be created with a RAID level 1 configuration. The spare hard drive will not be recognized by the operating system, but you will be able to see the spare drive from within Disk Manager or the Intel RAID Option ROM utility. When a member of the RAID level 1 configuration fails, the computer automatically rebuilds the mirror configuration using the spare hard drive as the failed member’s replacement.

To mark a drive as a spare hard drive:

Click the

Accelerator

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Manager

Programs→ Intel(R) Application

to launch the Intel® Storage

Utility.

Right-click the hard drive you want to mark as a spare hard drive.

Click

Mark as Spare

To remove a drive as a spare hard drive:

Right-click the spare hard drive icon.

Click

Reset Hard Drive to Non-RAID

Rebuilding a Degraded RAID Level 1 Configuration

If your computer does not have a spare hard drive, and the computer has reported a degraded RAID level 1 volume, you can manually rebuild the computer’s redundancy mirror to a new hard drive by performing the following steps:

Click the

Accelerator

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Manager

Programs→ Intel(R) Application

to launch the Intel® Storage

Utility.

Right-click the available hard drive to which you want to rebuild the RAID level 1 volume, then click

Rebuild to this Disk

You can use your computer while the computer is rebuilding the RAID level 1 volume.

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Dell DataSafe (Optional)

Dell DataSafe is a solution to help you protect your data against unfortunate events such as data loss from system crashes, hard drive failures, software corruption, viruses, and other accidents. Using Intel technology, your computer has a robust level of data protection out of the factory. With Dell DataSafe, you will have a selected area on your system that automatically stores periodic copies of your computer's hard drive data. Not only does Dell DataSafe help you to store and protect your valuable data such as photos, music, videos, files, and more, it also helps restore your computer and your data in the event of a failure. The included software can give you the power to roll back your system to a healthy state after a system problem, easily retrieve deleted files, and recover individual files or an entire hard drive, and the Intel Matrix Storage Console (RAID) allows for continued functionality in the case of a single hard drive failure.

Intel® Viiv™ Technology (Optional)

Intel Viiv technology is a technology aimed at the digital home enthusiast that includes:

• A BIOS that supports Intel Quick Resume Technology

• Device drivers

This technology allows the user’s system to quickly return to an active state after non-use.

Using Intel Viiv Quick Resume Technology (QRT)

When running in the Intel Viiv QRT mode, your power button is used as a quick on/off feature. Pressing the power button once causes the display to go blank and the audio to mute. In this mode, the computer is still operating as indicated by the power button indicator and diagnostic lights 1, 2, and 4 being lit. Also, you may notice that the hard drive indicator may blink when the hard drive is being accessed by an external device.

To resume normal computer operation, briefly press the power button, press any key on the keyboard or move the mouse.

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Enabling the QRT Feature in System Setup

The QRT drivers must be installed before the Quick Resume feature becomes active. The QRT drivers are installed when this option is ordered. Also, Quick Resume is enabled in system setup when this feature is ordered.

Enter system setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 179).

Press the arrow keys to highlight the then press <Enter> to access the menu.

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the then press <Enter> to access the menu.

Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight the On option, and then press <Enter> to enable the Quick Resume feature.

Power Management

Quick Resume

menu option,

Enabling the QRT Feature in the Operating System

Click the

Ensure that the check boxes for

Click the

From the menu, select

Start

button, then click

Away

tab.

Advanced

When I press the power button on my computer

When I press the sleep button on my computer

tab.

Do Nothing

Control Panel

Enable away mode

and

Options

drop-down

are checked.

drop-down

option,

Using Multimedia

Playing CDs or DVDs

NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD/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 while playing CDs or DVDs.

Press the eject button on the right corner 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.

42 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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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 media.

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

Eject

Go to the next track

A DVD player includes the following basic buttons:

Stop

Restart the current chapter

Play

Fast forward

Pau se

Fast reverse

Advance a single frame while in pause mode

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Go to the next title or chapter

Continuously play the current title or chapter

Go to the previous title or chapter

Eject

These controls may not exist on all players in the system. For more information on playing CDs, DVDs, or BDs, click Help on the CD or DVD player (if available).

Copying Media

This section applies only to computers that have a DVD+/-RW drive or a BD-RE drive.

NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copyright laws when copying media.

NOTE: The types of optical drives offered by Dell may vary by country.

The following instructions explain how to make a copy of a CD or a DVD using Roxio Creator Plus, and a BD using CyberLink Power DVD 7.0.

The DVD drives and BD drives installed in Dell computers do not support HD-DVD media.

How to Copy a CD or DVD

The following instructions explain how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD using Roxio Creator Plus - Dell Edition. You can also use Roxio Creator Plus for other purposes, such as creating music CDs from audio files stored on your computer or backing up important data. For help, open Roxio Creator Plus, and then click the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of the window.

NOTE: CD-RW/DVD combo drives cannot write to DVD media. If you have a CD-

RW/DVD combo drive and you experience recording problems, check for available software patches on the Sonic Support website at sonic.com.

The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell™ computers can write to and read DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW and DVD+R DL (dual layer) media, but cannot write to and may not read DVD-RAM or DVD-R DL media.

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

using Roxio Creator Plus.

Open Roxio Creator Plus.

Under the

To copy the CD or DVD:

•

Copy

tab, click

Disc Copy

If you have one CD/DVD drive

then click

Disc Copy

. The computer reads your source CD or DVD

and copies the data to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive.

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

, ensure that the settings are correct, and

If you have two CD/DVD drives

•

inserted your source CD or DVD, and then click

, select the drive into which you have

Disc Copy

. The computer copies the data from the source CD or DVD to 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.

How to Copy a Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) Media

For information on how to use the BD media, refer to the manual that accompanies the product.

Using Blank CDs and DVDs

CD-RW drives can write to CD recording media only (including high-speed CD-RW media) while DVD-writable drives can write to both CD and DVD recording media.

Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After the maximum storage capacity of a CD-R is reached, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on the CD later.

Blank DVD+/-Rs can be used to permanently store large amounts of data. 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 the disc later.

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CD-Writable Drives

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

C D- RW Ye s Ye s Yes

DVD-Writable Drives

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

C D- RW Ye s Ye s Yes

DVD+R Yes Yes No

DVD-R Yes Yes No

DV D +R W Yes Ye s Yes

DV D -R W Ye s Yes Yes

DVD+R DL Yes Yes No

DVD-R DL Maybe No No

Helpful Tips

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

• Use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs may not play in many home or car stereos.

• You cannot create audio DVDs with Roxio Creator Plus.

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

• Commercially available DVD players used in home theater systems may not support all available DVD formats. For a list of formats supported by your DVD player, see the documentation provided with your DVD player or contact the manufacturer.

• 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 blank 650-MB CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1–2 MB of blank space to finalize the recording.

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• 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 website at

sonic.com

Using a Media Card Reader

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

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 card (SMC)

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

• MicroDrive card

• SecureDigital card (SD)

• MiniSD card

• MultiMediaCard (MMC)

• Reduced-size MultiMediaCard (RS-MMC)

• Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo)

For information on installing a media card reader, see "Installing a Media Card Reader" on page 142.

for additional information.

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1 xD-Picture card and SmartMedia

Card (SMC)

3 Secure Digital card

(SD/miniSD)/MultiMedia-Card (MMC/RS-MMC)

Inspect the media card to determine the proper orientation for insertion.

Slide the media card into the appropriate slot of the media card reader

2 Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro/MS

Duo/MS Pro Duo)

4 CompactFlash card Type I and II

(CF I/II) and MicroDrive card

until it is completely seated in the connector.

If you encounter resistance, remove the card, check for proper orientation, and then try again.

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Understanding the Media Xcelerator™ (Optional)

The Dell Media Xcelerator™ is an internal USB 2.0 bus-powered device that increases the speed and performance of MPEG transcoding and transrating for various 3rd party applications supporting the Sonic DVD engine.

The Xcelerator™ device enables faster format conversion and facilitates resolution changes to MPEG-2 and DVD video streams. The device will allow MPEG2 or DVD based format conversions and fit to disk operations to be completed in significantly less time. A built-in, dedicated processor ensures significantly improved system availability and speed. The Xcelerator also supports MPEG-2 and DVD format stream conversion to low bit-rate MPEG-4 formats for portable video devices.

Features supported include:

• Improved system availability through CPU offloading to Xcelerator.

• Quicker DVD creation with improved fit to disk capability.

• Transcode High Definition MPEG-2 video clips to MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 standard definition

• Faster conversions of movies into PC or PMP formats

• Transrate MPEG-2 video clips to a lower bit rate to fit onto a DVD, CD, or other media

• Higher transcoded video quality at similar bit rates

For more information on the Xcelerator, see the Dell Media Xcelerator™ User’s Guide available on the Help and Support Center on your system, or

the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

To access Help and Support Center, click Start→ Help and Support.

NOTE: The Dell Media Xcelerator is an optional feature and will not be present on

your system if you did not order it.

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Understanding Windows® SideShow™ and the LCD display

Your LCD display device is located at the top of the system.

Powered by Windows Sideshow technology,the LCD display device is designed to provide quick to access to information available on a computer running Windows Vista.

SideShow technology uses gadgets, which are add-in programs, to extend information from the computer onto devices such as the LCD display. Gadgets allow you to view information from your computer regardless of whether it is on, off, or sleeping.

Some of the default gadgets available on the LCD allow you to browse web pictures, view photos stored on your system, play or browse audio and video files, set reminders and alarms, monitor PC settings, and set a real-time count down clock.

1 network indicator light 2 menu button 3 navigation and

4 LCD display screen 5 hard-drive activity

light

selection buttons

6 diagnostic lights

(4 nos)

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Configuring the LCD display

The LCD display is configured to start whenever your system is powered on. However, the default

configuration can be modified by the user.

To disable LCD Display

Enter system setup (see"Entering System Setup" on page 179).

NOTE: The system setup screen displays current or changeable configuration

information for your computer.

On the system setup screen navigate to LCD display and change settings to Off.

Exit setup.

NOTE: The LCD display remains inactive when the system is next powered on.

To enable LCD Display

Enter system setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 179).

NOTE: The screen displays current or changeable configuration information for

your computer.

On the system setup screen navigate to LCD display and change settings to On.

Exit setup.

NOTE: The LCD display simultaneously starts when the system is next powered on.

Adding Gadgets To LCD Display Menu

The LCD display menu includes a list of all the gadgets shipped with your system. It also allows you to remove existing gadgets from the list or add them back. All the gadgets available on the LCD display can be viewed with the help of the Menu button and activated with the help of the Navigation buttons.

To add new gadgets to the LCD display

On your computer, go to A dialog with the list of all gadgets opens.

Check the boxes for all gadgets you want to add to the LCD display menu.

Click Save.

Start→ Control Panel→ Windows Sideshow

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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.

For technical assistance, refer to the printer owner's manual or contact the printer manufacturer.

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 and computer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer’s shipping 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.

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

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1 USB connector on

computer

Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer.

Your operating system includes a printer wizard to help you install the

2 USB connector on

printer

3 USB printer cable

printer driver:

Click the Windows Vista Start button™ and click

printer

Install the printer driver if necessary. See "Reinstalling Drivers and

to start the

Add Printer Wizard

Network →Add a

Utilities" on page 91 and the documentation that came with your printer.

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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). Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:

• DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone line or cellular telephone service. 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.

• Satellite modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through a satellite television system.

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

• Wireless LAN connections that provide Internet access using Bluetooth wireless technology.

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/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions.

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an Internet connection with a provided ISP desktop shortcut:

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

Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

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If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP, perform the steps in the following section.

NOTE: If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem,

and Internet Problems" on page 63. 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.

Windows Vista™

NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to

the Internet wizard can help you get one.

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

Click the Windows Vista Start button™ and click

Under

Network and Internet,

The

Connect to the Internet

click

Connect to the Internet

window appears.

Control Panel

Click either

Broadband (PPPoE)

Dial-up

, depending on how you want

to connect:

•Choose

Broadband

if you will use a DSL, satellite modem, cable TV

modem, or Bluetooth wireless technology connection.

•Choose

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose

or contact your ISP.

Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information

Dial-up

if you will use a dial-up modem or ISDN.

provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

Network Setup Wizard

The Microsoft Windows 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.

lick

Start

network.

Select an option under

Click

and then click

Connect to→ Set up a connection or

Choose a connection option.

, and then follow the instructions in the wizard.

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Transferring Information to a New Computer

You can use your operating system "wizards" to help you transfer files and other data from one computer to another—for example, from an old computer to a new computer. For instructions, see the following section that corresponds to the operating system your computer is running.

lick

Start →

Transfer.

In the

User Account Control

Click

Start a new transfer

Follow the instructions provided on the screen by the

Transfer

wizard.

Transfer files and settings→

dialog box, click

Continue a transfer in progress

Start Windows Easy

Continue

Windows Easy

Power Management Options in Windows Vista

The Microsoft Vista 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 sleep mode or hibernate mode to reduce power to the entire computer. When the computer exits from a power conservation mode, it returns to the operating state it was in prior to entering the mode.

Sleep Mode

Sleep mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined period of inactivity (a time-out). When the computer exits sleep mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering sleep mode.

To enter sleep mode in Windows Vista, click Start ,

lower-right corner of the Start menu, and then

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

click Sleep.

click the arrow in the

Hybrid Sleep

Hybrid Sleep emulates the Sleep Mode but stores info in RAM to hard drive so that there is no loss of data in case of power loss.

Hybrid Sleep is enabled on your system by default.

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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 hibernate mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering hibernate mode.

To manually enter hibernate mode in Windows Vista, click Start ,

arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu, and then

NOTE: If Hybrid Sleep is ON then Hibernate will no longer appear on the shutdown

menu in Vista.

• To enable hibernation, click Start→ open Search box and type

powercfg.exe /hibernate ON→ press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

• To disable hibernation, click Start→ open Search box and type

powercfg.exe /hibernate Off→ press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

Configuring Power Management Settings

You can use the Windows Power Options Properties to configure the power management settings on your computer.

To access Power Options Properties, click Start System and Maintenance→ Power Options.

click Hibernate.

→

Control Panel

click the

→

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Optimizing for Greater Performance

Understanding Intel™ SpeedStep® Technology

SpeedStep technology controls your computer's processor performance automatically, dynamically adjusting the operating frequency and voltage, according to the task at hand. When an application does not require full performance, significant amounts of power can be saved. Performance is designed to still be responsive, with maximum processor performance being delivered when required, and automatic power savings when possible.

Windows Vista™ automatically sets Intel Speedstep technologies in the Dell Recommended, Balanced, and Power Saver power plans. It is disabled in the High Performance power plan.

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Troubleshooting

Solving Problems

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 support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).

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

NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default

view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.

Coin-Cell Battery Problems

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

installed. Replace the coin 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 in the Product Information Guide.

EPLACE THE COIN-CELL 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 "Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery" on page 170). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 200).

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Drive Problems

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

NSURE THAT MICROSOFT

• Click the Windows Vista Start button™ and click

If the 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.

EST THE DRIVE —

• Insert another disc to eliminate the possibility that the original drive is defective.

• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.

CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK — See "Cleaning Your Computer" on page 191.

HECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows Vista™ Operating System" on page 93.

UN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 86.

WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE —

Computer

Optical drive problems

NOTE: High-speed optical drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which

does not indicate a defect in the drive or the media.

NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all

DVD titles work in all DVD drives.

DJUST 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 72.

Problems writing to an optical drive

CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS — The optical drive must receive a steady stream of data during the writing process. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the optical.

URN OFF STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A DISC — See

"Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 57 or search for the keyword standby in Windows Help and Support for information on power management modes.

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Hard drive problems

RUN CHECK DISK —

Click Windows Vista

Right-click

Click

The

Local Disk C:

Properties →Tools→

User Account Control

computer, click

Start

Continue

and click

Check Now

window may appear. If you are an administrator on the

; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the

desired action.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

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

safety instructions 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.

Computer

NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network adapter connector (see

"Back I/O Connectors" on page 20).

HECK THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK

EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS — If you cannot

open your e-mail attachments:

In Outlook Express, click

Click

Do not allow attachments

Tools→

Options→

Security

to remove the checkmark, as needed.

CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION CHECK THE TELEPHONE JACK CONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK USE 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, then 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, 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 meters (10 feet) or more in length, try a shorter one.

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RUN THE MODEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL —

Click

Start

→

All Programs

Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems.

→ Modem Diagnostic Tool

Modem diagnostics are not available on all computers.

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —

Click

Start

→

Control Panel→

→

Options

Click the COM port for your modem→

Modems

Hardware and Sound→

Properties → Diagnostics→

Phone and Modem

Query Modem

to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.

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

NSURE 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

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

If the error 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.

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

Start

→

Control Panel→ Programs→ Programs and Features

Select the program you want to remove.

Click

Uninstall

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.

NSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA — Insert a bootable floppy disk, CD, or DVD.

ON-SYSTEM DISK ERROR — Remove the floppy disk from the floppy drive and

restart your computer.

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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 may have to restart your computer to restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first.

PERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND — Ensure that there is no non-bootable floppy or

USB key attached during system power on.

IEEE 1394a Device Problems

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: Your computer supports only IEEE 1394a standard.

NSURE THAT THE CABLE FOR THE IEEE 1394A DEVICE IS PROPERLY INSERTED

INTO THE DEVICE AND INTO THE CONNECTOR ON THE COMPUTER

ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394A DEVICE IS ENABLED IN SYSTEM SETUP — See "System Setup Options" on page 180.

NSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394A DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —

Click

Start

→

Control Panel→ Hardware and Sound

Click

Device Manager.

If your IEEE 1394a device is listed, Windows recognizes the device.

F YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A DELL IEEE 1394A DEVICE — Contact Dell

(see "Contacting Dell" on page 200).

F YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH AN IEEE 1394A DEVICE NOT PROVIDED BY DELL —

Contact the IEEE 1394a device manufacturer.

Keyboard Problems

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

HECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE —

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

• Shut down the computer (see "Before Working Inside Your Computer" on page 100), reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer, and then restart the computer.

• Ensure that the cable is not damaged or frayed and check cable connectors for bent or broken pins. Straighten any bent pins.

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

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

ORKING WITH AN USB KEYBOARD — During the first system boot, the operating

system takes time to configure the USB keyboard. Reboot the system to configure the keyboard faster.

EYBOARD OR MOUSE FAILURE — Connect the device to a different USB port

USB K

and check if it starts working.

UN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Troubleshooting Software and

Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows Vista™ Operating System" on page 93.

Lockups and Software Problems

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

The computer does not start up

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 76.

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

THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET

The computer stops responding

NOTICE: You may lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system

shutdown.

URN 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), and then restart your computer.

A program stops responding

END THE PROGRAM —

Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously to access the Task Manager.

Click the

Click to select the program that is no longer responding.

Click

Applications

End Task

tab.

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A program crashes repeatedly

NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a

floppy disk, CD, or DVD.

HECK 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 that it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows Vista operating system environments.

Click

Start

→

Control Panel→ Programs→ Use an older program with this

version of Windows.

In the welcome screen, click

Follow the instructions on the screen.

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), and then restart your computer.

Other software problems

CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE

MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION —

• Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.

• Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation for information.

• Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.

• Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.

• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY

USE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS,

S , OR DVDS

SAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR

COMPUTER THROUGH THE START MENU

Troubleshooting 67

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Memory Problems

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

F 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 "Installing Memory" on page 106).

• Reseat the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 104) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 86).

IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS —

• Reseat the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 104) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see "Installing Memory" on page 106).

• Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer. For more information about the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 104.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 86).

Mouse Problems

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

HECK THE MOUSE CABLE —

• Ensure that the cable is not damaged or frayed and check cable connectors for bent or broken pins. Straighten any bent pins.

• Remove any mouse extension cables, and connect the mouse directly to the computer.

• Verify that the mouse cable is connected as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.

RESTART THE COMPUTER —

Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the

Press <u>,

Off

press the up- and down-arrow keys

, and then press <Enter>.

68 Troubleshooting

Start

menu.

to highlight

Shut down

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book.book Page 69 Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:29 AM

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

Turn on the computer.

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

HECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS —

Click

Start

→ Control Panel→ Hardware and Sound→ Mouse

Adjust the settings as needed.

REINSTALL THE MOUSE DRIVER — See "Drivers" on page 90.

UN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Troubleshooting Software and

Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows Vista™ Operating System" on page 93.

Network Problems

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

HECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR — Ensure that the network cable is firmly

inserted into the network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack.

HECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF THE COMPUTER — If the link

integrity light is off (see "Controls and Lights" on page 176), no network communication is occurring. Replace the network cable.

ESTART 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.

UN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Troubleshooting Software and

Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows Vista™ Operating System" on page 93.

Power Problems

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

F THE POWER LIGHT IS BLUE AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT RESPONDING — See

"Diagnostic Lights" on page 76.

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IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING BLUE —

• The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.

• USB keyboard and mouse wake up the system if these devices are configured as wake up devices in the operating system devices properties. Otherwise, press the power button.

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

• Reseat the power cable in the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.

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

• Ensure that any power strips being used are plugged into an electrical outlet and are turned on.

• 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 "System Board Components" on page 103).

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

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

• Ensure that all components and cables are properly installed and securely connected to the system board (see "System Board Components" on page 103).

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

• Remove and then reinstall all memory modules (see "Memory" on page 104).

• Remove and then reinstall any expansion cards, including graphics cards (see "Removing a PCI Express Card" on page 121).

IF THE POWER LIGHT FLASHES AMBER AND THEN GOES OFF — It can be an internal power problem.

• Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the system board power connector (12VPOWER). (See "System Board Components" on page 103).

ELIMINATE INTERFERENCE — Some possible causes of interference are:

• Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables

• Too many devices connected to the same power strip

• Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet

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Printer Problems

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

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

manufacturer.

HECK THE PRINTER DOCUMENTATION — See the printer documentation for setup

and troubleshooting information.

NSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON

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.

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

ERIFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —

Click

Start

→ Control Panel→ Hardware and Sound→ Printer

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

Click

Properties

Adjust the settings, as needed.

REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER —SEE THE PRINTER DOCUMENTATION FOR INFORMATION ON

REINSTALLING THE PRINTER DRIVER.—Scanner Problems

and click

Ports

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

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

manufacturer.

HECK THE SCANNER DOCUMENTATION — See the scanner documentation for setup

and troubleshooting information.

NLOCK THE SCANNER — Ensure that your scanner is unlocked (if the scanner has a

locking tab or button).

ESTART THE COMPUTER AND TRY THE SCANNER AGAIN

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS —

• See the scanner documentation for information on cable connections.

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

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VERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT WINDOWS —

Click

Start

→

Control Panel→ Hardware and Sound→ Scanners and Cameras

If the scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.

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

Sound and Speaker Problems

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

No sound from speakers

NOTE: The volume control in MP3 and other media players may override the

Windows volume setting. Always check to ensure that the volume on the media player(s) has not been turned down or off.

HECK 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.

NSURE 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.

DJUST 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.

ISCONNECT HEADPHONES FROM THE HEADPHONE CONNECTOR — Sound from the

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

EST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by

testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

LIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or

halogen lamps to check for interference.

UN THE SPEAKER DIAGNOSTICS

REINSTALL THE SOUND DRIVER — See "Drivers" on page 90.

UN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Troubleshooting Software and

Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows Vista™ Operating System" on page 93.

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No sound from headphones

CHECK THE HEADPHONE CABLE CONNECTION — Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted into the headphone connector (see "Front and Back View of the Computer" on page 15).

DJUST 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 in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: If your computer came with a PCI graphics card installed, removal of the

card is not necessary when installing additional graphics cards; however, the card is required for troubleshooting purposes. If you remove the card, store it in a safe and secure location. For information about your graphics card, go to

support.dell.com.

The screen is blank

NOTE: For troubleshooting procedures, see the monitor’s documentation.

The screen is difficult to read

CHECK THE MONITOR CABLE CONNECTION —

• Ensure that the monitor cable is connected to the correct graphics card (for dual graphics card configurations).

• If you are using the optional correctly attached to the graphics card and monitor.

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

• Remove any video extension cables and connect the monitor directly to the computer.

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

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

DVI-to-VGA

adapter, ensure that the adapter is

Troubleshooting 73

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CHECK THE MONITOR POWER LIGHT —

• If the power light is lit or blinking, the monitor has power.

• If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that the monitor is turned on.

• If the power light is blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse to resume normal operation.

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

HECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 76.

HECK 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.

OVE THE SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE MONITOR — If your speaker system

includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is positioned at least 60 centimeters (2 feet) away from the monitor.

OVE 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.

OTATE THE MONITOR TO ELIMINATE SUNLIGHT GLARE AND POSSIBLE

INTERFERENCE

ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —

Click

Settings

Adjust

Start

Resolution

→

Control Panel→ Hardware and Sound→ Personalization→ Display

and

Colors

settings, as needed.

3D image quality is poor

CHECK THE GRAPHICS CARD POWER CABLE CONNECTION — Ensure that the power cable for the graphics card(s) is correctly attached to the card.

HECK 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.

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Power Lights

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

The power button light located on the front of the computer illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:

• If the power light is blue and the computer is not responding, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 76.

• If the power light is blinking blue, the computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.

• 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.

– 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 "System Board Components" on page 103).

• 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 "System Board Components" on page 103).

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book.book Page 76 Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:29 AM

• If the power light is steady amber, a device may be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.

– Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory" on

page 104).

– Remove and then reinstall any cards (see "Cards" on page 109).

• 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

Diagnostic Lights

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

To help troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four blue lights labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the top bezel (see "Front View" on page 15). When the computer starts normally, the lights flash before turning off. If the computer malfunctions, the sequence of the lights help to identify the problem.

NOTE: After the computer completes POST, all four lights turn off before booting to

the operating system.

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

The computer is in a normal off condition or a possible pre-BIOS failure has occurred.

The diagnostic lights are not lit after the system successfully boots to the operating system.

A possible processor failure has occurred.

• Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet (see "Power Problems" on page 69).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 200).

• Reseat the processor (see "Processor" on page 154).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 200).

"Contacting Dell

76 Troubleshooting

" on

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Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

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

A possible graphics card failure has occurred.

A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has occurred.

• If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see "Removing Memory" on page 108), then reinstall one module (see "Installing Memory" on page 106) and restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.

• If available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see "Installing Memory" on page 106).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell

" on

page 200).

• Reseat any installed graphics cards (see "Cards" on page 109).

• If available, install a working graphics card into your computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell

" on

page 200).

Reseat all power and data cables.

A possible USB failure has occurred.

Reinstall all USB devices and check all cable connections.

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Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

No memory modules are detected.

• If available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see "Installing Memory" on page 106).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 200).

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

• Ensure that no special requirements for memory module/connector placement exist (see "Memory" on page 104).

• Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer (see "Memory" on page 173).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 200

"Contacting Dell

" on

78 Troubleshooting

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Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

A possible expansion card failure has occurred.

Determine if a conflict exists by removing an expansion card (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer (see "Removing a PCI Card" on page 114 and "Removing a PCI Express Card" on page 121).

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

Repeat this process for each expansion card installed. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows Vista™ Operating System" on page 93).

If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell

page 200).

" on

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Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Another failure has occurred.

• Ensure that all hard drive and optical drive cables are properly connected to the system board (see "System Board Components" on page 103).

• If there is an error message on the 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.

• If the operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the floppy drive or optical drive), check system setup (see "System Setup" on page 178) to ensure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 200).

"Contacting Dell

" on

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Beep Codes

Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. For example, beep code 1-3-1 (one possible beep code) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a memory problem.

Reseating the memory modules may correct the following beep code errors. If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 200) for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Code Cause

1-3-1 through 2-4-4 Memory not being properly identified or used

4-3-1 Memory failure above address 0FFFFh

If you experience any of the following beep code errors, see "Contacting Dell" on page 200 for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Code Cause

1-1-2 Microprocessor register failure

1-1-3 NVRAM read/write failure

1-1-4 ROM BIOS checksum failure

1-2-1 Programmable interval timer failure

1-2-2 DMA initialization failure

1-2-3 DMA page register read/write failure

1-3 Video Memory Test failure

1-3-1 through 2-4-4 Memory not being properly identified or used

3-1-1 Slave DMA register failure

3-1-2 Master DMA register failure

3-1-3 Master interrupt mask register failure

3-1-4 Slave interrupt mask register failure

3-2-2 Interrupt vector loading failure

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Code Cause

3-2-4 Keyboard Controller Test failure

3-3-1 NVRAM power loss

3-3-2 Invalid NVRAM configuration

3-3-4 Video Memory Test failure

3-4-1 Screen initialization failure

3-4-2 Screen retrace failure

3-4-3 Search for video ROM failure

4-2-1 No timer tick

4-2-2 Shutdown failure

4-2-3 Gate A20 failure

4-2-4 Unexpected interrupt in protected mode

4-3-1 Memory failure above address 0FFFFh

4-3-3 Timer-chip counter 2 failure

4-3-4 Time-of-day clock stopped

4-4-1 Serial or parallel port test failure

4-4-2 Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory

4-4-3 Math-coprocessor test failure

4-4-4 Cache test failure

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System Messages

NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the table, see the documentation

for either the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.

Message Possible Cause Corrective Action

8042 Gate-A20 error

Address Line Short!

C: Drive Error C: Drive Failure

Cache Memory Bad, Do Not Enable Cache

CH-2 Timer Error

The keyboard controller failed its test.

An error in the address decoding circuitry in the memory has occurred.

The hard drive is not working or is not configured correctly.

The cache memory is not operating.

An error is occurring on the timer on the system board.

If you receive this message after you make changes in the system setup program, enter the system setup program and restore the original value(s).

Reseat the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 104).

Ensure that the hard drive is installed correctly in the computer (see "Drives" on page 128) and defined correctly in the system setup program (see "System Setup" on page 178).

See "Contacting Dell" on page 200 for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

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Message Possible Cause Corrective Action

CMOS Battery State Low

CMOS Checksum Failure

CMOS System Options Not Set

The system configuration information in the system setup program is incorrect or the battery charge may be low.

Enter the system setup program (see "Entering System Setup" on page 179), verify the system configuration, and then restart the computer.

CMOS Display Type Mismatch

CMOS Memory Size Mismatch

CMOS Time and Date Not Set

Diskette Boot Failure

DMA Error DMA 1 Error

Drive A or B is present but has failed the BIOS POST.

Error in the DMA controller on the system board.

Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer (see "Drives" on page 128) and defined correctly in the system setup program (see "System Setup" on page 178). Check the interface cable at both ends.

The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.

DMA 2 Error

84 Troubleshooting

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Message Possible Cause Corrective Action

FDD Controller Failure

HDD Controller Failure

INTR1 Error INTR2 Error

Invalid Boot Diskette

Keyboard Error

The BIOS cannot communicate with the floppy drive or hard drive controller.

An interrupt channel on the system board failed to POST.

The operating system cannot be located on drive A or drive C.

The BIOS has detected a stuck key.

Ensure that the floppy drive or the hard drive is installed correctly in the computer (see "Drives" on page 128) and defined correctly in the system setup program (see "System Setup" on page 178). Check the interface cable at both ends.

The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.

Enter the system setup program (see "System Setup" on page 178) and confirm that drive A or drive C is properly identified.

Ensure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the keyboard.

Troubleshooting 85

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Message Possible Cause Corrective Action

KB/Interface Error

No ROM Basic

An error occurred with the keyboard connector.

The operating system cannot be located on drive A or drive C.

Ensure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the keyboard.

Enter the system setup program (see "Entering System Setup" on page 179) and confirm that drive A or drive C is properly identified.

Dell Diagnostics

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

When to Use Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" on page 61 and run Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

NOTE: Dell Diagnostics only operate on Dell computers.

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

Start Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media.

86 Troubleshooting

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Starting Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is known to be working properly.

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

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

Diagnostics

from the boot menu and press <Enter>.

NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to

wait until you see the Microsoft computer and try again.

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has

been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities media

Windows® desktop, then shut down your

(see "Starting Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media

on page 88

Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility

partition on your hard drive.

NOTE: The Quickboot feature changes the boot sequence for the current

boot only. Upon restart, the computer boots according to the boot sequence specified in system setup.

At the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

, left-click with the mouse, or press <Tab> and then <Enter>, to select the test you want to run (see "Dell Diagnostics Main Menu" on page 88).

NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they

appear and follow the instructions on the screen.

6 After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu.

7 Close the Main Menu window to exit Dell Diagnostics and restart the

computer.

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Starting Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media

Insert the

Shut down and restart the computer.

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

Drivers and Utilities media

NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue

to wait until you see the Microsoft computer and try again.

NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the

next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in the system setup program.

When the boot device list appears, highlight

Windows® desktop; then, shut down your

CD/DVD/CD-RW

<Enter>.

Select the

Boot from CD-ROM

option from the menu that appears and

press <Enter>.

Ty p e 1 to start the CD menu and press <Enter> to proceed.

Select

Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics

from the numbered list. If multiple

versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.

When the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

appears, select the test you want

to run.

NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they

appear and follow the instructions on the screen.

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the the button for the option you want.

NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on

your computer.

Main Menu

screen appears, click

and press

Option Function

Test Memory Run the stand-alone memory test Test System Run System Diagnostics Exit Exit the Diagnostics

88 Troubleshooting

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After you have selected the

Test System

following menu appears:

NOTE: It is recommended that you select Extended Test from the menu below to

run a more thorough check of devices in the computer.

Option Function

Express Test

Extended Test

Custom Test

Symptom Tree

Built in Self Test

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

Performs a thorough check of system devices. The test typically takes an hour or more.

Use to test a specific device or customize the tests to be run.

This option allows you to select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are having. This option lists the most common symptoms.

Performs a thorough check on all LCD display related functions. Based on the test results a green Passed or red Failed message appears on screen. For items listed in red, note down the error code and problem description and contact Dell.

option from the main menu, the

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 see "Contacting Dell" on page 200

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 or Symptom Tree

option, click the

applicable tab described in the following table for more information.

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Tab 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 any requirements for running the test.

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

NOTE: 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, if applicable, by changing

the test settings.

When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the

screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close

the

Main Menu

Remove the Dell

screen.

Drivers and Utilities

media.

Main

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.

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

NOTICE: The Drivers and Utilities media may contain drivers for operating systems

that are not on your computer. Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.

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Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft Windows operating 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.

Click the Windows Vista Start button™ , and right-click

Click

Properties→ Device Manager

NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an

administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue.

Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [

If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 91).

) on the device icon.

Computer

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Drivers and

Utilities media provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers

obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

Using Windows Device Driver Rollback

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

Click the Windows Vista Start button™ , and right-click

Click

Properties→ Device Manager

NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an

administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to enter the Device Manager.

Troubleshooting 91

Computer

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

Properties

Click

Drivers

and click

Roll Back Driver

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see "Restoring Your Operating System" on page 94)to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the driver.

Using the Drivers and Utilities Media

If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the Drivers and Utilities media.

With the Windows desktop displayed, insert the media.

If this is your first time to use the

Drivers and Utilities

If not, go to step 5.

When the

Drivers and Utilities

installation program starts, follow the

prompts on the screen.

When the

Drivers and Utilities

When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the

At the

InstallShield Wizard Complete

media and click

Welcome Dell System Owner

Finish

screen, click

Drivers and Utilities

media, go to step 2.

window appears, remove the

to restart the computer.

Drivers and Utilities media

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media displays drivers only for hardware that came

installed in your computer. If you installed additional hardware, the drivers for the new hardware might not be displayed by the Drivers and Utilities media. If those drivers are not displayed, exit the Drivers and Utilities media program. For drivers information, see the documentation that came with the device.

A message appears, stating that the Drivers and Utilities media is detecting hardware in your computer.

The drivers that are used by your computer are automatically displayed in the

My Drivers—The Drivers and Utilities media has identified these

components in your system

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

window.

the screen.

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

NOTE: It is recommended, for optimized performance, that you install the hardware

drivers in the following order:

• Desktop System Software

• Chipset or SMBus driver

• Processor Driver (if applicable)

• Video

• Audio (sound)

• Input Drivers (keyboard/mouse)

• Modem (Desktop computers have a separate CD for the modem)

• Network Card

Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows Vista™ Operating System

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 start the Hardware Troubleshooter:

Click the Windows Vista Start button™ , and click

Ty p e

hardware troubleshooter

<Enter> to start the search.

In the search results, select the option that best describes the problem and follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.

in the search field and press

Help and Support.

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Restoring Your Operating System

You can restore your operating system in the following ways:

• System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files. Use System Restore as the first solution for restoring your operating system and preserving data files.

• Dell Factory Image Restore (available in Windows Vista) restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. It permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any programs installed after you received the computer. Use Dell Factory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.

• If you received an it to restore your operating system. However, using the disc also deletes all data on the hard drive. Use the disc Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.

Operating System

disc with your computer, you can use

Operating System

only

if System

Using Microsoft Windows System Restore

The Windows operating systems provide a System Restore option which allows 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. Any changes that System Restore makes to your computer are completely reversible.

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

Starting System Restore

Click

Start

In the Start Search box, type

NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an

administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the desired action.

Click

and follow the remaining prompts on the screen.

94 Troubleshooting

System Restore

and press <Enter>.

book.book Page 95 Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:29 AM

In the event that System Restore did not resolve the issue, you may undo the last system restore.

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

Start

In the Start Search box, type

Click

Undo my last restoration

Using Dell Factory Image Restore

NOTICE: Using Dell Factory Image Restore permanently deletes all data on the

hard drive and removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using these options. Use Dell Factory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.

System Restore

and click

and press <Enter>.

NOTE: Dell Factory Image Restore may not be available in certain countries or on

certain computers.

Use Dell Factory Image Restore (Windows Vista) only as the last method to restore your operating system. This option restore 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—including data files—are 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 Factory Image Restore.

Windows Vista: Dell Factory Image Restore

Using Factory Image Restore:

Turn on the computer. When the Dell logo appears, press <F8> several times to access the Vista Advanced Boot Options Window.

Select

Repair Your Computer

The System Recovery Options window appears.

Select a keyboard layout and click

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To access the recovery options, log on as a local user. To access the command prompt, type

Dell Factory Image Restore

NOTE: Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select

Dell Factory Tools, then Dell Factory Image Restore.

click

Click

administrator

The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears.

Click

Next.

The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears.

NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with Factory Image Restore, click Cancel.

Click the checkbox to confirm that you want to continue reformatting the hard drive and restoring the system software to the factory condition, then click

The restore process begins and may take five or more minutes to complete. A message appears when the operating system and factory-installed applications have been restored to factory condition.

in the User name field, then

Click

Finish

to reboot the system.

Using the Operating System Media

Before You Begin

If you are considering reinstalling the Windows operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows Device Driver Rollback. See "Using Windows Device Driver Rollback" on page 91. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver. See "Using Microsoft Restore" on page 94.

NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary

hard drive. For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.

96 Troubleshooting

System Restore

Windows System

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To reinstall Windows, you need the following items:

•Dell™

•Dell

Operating System

Drivers and Utilities

media

NOTE: The

during the assembly of the computer. Use the load any required drivers. Depending on the region from which you ordered your computer, or whether you requested the media, the

media

Reinstalling Windows Vista

Dell

Drivers and Utilities

and

Operating System

media

contains drivers that were installed

Dell

Drivers and Utilities

Dell

Drivers and Utilities

media may not ship with your computer.

media

The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.

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

Insert the

Click

Restart the computer.

Operating System

Exit

if the

Install Windows

disc.

message appears.

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

NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue

to wait until you see the Microsoft computer and try again.

NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the

next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in the system setup program.

When the boot device list appears, highlight

Windows® desktop; then, shut down your

CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive

and press <Enter>.

Press any key to

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.

Boot from CD-ROM

Troubleshooting 97

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Troubleshooting LCD Display Problems

LCD display includes a built in self-test which allows the user to diagnose and troubleshoot any issues related to the application.

To run the Built-in Self-Test

Ensure that the system is switched off.

Press and hold the menu button (see "Understanding Windows® SideShow™ and the LCD display" on page 50).

Power the system on. Release the menu button.

The system enters diagnostic test menu.

Select

Run All Test.

When all the tests are completed, the screen displays a Passed (displayed in Green) or Failed (displayed in Red) message.

Note down the error code and the Failed message description and contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 200).

98 Troubleshooting

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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" on page 99 and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" on page 100.

• 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.

Product Information Guide.

Recommended Tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

• Small flat-blade screwdriver

• Small Phillips screwdriver

• Small plastic scribe

Turning Off Your Computer

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save any work in progress and exit all open

programs before turning off your computer.

Shut down the operating system:

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

In Microsoft® Windows Vista™,

, in the lower-left corner of the desktop, click the arrow in the

lower-right corner of the Start menu as shown below, and then click

Shut Down

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.

click the Windows Vista Start button™,

Removing and Installing Parts 99

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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 perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: When working inside the computer, be aware that the processor

heat-sink assembly, power supply, graphics card, and other components may be very hot during normal operation. Be sure that they have sufficient time to cool before you touch them.

NOTICE: 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.

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.

Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.

Turn off your computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 99).

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

and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

Disconnect all telephone or network cables 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.

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.

100 Removing and Installing Parts

Dell DC01L, GX404 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual