NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows®
operating systems are not applicable.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp,
and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.
Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Mini Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors
Desktop Computer — Front View
Desktop Computer — Back View
Desktop Computer — Back-Panel Connectors
Small Form Factor Computer — Front View
Small Form Factor Computer — Back View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Small Form Factor Computer — Back-Panel Connectors
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer — Front View
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer — Side View
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer — Back View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer — Back-Panel Connectors
Removing the Computer Cover
Before You Begin
Mini Tower Computer
Desktop Computer
Small Form Factor Computer
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer
Inside Your Computer
Mini Tower Computer
Desktop Computer
Small Form Factor Computer
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer
NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or
media may not be available in certain countries.
NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• A diagnostic program for my computer
• Drivers for my computer
• My computer documentation
• My device documentation
• Desktop System Software (DSS)
• How to remove and replace parts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD)
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional
and may not ship with your computer.
Documentation and drivers are already installed on
your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall
drivers (see "Using the Drivers and Utilities CD" on
page 58), run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell
Diagnostics" on page 46), or access your
documentation.
Readme files may
be included on your
CD to provide lastminute updates
about technical
changes to your
computer or
advanced technical
reference material
for technicians or
experienced users.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be
found at support.dell.com.
Dell™ OptiPlex™ User’s Guide
Microsoft Windows XP Help and Support Center
1
Click
Start→
Help and Support→ Dell User and
→
System Guides
2
Click the
The User’s Guide is also available on the optional
Drivers and Utilities CD.
User’s Guide
System Guides
for your computer.
.
Quick Reference Guide5
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Warranty information
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
• How to reinstall my operating system
• How to use Windows XP
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Operating System CD
NOTE: The Operating System CD may be optional and
may not ship with your computer.
The operating system is already installed on your
computer. To reinstall your operating system, use
the Operating System CD (see "Reinstalling
Microsoft Windows XP" on page 55).
After you reinstall
your operating
system, use the
optional Drivers and Utilities CD
(ResourceCD) to
reinstall drivers for
the devices that
came with your
computer. For more
information, see
"Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD)" on page 5.
Your operating system product key label is located
on your computer (see "Service Tag and Microsoft®
Windows® Product Key" on page 7).
NOTE: The color of your Operating System CD varies
according to the operating system you ordered.
Windows Help and Support Center
1
Click
Start→
Help and Support
2
Type a word or phrase that describes your problem
and click the arrow icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
.
6Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows Product Key Label
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
support.dell.co
or contact
m
support.
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call
when contacting support.
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles
from technicians, online courses, and frequently asked
questions
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region or business segment to
view the appropriate support site.
• 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
®
processors, optical
drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct
operation of your Dell computer.
To download Desktop System Software:
1
Go to
support.dell.com
business segment, then enter your Service Tag.
2
Select
3
Click your operating system, and then search for
the keyword
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary
depending on your selections.
, select your region or
Drivers & Downloads
Desktop System Software
, then click Go.
.
Quick Reference Guide7
System Views
Mini Tower Computer — Front View
1
2
3
11
10
9
4
5
6
7
8
8Quick Reference Guide
15.25-inch drive bayCan contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.
25.25-inch drive bayCan contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.
33.5-inch drive bayCan contain an optional floppy drive or optional media card reader.
4USB 2.0 connectors (2)Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as
joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see your online User’s Guide for
more information on booting to a USB device).
It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically
remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
5LAN indicator lightThis light indicates that a LAN (local area network) connection is established.
6diagnostic lightsUse the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic
code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 50.
7power buttonPress this button to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the power
button. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. See "Before You Begin" on
page 25 for more information.
NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power
button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.
8power lightThe power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different operating
modes:
• No light — The computer is turned off.
• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.
• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.
• Blinking or solid amber — See
To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or the
mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For more
information about sleep modes and exiting from a power-saving mode, see your online
User’s Guide.
See "System Lights" on page 49 for a description of light codes that can help you
troubleshoot problems with your computer.
9hard-drive activity lightThis light flickers when the hard drive is being accessed.
10headphone connectorUse the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
11microphone connectorUse the microphone connector to attach a microphone.
your online User’s Guide
.
Quick Reference Guide9
Mini Tower Computer — Back View
1
2
3
4
5
6
1cover-release latchThis latch allows you to open the computer cover.
2padlock ringInsert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
10Quick Reference Guide
3voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.
To help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the
switch for the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your
location.
NOTICE: The voltage selection switch must be set to the 115-V position even
though the AC power available in Japan is 100 V.
Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate
with the AC power available in your location.
4power connectorInsert the power cable.
5back-panel connectorsPlug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connectors (see "Mini
Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors" on page 11).
6card slotsAccess connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
Mini Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors
13
987
1parallel connectorConnect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a
USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.
24
5
6
NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically disabled if the computer
detects an installed card containing a parallel connector configured to the same
address. For more information, see your online User’s Guide.
2link integrity light
• 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 1-Gbps (or 1000-Mbps) network
and the computer.
• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
Quick Reference Guide11
3network 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.
Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on
the back panel of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been
securely attached.
NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
On computers with a network connector card, use the connector on the card.
It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your
network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to
ensure reliable operation.
4network activity lightFlashes 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.
5line-out connectorUse the green line-out connector to attach most speakers with integrated
amplifiers.
6line-in/microphone
connector
7USB 2.0 connectors (6)Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as
8video connectorPlug the cable from your VGA-compatible monitor into the blue connector.
Use the blue and pink line-in/microphone connector to attach a record/playback
device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.; or a personal computer
microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
printers and keyboards.
NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be covered by
a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics card. Do not remove
the cap.
NOTE: If you are using a graphics card that supports dual monitors, use the y-cable
that came with your computer.
9serial connectorConnect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. The default
designations are COM1 for serial connector 1 and COM2 for serial connector 2.
For more information, see your online User’s Guide.
12Quick Reference Guide
Desktop Computer — Front View
2
89
7
1USB 2.0 connectors (2)Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as
joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see your online User’s Guide for
more information about booting to a USB device).
It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically
remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
2LAN indicator lightThis light indicates that a LAN (local area network) connection is established.
3power buttonPress this button to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the
power button. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. See "Before You
Begin" on page 25 for more information.
3
51461110
NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the
power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.
4Dell badgeThis badge can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer. To rotate,
place fingers around the outside of the badge, press firmly, and turn the badge. You
can also rotate the badge using the slot provided near the bottom of the badge.
Quick Reference Guide13
5power lightThe power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different
operating states:
• No light — The computer is turned off.
• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.
• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.
• Blinking or solid amber — See
To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or
the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For
more information about sleep modes and exiting from a power-saving mode, see
your online User’s Guide.
See "System Lights" on page 49 for a description of light codes that can help you
troubleshoot problems with your computer.
6diagnostic lightsUse the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the
diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 50.
7hard-drive activity lightThis light flickers when the hard drive is being accessed.
8headphone connectorUse the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
9microphone connectorUse the microphone connector to attach a microphone.
103.5-inch drive bayCan contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader.
115.25-inch drive bayCan contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.
your online User’s Guide
.
Desktop Computer — Back View
1
14Quick Reference Guide
2346
5
1card slotsAccess connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
2back-panel connectorsPlug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connectors (see "Desktop
Computer — Back-Panel Connectors" on page 15).
3power connectorInsert the power cable.
4voltage selection switchYour computer is equipped with a manual voltage selection switch.
To help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage selection switch, set
the switch for the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in
your location.
NOTICE: The voltage selection switch must be set to the 115-V position even
though the AC power available in Japan is 100 V.
Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to
operate with the AC power available in your location.
5padlock ringInsert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
6cover-release latchAllows you to open the computer cover.
Desktop Computer — Back-Panel Connectors
13
987
24
5
6
Quick Reference Guide15
1parallel connectorConnect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a
USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.
NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically disabled if the computer
detects an installed card containing a parallel connector configured to the same
address. For more information, see your online User’s Guide.
2link integrity light
3network adapter
connector
• Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the
computer.
• Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the
computer.
• Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1-Gbps (or 1000-Mbps) network
and the computer.
• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a
network cable to either a network jack or your network or broadband device.
Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on
the back panel of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been
securely attached.
NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
On computers with a network connector card, use the connector on the card.
It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your
network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to
ensure reliable operation.
4network activity lightFlashes 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.
5line-out connectorUse the green line-out connector to attach most speakers with integrated
amplifiers.
6line-in/microphone
connector
7USB 2.0 connectors (6)Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as
8video connectorPlug the cable from yourVGA-compatiblemonitor into the blue connector.
Use the blue and pink line-in/microphone connector to attach a record/playback
device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.; or a personal computer
microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
printers and keyboards.
NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be covered by
a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics card. Do not remove
the cap.
NOTE: If you are using a graphics card that supports dual monitors, use the y-cable
that came with your computer.
9serial connectorConnect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. The default
designations are COM1 for serial connector 1 and COM2 for serial connector 2.
For more information, see your online User’s Guide.
16Quick Reference Guide
Small Form Factor Computer — Front View
2
1
1110
1USB 2.0 connectors (2)Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as
joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see your online User’s Guide for
more information about booting to a USB device).
It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically
remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
2power buttonPress to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the
power button. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. See "Before You
Begin" on page 25 for more information.
89
7
3
4
5
6
NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the
power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.
3Dell badgeCan be rotated to match the orientation of your computer. To rotate, place fingers
around the outside of the badge, press firmly, and turn the badge. You can also
rotate the badge using the slot provided near the bottom of the badge.
4LAN indicator lightIndicates that a LAN (local area network) connection is established.
5diagnostic lightsUse the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the
diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 50.
6hard drive activity lightThis light flickers when the hard drive is being accessed.
Quick Reference Guide17
7power lightThe power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different
operating states:
• No light — The computer is turned off.
• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.
• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.
• Blinking or solid amber — See
To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or
the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For
more information about sleep modes and exiting from a power-saving mode, see
your online User’s Guide.
See "System Lights" on page 49 for a description of light codes that can help you
troubleshoot problems with your computer.
8headphone connectorUse the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
9microphone connectorUse the microphone connector to attach a microphone.
103.5-inch drive bayCan contain an optional floppy drive or optional media card reader.
115.25-inch drive bayCan contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.
your online User’s Guide
.
Small Form Factor Computer — Back View
51234
18Quick Reference Guide
6
1card slotsAccess connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
2back-panel connectorsPlug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connectors (see "Small
Form Factor Computer — Back-Panel Connectors" on page 19).
3power connectorInsert the power cable.
4voltage selection switchYour computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.
To help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage selection switch, set
the switch for the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in
your location.
NOTICE: The voltage selection switch must be set to the 115-V position even
though the AC power available in Japan is 100 V.
Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to
operate with the AC power available in your location.
5padlock ringInsert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
6cover release latchAllows you to open the computer cover.
Small Form Factor Computer — Back-Panel Connectors
13
987
24
5
6
Quick Reference Guide19
1parallel connectorConnect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a
USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.
NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically disabled if the computer
detects an installed card containing a parallel connector configured to the same
address. For more information, see your online User’s Guide.
2link integrity light
3network adapter
connector
• Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the
computer.
• Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the
computer.
• Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1-Gbps (or 1000-Mbps) network
and the computer.
• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a
network cable to either a network jack or your network or broadband device.
Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on
the back panel of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been
securely attached.
NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
On computers with a network connector card, use the connector on the card.
It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your
network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to
ensure reliable operation.
4network activity lightFlashes 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.
5line-out connectorUse the green line-out connector (available on computers with integrated sound)
to attach most speakers with integrated amplifiers.
6line-in/microphone
connector
7USB 2.0 connectors (6)Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as
Use the blue and pink line-in/microphone connector (available on computers with
integrated sound) to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD
player, or VCR; or a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into
a sound or telephony program.
printers and keyboards.
20Quick Reference Guide
8video connectorPlug the cable from yourVGA-compatiblemonitor into the blue connector.
NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be covered by
a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics card. Do not remove
the cap.
NOTE: If you are using a graphics card that supports dual monitors, use the y-cable
that came with your computer.
9serial connectorConnect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. The default
designations are COM1 for serial connector 1 and COM2 for serial connector 2.
For more information, see your online User’s Guide.
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer — Front View
12345
896
1USB connectors (2)Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as
joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see your online User’s Guide for
more information about booting to a USB device).
It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically
remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
2headphone connectorUse the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
3microphone connectorUse the microphone connector to attach a microphone.
7
Quick Reference Guide21
4power lightThe power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:
• No light — The computer is turned off.
• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.
• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.
• Blinking or solid yellow — See
To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or
the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For
more information about sleep modes and exiting from a power-saving mode, see
your online User’s Guide.
See "System Lights" on page 49 for a description of light codes that can help you
troubleshoot problems with your computer.
5power buttonPress this button to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the
power button. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. See "Before You
Begin" on page 25 for more information.
6ventsThe vents help prevent your computer from overheating. To ensure proper
ventilation, do not block these cooling vents.
7module bayInstall a D-module optical drive, second hard drive, or floppy drive in the module
bay.
8hard-drive access lightThe hard-drive access light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data
to the hard drive. The light might also be on when devices such as your CD player
are operating.
9ventsThe vents help prevent your computer from overheating. To ensure proper
ventilation, do not block these cooling vents.
your online User’s Guide
.
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer — Side View
1
1ventsThe vents located on each side of the computer help prevent your computer from
overheating. To ensure proper ventilation, do not block these cooling vents.
22Quick Reference Guide
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer — Back View
231
5
1diagnostic lightsSee "Diagnostic Lights" on page 50 for a description of light codes
2computer cover release knobRotate this knob in a clockwise direction to remove the cover.
3back-panel connectorsThe connectors for your computer (see "Ultra-Small Form Factor
4power connectorInsert the power cable.
5ventsThe vents help prevent your computer from overheating. To ensure
4
that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer.
Computer — Back-Panel Connectors" on page 23).
proper ventilation, do not block these cooling vents.
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer — Back-Panel Connectors
2134
5
6
107811
1parallel connectorConnect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a USB
printer, plug it into a USB connector.
9
Quick Reference Guide23
2link integrity light
3network adapterTo attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a
• 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 or the
network controller is turned off in system setup.
network cable to either a network jack or your network or broadband device. Connect
the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back panel
of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached.
NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
On computers with a network connector card, use the connector on the card.
It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network. If
you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable
operation.
4network activity lightThe amber light flashes 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.
5line-out connectorUse the green line-out connector to attach an amplified speaker set.
6line-in/ microphone
connector
7USB connectors (5)Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as
8serial connectorConnect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial connector.
9video connectorIf you have a DVI-compatiblemonitor, plug the cable from yourmonitorinto the white
10power connectorThe connector for the power adapter.
11diagnostic lightsSee "Diagnostic Lights" on page 50 for a description of light codes that can help you
Use the blue and pink line-in/ microphone connector to attach a record/playback device
such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.; or a personal computer microphone for
voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
printers and keyboards.
connector on the back panel.
If you have a VGA monitor, see "Connecting a VGA Monitor" in your computer User’s Guide.
troubleshoot problems with your computer.
Removing the Computer Cover
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.
24Quick Reference Guide
Before You Begin
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your
computer.
1
Shut down the operating system:
a
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the
Off Computer
b
In the
Turn off computer
.
window, click
Tur n o ff
.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
2
Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached
devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, turn them off now.
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help
ensure your own personal safety.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a
card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by
its pins.
NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing
that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
Start
button, and then click
Tu r n
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.
To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the
computer.
1
Turn off your computer.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the
network wall jack.
2
Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
3
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the
power button to ground the system board.
4
If applicable, remove the computer stand (for instructions, see the documentation that came with the
stand).
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.
Quick Reference Guide25
5
Remove the computer cover:
•Remove the mini tower computer cover (see "Mini Tower Computer" on page 26).
•Remove the desktop computer cover (see "Desktop Computer" on page 27).
•Remove the small form factor computer cover (see "Small Form Factor Computer" on page 28).
•Remove the ultra-small form factor computer cover (see "Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer" on
page 30).
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.
Mini Tower Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the computer cover.
1
Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 25.
2
Lay the computer on its side as shown in the illustration.
3
Locate the cover release latch shown in the illustration. Then, slide the release latch back as you lift the
cover.
4
Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.
5
Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a soft nonabrasive surface.
CAUTION: Graphic card heatsinks may become very hot during normal operation. Ensure that a graphic card
heatsink has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
26Quick Reference Guide
1
2
3
1 security cable slot2 cover release latch3 padlock ring
Desktop Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the computer cover.
1
Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 25.
2
If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.
Quick Reference Guide27
3
Locate the cover release latch shown in the illustration. Then, slide the release latch back as you lift the
cover.
4
Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.
5
Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a soft nonabrasive surface.
CAUTION: Graphic card heatsinks may become very hot during normal operation. Ensure that a graphic card
heatsink has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
1
2
3
1 security cable slot2 cover release latch3 padlock ring
Small Form Factor Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the computer cover.
28Quick Reference Guide
1
Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 25.
2
If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.
3
Locate the cover release latch shown in the illustration. Then, slide the release latch back as you lift the
cover.
4
Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up using the bottom hinges as leverage
points.
5
Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a soft nonabrasive surface.
CAUTION: Graphic card heatsinks may become very hot during normal operation. Ensure that a graphic card
heatsink has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.