Dell DCDO User Manual

Dell Precision™ T7400

Quick Reference Guide

Model DCDO

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

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

your computer.

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

and tells you how to avoid the problem.

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

or death.

____________________

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Inc.;

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

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 DCDO

September 2007 P/N YT561 Rev. A00

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

Setting Up Your Computer

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

Changing Between Tower and Desktop Orientations

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

Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure Transferring Information to a New Computer Power Protection Devices

About Your Computer

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

Front View (Tower Orientation) Back View (Tower Orientation) Back Panel Connectors

Cleaning Your Computer

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

. . . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . 20

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

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

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor Mouse (Non-Optical) Floppy Drive CDs and DVDs

Troubleshooting Tools

Power Lights Diagnostic Lights Beep Codes System Messages Hardware Troubleshooter Dell Diagnostics Troubleshooting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

. . . . . 10

. . . 13

. . . . . . . . . 23

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Contents 3

4 Contents

Finding Information

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

computer. Some features or media may not be available in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• My device documentation

• Desktop System Software (DSS)

Drivers and Utilities Disc

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities disc may be

optional and may not ship with your computer.

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the Drivers and Utilities disc to reinstall drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" in your User’s Guide) and to run the Dell™ Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 33).

• How to remove and replace parts

•Specifications

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates

can be found at support.dell.com.

Dell Precision™ User’s Guide

Microsoft Windows Vista™ Help and Support Center

Windows® XP and Microsoft

Click

Start→

Help and Support→ Dell

User and System Guides

Guides

Click the

User’s Guide

Quick Reference Guide 5

for your computer.

→

System

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

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

•Microsoft

Windows® Product Key

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 Dell support.

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct

your call when contacting Dell 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.

6 Quick Reference Guide

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

• Dell Technical Update Service — Proactive e-mail notification of software and hardware updates for your computer

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

• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates

• Desktop System Software (DSS) — If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should 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 processors, optical drives, USB devices, for example. 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

country/region, and then click

& Downloads

Click

Select Model

make the appropriate selections or enter the appropriate information for your computer, and then click

Scroll down to

Utilities

and then click

NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface

may vary depending on your selections.

, select your

Enter a Tag

Confirm

System and Configuration

→

Desktop System Software

Download Now

Drivers

Quick Reference Guide 7

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to use Windows XP

• How to use Windows Vista

• How to work with programs and files

• How to personalize my desktop

Windows Help and Support Center

Click

Start→

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

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

• How to reinstall my operating system

Operating System Disc

The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System disc that came with your computer (see "Restoring Your Operating System" in your User’s Guide).

Help and Support

8 Quick Reference Guide

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

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

NOTE: The color of your operating system

installation disc varies according to the operating system you ordered.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to use Linux

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

• Additional information regarding Linux and my Dell Precision computer

Dell Supported Linux Sites

• linux.dell.com

• lists.us.dell.com/mailman/listinfo/linuxprecision

Setting Up Your Computer

Changing Between Tower and Desktop Orientations

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

safety instructions in the

NOTE: To change your computer to either the tower or the desktop orientation, you

must use an optional kit available from Dell. See "Product Information" in your User’s Guide for more details on ordering from Dell.

NOTE: The tower computer supports one more 3.5-inch drive in the front than does

the desktop computer.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" in your

Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" in your

User’s Guide

Remove the front panel (see "Removing the Front Panel" in your

Remove the drive panel and prepare the drive panel by adding or removing

Product Information Guide

inserts, as needed (see "Drive Panels" in your

User’s Guide

Switching From Tower to Desktop Orientation

Remove all installed floppy drives or media card readers by following the steps in "Removing a Floppy Drive or Media Card Reader (Tower Computer)" in your

User’s Guide

, and then reinstall a single floppy drive or media card reader by following the steps in "Installing a Floppy Drive or Media Card Reader (Desktop Computer)" in your

Remove all installed optical drives by following the steps in "Removing an Optical Drive (Tower Computer)" in your

User’s Guide

, and then reinstall the drives by following the steps in "Installing an Optical Drive (Desktop Computer)" in your

User’s Guide

Quick Reference Guide 9

Switching From Desktop to Tower Orientation

Remove the floppy drive or media card reader (if installed) by following the steps in "Removing a Floppy Drive or a Media Card Reader (Desktop Computer)" in your

User’s Guide

, and then reinstall the floppy drive or media card reader by following the steps in "Installing a Floppy Drive or Media Card Reader (Tower Computer)" in your

Remove all installed optical drives by following the steps in "Removing an Optical Drive (Desktop Computer)" in your

User’s Guide

, and reinstall the drives by following the steps in "Installing an Optical Drive (Tower Computer)" in your

User’s Guide

Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure

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

NOTICE: The operating temperature specified in this manual reflects the maximum

ambient operating temperature. The ambient room temperature must be a consideration when installing your computer in an enclosure. For details about your computer’s specifications, see "Specifications" in your User’s Guide.

10 Quick Reference Guide

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

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

• If your enclosure has doors, ensure that they allow at least 30 percent airflow through the enclosure (front and back).

Quick Reference Guide 11

• Do not install your computer in an enclosure that does not allow airflow. Restricting the airflow impact your computer’s performance

can cause your computer to overheat and may

12 Quick Reference Guide

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 computer.

Microsoft Windows XP

The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to transfer data, such as:

• E-mail messages

• Toolbar settings

•Window sizes

• Internet bookmarks

You can transfer data from one computer to another computer over a network or serial connection, or by storing the data on removable media, such as a writable CD or DVD.

NOTE: You can transfer information from one computer to another computer by directly

connecting a serial cable to the input/output (I/O) ports of the two computers. To transfer data over a serial connection, you must use the Network Connections utility in the Control Panel to perform additional configuration steps, such as setting up an advanced connection and designating the host computer and the guest computer.

For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #305621, titled How to Set Up a Direct Cable Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP. This information may not be available in certain countries.

Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard requires the Operating System disc that came with your computer or a wizard disk, which the wizard can create for you.

NOTE: For more information about transferring data, search support.dell.com for

document #154781 (What Are The Different Methods To Transfer Files From My Old

Computer To My New Dell™ Computer Using the Microsoft Windows XP Operating System?).

NOTE: Access to the Dell Knowledge Base document may not be available in

certain countries.

Quick Reference Guide 13

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard (With the Operating System Disc)

NOTE: The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard designates the source computer from

which data is to be transferred as the old computer, and designates the destination computer to which the data is going to be transferred as the new computer.

PREPARE THE DESTINATION COMPUTER FOR THE FILE TRANSFER —

Click

Start→

Settings Transfer Wizard

Under

the Windows XP CD

Review the information under to the source computer. Do

COPY DATA FROM THE SOURCE COMPUTER —

Insert the Windows XP

Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP

The

Click

Perform additional tasks

Under The

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Click

Under

Under and then click

Under transfer, and then click

The selected data is copied and the

All Programs→

Accessories→ System Tools→

Which computer is this?

, click

New computer

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

, and then click

Now go to your old computer

not

click

Operating System

What do you want to do?

, click

Transfer files and settings

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

What do you want to transfer?

, click

Old Computer

, click the transfer method of your choice,

, click to select the data you want to

Completing the Collection Phase

Files and

, and then click

, click

I will use the wizard from

, and then go

disc into the source computer. screen appears.

window appears.

, and then click

screen appears.

Click

Finish

TRANSFER DATA TO THE DESTINATION COMPUTER —

Go to the destination computer.

Under

Now go to your old computer

, click

14 Quick Reference Guide

Under

Where are the files and settings?

chose for transferring your settings and files, and then click

, click to select the method you

The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to the destination computer. When the transfer is complete, the

Finished

screen appears.

Click

Finished

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard (Without the Operating System Disc)

, and then restart the computer.

To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the Operating System disc, you must create a wizard disk. The wizard disk allows you to create a backup image file on removable media.

NOTE: The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard designates the source computer from

which data is to be transferred as the old computer, and designates the destination computer to which the data is going to be transferred as the new computer.

CREATE A WIZARD DISK —

On the destination computer, click

System Tools

Under

Disk in the following drive

Insert a writable CD or DVD, and then click OK.

Review the information under to the source computer. Do

COPY DATA FROM THE SOURCE COMPUTER —

Insert the wizard disk into the source computer.

Click

Browse...

Under

Under and then click

→ Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

, and then click

not

Start→

Run

and navigate to

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

Start→

All Programs→

Accessories→

, click

New computer

, click

Now go to your old computer

click

fastwiz

on the wizard disk, and then click OK.

, click

Old Computer

, and then click

I want to create a Wizard

, and then go

, and then click

, click the transfer method of your choice,

Quick Reference Guide 15

Under

What do you want to transfer?

transfer, and then click

The selected data is copied and the

, click to select the data you want to

Completing the Collection Phase

screen appears.

Click

Finish

TRANSFER DATA TO THE DESTINATION COMPUTER —

Go to the destination computer.

Under

Now go to your old computer

Under

Where are the files and settings?

chose for transferring your settings and files, and then click

, click

, click to select the method you

The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to the destination computer. When the transfer is complete, the

Finished

screen appears.

Click

Finished

Microsoft Windows Vista

Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click

settings

In the

User Account Control

Click

Start a new transfer

, and then restart the computer.

→ Start Windows Easy Transfer

dialog box, click

Continue a transfer in progress

Continue

Transfer files and

Follow the instructions provided on the screen by the Windows Easy Transfer wizard.

Power Protection Devices

Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:

• Surge protectors

• Line conditioners

• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

16 Quick Reference Guide

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or after power interruptions. Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector and compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different devices. A device with a higher joule rating offers more protection.

NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power

interruptions caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack and disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.

Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the surge protector documentation for modem connection instructions.

NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the

network cable from the network wall jack during electrical storms.

Line Conditioners

NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.

Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result in

data loss or file damage.

NOTE: To ensure maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to

a UPS. Connect other devices, such as a printer, to a separate power strip that provides surge protection.

A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices contain a battery that provides temporary power to connected devices when AC power is interrupted. The battery charges while AC power is available. See the UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery operating time and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Quick Reference Guide 17

About Your Computer

Front View (Tower Orientation)

1–3 5.25-inch

drive bays

13 12

11 10

Can hold a CD/DVD drive, or a media card reader, floppy drive, or a SATA hard drive in a 5.25-inch drive bay carrier. The hard-drive carrier is only for use in the 5.25-inch drive bays. The floppy-drive/media card reader and hard-drive carriers are not interchangeable.

5 6 7

18 Quick Reference Guide

4 5.25-inch drive

bay with special

3.5-inch drive panel plate

5 hard-drive

activity light

6 IEEE 1394

connector

7USB 2.0

connectors (2)

8 power button,

power light

Can hold a CD/DVD drive, or a media card reader, a floppy drive, or a SATA hard drive in a 5.25-inch drive bay carrier. The drive-panel plate shown here is only for use with a floppy drive or media card reader; you can install the plate in front of any of the four 5.25-inch drive bays. For more information, see "Drive Panels" in your User’s Guide. The hard-drive carrier is only for use in the 5.25-inch drive bays. The floppy-drive/media card reader and hard-drive carriers are not interchangeable.

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

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

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

Press the power button to turn on the computer. The light in the center of this button indicates the power state. For more information, see "Controls and Lights" in your User’s Guide.

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

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

9 Dell badge You can rotate the Dell badge so that "Dell" is read horizontally,

depending on whether you use the desktop or tower orientation.

10 headphone

connector

11 microphone

connector

12 diagnostic

lights (4)

13 network link light The network link light is on when a good connection exists

Use the headphone connector to attach headphones.

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

Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" in your User’s Guide.

between a 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps (or 1-Gbps) network and the computer.

Quick Reference Guide 19

Back View (Tower Orientation)

1 power connector Connect the power cable. 2 card slots Slots 2–6 support full-length cards, including one PCI, two PCI

Express 2.0 x16, and two PCI-X slots. Slots 1 and 7 support half-length cards, including one PCI Express x8 (wired as x4) and one PCI-X slot.

3 back panel

connectors

Plug USB, audio, and other devices into the appropriate connector (see "Back Panel Connectors" on page 21 for more information).

CAUTION: Ensure that none of the computer air vents are blocked. Blocking them

can cause serious thermal problems.

20 Quick Reference Guide

Back Panel Connectors

1 parallel connector Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel

connector. If you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.

3456 78

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 "System Setup Options" in your User’s Guide.

2 mouse connector Plug a standard PS/2 mouse into the green mouse connector.

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

3 IEEE 1394

connector

4 line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a playback device

5 line-out connector Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and

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

such as an MP3 player, CD drive, or VCR. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

most speakers with integrated amplifiers. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

Quick Reference Guide 21

6 link 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 1000-Mbps (or 1-Gbps) network and the computer. Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.

7 network adapter

connector

8network

activity light

9 USB 2.0

connectors (5)

10 keyboard

connector

11 serial

connectors (2)

To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a network cable to either a network jack or your network or broadband device. Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached. Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector. On computers with an additional network connector card, use the connectors on the card and on the back of the computer when setting up multiple network connections (such as a separate intra- and extranet). It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation.

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.

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

If you have a standard PS/2 keyboard, plug it into the purple keyboard connector. If you have a USB keyboard, plug it into a USB connector.

Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. If necessary, the address for this port can be modified through the system setup program (see "System Setup" in you User’s Guide).

22 Quick Reference Guide

Cleaning Your Computer

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

safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor

CAUTION: Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the

electrical outlet. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.

• Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove dust from the slots and holes on your computer and from between the keys on the keyboard.

NOTICE: Do not wipe the display screen with a soap or alcohol solution. Doing so

may damage the antiglare coating.

• To clean your monitor screen, lightly dampen a soft, clean cloth with water. If possible, use a special screen-cleaning tissue or solution suitable for the monitor’s antistatic coating.

• Wipe the keyboard, computer, and plastic part of the monitor with a soft cleaning cloth moistened with water.

Do not soak the cloth or let water drip inside your computer or keyboard.

Mouse (Non-Optical)

Turn the retainer ring on the underside of your mouse counterclockwise, and then remove the ball.

Wipe the ball with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Blow carefully into the ball cage to dislodge dust and lint.

Clean the rollers inside the ball cage with a cotton swab moistened lightly with isopropyl alcohol.

Recenter the rollers in their channels, as needed. Ensure that fluff from the swab is not left on the rollers.

Replace the ball and retainer ring, and then turn the retainer ring clockwise until it clicks into place.

Quick Reference Guide 23

Floppy Drive

NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. The heads may become

misaligned and prevent the drive from operating.

Clean your floppy drive using a commercially available cleaning kit. These kits contain pretreated floppy disks to remove contaminants that accumulate during normal operation.

CDs and DVDs

NOTICE: Always use compressed air to clean the lens in the CD/DVD drive, and

follow the instructions that come with the compressed air. Never touch the lens in the drive.

Hold the disc by its outer edge. You can also touch the inside edge of the center hole.

NOTICE: To prevent damaging the surface, do not wipe in a circular motion around

the disc.

With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the unlabeled side) in a straight line from the center to the outer edge of the disc.

For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild soap. You can also purchase commercial products that clean discs and provide some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are safe to use on DVDs.

Troubleshooting Tools

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 green and the computer is not responding, "Diagnostic Lights" on page 26.

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

24 Quick Reference Guide

• 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" in your

User’s Guide

• 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" in your

User’s Guide

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

– Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see "Removing the

Front Panel" in your

– Remove and then reinstall any cards (see "Cards" in your

User’s Guide

• 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

Quick Reference Guide 25

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 lights labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the front panel (see "Front View (Tower Orientation)" on page 18). When

the computer starts normally, the lights flash, and then turn off. If the computer malfunctions, use the sequence of the lights to help identify the problem.

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

the operating system.

Diagnostic Light Codes During POST

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

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

A possible BIOS failure has occurred; the computer is in the recovery mode.

A possible processor failure has occurred.

Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet and press the power button.

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

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

User’s Guide

• Reseat the processor (see "Processor" in your User’s Guide

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

User’s Guide

"Contacting Dell" in your

26 Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Memory modules are detected, but amemory failure has occurred.

A possible graphics card failure has occurred.

A possible floppy or hard drive failure has occurred.

A possible USB failure has occurred.

• If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see "Memory" reinstall one module, and then 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 "Memory"

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell" in your

(see

User’s Guide

• Reseat any installed graphics cards (see "Cards"

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

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell" in your

(see

User’s Guide

• Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell" in your

(see

User’s Guide

• Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell" in your

(see

User’s Guide

in your User’s Guide

Quick Reference Guide 27

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

No memory modules are detected.

System board failure has occurred.

• If available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see "Memory"

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell" in your

(see

User’s Guide

Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your User’s Guide).

in your User’s Guide

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

A possible system board resource and/or hardware failure has occurred.

28 Quick Reference Guide

• Ensure that no special requirements for memory module/connector placement exist (see "Memory" your User’s Guide

• Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer (see "Memory"

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" in your

User’s Guide).

• Perform the procedures in "Restoring Your Operating System"

User’s Guide

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell"

User’s Guide

in your User’s Guide

in your

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 "Cards"

User’s Guide

If the problem persists, reinstall the

card you removed, and 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 "Restoring Your Operating

in your User’s Guide

System"

If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" in your

Another failure has occurred.

User’s Guide

• Ensure that all hard drive and CD/DVD drive cables are properly connected to the system board (see "System Board Components"

in your User’s Guide

• 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 CD/DVD drive), check the system setup program (see "System

in your User’s Guide

Setup" the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell" in your

(see

User’s Guide

in your

) to ensure

Quick Reference Guide 29

Beep Codes

Your computer may emit a series of beeps during start up. The series of beeps is called a beep code and can be used to help identify a problem with your computer.

If your computer emits a series of beeps during start-up:

Write down the beep code.

Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify the cause (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 33).

Code Cause

2 short, 1 long BIOS checksum error 1 long, 3 short, 2 short Memory error 1 short F12 key pressed

Code (repetitive short beeps)

1BIOS checksum

2 No memory modules

3Possible

Description Suggested Remedy

failure. Possible motherboard failure.

are detected.

motherboard failure.

Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your User’s Guide).

• If available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see "Memory"

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell" in your

(see

User’s Guide

Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your User’s Guide).

in your User’s Guide

30 Quick Reference Guide

+ 222 hidden pages