Dell DHM, DHP User Manual

Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX280

Quick Reference Guide

Models DHP, DHS, DCNE, DHM, DCSM

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.

The Quick Reference Guide, Drivers and Utilities CD, and operating system media are optional and may not ship with all computers.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2004 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, OptiPlex, and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.; 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.

Models DHP, DHS, DCNE, DHM, DCSM

September 2004

P/N P7069

Rev. A00

Contents

Finding Information for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	5
Front and Back Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	7
Small Form-Factor Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	7
Small Desktop Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	8
Desktop Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	9
Small Mini-Tower Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	10
Mini-Tower Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	12
Opening the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	13
Small Form-Factor, Small Desktop, and Small Mini-Tower
Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	13
Desktop and Mini-Tower Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	13
Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	14
Small Form-factor Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	14
Small Desktop Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	14
Desktop Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	15
Small Mini-Tower Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	15
Mini-Tower Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	16
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	16
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
Dell Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
System Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	21
Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23
Beep Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . .	27
Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
Using the Drivers and Utilities CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	32
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35

Contents 3

4 Contents

Finding Information for Your Computer

	What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
	• A diagnostic program for my computer	Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD)
	• Drivers for my computer	Documentation and drivers are already
	• My computer documentation	installed on your computer. You can use the
	• My device documentation	CD to reinstall drivers, run the Dell
	• Desktop System Software (DSS)	Diagnostics, or access your documentation.
		NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional
		and may not ship with all computers.
		Readme files may be included on your CD
		to provide last-minute updates about
		technical changes to your computer or advanced technical-reference
		material for technicians or experienced users.
	• Operating system updates and patches	Desktop System Software (DSS)
		Located on the Drivers and Utilities CD and the Dell Support website
		at support.dell.com.
	• Terms and Conditions	Product Information Guide
	• Warranty information
	• Safety instructions
	• Regulatory information
	• Ergonomics information
	• End User License Agreement
	• How to remove and replace parts	Dell™ OptiPlex™ User’s Guide
	• Technical specifications	Microsoft® Windows® XP Help and Support Center
	• How to configure system settings	1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
	• How to troubleshoot and solve problems	2 Click User’s and system guides and click User’s guides.
	• Service Tag and Express Service Code	Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License
	• Microsoft Windows License Label	These labels are located on your computer.
		• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer
		when you use support.dell.com or contact
		technical support.
		• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting
		technical support. The Express Service Code is not available in all
		countries.

Quick Reference Guide

5

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

	What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
	• Latest drivers for my computer	Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
	• Answers to technical service and support	NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site.
	questions	The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:
	• Online discussions with other users and
	technical support	• Troubleshooting — Hints and tips, articles from technicians, and online
	• Documentation for my computer	courses

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

•Services and Warranties — Contact information, order status, warranty, and repair information

•Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates

•User Guides — Computer documentation and product specifications

•Service call status and support history Dell Premier Support Website — premiersupport.dell.com

•Top technical issues for my computer

•Frequently asked questions

•File downloads

•Details on my computer configuration

•Service contract for my computer

The Dell Premier Support website is customized for corporate, government, and education customers. This website may not be available in all regions.

• How to use Windows XP	Windows Help and Support Center
• Documentation for my computer	1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
• Documentation for devices (such as a	2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.
modem)	3 Click the topic that describes your problem.
	4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
• How to reinstall my operating system	Operating System CD
	The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall
	your operating system, use the Operating System CD. See your OptiPlex
	User’s Guide for instructions.
	NOTE: The operating system media is optional and may not ship with all
	computers.
	After you reinstall your operating system, use the
	Drivers and Utilities CD (optional) 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 CD varies based on the
	operating system you ordered.
• Regulatory model information and chassis	• DHP — Small form-factor chassis
type	• DHS — Small desktop chassis
	• DCSM — Desktop chassis
	• DHM — Small mini-tower chassis
	• DCNE — Mini-Tower chassis

6 Quick Reference Guide

Front and Back Views

Small Form-Factor Computer

CD/DVD-drive eject button

CD/DVD-drive activity light

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

headphone connector

hard-drive activity light

network activity light

network adapter connector

link integrity light

floppy-drive eject button

Microsoft

Windows

Product Key

power button

power light

line-in connector

line-out connector

card slots (2)

power connector

parallel connector							microphone connector
serial connector							USB 2.0 connectors (6)
video connector
diagnostic lights

Quick Reference Guide

7

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Small Desktop Computer

front panel door

		headphone connector
		USB 2.0 connectors (2)
		CD/DVD-drive
		eject button
		Microsoft
		Windows
		Product Key
front panel door		floppy-drive eject button
power light		floppy-drive activity light
power button	hard-drive activity light
network activity light		line-in connector
network adapter connector		line-out connector
link integrity light		card slots (2)

parallel connector

microphone

power

serial connector

connector

connector

video connector

USB 2.0

diagnostic lights (4)

connectors (6)

8 Quick Reference Guide

Desktop Computer

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

CD/DVD-drive eject button

power button

power light

Microsoft
Windows
Product Key	microphone	diagnostic lights
floppy-drive
eject button	connector	headphone connector
network activity light		line-in connector
network adapter connector		line-out connector
link integrity light		voltage selection switch
card
slots (3)
		power
		connector
parallel connector		microphone connector
serial connector	USB 2.0 connectors (6)
video connector

Quick Reference Guide

9

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Small Mini-Tower Computer

Microsoft

Windows

Product Key

floppy-drive activity light

power light

power button

front-panel door NOTE: See "Small MiniTower Computer — Front-Panel Door and Hinge Arms" on page 11 for more information.

CD/DVD-drive eject button

floppy-drive eject button

hard-drive activity light

front panel door

headphone connector

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

power connector

voltage selection switch

parallel connector

video connector

diagnostic lights

USB 2.0 connectors (6)

microphone connector

line-out connector

card slots (5)

serial connector

link integrity light

network adapter connector network activity light

line-in connector

10 Quick Reference Guide

Small Mini-Tower Computer — Front-Panel Door and Hinge Arms

To prevent damage to your computer, the front-panel door is designed to "break away" if it is lifted up or pushed down too far.

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

Product Information Guide.

To reattach the front-panel door:

1. Lower the two hinge arms to the vertical. position

2. Align the two clips on the front-panel door with the hinge arms, and press inward.

To reattach the hinge arms, first remove the front-panel door by gently snapping it off the two hinge arms:

	1. Use your fingers	2. Lift both	3. Look through the two view
		hinge arms to	slots and align the pivot bar
	to pull here to
		a horizontal	with the two pivot-bar slots.
	remove the front-
		position.
	panel insert.
			pivot bar
			pivot-bar slot

Quick Reference Guide

11

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Mini-Tower Computer

microphone connector

headphone connector

diagnostic lights

Microsoft Windows

Product Key

CD/DVD-drive eject button

floppy-drive eject button USB 2.0 connectors (2)

power button power light

voltage selection switch

line-out connector

network activity light

network adapter connector

link integrity light

parallel connector

power connector

line-in connector

microphone connector

USB 2.0 connectors (6)

video connector serial connector

card slots (4)

12 Quick Reference Guide

Opening 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 opening the cover.

Before opening the cover, remove the lock if a lock is installed on the back of the computer.

Small Form-Factor, Small Desktop, and Small Mini-Tower Computers

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

1Remove the computer stand, if one is attached.

2Locate the two release buttons shown in the figure. Then press the two release buttons as you lift the cover.

NOTICE: Open the cover slowly to ensure that you do not damage any cables.

3 Raise the back of the cover, and pivot it toward the front of the computer.

NOTE: When opening the small mini-tower computer, first press the release button on the right side of the computer with one hand while pulling up on the top of the cover with the other hand, and then press the release button on the left side of the computer with one hand while pulling up on the top of the cover with the other hand.

Desktop and Mini-Tower Computers

Locate the cover release lever on the back of the computer, and press the lever to release the cover.

Quick Reference Guide

13

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Inside Your Computer

Small Form-factor Computer

floppy drive

hard drive

heat sink and blower assembly

padlock ring

PCI-E x16 connector

Small Desktop Computer

CD/DVD drive

floppy drive

system board

heat sink and blower assembly

PCI-E x16 connector

PCI-E x1 connector

CD/DVD drive

internal speaker

chassis intrusion switch

SATA connector

system board

power supply

hard drive

internal speaker

chassis intrusion switch

SATA connector(s) (2) NOTE: Your computer may not have the SATA1 connector.

power supply

card cage

14 Quick Reference Guide

Desktop Computer

power supply

CD/DVD, floppy, and hard drive (stacked)

chassis intrusion switch

SATA connectors (2)

system board

PCI-E x16 connector

heat sink shroud assembly

Small Mini-Tower Computer

CD/DVD drive

	floppy drive
power supply	hard drive

heat sink shroud	internal speaker
assembly
	chassis intrusion switch
padlock ring

	PCI-E x16	SATA connectors (4)
		NOTE: Your computer may not
	connector
		have the SATA1 or SATA3
	PCI-E x1	connectors.
		system board
	connector

Quick Reference Guide

15

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Mini-Tower Computer

power supply

floppy drive CD/DVD drive

chassis intrusion switch

SATA connectors (2)

system board

PCI-E x16 connector

heat sink shroud assembly

hard drive

Setting Up Your Computer

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

Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: If your computer has an expansion card installed (such as a modem card), connect the appropriate cable to the card, not to the connector on the back panel.

You must complete all the steps to properly set up your computer. See the appropriate figures that follow the instructions.

1 Connect the keyboard and mouse.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to operate a PS/2 mouse and a USB mouse simultaneously.

2Connect the modem or network cable.

Insert the network cable, not the telephone line, into the network connector. If you have an optional modem, connect the telephone line to the modem.

NOTICE: Do not connect a modem cable to the network adapter. Voltage from telephone communications can cause damage to the network adapter.

16 Quick Reference Guide

3Connect the monitor.

Align and gently insert the monitor cable to avoid bending connector pins. Tighten the thumbscrews on the cable connectors.

NOTE: Some monitors have the video connector underneath the back of the screen. See the documentation that came with your monitor for its connector locations.

4Connect the speakers.

5Connect power cables to the computer, monitor, and devices and insert the other ends of the power cables to electrical outlets.

6Verify that the voltage selection switch is set correctly for your location.

Your computer has a manual voltage selection switch. Computers with a voltage selection switch on the back panel must be manually set to operate at the correct operating voltage.

NOTICE: 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.

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

NOTE: Your computer may vary slightly from the following setup figures.

Set Up Your Keyboard and Mouse

Quick Reference Guide

17

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Set Up Your Monitor

Power Connections

18 Quick Reference Guide

Solving Problems

Dell provides a number of tools to help you if your computer does not perform as expected. For the latest troubleshooting information available for your computer, see the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

If computer problems occur that require help from Dell, write a detailed description of the error, beep codes, or diagnostics light patterns; record your Express Service Code and Service Tag below; and then contact Dell from the same location as your computer.

See "Finding Information for Your Computer" on page 5 for an example of the Express Service Code and Service Tag.

Express Service Code:___________________________

Service Tag:___________________________

Dell Diagnostics

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

Product Information Guide.

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) is optional and therefore may not ship with all computers.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" of your online User’s Guide and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

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

Enter system setup, review your computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in system setup and is active.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

1Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD (optional).

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

3When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.

4When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.

Quick Reference Guide

19

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) is optional and therefore may not ship with all computers.

1Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.

2Shut down and restart the computer.

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

If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your 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 system setup.

3When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM Device and press <Enter>.

4Select the IDE CD-ROM Device option from the CD boot menu.

5Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears.

6Type 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.

7Type 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.

8Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.

9When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

1After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.

Option	Function
Express Test	Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and
	requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the
	possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
Extended Test	Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more
	and requires you to answer questions periodically.
Custom Test	Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.
Symptom Tree	Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test
	based on the symptom of the problem you are having.

2If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell.

20 Quick Reference Guide

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.

3If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information.

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 may indicate requirements for running the test.
Configuration	Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.
	The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from
	system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the
	information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may
	not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all
	devices attached to your computer.
Parameters	Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.

4When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD (optional), remove the CD.

5Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.

System Lights

Your power light may indicate a computer problem.

Power Light	Problem Description	Suggested Resolution
Solid green	Power is on, and the computer is	No corrective action is required.
	operating normally.
Blinking green	The computer is in the suspended	Press the power button, move the mouse, or
	state (Microsoft® Windows® 2000	press a key on the keyboard to wake the
	and Windows XP).	computer.
Blinks green several	A configuration error exists.	Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see if
times and then		the specific problem is identified.
turns off

Quick Reference Guide

21

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Power Light	Problem Description	Suggested Resolution
Solid yellow	The Dell Diagnostics is running a	If the Dell Diagnostics is running, allow the
	test, or a device on the system board	testing to complete.
	may be faulty or incorrectly installed.	Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see if
		the specific problem is identified.
		If the computer does not boot, contact Dell
		for technical assistance. For information on
		contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.
Blinking yellow	A power supply or system board	Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see if
	failure has occurred.	the specific problem is identified. See "Power
		Problems" in your online User’s Guide.
Solid green and a	A problem was detected while the	See "Beep Codes" on page 26 for instructions
beep code during	BIOS was executing.	on diagnosing the beep code. Also, check
POST		"Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see if the
		specific problem is identified.
Solid green power	The monitor or the graphics card may	Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see if
light, no beep code	be faulty or incorrectly installed.	the specific problem is identified.
and no video during
POST
Solid green power	An integrated system board device	Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see if
light and no beep	may be faulty.	the specific problem is identified. If the
code but the		problem is not identified, contact Dell for
computer locks up		technical assistance. For information on
during POST		contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.

22 Quick Reference Guide

Diagnostic Lights

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

Product Information Guide.

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your small form factor, small desktop, and small mini-tower computers have four lights labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the back panel. The lights can be yellow or green. When the computer starts normally, the patterns or codes on the lights change as the boot process completes. If the POST portion of system boot completes successfully, all four lights display solid green. If the computer malfunctions during the POST process, the pattern displayed on the LEDs may help identify where in the process the computer halted.

NOTE: The orientation of the diagnostic lights may vary depending on the system type. The diagnostic lights can appear in either a vertical or horizontal orientation.

Y = Yellow

G = Green

Light Pattern	Problem Description	Suggested Resolution
	The computer is in a normal "off"	Plug the computer into a working
off off off off	condition or a possible pre-BIOS failure	electrical outlet and press the power
	has occurred.	button.

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

Y Y Y G

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

A possible processor failure has occurred. Reinstall the processor and restart the computer. For information on reinstalling

Y Y G Y the processor, see your online User’s Guide.

Quick Reference Guide

23

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Light Pattern	Problem Description	Suggested Resolution
	Memory modules are detected, but a	• If you have one memory module
	memory failure has occurred.	installed, reinstall it and restart the
Y Y G	G	computer. For information on
		reinstalling memory modules, see your
		online User’s Guide.

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

• If available, install properly working memory modules of the same type into your computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.

			A possible expansion card failure has	• Determine if a conflict exists by
			occurred.	removing a card (not the graphics card)
Y	G	Y	Y	and then restarting the computer.

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

• Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 27).

• Move each card one at a time to a different PCI connector and restart the computer after each move.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.

24 Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern			Problem Description	Suggested Resolution
			A possible graphics card failure has	• If the computer has a graphics card,
			occurred.	remove the card, reinstall it, and then
Y	G	Y	G	restart the computer.
				• If the problem still exists, install a
				graphics card that you know works and
				restart the computer.
				• If the problem persists or the computer
				has integrated graphics, contact Dell.
				For information on contacting Dell, see
				your online User’s Guide.
			A possible floppy or hard drive failure has	Reseat all power and data cables and
			occurred.	restart the computer.
Y	G	G	Y

A possible USB failure has occurred.

Y G G G

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

No memory modules are detected.

G Y Y Y

•If you have one memory module installed, reinstall it and restart the computer. For information on reinstalling memory modules, see your online User’s Guide.

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

•If available, install properly working memory modules of the same type into your computer.

•If the problem persists, contact Dell. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.

Quick Reference Guide

25

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Light Pattern			Problem Description	Suggested Resolution
			Memory modules are detected, but a	• Ensure that no special memory module
			memory configuration or compatibility	or memory connector placement
G	Y	G	Y error exists.	requirements exist.
				• Verify that the memory modules that
				you are installing are compatible with
				your computer.
				• If the problem persists, contact Dell. For
				information on contacting Dell, see
				your online User’s Guide.
			Other failure has occurred.	• Ensure that the cables are properly
G	G	G	Y	connected to the system board from the
				hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive.
				• Check the computer message that
				appears on your monitor screen.
				• If the problem persists, contact Dell. For
				information on contacting Dell, see
				your online User’s Guide.
			The computer is in a normal operating	None.
			condition after POST.
G	G	G	G

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. One possible beep code (code 1-3-1) 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.

If your computer beeps during start-up:

1Write down the beep code.

2See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 19 to identify a more serious cause.

3Contact Dell for technical assistance. For information on contacting Dell, see your online

User’s Guide.

Code	Cause	Code	Cause
1-1-2	Microprocessor register failure	3-1-4	Slave interrupt mask register failure
1-1-3	NVRAM read/write failure	3-2-2	Interrupt vector loading failure
1-1-4	ROM BIOS checksum failure	3-2-4	Keyboard Controller Test failure
1-2-1	Programmable interval timer failure	3-3-1	NVRAM power loss

26 Quick Reference Guide

Code	Cause	Code	Cause
1-2-2	DMA initialization failure	3-3-2	Invalid NVRAM configuration
1-2-3	DMA page register read/write failure	3-3-4	Video Memory Test failure
1-3	Video Memory Test failure	3-4-1	Screen initialization failure
1-3-1 through 2-4-4	Memory not being properly identified	3-4-2	Screen retrace failure
	or used
3-1-1	Slave DMA register failure	3-4-3	Search for video ROM failure
3-1-2	Master DMA register failure	4-2-1	No timer tick
3-1-3	Master interrupt mask register failure	4-2-2	Shutdown failure
4-2-3	Gate A20 failure	4-4-1	Serial or parallel port test failure
4-2-4	Unexpected interrupt in protected	4-4-2	Failure to decompress code to shadowed
	mode		memory
4-3-1	Memory failure above address 0FFFFh	4-4-3	Math-coprocessor test failure
4-3-3	Timer-chip counter 2 failure	4-4-4	Cache test failure
4-3-4	Time-of-day clock stopped

Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics

The Dell IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics is a utility that tests the hard drive to troubleshoot or confirm a hard drive failure.

1Turn on your computer (if your computer is already on, restart it).

2When F2= Setup appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <Ctrl><Alt><d>.

3Follow the instructions on the screen.

If a failure is reported, see "Hard Drive Problems" in the "Solving Problems" section of the online

User’s Guide.

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility. In the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 operating system, you can also use Device Manager to resolve incompatibilities.

Windows XP

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

1Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.

3Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.

Quick Reference Guide

27

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

4In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and click Next.

Windows 2000

To resolve incompatibilities using Device Manager:

1Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

2In the Control Panel window, double-click System.

3Click the Hardware tab.

4Click Device Manager.

5Click View and click Resources by connection.

6Double-click Interrupt request (IRQ).

Incorrectly configured devices are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) or a red X if the device has been disabled.

7Double-click any device marked with an exclamation point to display the Properties window.

The Device status area in the Properties window reports the cards or devices that need to be reconfigured.

8Reconfigure the devices or remove the devices from the Device Manager. See the documentation that came with the device for information on configuring the device.

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

1Click the Start button and click Help.

2Click Troubleshooting and Maintenance on the Contents tab, click Windows 2000 troubleshooters, and then click Hardware.

In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer and click Next.

Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Windows Help and Support Center for information on using System Restore.

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

28 Quick Reference Guide

Creating a Restore Point

1Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2Click System Restore.

3Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then click System Restore.

2Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.

3Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.

The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.

4Select a restore point and click Next.

If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.

5Click Next.

The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts.

6After the computer restarts, click OK.

To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.

Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then click System Restore.

2Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.

3Click Next.

The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.

4After the computer restarts, click OK.

Quick Reference Guide

29

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Enabling System Restore

If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2Click Performance and Maintenance.

3Click System.

4Click the System Restore tab.

5Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

Before You Begin

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

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.

To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:

•Dell™ Operating System CD

•Dell Drivers and Utilities CD

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the Drivers and Utilities CD to load any required drivers, including the drivers required if your computer has a RAID controller.

Reinstalling Windows XP

NOTICE: You must use Windows XP Service Pack 1 or later when you reinstall Windows XP.

To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.

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.

NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so.

NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.

30 Quick Reference Guide