Dell Dimension 2100 User Manual
Dell™Dimension™2100SystemReference
Model MCM
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2001-2002 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell and Dimension are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation; Intel, Celeron, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; VESA is a registered trademark of Video Electronics Standards Association; Adobe is
a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated, which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.
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 Computer Corporation
disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
August 2002 Rev. A03
Conventions
Technical Overview
Controls and Lights
Drivers
System Codes and Messages
System Setup Program
Technical Specifications
Removing and Replacing Parts
Documentation
Back to Contents Page
SystemCodesandMessages:Dell™Dimension™2100SystemReference
Diagnostic Codes
Your computer is equipped with four diagnostic code lights, which are labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the back of the computer. Each of the four
lights can be yellow, green, or off, as shown in Table 1. When the computer is turned on or restarted and is functioning normally, the lights flash
during power-on self-test (POST). After the computer starts, the lights remain green to signify normal computer operation.
If a malfunction is detected and the computer fails to start, the lights display a code that identifies the problem. Write down the diagnostic code
displayed and look it up in Table 1.
Table 1. Diagnostic Codes
Diagnostic Codes
POST Beep Codes
System Messages
Diagnostic Code
Definition
Corrective Action
Power up default.
Make sure that the computer is
connected to a known working
electrical outlet, and then check
whether the front-panel power light is
on or off. If the power light is off,
check the power supply. If the
problempersists,see"Contacting
Dell" in the Solutions Guide for
instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
Remove all cards.Ifthecomputerstill
doesnotstart,see"ContactingDell"
in the Solutions Guide for instructions
on obtaining technical assistance.
System board is receiving power,
but the BIOS is not executing.
Set the configuration jumper to
Maintenance mode, and restart the
computer. Enter the system setup
program and ensure that the
processor speed is set correctly. Exit
and save the setting. Turn off the
computer, reset the configuration
jumper to Normal mode, and then
restart the computer. Remove all
cards and restart the computer to
determine if a resource conflict
exists. If a conflict exists, resolve the
conflict.
Iftheproblempersists,see
"Contacting Dell" in the Solutions
Guide for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
Recovery mode from BIOS failure.
Set the configuration jumper to
Maintenance mode, and restart the
computer. Enter the system setup
program and ensure that the
processor speed is set correctly. Exit
and save the setting. Turn off the
computer, reset the configuration
jumper to Normal mode, and then
restart the computer. If the problem
persists, see"ContactingDell"inthe
Solutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
POST Beep Codes
If the monitor cannot display errors or problems, during power-on self-test (POST) the computer may emit a series of beeps, or beep code, that
identifies the problem.
If the computer emits a beep code and then fails to start, write down the beep code and look it up in Table 2.
Table 2. System Beep Codes
Microprocessor has failed a BIOS
test.
Iftheproblempersists,see
"Contacting Dell" in the Solutions
Guide for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
Memory failed to be sized or
enabled.
Reseat the memory modules. If the
problem persists, remove all but one
memory module, and then restart the
computer. Repeat this step until the
malfunctioning memory module is
identified.
PCI bus failure has occurred.
Remove all cards and restart the
computer to determine if a resource
conflict exists. If a conflict exists,
resolve the conflict.
Iftheproblempersists,see
"Contacting Dell" in the Solutions
Guide for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
Video controller failed to initialize or
respond.
Iftheproblempersists,see
"Contacting Dell" in the Solutions
Guide for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
IDE bus failure has occurred.
Reseat the IDE cables. If the problem
persists,see"ContactingDell"inthe
Solutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
USB port or a device connected to it
has failed initialization.
Disconnect the device from the USB
port.Iftheproblempersists,see
"Contacting Dell" in the Solutions
Guide for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
Other failure.
See"ContactingDell"inthe
Solutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
Computer has started and turned
over control to the operating system.
No action is necessary.
Beep
Code
Possible Cause
Corrective Action
1
Memory refresh failure
Reseat the memory modules.
2
Parity cannot be reset
Reseat the memory modules.
3
Memory failure within the first 64
KB of memory
Reseat the memory modules.
4
Timer not operational
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
5
Processor failure
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
6
8442 keyboard controller error
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions on
System Messages
The first column in Table 3 lists (in alphabetical order) system messages that may appear on the screen during the boot routine or during normal
computer operation. The second column in the table lists probable causes of the messages, and the third column either provides a corrective
action or refers you to a source for resolving the problem.
Table 3. System Messages
obtaining technical assistance.
7
Processor exception error
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
8
Video display memory error
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
9
Optional ROM checksum error
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
10
CMOS memory error
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
11
BIOS checksum error
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
Message
Possible Cause
Corrective Action
8042 Gate-A20 Error
The keyboard controller failed its test.
If you receive this message after making changes in the system
setup program, enter the program and restore the original value
(s).
Address Line Short!
Error in the address decoding circuitry in the
memory.
Reseat the memory modules.
C: Drive Error
C: Drive Failure
The hard drive is not working or is not
configured correctly.
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the chassis and
defined correctly in the system setup program.
Cache Memory Bad, Do
Not Enable Cache
Cache memory is not operating.
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions
on obtaining technical assistance.
Ch-2 Timer Error
System board timer error occurred.
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions
on obtaining technical assistance.
CMOS Battery State
Low
CMOS Checksum
Failure
CMOS Display Type
Mismatch
CMOS Memory Size
Mismatch
CMOS System Options
Not Set
CMOS Time and Date
Not Set
The system configuration information in the
system setup program is incorrect, or the
battery charge may be low.
Enter the system setup program and verify the system
configuration; then restart the computer.
Diskette Boot
Failure
Drive A or B is present but has failed the BIOS
POST.
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer frame
and defined correctly in the system setup program. Check the
interface cable at both ends.
DMA Error
DMA 1 Error
DMA 2 Error
Error in the DMA controller on the system
board.
The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.
FDD Controller
Failure
HDD Controller
Failure
BIOS cannot communicate with the floppy drive
or hard drive controller.
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer frame
and defined correctly in the system setup program. Check the
interface cable at both ends.
INTR1 Error
INTR2 Error
Interrupt channel on the system board failed the
POST.
The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.
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Invalid Boot
Diskette
The operating system cannot be located on
drive A or drive C.
Enter the system setup program and confirm that drive A or
drive C is properly identified.
KB/Interface Error
An error occurred with the keyboard connector.
The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.
Keyboard Error nn
The BIOS has detected a stuck key
represented by scan code nn.
Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key
appears to be stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists,
you may need to replace the keyboard.
No ROM Basic
The operating system cannot be located on
drive A or drive C.
Enter the system setup program and confirm that drive A or
drive C is properly identified.
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ResolvingSoftwareandHardwareIncompatibilities:Dell™Dimension™2100System
Reference
Windows® 98 and Windows Me Hardware and Software Incompatibility Occurrences
Interrupt request (IRQ) conflicts occur on computers running the Microsoft®Windows 98 or Windows Me operating system if a device is either:
l Not detected during the Windows 98 or Windows Me Plug and Play setup
l Detected but incorrectly configured
To check for conflicts on a computer running Windows 98 or Windows Me:
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel, double-click System.
3. Click the Device Manager tab.
4. In the Device Manager list, check for conflicts with the other devices.
Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) beside the conflicting device or a red X if the device has been disabled.
5. Double-click any conflicting device listed to bring up the Properties window so you can determine what needs to be reconfigured or
removed from the Device Manager.
Resolve these conflicts before checking specific devices.
6. Double-click the malfunctioning device type in the Device Manager list.
7. Double-click the icon for the specific device in the expanded list.
The Properties window appears.
8. Resolve any IRQ conflicts.
If there is an IRQ conflict, the Device status area in the Properties window reports what cards or devices are sharing the device's IRQ.
You can also use the Windows 98 or Windows Me Hardware Conflict Troubleshooter. To use the troubleshooter:
1. Click the Start button, and then click Help.
2. In Windows 98, double-click Troubleshooting on the Contents tab, and then double-click If you have a hardware conflict.
In Windows Me, double-click Troubleshooting in the What would you like help with? list, click Hardware & system device
problems, click Hardware, memory, & others, and then click Hardware Troubleshooter.
Windows 2000 Hardware and Software Incompatibility Occurrences
To check for conflicts on a computer running the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system:
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel, double-click System.
3. Click the Hardware tab.
4. Click Device Manager.
5. Click View, and then click Resources by connection.
6. Double-click Interrupt request (IRQ) to view the IRQ assignments.
Windows 98 and Windows Millennium Edition (Me) Hardware and Software Incompatibility Occurrences
Windows 2000 Hardware and Software Incompatibility Occurrences
Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) beside the conflicting device or a red X if the device has been disabled.
7. Double-click any conflicting device listed to bring up the Properties window so you can determine what needs to be reconfigured or
removed from the Device Manager.
Resolve these conflicts before checking specific devices.
8. Double-click the malfunctioning device type in the Device Manager list.
9. Double-click the icon for the specific device in the expanded list.
The Properties window appears.
If there is an IRQ conflict, the Device status area in the Properties window reports what cards or devices are sharing the device's IRQ.
10. Resolve the IRQ conflicts.
You can also use the Windows 2000 Hardware Conflict Troubleshooter. To use the troubleshooter:
1. Click the Start button, and then click Help.
2. Double-click Troubleshooting and Maintenance on the Contents tab.
3. Double-click If you have a hardware conflict.
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ControlsandLights:Dell™Dimension™2100SystemReference
Front Panel
Back Panel
Back to Contents Page
Front Panel
Back Panel
1
Floppy-drive access light — Lights up when a floppy drive is being accessed.
2
Power — Turns the computer on and off. Lights up when the computer is on. Press and hold
for 4 seconds to shut down.
3
Hard-drive access light — Lights up when a hard drive is being accessed.
1
Voltage selection switch — Selects the operating voltage for the computer.
2
Diagnostic code lights (4) — If a malfunction is detected and the computer fails to start, the
lights display a code that identifies the problem.
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Conventions:Dell™Dimension™2100SystemReference
The following subsections describe notational conventions used in this document.
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Throughout this guide, blocks of text may be accompanied by an icon and printed in bold type or in italic type. These blocks are notes, notices, and
cautions, and they are used as follows:
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
Typographical Conventions
The following list defines (where appropriate) and illustrates typographical conventions used as visual cues for specific elements of text throughout
this document:
l Interface components are window titles, button and icon names, menu names and selections, and other options that appear on the monitor
screen or display. They are presented in bold.
Example: Click OK.
l Keycaps are labels that appear on the keys on a keyboard. They are enclosed in angle brackets.
Example: <Enter>
l Key combinations are series of keys to be pressed simultaneously (unless otherwise indicated) to perform a single function.
Example: <Ctrl><Alt><Enter>
l Commands presented in lowercase bold are for reference purposes only and are not intended to be typed when referenced.
Example: “Use the format command to . . . .”
In contrast, commands presented in the Courier New font are part of an instruction and intended to be typed.
Example: “Type format a: to format the floppy in drive A.”
l Filenames and directory names are presented in lowercase bold.
Examples: autoexec.bat and c:\windows
l Screen text is a message or text that you are instructed to type as part of a command (referred to as a command line). Screen text is
presented in the Courier New font.
Example: The following message appears on your screen:
No boot device available
Example: “Type md c:\programs and press <Enter>.”
l Variables are placeholders for which you substitute a value. They are presented in italics.
Example: DIMM_x (where x represents the memory socket designation).
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Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Typographical Conventions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
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Documentation:Dell™Dimension™2100SystemReference
Printed Documentation
The following printed documents are provided to you with your purchase of your computer. They are located inside the documentation box that
came with your computer. For your convenience, you may also view these documents online. Be sure to read the following instructions thoroughly
before viewing the documents.
To save PDF files (files with an extension of .pdf) to your hard drive, right-click the document title, click Save Target As in Microsoft®Internet
Explorer or Save Link As in Netscape Navigator, and specify a location on your hard drive.
Right-click only the following links:
l Dell Dimension 2100 Solutions Guide (.pdf) (1601 KB) — Provides information on adding upgrades, performing basic troubleshooting
procedures, and reinstalling drivers. It also covers technical specifications.
Online Documentation
The Tell Me How help file is already loaded on your hard drive when you receive your computer. To open the file, click the Start button on the
Windows®desktop, point to Programs—> User’s Guides, and then click Tell Me How.
The Tell Me How help file allows you to search for information in multiple ways. You can quickly link to information on the following topics:
l Hardware and software features of your computer
l The Windows desktop, where you can change your wallpaper and screen saver, create shortcuts, and position icons
l Software access, installation, and removal
l Basic file management, such as finding, copying, deleting, and renaming files
l Tips on using your computer hardware
To Download a New Tell Me How Help File and Associated Files
1. Right-click the following link to the hhactivex.dll file: hhactivex.dll.
2. Click Save Target As in Microsoft Internet Explorer or Save Link As in Netscape Navigator, and specify c:\windows\system on your hard
drive.
3. Click the Start button on the Microsoft Windows desktop, and then click Run.
4. Type regsvr32 hhactivex.dll and then press <Enter>.
5. Click OK when the installation is complete.
6. Right-click the following link to the file: Dell Dimension 2100 System Tell Me How (.chm) (2385 KB).
7. Click Save Target As in Microsoft Internet Explorer or Save Link As in Netscape Navigator, and specify a location on your hard drive.
Viewing the Tell Me How Help File
Printed Documentation
Online Documentation
You must right-click the link for a portable document format (PDF) file and save the file to your hard drive. Attempting to open
large PDF files through your browser by left-clicking the link causes your computer to freeze.
NOTES:PDFfilesrequireAdobe™AcrobatReader,whichcanbedownloadedfromtheAdobeWorldWideWebsiteat
http://www.adobe.com/acrobat/
.
To view a PDF file, launch Acrobat Reader. Click File–> Open and select the PDF file.
Tell Me How help files (files with an extension of .chm) require Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or later.
1. Click the Start button on the Windows desktop, point to Programs, and then click Windows Explorer.
2. Navigate to the directory in which you saved the Tell Me How help file.
3. Double-click the file (tellhow.chm).
Back to Contents Page
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Drivers:Dell™Dimension™2100SystemReference
All of your computer’s drivers for Dell-installed devices are operative when you receive the computer—no further installation or configuration is
needed. However, if you ever need to reinstall any of these drivers, the driver files are provided on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD.
Device problems can often be corrected by reinstalling the appropriate drivers. Also, hardware manufacturers frequently provide updated drivers
that support feature enhancements or that correct problems. Obtain updated drivers for products purchased from Dell at the support section of the
Dell World Wide Web site (http://support.dell.com).
NOTICE: Drivers available on the Dell Web site have been validated for correct operation on Dell systems. Installing drivers obtained
from other sources may cause errors or performance degradation.
Your Computer’s Drivers
The device drivers that can be reinstalled on your computer are listed below:
l Intel®800 Series Chip Set Driver — Installs Microsoft®Windows®98 device installation files (.inf) that tell the operating system how
certain chip set components should be configured for proper operation.
l Intel Security Driver — Provides a heightened level of security for transmitting data across a network or across the Internet.
l Intel 810e Video Driver — Enables the computer’s video controller to properly function.
l Other Drivers — Control the devices, such as video, modem, or network interface controller (NIC) cards, that might be installed on your
computer. For instructions on how to reinstall those drivers, see the device’s documentation. The documentation can be found by clicking the
Start button on the Windows desktop, pointing to Programs—> User’s Guides, and then clicking System Documentation.
Using the Dell Dimension ResourceCD to Reinstall Drivers
NOTICE: The Dell Dimension ResourceCD contains drivers for devices that might not be installed in your computer. Do not install
device drivers unless you first identify the specific driver intended for the hardware installed in your computer (see "Your
Computer’s Drivers"). Installing incorrect drivers might make your computer inoperable.
1. From the Windows desktop, insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD or DVD drive.
If this is your first time to use the ResourceCD, go to the next step. If not, go to step 5.
2. When the ResourceCD Installation program starts, follow the instructions on the screen.
3. When the InstallShield Wizard Complete window appears, remove the ResourceCD and click Finish to restart the computer.
4. When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the ResourceCD into the CD or DVD drive.
5. At the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next.
The Please wait... the ResourceCD is detecting hardware in your computer message appears.
The drivers that are used by your computer are automatically displayed in the My Drivers—The ResourceCD has identified these
components in your system window.
6. Click the driver that you want to reinstall and follow the prompts on the screen.
If a particular driver is not listed, then that driver is not required by your operating system.
To view other contents on the ResourceCD:
Your Computer's Drivers
Using the Dell Dimension ResourceCD to Reinstall Drivers
NOTES: If a driver does not appear under a selected operating system on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, then the driver is not
required by that operating system.
If you reinstall Windows 98, you must reinstall the Intel 800 Series Chip Set driver before you reinstall any other drivers.
NOTE: The ResourceCD displays drivers only for hardware that Dell installed at the time of purchase. If you installed any additional
hardware, those drivers may not be displayed by the ResourceCD. If those drivers are not displayed, exit the ResourceCD program and
refer to the documentation and drivers that came with that product.
1. Be sure your computer is selected in the System Model list.
2. Be sure your operating system is selected in the Operating System list.
3. Select the type of device in the Device Type list.
NOTICE: The Dell Dimension ResourceCD contains drivers for devices that are not part of your computer. Only reinstall the specific
drivers for hardware included in your computer. Otherwise, your computer might not work correctly.
4. Select a topic in the Topic list.
If you select Drivers in the Topic list and a particular driver is not listed, then that driver is not required by your operating system.
Back to Contents Page
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RemovingandReplacingParts:Dell™Dimension™2100SystemReference
Overview
Unless otherwise noted, each of the following procedures assumes:
l You have the recommended tools.
l You have performed the steps in "Precautionary Measures."
l You have removed the computer cover.
l You can replace or reinstall a part by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Precautionary Measures
Before you remove or replace parts in the computer, read the following caution for your personal safety and to prevent damage to the computer
from electrostatic discharge (ESD).
After you remove or replace parts in the computer, observe the following notice to prevent damage to the computer:
Recommended Tools
l Small flat-blade screwdriver
Overview
Hard Drive
Precautionary Measures
Power Supply and Fan Assembly
Recommended Tools
Control Panel
Cover
Cards
Rotating the Power Supply
Memory
Front panel
Heat Sink
3.5-Inch Front Panel Insert
Microprocessor
Upper 3.5-Inch Drive
Battery
Lower 3.5-Inch Floppy Drive
System Board
5.25-Inch Drive
CAUTION FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF THE EQUIPMENT.
Before you start to work on the system, perform the following steps in the sequence listed:
1. Turn off your computer and all devices.
2. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface at the back of the computer before touching anything inside
your computer.
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer to dissipate any static electricity that
might harm internal components.
3. Disconnect any devices connected to the computer, including the monitor, from their electrical outlets to reduce the
potential for personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
4. Disconnect the power cable to your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
NOTICE: Make sure that all other computer cables are connected before connecting the computer to its electrical outlet.
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