Dell Dimension 4700 User Manual

Dell™ Dimension™ 4700 Series

Service Tag

floppy drive light*

power light

power button

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

power connector

voltage selection switch

serial connector

integrated VGA video connector

keyboard connector

center/LFE connector

line-out connector

microphone connector

USB 2.0 connectors (6)

VGA video connector*

TV-OUT connector*

optional sound card connector*

*On computers with a floppy drive.

parallel connector

diagnostic lights (4)

mouse connector

surround connector

line-in connector

network adapter connector

cover latch

PCI card (2), PCI Express x1 card (1),
PCI Express x16 card (1) slots

*Not present on

all computers.

DVI video connector*

CD or DVD drive
activity light

CD or DVD eject button

floppy drive eject button*

hard-drive activity light

headphones

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.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the

Dell Dimension Help

file. To access the help file, see

page 9.

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft

®

Windows®

operating systems are not applicable.

____________________

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, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault,

PowerApp, DellNet, PowerConnect, and Axim are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation;
Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook 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.

Model DMC

July 2004 P/N Y6949 Rev. A00

Contents

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Printer Cable
Connecting a USB Printer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Connecting a Parallel Printer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connecting Two Monitors

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

. . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Connecting One Monitor With a VGA connector and One
Monitor With a DVI Connector:

Connecting a Television
Changing the Display Settings

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter
Network Setup Wizard

Connecting to the Internet

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

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

Copying CDs and DVDs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

How to Copy a CD or DVD
Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs
Helpful Tips

Hyper-Threading

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Battery Problems

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

Contents 3

Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

CD and DVD drive problems
Hard drive problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

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

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

Keyboard Problems

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

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

Lockups and Software Problems

The computer does not start up
The computer stops responding
A program stops responding
A program crashes repeatedly

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system
A solid blue screen appears
Other software problems

Memory Problems

Mouse Problems

Network Problems

Power Problems

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

. . . . . 27

3 Advanced Troubleshooting

4 Contents

Sound and Speaker Problems

No sound from speakers
No sound from headphones

Video and Monitor Problems

If the screen is blank
If the screen is difficult to read

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Dell Diagnostics

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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

Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

What Is a Driver?
Identifying Drivers
Reinstalling Drivers

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Restoring Your Operating System

Using Microsoft

Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

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

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

4 Removing and Installing Parts

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Recommended Tools
Turning Off Your Computer
Before Working Inside Your Computer

Front and Back View of the Computer

Front View
Back View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

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

Removing the Computer Cover

Inside View of Your Computer

System Board Components

Memory

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

DDR Memory Overview
Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations
Installing Memory
Removing Memory

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Cards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

PCI Cards
PCI Express Cards

Front Panel

Removing the Front Panel
Removing the Front-Panel Insert
Reattaching the Front Panel

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

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

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

Contents 5

Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

General Installation Guidelines
Connecting Drive Cables

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

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

Hard Drive

Floppy Drive

CD/DVD Drive

Battery

Replacing the Computer Cover

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Removing a Hard Drive
Installing a Hard Drive
Adding a Second Hard Drive

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

Removing a Floppy Drive
Installing a Floppy Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Removing a CD/DVD Drive
Installing a CD/DVD Drive
Adding a Second CD or DVD Drive

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

A Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

System Setup

Overview
Entering System Setup
System Setup Options
Boot Sequence

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

6 Contents

Clearing Forgotten Passwords

Clearing CMOS Settings

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

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

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals
Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

. . . . . . . . 103

. . . . . . . . . 103

FCC Notices (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

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

Class A
Class B

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

FCC Identification Information

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Contacting Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Contents 7

8 Contents

Finding Information

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• How to access tutorials and other how to information

• How to get a copy of my invoice

• How to extend my warranty

®

• How to access Dell Support on my Microsoft
Windows

®

desktop (U.S. only)

• Additional documentation, tools, troubleshooting
information, and links to online support resources

• Warranty information

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Dell Solution Center

Dell™ Product Information Guide

On your Windows desktop

• How to set up my computer

• Tips on using Microsoft® Windows

®

• How to play CDs and DVDs

• How to use standby mode and hibernate mode

• How to change my display resolution

• How to clean my computer

Setup Diagram

The Dell Dimension Help file

1

Click the

2

Click

3

Click

Start

button and click

User and system guides
Dell Dimension Help

Help and Support

and click

User’s guides

.

.

.

Finding Information 9

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License

These labels are located on your computer.

• Use the Service Tag to

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

• Latest drivers for my computer

• Answers to technical service and support questions

• Online discussions with other users and technical
support

• Documentation for my computer

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support

site.

The Dell Support website provides several online tools,
including:

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such

• Customer Care — Contact information, order status,

• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates

• Reference — Computer documentation, product

• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer

• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)

Windows Help and Support Center

1

2

3

4

identify your computer
when you use

support.dell.com

or
contact technical
support.

contacting technical support. The Express Service Code
is not available in all countries.

from technicians, and online courses

customers

as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

warranty, and repair information

specifications, and white papers

Click the

Start

button and click

Help and Support

.

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.

10 Finding Information

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Setting Up a Printer

NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.

See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:

• Obtain and install updated drivers.

• Connect the printer to the computer.

• Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.

• Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance.

Printer Cable

Your printer connects to your computer with either a USB cable or a parallel cable. Your printer may
not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible
with your printer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer,
the cable may arrive in the computer box.

Connecting a USB Printer

NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.

Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.

1

2

Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

3

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

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 11

USB connector on computer

USB connector
on printer

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Connecting a Parallel Printer

1

Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so.

2

Turn off the computer (see page 47).

NOTICE: For best results, use a 3-m (10-ft) or shorter parallel cable.

Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the computer and tighten the

3

two screws. Attach the cable to the connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the
two notches.

USB printer
cable

12 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

parallel connector on computer

connector on printer

screws (2)

notches (2)

parallel printer cable

4

Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the

Cancel

window appears, click

5

Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

.

Add New Hardware Wizard

clips (2)

Connecting Two Monitors

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: If you are connecting two monitors that have VGA connectors, you must have the optional DVI

adapter. If you are connecting two flat-panel monitors, at least one of them must have a VGA connector.
If you are connecting a television, you may connect only one monitor (VGA or DVI) in addition to the
television.

If you purchased a graphics card that supports dual monitors, follow these instructions to connect
and enable your monitors. The instructions tell you how to connect either two monitors (each with
a VGA connector), one monitor with a VGA connector and one monitor with a DVI connector, or a
television.

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors

1

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

NOTE: If your computer has integrated video, do not connect either monitor to the integrated video

connector. If the integrated video connector is covered by a cap, do not remove the cap to connect the
monitor. The monitor will not function.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 13

2

Connect one of the monitors to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the computer.

3

Connect the other monitor to the optional DVI adapter and connect the DVI adapter to the
DVI (white) connector on the back of the computer.

optional DVI adapter

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

DVI (white) connector

TV-OUT connector

VGA (blue) connector

Connecting One Monitor With a VGA connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector:

1

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

2

Connect the VGA connector on the monitor to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the
computer.

3

Connect the DVI connector on the other monitor to the DVI (white) connector on the back
of the computer.

Connecting a Television

NOTE: To connect a television to your computer, you must purchase an S-video cable, which is available

at most consumer electronics stores. An S-video cable is not included with your computer.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

1

2

Connect one end of the S-video cable to the TV-OUT connector on the back of the computer.

3

Connect the other end of the S-video cable to the S-video input connector on your television.

4

Connect the VGA or DVI monitor as described on page 14.

14 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Changing the Display Settings

1

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

®

The Microsoft

2

Enable clone mode or extended desktop mode in the display settings.

Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor.

• In clone mode, both monitors display the same image.

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

For information on changing the display settings for your graphics card, see the user’s guide in
the Help and Support Center (click the

system guides

, click

Device guides

Start

button, click

Help and Support

, click

, and then click the guide for your graphics card).

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter

NOTE: Plug the network cable into the network adapter connector on the computer. Do not plug the

network cable into the modem connector on the computer. Do not plug a network cable into a telephone
wall jack.

Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer.

1

Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is secure.

2

Connect the other end of the network cable to a network device.

User and

network adapter connector

network adapter connector on computer

network device

network cable

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15

Network Setup Wizard

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you
through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a
home or small office.

1

Click the
click

Network Setup Wizard

2

On the welcome screen, click

3

Click

Checklist for creating a network

NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the

integrated firewall provided with Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1).

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Complete the checklist and required preparations.

4

5

Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.

Connecting to the Internet

NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.

To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service
provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet
connection options:

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

• DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone
line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your telephone on the same
line simultaneously.

• Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable
TV line.

If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your
computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are
using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.

Start

button, point to

All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications

.

Next

.

.

, and then

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an AOL or MSN connection:

1

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

2

Double-click the

3

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

MSN Explorer

or

AOL

icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

If you do not have an

MSN Explorer

or

AOL

icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an

Internet connection with a different ISP:

1

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

2

Click the

The

3

Click

4

In the next window, click the appropriate option:

• If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click

Start

button and click

New Connection Wizard

Connect to the Internet

service providers (ISPs)

Internet Explorer

appears.

.

.

.

Choose from a list of Internet

• If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a
setup CD, click

• If you have a CD, click

5

Click

Next

.

If you selected

Set up my connection manually

Use the CD I got from an ISP

Set up my connection manually

.

.

, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the

instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.

Click the appropriate option under

6

Next

click

7

Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

.

How do you want to connect to the Internet?

, and then

If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet
Problems" on page 23. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the
past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try
connecting again later.

Copying CDs and DVDs

NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs or DVDs.

This section applies only to computers that have a CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R, or
DVD/CD-RW combo drive.

NOTE: The types of CD or DVD drives offered by Dell may vary by countr y.

The following instructions show how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD. You can also use
Sonic RecordNow for other purposes, including creating CDs from audio files on your computer
and creating MP3 CDs. For instructions, see the Sonic RecordNow documentation that came with
your computer. Open Sonic RecordNow, click the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of
the window, and then click

RecordNow Help

or

RecordNow Tutorial

.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17

How to Copy a CD or DVD

NOTE: If you have a DVD/CD-RW combo drive and you experience recording problems, check for

available software patches at the Sonic support website at support.sonic.com.

Currently, five DVD-writable disc formats are available: DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW,
and DVD-RAM. The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell™ computers can write to DVD+R and
DVD+RW media, and can read DVD-R and DVD-RW media. However, DVD-writable drives do
not write to and might not read DVD-RAM media. In addition, commercially available DVD
players for home theater systems might not read all five formats.

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

RecordNow.

Click the

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1

RecordNow!

2

Click either the audio tab or the data tab, depending on the kind of CD or DVD you want to
copy.

3

Click

Exact Copy

4

To copy the CD or DVD:

If you have one CD or DVD drive

•
computer reads your source CD or DVD and copies it to a temporary folder on your
computer hard drive.

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

Start

button, point to

.

All Programs→

Sonic→ RecordNow!

, and then click

, ensure that the settings are correct and click

Copy

OK

. The

.

If you have two CD or DVD drives

•
source CD or DVD and click
the blank CD or DVD.

Once you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you have
created automatically ejects.

Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs

Your CD-RW drive can write to two different types of recording media—CD-Rs and CD-RWs
(including high-speed CD-RWs). Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files.
After creating a CD-R, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for
more information). Use blank CD-RWs to write to CDs or to erase, rewrite, or update data
on CDs.

Your DVD-writable drive can write to four different types of recording media—CD-Rs, CD-RWs
(including high-speed CD-RWs), DVD+Rs, and DVD+RWs. Blank DVD+Rs can be used to
permanently store large amounts of information. After you create a DVD+R disc, you may not be
able to write to that disc again if the disc is "finalized" or "closed" during the final stage of the disc
creation process. Use blank DVD+RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on that
disc later.

18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

, select the drive into which you have inserted your

Copy

. The computer copies the data on the CD or DVD to

Helpful Tips

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

• You must use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs do
not play in most home or car stereos.

• You cannot create audio DVDs with Sonic RecordNow.

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

• Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a
650-MB file to a 650-MB blank CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1 or 2 MB of the blank CD to
finalize the recording.

• Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD recording until you are familiar with CD recording
techniques. If you make a mistake, you can erase the data on the CD-RW and try again. You
can also use blank CD-RWs to test music file projects before you record the project
permanently to a blank CD-R.

• See the Sonic support website at

support.sonic.com

for additional information.

Hyper-Threading

Hyper-Threading is an Intel® technology that can enhance overall computer performance by
allowing one physical processor to function as two logical processors, capable of performing certain
tasks simultaneously. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft
(SP1) or later operating system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of
Hyper-Threading technology. While many programs can benefit from Hyper-Threading, some
programs have not been optimized for Hyper-Threading and may require an update from the
software manufacturer. Contact the software manufacturer for updates and information about
using Hyper-Threading with your software.

To determine if your computer is using Hyper-Threading technology:

1

Click the

2

Click

3

In the
is enabled, the processor is listed twice.

You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through system setup. For more information on
accessing system setup, see page 96. For more information on Hyper-Threading, search the
Knowledge Base on the Dell Support website at

Start

button, right-click

Hardware

Device Manager

and click

My Computer

Device Manager

window, click the plus (+) sign next to

, and then click

.

support.dell.com

®

Windows® XP Service Pack 1

Properties

Processors

.

.

. If Hyper-Threading

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19

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20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips

Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer:

• If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures
and ensure that the part is correctly installed.

• If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.

• If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. This message may
help technical support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).

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

Battery Problems

CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the

battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used
batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

REPLACE THE BATTERY — If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on

the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see page 88).
If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see page 105).

Drive Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

ENSURE THAT MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE — Click the Start button and

click My Computer. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your
antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from
recognizing the drive.

Solving Problems 21

TEST THE DRIVE —

• Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective.

• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.

CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK — See the Dell Dimension Help file. T

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS

CHECK FOR RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 46.

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RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See page 40.

CD and DVD drive problems

NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a

defect in the drive or the CD or DVD.

NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all

DVD drives.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL —

• Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.

• Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up.

• Ensure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked.

CHECK THE SPEAKERS AND SUBWOOFER — See "Sound and Speaker Problems" on page 33.

o access help files, see page 9.

Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive

CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS — The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when
writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the
CD/DVD-RW.

TURN OFF STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A CD/DVD-RW DISC — See the Dell
Dimension Help file (

information on power management modes.

22 Solving Problems

see page 9)

or search for the keyword standby in Windows Help (see page 10) for

Hard drive problems

RUN CHECK DISK —

1

Click the

2

Right-click

3

Click

4

Click the

5

Under

6

Click

7

Click

Start

button and click

Local Disk C:

Properties

Tools

.

tab.

Error-checking

, click

My Computer

.

Check Now

.

.

Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors
Start

.

.

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is

connected to a digital telephone network.

CHECK THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK® EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS — If you cannot open your
e-mail attachments:

1

In Outlook Express, click

2

Click

Do not allow attachments

To ol s

, click

Options

to remove the checkmark.

, and then click

Security

.

CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION —
C

HECK THE TELEPHONE JACK —
ONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK —

C

SE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE —

U

• Verify that the telephone line is connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label
or a connector-shaped icon next to it.)

• Ensure that you hear a click when you insert the telephone line connector into the modem.

• Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.

• If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge
protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the telephone to connect the modem directly to the
telephone wall jack. If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.

RUN THE MODEM HELPER DIAGNOSTICS — Click the Start button, point to All Programs, and then
click Modem Helper. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems.
(Modem Helper is not available on all computers.)

Solving Problems 23

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —

1

Click the

2

Click

3

Click

4

Click the

5

Click the COM port for your modem.

6

Click

Start

button and click

Control Panel
Printers and Other Hardware
Phone and Modem Options

Modems

Properties

tab.

, click the

Diagnostics

.

.

.

tab, and then click

Query Modem

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

to verify that the modem is

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ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET — Ensure that you have subscribed to an
Internet provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a
checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact
your Internet service provider.

Error Messages

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that
was running when the message appeared.

A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not
use these characters in filenames.

A REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUND — The program that you are trying to open is missing an
essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program:

1

Click the

2

Select the program you want to remove.

3

Click the

4

See the program documentation for installation instructions.

Start

Change or Remove Program

button, click

Control Panel

icon.

, and then click

Add or Remove Programs

.

drive letter :\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY — The drive cannot read the disk.
Insert a disk into the drive and try again.

INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA — Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.

24 Solving Problems

NON-SYSTEM DISK ERROR — Remove the floppy disk from the drive and restart your computer.

NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. CLOSE SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN — Close all

windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you might have to restart your
computer to restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first.

OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND — Contact Dell (see page 105).

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

ENSURE THAT THE CABLE FOR THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS PROPERLY INSERTED INTO THE DEVICE AND

INTO THE CONNECTOR ON THE COMPUTER

ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —

1

Click the

2

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

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A DELL IEEE 1394 DEVICE — Contact Dell (see page 105).

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

I

manufacturer of the IEEE 1394 device.

Start

button and click

Printers and Other Hardware

Control Panel

.

.

Solving Problems 25

Keyboard Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE —

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

• Shut down the computer (see page 47), reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the setup diagram for
your computer, and then restart the computer.

• Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent
pins.

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

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

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 46.

Lockups and Software Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

The computer does not start up

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See page 37.

ENSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET

The computer stops responding

NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.

TURN THE COMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or

moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer
turns off. Then restart your computer.

26 Solving Problems

A program stops responding

END THE PROGRAM —

1

Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.

2

Click

Applications

3

Click the program that is no longer responding.

4

Click

End Task

.

.

A program crashes repeatedly

NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.

CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system

RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —

The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so it runs in an environment similar to non­Windows XP operating system environments.

1

Click the

Wizard

2

In the welcome screen, click

3

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Start

button, point to

.

All Programs→ Accessories

Next

.

, and then click

Program Compatibility

A solid blue screen appears

TURN THE COMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or
moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer
turns off. Then restart your computer.

Solving Problems 27

Other software problems

CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR

TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION —

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

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

• Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.

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

• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

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BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY

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

SAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE START MENU

Memory Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

IF YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE —

• Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the
problem.

• See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional
memory (see page 57).

• Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the
memory (see page 57).

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 40).

IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS —

• Reseat the memory modules (see page 57) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating
with the memory.

• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see page 57).

• Your Dell Dimension™ computer supports DDR2 memory. For additional information on the type of
memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 91.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 40).

28 Solving Problems

Mouse Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CLEAN THE MOUSE — See the Dell Dimension Help file for instructions on cleaning the mouse. To

access the help file, see page 9.

CHECK THE MOUSE CABLE —

1

Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent
pins.

2

Remove mouse extension cables, if used, and connect the mouse directly to the computer.

3

Shut down the computer (see page 47), reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram for
your computer, and then restart the computer.

RESTART THE COMPUTER —

1

Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the

2

Ty p e u, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight

3

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

4

Start the computer.

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

Start

menu.

Shut down

or

Turn Off

, and then press <Enter>.

CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS —

1

Click the

2

Click

3

Try adjusting the settings.

Start

Mouse

button, click

.

Control Panel

, and then click

REINSTALL THE MOUSE DRIVER — See page 43.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 46.

Printers and Other Hardware

.

Solving Problems 29

Network Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR — Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into

both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack.

CHECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF THE COMPUTER — If the link integrity light is off,
that indicates no network communication exists. Replace the network cable. For a description of
network lights, see "Connectors" on page 93.

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RESTART THE COMPUTER AND LOG ON TO THE NETWORK AGAIN

CHECK YOUR NETWORK SETTINGS — Contact your network administrator or the person who set up

your network to verify that your network settings are correct and that the network is functioning.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 46.

Power Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS GREEN AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT RESPONDING — See "Diagnostic Lights"

on page 37.

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.

30 Solving Problems

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. Also 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
page 56).

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 (see page 51) is set to match the AC power at your location (if
applicable).

• Ensure that the processor power cable (see page 56) is securely connected to the system board.

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

• Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see page 57).

• Remove and then reinstall any cards (see page 60).

• Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see page 60).

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

Printer Problems

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

in the Product Information Guide.

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

CHECK THE PRINTER DOCUMENTATION — See the printer documentation for setup and
troubleshooting information.

ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON

Solving Problems 31

CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS —

• See the printer documentation for cable connection information.

• Ensure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer (see page 11).

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

VERIFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —

1

Click the

2

Click

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

3

Click

port(s):

setting is

REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER — See the printer documentation for instructions.

Start

View installed printers or fax printers

Properties

setting is

USB

Scanner Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

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

button, click

and click the

LPT1 (Printer Port)

.

Control Panel

, and then click

.

Ports

tab. For a parallel printer, ensure that the

. For a USB printer, ensure that the

Printers and Other Hardware

.

Print to the following

Print to the following port(s):

CHECK THE SCANNER DOCUMENTATION — See the scanner documentation for setup and
troubleshooting information.

UNLOCK THE SCANNER — Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a locking tab or button.

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND TRY THE SCANNER AGAIN

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS —

• See the scanner documentation for cable connection information.

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

32 Solving Problems

VERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT WINDOWS —

1

Click the

2

Click
If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.

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

Start

button, click

Scanners and Cameras

Control Panel

.

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

.

Sound and Speaker Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

No sound from speakers

NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been

listening to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume down or off.

CHECK THE SPEAKER CABLE CONNECTIONS — Ensure that the speakers are connected as shown on
the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If you purchased a sound card, ensure that the speakers
are connected to the card.

ENSURE THAT THE SUBWOOFER AND THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED ON — See the setup diagram
supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to
eliminate distortion.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right
corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

DISCONNECT HEADPHONES FROM THE HEADPHONE CONNECTOR — Sound from the speakers is
automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer’s front-panel headphone
connector.

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

ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to
check for interference.

Solving Problems 33

RUN THE SPEAKER DIAGNOSTICS

REINSTALL THE SOUND DRIVER — See page 43.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 46.

No sound from headphones

CHECK THE HEADPHONE CABLE CONNECTION — Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted

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into the headphone connector (see page 49).

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right
corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

Video and Monitor Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.

If the screen is blank

CONNECT THE MONITOR TO THE CORRECT VIDEO CONNECTOR — If the integrated video connector on
your computer is covered by a cap, do not remove the cap to connect the monitor, or the monitor will
not function. Connect your monitor to the video connector on the graphics card..

CHECK THE MONITOR CABLE CONNECTION —

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

• If you are using a graphics extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is
defective.

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

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

CHECK THE MONITOR POWER LIGHT — If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that
the monitor is turned on. If the power light is lit or blinking, the monitor has power. If the power light is
blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.

34 Solving Problems

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

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See page 37.

RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See page 40.

If the screen is difficult to read

CHECK THE MONITOR SETTINGS — See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the
contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test.

MOVE THE SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE MONITOR — If your speaker system includes a subwoofer,
ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor.

MOVE THE MONITOR AWAY FROM EXTERNAL POWER SOURCES — Fans, fluorescent lights, halogen
lamps, and other electrical devices can cause the screen image to appear "shaky." Turn off nearby devices
to check for interference.

ROTATE THE MONITOR TO ELIMINATE SUNLIGHT GLARE AND POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE

ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —

1

Click the

2

Click

3

Try different settings for

Start

Display

button, click

and click the

Screen resolution

Control Panel

Settings

tab.

, and then click

and

Appearance and Themes

Color quality.

.

Solving Problems 35

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36 Solving Problems

Advanced Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Lights

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on
the back panel (see page 51). The lights can be yellow or green. When the computer starts
normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts, all four lights display solid green. If the
computer malfunctions, the color and sequence of the lights identify the problem.

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

ABCD

= yellow

= green

= off

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

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

Advanced Troubleshooting 37

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

ABCD

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ABCD

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

A possible graphics card failure has
occurred.

A possible floppy or hard drive failure
has occurred.

• If you have one memory module
installed, reinstall it (see page 57) and
restart the computer.

• If you have two or more memory
modules installed, remove the
modules, reinstall one module (see
page 57), 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 of the same type into your
computer (see page 57).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see page 105).

• If the computer has a graphics card,
remove the card, reinstall it (see
page 60), and then 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 (see page 105).

Reseat all power and data cables and
restart the computer.

ABCD

ABCD

= yellow

= green

= off

38 Advanced Troubleshooting

A possible USB failure has occurred. Reinstall all USB devices, check cable

connections, and then restart the
computer.

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

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

ABCD

A possible expansion card failure has
occurred.

ABCD

• Ensure that no special memory
module/memory connector placement
requirements exist (see page 57).

• Verify that the memory modules that
you are installing are compatible with
your computer (see page 57).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see page 105).

1

Determine if a conflict exists by
removing a card (not a graphics card)
and restarting the computer (see
page 60).

2

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

3

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 46).

4

If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see page 105).

= yellow

= green

= off

Advanced Troubleshooting 39

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

ABCD

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

ABCD

= yellow

= green

= off

Another failure has occurred.

The computer is in a normal operating
condition after POST.

• Ensure that the cables are properly
connected to the system board from
the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD
drive (see page 56).

• If there is an error message on your
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.

• The operating system is attempting to
boot from a device (such as the floppy
drive or hard drive); check system
setup (see page 95) to make sure that
the boot sequence is correct for the
devices installed on your computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see page 105).

None.

Dell Diagnostics

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" on
page 21 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

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

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

1

2

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

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft

3

When the boot device list appears, highlight

40 Advanced Troubleshooting

®

Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer (see page 47) and try again.

Boot to Utility Partition

and press <Enter>.

4

When the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

appears, select the test you want to run (see

page 41).

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

1

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and 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.

2

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

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see page 105).

Main Menu

screen appears, click the button for the

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,

technical support will ask for your Service Tag.

If you run a test from the

3

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.

Advanced Troubleshooting 41

Ta b Function

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

Parameters Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.

4

Close the test screen to return to the

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

restart the computer, close the

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require
a driver program.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each
device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

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

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft
system. You may need to install drivers if you:

• Upgrade your operating system.

• Reinstall your operating system.

• Connect or install a new 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.

Main Menu

Main Menu

screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and

screen.

®

Windows® operating

Identifying Drivers

If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your
problem and, if necessary, update the driver.

1

Click the

2

Under

3

Click

4

In the

5

Click

42 Advanced Troubleshooting

Start

Pick a Category

System

.

System Properties

Device Manager

button and click

, click

Performance and Maintenance

window, click the

.

Control Panel

Hardware

.

.

tab.

6

Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on
the device icon.

If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or
install a new driver.

Reinstalling Drivers

NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com provides approved drivers for Dell™ computers.

If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback

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

1

Click the

2

Under

3

Click

4

In the

5

Click

6

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

7

Click the

8

Click

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your
computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.

Start

button and click

Pick a Category

System

.

System Properties

Device Manager

Drivers

tab.

Roll Back Driver

Control Panel

, click

Performance and Maintenance

window, click the

Hardware

.

.

.

.

tab.

Properties

.

Restoring Your Operating System

You can restore your operating system in the following ways:

• Microsoft Windows XP System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state
without affecting data files.

• Dell PC Restore by Symantec restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when
you purchased the computer. Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive
and removes any applications installed after you received the computer.

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. To access help, see
page 10.

Advanced Troubleshooting 43

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

recover them.

NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not

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

Creating a Restore Point

1

Click the

2

Click

3

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Start

button and click

System Restore

Help and Support

.

.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see page 43) to
resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.

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.

Click the

1

System Restore

2

Ensure that

3

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

Select a Restore Point

The
points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.

4

Select a restore point and click

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.

5

Click

Next

The

Restoration Complete

then the computer restarts.

6

After 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.

Start

button, point to

All Programs→

.

Restore my computer to an earlier time

screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore

Next

.

.

screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and

Accessories→

System Tools

is selected and click

, and then click

Next

.

44 Advanced Troubleshooting

Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open

programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

Click the

1

System Restore

2

Click

Start

button, point to

.

Undo my last restoration

All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools

and click

Next

.

, and then click

Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec

Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system. PC
Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer.
Any programs or files added since you received your computer
permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail
messages, digital photos, music files, and so on. If possible, back up all data before using PC
Restore.

NOTICE: Using PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications or

drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC Restore.

To use PC Restore:

1

Turn on the computer.

During the boot process, a blue bar with

2

Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press <Ctrl><F11>.

www.dell.com

If you do not press <Ctrl><F11> in time, let the computer finish restarting, and then
restart the computer again.

—

including data files—are

appears at the top of the screen.

NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.

On the next screen that appears, click

3

4

On the next screen, click

Confirm

.

Restore

.

The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.

5

When prompted, click

NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.

When prompted, click

6

Finish

to reboot the computer.

Yes

.

The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the
screens that appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that
appeared the first time the computer was turned on.

7

Click

Next

.

System Restore

The

8

After the computer restarts, click OK.

screen appears and the computer restarts.

Advanced Troubleshooting 45

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:

1

Click the

2

Click

3

Click

4

Click the

5

Ensure that

Start

button and click

Control Pane l

Performance and Maintenance

System

.

System Restore

tab.

Turn off System Restore

.

.

is unchecked.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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.

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

1

Click the

2

Ty p e

hardware troubleshooter

3

Click

Hardware Troubleshooter

4

In the

Hardware Troubleshooter

computer

Start

button and click

, and click

Next

Help and Support

in the

in the

list, click

.

.

Search

field and click the arrow to start the search.

Search Results

list.

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my

46 Advanced Troubleshooting

Removing and Installing Parts

Before You Begin

This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer.
Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:

• You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" and "Before Working Inside
Your Computer."

• You have read the safety information in your Dell™

• A component can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.

Recommended Tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

• Small flat-blade screwdriver

• Phillips screwdriver

Turning Off Your Computer

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn

off your computer.

Shut down the operating system:

1

a

Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the

Turn Off Computer

click

b

In the

Turn off computer

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.

.

window, click

Tur n o ff

Product Information Guide.

Start

button, and then

.

2

Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and
attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system,
press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.

Removing and Installing Parts 47

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to
help ensure your own personal safety.

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a

card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor
by its edges, not by its pins.

NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to

servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable

itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press
in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly
aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both
connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside

the computer.

1

Turn off your computer (see page 47).

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

from the network wall jack.

Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

2

3

Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then
press the power button to ground the system board.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

Open the computer cover (see page 54).

4

NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted

metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an
unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

48 Removing and Installing Parts

Front and Back View of the Computer

Front View

10

9*

8

7

6 5

*On computers with an optional floppy drive.

1

2

3*

4

Removing and Installing Parts 49

1 CD or DVD drive-

activity light

2 CD or DVD drive eject

button

3 floppy-drive eject button Press to eject a floppy disk from the floppy drive.

4 hard-drive activity light The light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to the hard drive.

5 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.

6 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

7 power button Press to turn on the computer.

8 power light The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:

9 floppy-drive activity

light

10 Service Tag Used to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or call

The drive activity light is on when the computer reads data from the CD or DVD
drive.

Press to eject a disc from the CD or DVD drive.

(On computers with an optional floppy drive.)

The light might also be on when a device such as your CD player is operating.

joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see "System Setup" on page 95
for more information on booting to a USB device).

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

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the

computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

• No light — The computer is turned off.

• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.

• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving state.

• Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" on page 30.

The floppy drive light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to
the floppy drive. Wait until this light turns off before you remove the floppy disk
from the drive.

(On computers with an optional floppy drive.)

technical support.

50 Removing and Installing Parts

Back View

22

21

20

19

18

17

16

15

14

13*

12*

*Not present on

11*

all computers

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8*

9

10*

Removing and Installing Parts 51

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.

2 diagnostic lights (4) Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the

diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 37.

3 mouse connector Plug a standard 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.

4 surround connector Use the black surround connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers.

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

5 line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

6 network adapter

connector

player, CD player, or VCR.

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

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.

NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.

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

It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your
network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to
ensure reliable operation.

7 cover latch Releases the cover from the computer. See "Removing the Computer Cover" on

page 54.

8 DVI video connector If your monitor has a DVI connector, plug it into the DVI connector on the

computer. If your monitor has a VGA connector, plug it into the VGA connector
on the computer.

9 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI cards (two slots) and PC I Express cards

(one x16 slot and one x1 slot).

10 optional sound card

connectors

• Line-in connector — Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback
device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.

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

• Line-out connector — Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones
and most speakers with integrated amplifiers.

• Surround connector — Use the black surround connector to attach multichannel­capable speakers.

•

Center/Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) connector

connector to attach your subwoofer.

— Use the yellow center/LFE

52 Removing and Installing Parts

11

modem connector (Optional) If you have a modem, connect a telephone cable to either of the modem

connectors. Do not connect the telephone cable to the network connector.

NOTE: Not all modems have two connectors.

12 TV-OUT connector Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see Connecting Two

Monitors (see page 13).

(Available on computers with a graphics card.)

13

VGA video connector Plug the cable from your monitor into the blue connector.

(Available on computers with a graphics card.)

14 USB 2.0 connectors (6) Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as

printers and keyboards.

It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you
connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices.

15 microphone connector Use the pink microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone

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

On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.

16 line-out connector Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers with

integrated amplifiers.

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

17 center/Low-Frequency

Effects (LFE) connector

18 keyboard connector If you have a standard keyboard, plug it into the purple keyboard connector. If you

19 integrated video

connector

20 serial connector Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port.

21 voltage selection switch

(may not be available on
all computers)

22 power connector Insert the power cable.

Use the yellow center/LFE connector to attach your subwoofer.

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

have a USB keyboard, plug it into a USB connector.

If this connector has a protective cap over it, then your computer has the optional
video card installed. If this connector does not have a protective cap over it, plug the
cable from your monitor into the blue connector.

See the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide for more
information.

Removing and Installing Parts 53

Removing the Computer Cover

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

1

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

2

Lay your computer on its side with the computer cover facing up.

3

If your computer cover has a cover latch, slide and hold the cover latch.

4

Grip the indents on the computer cover, and slide the computer cover toward the back of the

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

computer.

computer cover

cover latch

5

Place the computer cover on a level surface.

54 Removing and Installing Parts

back of computer

Inside View of Your Computer

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

the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the computer cover.

release lever*

CD or DVD drive

floppy drive

hard drive

power supply

system board

*May not be present on all computers.

Removing and Installing Parts 55

System Board Components

main power
connector
(J3J1)

standby power
light CR3J1

memory module
connectors
(1, 2, 3, 4)

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

fan connector
CPU FAN)
(J1F1)

processor and
heat sink
connector (J3E1)

processor power
connector
(J5B1)

floppy drive
connector
(FLOPPY)
(J4J1)

IDE drive
connector
(PRI-IDE)
J6J1)

clear CMOS
jumper
(CLR CMOS)
(J8J3)

control panel
connector (J7J2)

password jumper
(PSWRD) (J8J2)

SATA connectors (2)
(SATA-0, SATA-2)
(J9H2, J9J2)

front-panel I/O
connector (J9G2)

PCI Express x16
card connector
(J6C1)

battery socket
(BATTERY) (BT8F1)

internal speaker

telephony
connector (J9D1)

front panel audio
connector (J9C2)

CD audio
connector (J9D1)

56 Removing and Installing Parts

back of computer

PCI Express x1 card
connector (J9C1)

PCI card slots (2)
(PCI SLOT 1, PCI SLOT 2)
(J7B1, J8B1)

Memory

You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board.

Your Dell Dimension™ computer supports DDR2 memory. For additional information on the type
of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 91.

DDR Memory Overview

DDR2 memory modules should be installed in
If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to
operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. See the label on the upper-right corner of the
module to determine the module’s capacity.

NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.

The recommended memory configurations are:

– A memory module installed in connector DIMM connector 1

or

pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology

.

– A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2

or

– A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 and another

matched pair installed in DIMM connectors 3 and 4

NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules.

• If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 400- and 533-MHz the modules function at the slowest
speed installed.

• Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM connector 1, the connector closest to the
processor, before you install modules in the other connectors.

Removing and Installing Parts 57

matched pair of memory modules in
DIMM connectors 1 and 2 (white
securing clips)

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matched pair of memory modules
in DIMM connectors 3 and 4
(black securing clips)

NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.

NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade,

keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules

from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your

computer may not start properly. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in DIMM
connectors 1 and 2 or DIMM connectors 3 and 4.

Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations

Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use four 1-GB DIMMs. Current
operating systems, such as Microsoft
space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is less than 4 GB. Certain
components within the computer require address space in the 4-GB range. Any address space
reserved for these components cannot be used by computer memory.

Installing Memory

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

®

Windows® XP, can only use a maximum of 4 GB of address

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity

from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by
touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

1

2

Lay the computer on its side so that the system board is on the bottom of the inside of the
computer.

58 Removing and Installing Parts

3

Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.

memory connector closest to processor

securing clips (2)

connector

4

Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector.

notch

memory module

cutouts (2)

crossbar

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the connector

while you apply equal force to each end of the module.

Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position.

5

If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the
module.

Removing and Installing Parts 59

6

Close the computer cover.

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NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into

the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

7

8

Right-click the

9

Click the

10

To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of memory (RAM) listed.

Removing Memory

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity

from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by
touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

1

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

2

Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.

3

Grasp the module and pull up.

If the module is difficult to remove, gently ease the module back and forth to remove it from
the connector.

My Computer

General

tab.

icon and click

Properties

.

Cards

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity

from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by
touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

60 Removing and Installing Parts

Your Dell™ computer provides the following slots for PCI and PCI Express cards:

• Two PCI card slots

• One PCI Express x16 card slot

• One PCI Express x1 card slot

PCI Cards

If you are installing or replacing a card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are
removing but not replacing a card, see "Removing a PCI Card" on page 63.

If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system.

If you are installing or replacing a PCI Express card, see "Installing a PCI Express Card" on page 65.

Installing a PCI Card

1

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

2

Unscrew and remove the filler bracket for the card slot you want to use.

securing screw

filler bracket

Removing and Installing Parts 61

CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a

network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet
before installing any cards.

Align the cutout on the bottom of the card with the crossbar in the system board connector.

3

Gently rock the card into the connector until it is fully seated.

card

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Ensure that the card is fully seated and that its bracket is within the card slot.

not fully seated card

fully seated card

card cutout

card connector
on system board

crossbar

bracket
within slot

62 Removing and Installing Parts

bracket caught
outside of slot

4

Secure the card bracket with the screw you removed in step 2.

5

Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

See the documentation for the card for information about the card’s cable connections.

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can cause

damage to the equipment.

If you installed a sound card:

6

a

Enter system setup (see page 96), select

Off

.

b

Connect external audio devices to the sound card’s connectors. Do not connect external

Audio Controller

, and then change the setting to

audio devices to the microphone, speaker/headphone, or line-in connectors on the back
panel.

7

If you installed an add-in network adapter and want to disable the integrated network
adapter:

a

Enter system setup (see page 96), select
to

Off

.

b

Connect the network cable to the add-in network adapter’s connectors. Do not connect

Network Controller,

and then change the setting

the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel.

8

Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.

Removing a PCI Card

1

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

2

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.

3

Remove the securing screw from the card bracket.

4

Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

5

If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot
opening.

If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see page 105).

NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification

of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into

the computer.

Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then

6

turn them on.

7

Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.

Removing and Installing Parts 63

8

If you removed a sound card:

a

Enter system setup (see page 96), select

On

b

Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the computer back panel.

9

If you removed an add-in network connector:

a

Enter system setup (see page 96), select

On

to

b

Connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the computer back panel.

PCI Express Cards

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Your computer supports one PCI Express x16 card and one PCI Express x1 card.

Audio Controller

, and then change the setting to

.

Network Controller

, and then change the setting

.

PCI Express
x16 card

PCI Express
x16 card slot

PCI Express
x1 card

PCI Express
x1 card slot

If you are installing or replacing a PCI Express card, follow the procedures in the next section. If
you are removing but not replacing a PCI Express card, see "Removing a PCI Express Card" on
page 68.

If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system.

If you are installing or replacing a PCI card, see "Installing a PCI Card" on page 61.

64 Removing and Installing Parts

Installing a PCI Express Card

1

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

2

If you are installing a new card, unscrew and remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot
opening. Then continue with step 4.

securing screw

filler bracket

3

If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card.

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. If your card includes a retention
mechanism, remove the top of the retention mechanism by pressing the tab and pulling up
on the top. Gently pull the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out
of its connector.

Removing and Installing Parts 65

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tab

top of retention
mechanism

x16 card

securing slot

edge connector

filler bracket

4

Prepare the card for installation.

securing tab

x1 card

card connector

edge connector

card connector

See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card,
making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer.

CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a

network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet
before installing any cards.

66 Removing and Installing Parts

5

If you are installing the card into the x16 card connector, position the card so the securing slot
is aligned with the securing tab, and gently pull the securing tab.

6

Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated and
that the bracket is within the card slot.

not fully seated card

fully seated card

7

If you replaced a card that was already installed in the computer and you removed the top of

bracket
within slot

bracket caught
outside of slot

the retention mechanism, you may reinstall the top.

8

Secure the card bracket with the screw you removed in step 2.

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent

the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

9

See the documentation for the card for information about the card’s cable connections.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then

10

turn them on.

Removing and Installing Parts 67

11

If you installed a sound card:

a

Enter system setup (see page 96), select

Off

b

Connect external audio devices to the sound card’s connectors. Do not connect external
audio devices to the microphone, speaker/headphone, or line-in connectors on the back
panel.

12

If you installed an add-in network adapter and want to disable the integrated network
adapter:

a

Enter system setup (see page 96), select
to

Off

b

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Connect the network cable to the add-in network adapter’s connectors. Do not connect
the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel.

13

Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.

Removing a PCI Express Card

1

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

2

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.

3

If your card includes a retention mechanism, remove the top of the retention mechanism by
pressing the tab and pulling up on the top.

4

Remove the securing screw from the card bracket.

5

Gently pull back the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its
connector.

6

If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot
opening.

If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see page 105).

Audio Controller

, and then change the setting to

.

Network Controller,

and then change the setting

.

NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification

of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then

7

turn them on.

8

Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.

68 Removing and Installing Parts

9

If you removed a sound card:

a

Enter system setup (see page 96), select

On

.

b

Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the computer back panel.

10

If you removed an add-in network connector:

a

Enter system setup (see page 96), select

On

.

to

b

Connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the computer back panel.

11

Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.

Audio Controller

, and then change the setting to

Network Controller

, and then change the setting

Front Panel

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

Removing and Installing Parts 69

Removing the Front Panel

1

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

2

Remove the computer cover (see page 54).

3

Release and remove the front panel:

a

If your computer has a release lever, push the release lever to release the top tab.

b

Reach inside the computer and push the top and bottom tab towards you to release
them.

c

Rotate the front panel to separate it from the side hinges.

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side hinges (3)

front panel

top tab

release lever*

bottom tab

*May not be present on all computers.

70 Removing and Installing Parts

Removing the Front-Panel Insert

1

Press in the two insert tabs.

tabs (2)

2

Push out the front-panel insert.

insert

Removing and Installing Parts 71

Reattaching the Front Panel

1

Reattach the front panel to the side hinges.

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side hinges (3)

front panel

2

Rotate the front panel until it snaps onto the front of the computer.

Drives

Your computer supports a combination of these devices:

• Up to two hard drives

• One optional floppy

• Up to two CD or DVD drives

72 Removing and Installing Parts

General Installation Guidelines

Connect serial ATA hard drives to the system board connectors labeled SATA-0 or SATA-2.
Connect CD/DVD drives to the connector labeled PRI IDE.

When you connect two IDE devices to a single IDE interface cable and configure them for the
cable select setting, the device attached to the last connector on the interface cable is primary or
the boot device (drive 0), and the device attached to the middle connector on the interface cable is
the secondary device (drive 1). See the drive documentation in your upgrade kit for information on
configuring devices for the cable select setting.

Connecting Drive Cables

When you install a drive, you connect two cables—a DC power cable and a data cable—to the back
of the drive and to the system board. Some drives may also have an audio connector; one end of the
audio cable will attach to the drive connector and the other will attach to the system board.

Drive Interface Connectors

Serial ATA Connector

interface cable

interface connector

Most interface connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin on one
connector matches a tab or a filled-in hole on the other connector.

When connecting an IDE cable, ensure you align the colored stripe with the pin 1 connector.
When disconnecting an IDE cable, grasp the colored pull tab and pull until the connector
detaches.

When connecting and disconnecting a serial ATA cable, hold the cable by the connector at
each end.

NOTE: The system board serial ATA connector may have an attached cover or shroud.

Removing and Installing Parts 73

Power Cable Connector

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Hard Drive

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a

surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.

If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before

1

you begin this procedure.

2

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

3

Remove the computer cover (see page 54).

power input
connector

power cable

74 Removing and Installing Parts

Removing a Hard Drive

1

Disconnect the power and data cables from the drive and from the system board.

data cable

power cable

2

Remove the hard drive bracket from the computer:

a

Remove the bracket-securing screws for the hard drive.

b

Remove the bracket for the hard drive from the computer.

Removing and Installing Parts 75

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3

If you are replacing the hard drive, remove the drive from the bracket:

a

Remove the hard drive-securing screws.

b

Remove the hard drive from the bracket.

hard drive

bracket-securing
screw

hard drive-securing
screws (3)

drive bracket

bracket-securing
screw

76 Removing and Installing Parts

small bracket
tabs (2)

drive bracket

drive
securing
screws (3)

Installing a Hard Drive

1

Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation.

2

Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.

3

Remove the hard drive bracket (see page 75).

4

Attach the hard drive to the hard drive bracket:

a

Place the small bracket tabs into the drive-securing screw holes on one side of the drive.

b

Gently swing the drive toward the bracket and align the three screw holes on the other
side of the drive with the screen holes on the bracket.

c

Attach the hard drive bracket to the hard drive.

d

Insert and tighten all three drive-securing screws.

5

Install the hard drive:

a

Place the two bracket tabs into the drive slots inside the bracket for the additional hard
drive.

b

Swing the bracket forward so that it is flush with the bracket for the additional hard drive.

c

Replace the bracket-securing screws.

6

Connect a power cable to the drive.

7

Connect the data cable to the drive and to the system board (see page 56).

8

Close the computer cover (see page 89).

Removing and Installing Parts 77

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into

the computer.

9

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software
required for drive operation.

10

If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, insert a bootable floppy disk into drive A.

11

Turn on the computer.

12

Enter system setup (see page 96), and update the appropriate

13

Exit system setup, and restart the computer.

14

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Partition and logically format your drive before you proceed to the next step.

See the documentation for your operating system for instructions.

15

Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 40).

16

If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, install your operating system on the hard
drive.

Adding a Second Hard Drive

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

Drive

option.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a

surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.

Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.

1

2

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

3

Remove the computer cover (see page 54).

4

Remove the existing hard drive (see page 75).

5

Remove the additional hard drive bracket from the computer:

a

Remove the bracket-securing screws for the additional drive.

b

Remove the bracket for the additional drive from the computer.

78 Removing and Installing Parts

6

If you are replacing the additional hard drive, remove the drive from the bracket:

a

Remove the hard drive-securing screws.

b

Remove the hard drive from the bracket.

drive slots (2)

bracket tabs (2)

front computer frame

bracket-securing
screw

drive bracket

bracket-securing
screw

NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.

NOTICE: When you unpack the drive, do not set it on a hard surface, which may damage the drive.

Instead, set the drive on a soft surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.

7

Install the additional hard drive:

a

Place the two bracket tabs into the drive slots inside the computer’s front panel.

b

Swing the bracket forward so that it is flush with the computer’s front panel.

c

Replace the bracket-securing screws.

Removing and Installing Parts 79

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8

Reinstall the existing hard drive into the computer in front of the additional drive
(see page 77).

9

Connect a power cable to the drive.

10

Connect the data cable to the drive and to the system board (see page 56).

11

Replace the computer cover (see page 89).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into

the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

12

13

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software
required for drive operation.

additional hard drive

drive slots (2)

bracket tabs (2)

front computer frame

bracket-securing
screw

drive bracket

bracket-securing
screw

80 Removing and Installing Parts

Floppy Drive

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

1

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

2

Release and remove the front panel (see page 70).

NOTE: If you are adding a floppy drive, see "Installing a Floppy Drive" on page 82.

Removing a Floppy Drive

1

Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the floppy drive and from the system
board (see page 56).

power cable

data cable

2

Remove the floppy drive bracket from the computer:

a

Remove the bracket-securing screw for the floppy drive.

b

Remove the bracket for the floppy drive from the computer.

Removing and Installing Parts 81

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3

Remove the floppy drive from the bracket:

a

Remove all four drive-securing screws (two on each side).

b

Remove the floppy drive from the bracket.

Installing a Floppy Drive

1

Remove the floppy drive bracket from the computer (see page 81).

2

If you are replacing a floppy drive, remove the drive from the bracket (see page 82).

3

Attach the floppy drive bracket to the floppy drive:

a

Align the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket.

b

Insert and tighten all four drive-securing screws (two on each side).

4

Position the top of the floppy drive bracket so that it is completely flush with the bottom of
the upper drive bay, and then slide the floppy drive bracket forward into position.

securing
screws (4)

top bracket screw

drive bracket

floppy drive

NOTE: The top of the floppy drive bracket has two slots that fit into two clips on the bottom of the upper

drive bay. When the floppy drive bracket is properly mounted, it remains in place without support.

Secure the floppy drive bracket with the top bracket screw that came with your drive.

5

6

Reattach the front panel (see page 72).

82 Removing and Installing Parts

7

Connect the data cable to the back of the drive and to the floppy drive connector on the
system board (see page 56).

power cable

data cable

NOTICE: Match the colored strip on the cable with pin 1 on the drive (pin 1 is marked as "1").

Reattach the front panel (see page 72).

8

9

Replace the computer cover (see page 89).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network wall jack and then plug it in

to the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

10

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software
required for drive operation.

11

Enter system setup (see page 96) and update the appropriate

12

Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 40).

Diskette Drive

option.

CD/DVD Drive

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

1

2

Remove the computer cover (see page 54).

3

Release and remove the front panel (see page 70).

Removing and Installing Parts 83

Removing a CD/DVD Drive

1

Disconnect the power, audio, and CD/DVD drive cables from the back of the drive and from
the system board.

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2

Remove the CD/DVD drive securing screw.

3

Slide the drive forward and remove it from the drive bay.

data cable

power cable

securing
screw

84 Removing and Installing Parts

drive

extra alignment
screws (2 or 4)

alignment screws (2)

Installing a CD/DVD Drive

1

If you are installing a new drive, unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.

Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to verify that the drive is configured
for your computer. If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select
setting.

2

If you are replacing a drive, remove the existing drive (see page 84).

3

Gently slide the drive into place in the drive bay.

4

After the drive is in place, apply pressure to ensure that the drive is fully seated.

5

Use the securing screw that came with the drive to attach the drive to the computer.

NOTICE: Match the colored strip on the cable with pin 1 on the drive (pin 1 is marked as "1").

Connect the power cable to the system board (see page 56).

6

7

Connect the power and CD/DVD drive cables to the drive and to the system board
(see page 56).

8

If you are installing a drive that has its own controller card, install the controller card in a card
slot.

9

Reattach the front panel (see page 72).

10

Replace the computer cover (see page 89).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network wall jack and then plug it into

the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

11

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software
required for drive operation.

12

Enter system setup (see page 96) and select the appropriate

13

Verify that your computer works correctly by running Dell Diagnostics (see page 40).

Drive

option.

Adding a Second CD or DVD Drive

1

Ensure that the jumper setting on the new drive is set for "cable select" (see the
documentation that came with the drive for information).

2

Remove two extra alignment screws, shown in the illustration on page 86, from the front of
the computer and insert them into the drive.

Removing and Installing Parts 85

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NOTE: Some computers come with only two extra alignment screws; others come with four. You only

need two alignment screws for this procedure.

Gently slide the drive into place in the drive bay.

3

securing
screw

drive

alignment screws (2)

drive

extra alignment
screws (2 or 4)

alignment screws (2)

4

After the drive is in place, apply pressure to ensure that the drive is fully seated.

5

Use the securing screw that came with the drive to attach the drive to the computer.

86 Removing and Installing Parts

NOTICE: Match the colored strip on the cable with pin 1 on the drive (pin 1 is marked as "1").

Connect the power cable to the system board (see page 56).

6

7

Locate the data cable from the CD or DVD drive in the upper drive bay and connect its
middle data connector to the new drive.

power cable

first CD/DVD
connector
(primary drive)

second CD/DVD
connector (secondary
drive)

8

Reattach the front panel (see page 72).

9

Replace the computer cover (see page 89).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into

the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

10

11

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software
required for drive operation.

Removing and Installing Parts 87

Battery

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity

from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by
touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

A coin-cell battery maintains computer configuration, date, and time information. The battery can
last several years.

If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, replace
the battery.

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CAUTION: A new battery can explode if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the

same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.

To replace the battery:

1

Record all the screens in system setup (see page 96) so that you can restore the correct
settings in step 8.

2

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 47.

3

Locate the battery socket (see "System Board Components" on page 56).

NOTICE: If you pry the battery out of its socket with a blunt object, be careful not to touch the system

board with the object. Ensure that the object is inserted between the battery and the socket before you
attempt to pry out the battery. Otherwise, you may damage the system board by prying off the socket or
by breaking circuit traces on the system board.

Remove the battery by carefully prying it out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt,

4

nonconducting object such as a plastic screwdriver.

5

Insert the new battery into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing up, and snap the
battery into place.

88 Removing and Installing Parts

battery

battery socket

tab

6

Replace the computer cover (see page 89).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into

the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

7

8

Enter system setup (see page 96) and restore the settings you recorded in step 1.

9

Properly dispose of the old battery (see the "Battery Disposal" section of your

Information Guide

).

Product

Replacing the Computer Cover

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

1

Ensure that all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way.

Gently pull the power cables toward you so that they do not get caught underneath the drives.

2

Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer.

3

Place the cover on the computer.

4

Slide the cover towards the front of the computer until it fits completely into place.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into

the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

5

Removing and Installing Parts 89

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90 Removing and Installing Parts

Appendix

Specifications

Processor

Processor type

Level 1 (L1) cache 16 KB

Level 2 (L2) cache 1-MB (displayed in system setup) pipelined-burst, eight-way set

Memory

Type 400- and 533-MHz (PC2-3200) DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM non-

Memory connectors four

Memory capacities 128-, 256-, 512-, or 1-GB non-ECC

Minimum memory 128 MB

Maximum memory 4 GB

BIOS address F0000h

Intel® Pentium® 4 with HT Technology

NOTE: Not all Pentium 4 processors support Hyper-Threading

technology.

associative, write-back SRAM

ECC

NOTE: Up to 128 MB of system memory may be allocated to support

graphics, depending on system memory size and other factors.

NOTE: See "Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations" on

page 58 to verify the amount of memory available to the operating
system.

Computer Information

Chipset Intel 915G Express

DMA channels eight

Interrupt levels 24

BIOS chip (NVRAM) 4-Mb

Appendix 91

Computer Information (continued)

NIC integrated network interface capable of 10/100 communication.

System Clock 800 -MHz data rate

Video

Type integrated or PCI Express

Audio

Type ADI 1980 AC97 Codec

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Expansion Bus

Bus type PCI 2.2

Bus speed

PCI

connectors two

connector size 120 pins

connector data width (maximum) 32 bits

PCI Express

connector one PCI Express x1

connector size 36 pins

connector data width (maximum) 1 PCI Express lane

PCI Express

connector one PCI Express x16

connector size 164 pins

connector data width (maximum) 16 PCI Express lanes

PCI Express x1 and PCI Express x16

PCI: 33 MHz

PCI Express:

x1 slot bidirectional speed - 500 MB/s
x16 slot bidirectional speed - 8 GB/s

92 Appendix

Drives

Externally accessible:

one 3.5-inch drive bay

two 5.25-inch drive bays

Available devices Serial ATA drives, floppy drive, USB memory devices, CD drive,

CD-RW drive, DVD drive, DVD-RW drive, and DVD and CD-RW
combo drive

Internally accessible:

two bays for 1-inch high hard drives

Connectors

External connectors:

Serial

Parallel

Video

Network adapter

PS/2 (keyboard and mouse)

USB

Audio

System board connectors:

Primary IDE drive 40-pin connector on PCI local bus

Serial ATA two 7-pin connectors

Floppy drive 34-pin connector

CD Audio 4-pin connector

Fan 5-pin connector

PCI 2.2 120-pin connector

PCI Express x1 36-pin connector

PCI Express x16 164-pin connector

Telephony (TAPI) 4-pin connector

9-pin connector; 16550C-compatible

25-hole connector (bidirectional)

15-hole connector

RJ45 connector

6-pin mini-DIN

two front-panel and six back-panel USB 2.0–compliant connectors

five connectors for line-in, line-out, microphone, surround, and
center/Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel;

connector for headphones

one front-panel

Appendix 93

Controls and Lights

Power control push button

Power light green light — Blinking green in sleep state; solid green for power-

Hard-drive access light green

Link integrity light (on integrated

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network adapter)

Activity light (on integrated network
adapter)

Diagnostic lights four lights on the back panel (See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 37.)

Standby power light CR3J1 on the system board

Power

DC power supply:

on state.

amber light — Blinking amber indicates a problem with an
installed device; solid amber indicates an internal power problem
(see "Power Problems" on page 30).

green light — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps
network and the computer.

orange light — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps
network and the computer.

off (no light) — The computer is not detecting a physical
connection to the network.

yellow blinking light

Wa t t ag e

Heat dissipation

Voltage (see the safety instructions
located in the

Guide

information)

Backup battery

Physical

Height

Width

Depth

We ig ht

94 Appendix

305 W

434.6 BTU/hr

90 to 135 V and 180 to 265 V at 50/60 Hz

Product Information

for important voltage setting

3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell

36.8 cm (14.5 inches)

18.4 cm (7.25 inches)

42.6 cm (16.75 inches)

10.4 kg (23 lbs)

Environmental

Temperature:

Operating

10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)

NOTE: At 35°C (95°F), the maximum operating altitude is 914 m

(3000 ft).

Storage

Relative humidity 20% to 80% (noncondensing)

Maximum vibration:

Operating

Storage

Maximum shock:

Operating

Storage

Altitude:

Operating

Storage

–40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F)

0.25 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 0.5 octave/min

0.5 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1 octave/min

bottom half-sine pulse with a change in velocity of 20 inches/sec
(50.8 cm/sec)

27-G faired square wave with a velocity change of 200 inches/sec
(508 cm/sec)

–15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)

–15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)

System Setup

Overview

Use system setup as follows:

• To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any
hardware in your computer

• To set or change a user-selectable option such as the user password

• To read the current amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed

Before you use system setup, it is recommended that you write down the system setup screen
information for future reference.

NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings for this program. Certain

changes can make your computer work incorrectly.

Appendix 95

Entering System Setup

1

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2

When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press <F2> immediately.

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft

System Setup Screens

The system setup screen displays current or changeable configuration information for your
computer. Information on the screen is divided into three areas: the options list, active options
field, and key functions.

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Options List

field appears on the left
side of the system setup
window. The field is a
scrollable list containing
features that define the
configuration of your
computer, including
installed hardware,
power conservation, and
security features.

®

Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer (see page 47) and try again.

— This

Option Field

— This field contains information about each
option. In this field you can view your current settings and
make changes to your settings.

Use the right and left arrow keys to highlight an option. Press
<Enter> to make that selection active.

96 Appendix

Scroll up and down the
list by using the up- and
down- arrow keys. As an
option is highlighted, the

Option Field

displays
more information about
that option and the
option’s current and
available settings.

Press <Enter> to
expand or contract each
of the main option fields.

Key Functions — This field appears below the

Option Field

and lists keys and their functions within the active system
setup field.

System Setup Options

NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not

appear, or may not appear exactly as listed.

System

System Info Lists system information such as the computer name, the BIOS version

number and date, system tags, and other system-specific information.

CPU Info Identifies whether the computer’s processor supports Hyper-Threading and

lists the processor bus speed, processor ID, clock speed, and L2 cache.

Memory Info Indicates amount of installed memory, memory speed, channel mode (dual

or single), and type of memory installed.

Date/Time Displays current date and time settings.
Boot Sequence The computer attempts to boot from the sequence of devices specified in

this list.

NOTE: If you insert a boot device and restart the computer, this option appears

in the system setup menu. To boot from a USB memory device, select the USB

device and move it so it becomes the first device in the list.

Drives

Diskette Drive Identifies and defines the floppy drive attached to the FLOPPY connector

on the system board as Off, USB, Internal, or Read Only.

Drives 0
through 3

Drive Controller Sets the SATA controller operating mode.

Onboard Devices

NIC Controller You can set the NIC to On (default), Off, or On w/ PXE. When the On w/

Audio Controller Enables or disables the onboard audio controller
USB Set to On (default) so that USB devices will be detected and supported in

Identifies the drives attached to the SATA or PRI IDE connectors on the

system board, and lists the capacity for hard drives.

Use the Normal option ATA native mode. Use the Compatible option for

SATA/PATA combination mode.

PXE setting is active (available only for the future boot process), the

computer prompts the user to press <Ctrl><Alt><b>. Pressing this key

combination causes a menu to display that allows you to select a method for

booting from a network server. If a boot routine is not available from the

network server, the computer attempts to boot from the next device in the

boot sequence list.

the operating system.

The No Boot option restricts external access to drive data. Use this option

to prohibit users from booting the computer using an external USB device.

Appendix 97

Mouse Port Enables or disables the onboard PS/2-compatible mouse controller.
LPT Port Mode Identifies and defines the parallel port settings. You can set the parallel port

LTP Port Address Identifies the address for the parallel port.
LPT Port DMA Identifies and defines the parallel port DMA settings. You can set the

Serial Port #1 Identifies and defines the serial port settings. Auto, the default setting,

Video

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Primary Video This setting specifies which video controller is primary when two video

Video Memory Size Sets the amount of system memory to be reserved for the onboard video

Performance

Hyperthreading If your computer’s processor supports Hyper-Threading, this options

Performance

Security

Admin Password This option provides restricted access to the computer's system setup

System Password Displays the current status of the system's password security feature and

Password Status This option locks the system password field with the setup password. When

to Off, AT, PS/2, EPP, or ECP.

parallel port DMA to Off, DMA1, or DMA3.

automatically configures a connector to a particular designation (COM1 or
COM3).

controllers are present on the computer.

controller.

appears in the Options List.

•

Bypass

— Your computer does not test or change the current acoustics

mode setting.

Quiet

•

•

•

(default) — The hard drive operates at its most quiet setting.

Suggested

manufacturer.

Performance

— The hard drive operates at the level suggested by the drive

— The hard drive operates at its maximum speed.

NOTE: Switching to performance mode may cause the drive to be noisier, but

its performance may not be affected.

NOTE: Changing the acoustics setting does not alter your hard drive image.

This section displays available system security options.

program in the same way that access to the system can be restricted with the
System Password option.

allows a new system password to be assigned and verified.

the field is locked, the option to disable password security by pressing
<Ctrl><Enter> when the computer starts is no longer available.

98 Appendix

Power Management

AC Recovery Determines what happens when AC power is restored to the computer.
Auto Power On Sets the computer to automatically turn on. Choices are every day or

weekdays (every Monday through Friday).

The default setting is Off.

This feature does not work if you turn off your computer using a power strip

or surge protector.

Auto Power Time Sets time to automatically turn on the computer.

Time is kept in a 24-hour format (hours:minutes). Change the start-up time

by pressing the right- or left-arrow key to increase or decrease the numbers,

or type numbers in both the date and time fields.

This feature does not work if you turn off your computer using a power strip

or surge protector.

Low Power Mode When Low Power Mode is selected, remote wakeup events no longer power

up from Hibernate or Off.

Remote Wake Up This option allows the computer to power up when a NIC or Remote

Wakeup-capable modem receives a wake up signal.

On is the default setting. On w/ Boot to NIC allows the computer to

attempt to boot from a network prior to using the boot sequence.

NOTE: Normally, the computer can be powered up remotely from suspend

mode, hibernate mode, or when powered off. When Low Power Mode (in the

Power Management menu) is enabled, the computer can only be powered up

remotely from Suspend.

Suspend Mode The options are S1, a suspend state where the computer is running in a low-

power mode, and S3, a standby state where the power is reduced or turned

off for most components, however, system memory remains active.

Maintenance

CMOS Defaults This setting restores the computer’s factory-installed default settings.
Event Log Displays the system event log.
BIOS Update After downloading a new version of the BIOS, use this option to identify

and define the location of the BIOS update file. The options are Diskette or

Disk.

POST Behavior

Fastboot When set to On (default), your computer starts more quickly because it

skips certain configurations and tests.

Appendix 99

Numlock Key This option involves the rightmost bank of keys on your keyboard. When set

OS Install This setting turns the OS Install Mode either On or Off (default).
POST Hotkeys This option allows you to specify the function keys to display on the screen

Keyboard Errors This option disables or enables keyboard error reporting when the computer

Boot Sequence

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This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices.

Option Settings

•

Diskette Drive —

the drive is not bootable, if no floppy disk is in the drive, or if there is no floppy drive installed
in the computer, the computer generates an error message.

•

Hard Drive

system is on the drive, the computer generates an error message.

•

CD Drive

if the CD has no operating system, the computer generates an error message.

•

USB Flash Device —

F12 = Boot Menu

When
BIOS detects the device and adds the USB flash option to the boot menu.

to On (default), this option activates the numeric and mathematical
features shown at the top of each key. When set to Off, this option activates
the cursor-control functions labeled on the bottom of each key.

when the computer starts.

starts.

The computer attempts to boot from the floppy drive. If the floppy disk in

— The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no operating

— The computer attempts to boot from the CD drive. If no CD is in the drive, or

Insert the memory device into a USB port and restart the computer.

appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F12>. The

Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot

You can use this feature, for example, to restart your computer to a USB device such as a floppy
drive, memory key, or CD-RW drive.

1

2

3

100 Appendix

NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure your device is bootable,

check the device documentation.

NOTE: If you are booting to a USB floppy drive, you must first set the floppy drive to OFF in system setup

(see page 95).

If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector (see page 56).

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

When

F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu

appears in the upper-right corner of the screen,

press <F12>.

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 (see page 47) and try again.