Dell Dimension 4700C User Manual

Dell™ Dimension™ 4700C

front door

power button

hard-drive light

serial connector

diagnostic lights (4)

integrated video connector

IEEE 1394 connector*

USB 2.0 connectors (5)

microphone connector

SPDIF-out connector*

center/LFE connector

breakaway hinge

CD or DVD drive light

media card slots (4)*

IEEE 1394 connector*

breakaway hinge

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

headphone connector

modem connector

network adapter connector

line-out connector

line-in connector

surround connector

optional video card (see the setup diagram)

Model DHP

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

Not present on all computers.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

power connector

voltage selection switch*

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

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

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the

problem.

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

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.

____________________

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, P owerEdge, P owerV ault, P owerApp,

DellNet, and PowerConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, P entium, and Celeron 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 DHP

November 2004 P/N N5684 Rev. A01

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

1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Cable Connecting a USB Printer

Using a Media Card Reader

Connecting a TV

Changing the Display Settings

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter Network Setup Wizard

Connecting to the Internet

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

Playing a CD or DVD

Adjusting the Volume Adjusting the Picture

Copying CDs and DVDs

How to Copy a CD or DVD

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Using Blank CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVD+R, and DVD+RW Helpful Tips

Power Management

Standby Mode Hibernate Mode Power Options Properties

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Hyper-Threading

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Contents 3

2 Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Battery Problems

Drive Problems

CD and DVD drive problems Hard drive problems

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

Media Card Reader Problems

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

Keyboard Problems

Lockups and Software Problems

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

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

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

Memory Problems

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

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4 Contents

Mouse Problems

Network Problems

Power Problems

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

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Sound and Speaker Problems

No sound from speakers No sound from headphones

Video and Monitor Problems

If the screen is blank

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If the screen is difficult to read

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3 Troubleshooting Tools

Diagnostic Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Dell Diagnostics

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

Drivers

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

What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Restoring Your Operating System

Using Microsoft

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

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

4 Removing and Installing Parts

Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer

Front and Back View of the Computer

Front View Back View

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

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

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Reattaching the Front Door

Opening the Computer Cover

Inside View Of Your Computer

System Board Components

Memory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

DDR2 Memory Overview Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations Installing Memory Removing Memory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Cards

PCI Express Cards

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

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Contents 5

Media Card Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Removing a Media Card Reader Installing a Media Card Reader

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

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Modem

Battery

Closing the Computer Cover

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Replacing the Modem Replacing the Modem Cable and External Modem Connector

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Replacing the Battery

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5 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

System Setup

Overview Entering System Setup System Setup Options Boot Sequence

Clearing Forgotten Passwords

Clearing CMOS Settings

Cleaning Your Computer

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor Mouse CDs and DVDs

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6 Contents

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

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

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FCC Notices (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

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Class A Class B

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FCC Identification Information

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Contacting Dell

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

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Contents 7

8 Contents

Finding Information

NOTE: Additional documentation may be included with your computer, depending on your country.

What are you looking for? Find It Here

• Warranty information

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

• Terms and Conditions

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• How to set up my computer

• Express Service Code and Service Tag

• Microsoft

Windows® License Label

Setup Diagram

Express Service Code and Product Key Label

These labels are located on your computer.

•Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com or contact technical support.

•Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting technical support. The Express Service Code is not available in all countries.

Finding Information 9

What are you looking for? Find It Here

• Latest drivers for my computer

• Answers to technical service and support questions

• Online discussions with other users and technical support

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site. Not all

selections are available in all countries.

The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, and

• Documentation for my computer

• Community Forum — Online discussion with other Dell customers

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the

• Customer Care — Contact information, order status, warranty, and repair

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates

• Reference — Computer documentation, product specifications, and white

• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer

• Documentation for devices (such as a

Windows Help and Support Center

modem)

online courses

hard drive, and the operating system

information

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

Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand

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

Product Information Guide.

NOTE: Place your computer on a soft surface to prevent scratching the top cover.

To attach the stand:

Rotate the computer to an upside-down position.

Insert the screw into the bottom of the stand.

Align the two tabs and the screw on the stand with the tab holes and screw hole in the bottom of the computer.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 11

tabs (2)

screw

screw hole

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tab holes (2)

12 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Tighten the screw.

Place the computer in the upright position.

To remove the stand:

Turn the computer over so that the stand is at the top.

Loosen the screw and lift the stand away.

Place the computer in a horizontal position until you reattach the stand.

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.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 13

Printer Cable

Your printer connects to your computer with a USB 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.

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

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

USB connector on computer

USB printer cable

USB connector on printer

Using a Media Card Reader

Use the Media Card Reader to transfer data directly to your computer.

The Media Card Reader supports the following memory types:

• CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II)

• SmartMedia (SMC)

• Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro)

14 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

• SecureDigital Card (SD)

• MultiMediaCard (MMC)

For information on installing a Media Card Reader, see "Installing a Media Card Reader" on page 72.

CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II)

Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro) SecureDigital Card (SD)/

IEEE 1394

SmartMedia (SMC)

MultiMediaCard (MMC)

To use the Media Card Reader:

Check the media or card to determine the proper orientation for insertion.

Slide the media or card into the appropriate slot until it is completely seated in the connector.

If you encounter resistance, do not force the media or card. Check the card orientation and try again.

Connecting a TV

NOTE: To connect a TV 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 53.

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

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15

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

Changing the Display Settings

After you connect the TV, turn on the computer.

The Microsoft

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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

• In clone mode, the monitor and TV 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

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter

Windows® desktop displays on the monitor.

Start

button, click

, click

Device guides

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

Help and Support

, click

User and

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.

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

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

16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

network adapter connector on computer

network adapter connector

network device

network cable

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.

Click the click

On the welcome screen, click

Click

Start

button, point to

Network Setup Wizard

All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications

Checklist for creating a network

, and then

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

integrated firewall provided with Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later operating systems.

Complete the checklist and required preparations.

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.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17

• 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.

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

To set up an AOL or MSN connection:

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

Double-click the

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

If you do not have an Internet connection with a different ISP:

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

Click the

The

New Connection Wizard

Click

Connect to the Internet

In the next window, click the appropriate option:

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

service providers (ISPs)

• 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

Click

If you selected instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

MSN Explorer

Start

button and click

AOL

Internet Explorer

appears.

Set up my connection manually

Use the CD I got from an ISP

Set up my connection manually

icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

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

Choose from a list of Internet

, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the

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

Click the appropriate option under click

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

18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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 29. 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.

Playing a CD or DVD

NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed when

you are not using the drive.

NOTICE: Do not move the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs.

Press the eject button on the front of the drive.

Place the disc, label side up in the center of the tray

Press the disc into the center of the tray until it clicks into place.

Press the eject button or gently push in the tray.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19

To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came with your computer.

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

A CD player includes the following basic buttons:

Play.

Move backward within the current track.

Pause.

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A DVD player includes the following basic buttons:

Move forward within the current track.

Stop.

Go to the previous track.

Eject.

Go to the next track.

Stop.

Play.

Fast forward.

Pause.

Fast reverse.

Go to the next title or chapter.

Go to the previous title or chapter.

For more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click

20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Help

on the CD or DVD player (if available).

Adjusting the Volume

NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing.

Click the

Volume Control

In the slide it up or down to increase or decrease the volume.

For more information on volume control options, click

Start

button, point to

Volume Control

All Programs → Accessories→ Entertainment

window, click and drag the bar in the

Help

in the

Volume Control

, and then click

column and

window.

Adjusting the Picture

If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth are using too much memory and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display properties.

Click the

Under

In the setting to

Click the drop-down menu under

Click OK.

Start

button and click

Pick a category

Pick a task...

Display Properties

800 by 600 pixels

, click

Control Panel

Appearance and Themes

Change the screen resolution

window, click and drag the bar in

Color quality

, and then click

Screen resolution

Medium (16 bit)

to change the

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, DVD+RW, DVD+R, or DVD/CD-RW combo drive.

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

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 the help or tutorial option.

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 website at www.sonic.com.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21

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

RecordNow!

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

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Click

Exact Copy

To copy the CD or DVD:

If you have one optical drive

•

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

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

Start

button, point to

All Programs→

Sonic→ RecordNow!

, and then click

, ensure that the settings are correct and click

Copy

. The

If you have two optical drives

•

CD or DVD disc and click

, select the drive into which you have inserted your source

Copy

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

blank CD or DVD.

After you finish copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you created automatically ejects.

Using Blank CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVD+R, and DVD+RW

Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R disc, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs to write to CD 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, 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.

Helpful Tips

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

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

22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

• 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 optical 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-RWs 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.

Power Management

The Microsoft® Windows® XP power management features can reduce the amount of electricity your computer uses when it is on and you are not using it. You can reduce power to just the monitor or the hard drive, or you can use standby mode or hibernate mode to reduce power to the entire computer. When the computer exits from a power conservation mode, the Windows desktop is restored to the state it was in before it entered the mode.

NOTE: Windows XP Professional includes security and networking features not available in

Windows XP Home Edition. When a Windows XP Professional computer is connected to a network, different options related to security and networking appear in certain windows.

Standby Mode

Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a time-out. When the computer exits from standby mode, it returns to the operating state it was in before it entered standby mode.

To set standby mode to automatically activate after a defined period of inactivity:

Click the

Under

To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click the

Turn Off Computer

To exit from standby mode, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.

NOTICE: If your computer loses power while in standby mode, it may lose data.

Start

button and click

Pick a category

or pick a Control Panel icon

, click

, and then click

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

Stand by

, click

Power Options

Start

button, click

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23

Hibernate Mode

Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits from hibernate mode, the desktop is restored to the state it was in

To activate hibernate mode:

Click the

Under

Pick a category

Under

or pick a Control Panel icon

Define your hibernate settings on the Power Schemes tab, Advanced tab, and Hibernate tab.

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To exit from hibernate mode from hibernate mode. Pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse does not bring the computer out of hibernation, because the keyboard and the mouse do not function when the computer is in hibernate mode.

Because hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to store the contents of the computer memory, Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file before shipping the computer to you. If the computer’s hard drive becomes corrupted, Windows XP recreates the hibernate file automatically.

Power Options Properties

Define your standby mode settings, hibernate mode settings, and other power settings in the

Options Properties

Click the

Under

Pick a category

Under

or pick a Control Panel icon

Define your power settings on the

Start

button and click

, click

press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit

window. To access the

Start

button and click

, click

before it entered hibernate mode.

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

, click

Power Options

Power Options Properties

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

, click

Power Schemes

Power Options

tab,

Advanced

window:

tab, and

Hibernate

Power

tab.

Power Schemes Tab

Each standard power setting is called a scheme. If you want to select one of the standard Windows schemes installed on your computer, choose a scheme from the The settings for each scheme appear in the fields below the scheme name. Each scheme has different settings for starting standby mode or hibernate mode, turning off the monitor, and turning off the hard drive.

The

Power schemes

•

Always On

Home/Office Desk

• minimal power conservation.

•

Portable/Laptop

24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

(default) — If you want to use your computer with no power conservation.

drop-down menu displays the following schemes:

— If you use your computer as a home or office computer and you require

— If your computer is a portable computer that you use for traveling.

Power schemes

drop-down menu.

•

Presentation

— If you want your computer to run without interruption (using no power

conservation).

Minimal Power Management

•

— If you want your computer to run with minimal power

conservation.

•

Max Battery

— If your computer is a portable computer and you run your computer from

batteries for extended periods of time.

If you want to change the default settings for a scheme, click the drop-down menu in the

monitor

Turn off hard disks, System stand by

, or

System hibernates

field, and then select a time-

Turn off

out from the displayed list. Changing the time-out for a scheme field permanently changes the default settings for that scheme, unless you click

Save As

and enter a new name for the changed

scheme.

NOTICE: If you set the hard drive (hard disk) to time-out before the monitor does, your computer may

appear to be locked up. To recover, press any key on the keyboard or click the mouse. To avoid this problem, always set the monitor to time-out before the hard drive.

Advanced Tab

The

Advanced

tab allows you to:

• Place the power options icon in the Windows taskbar for quick access.

• Set the computer to prompt you for your Windows password before the computer exits from standby mode or hibernate mode.

• Program the power button to activate standby mode, activate hibernate mode, or turn off the computer.

To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding drop-down menu and click

Hibernate Tab

The

Hibernate

you defined on the

Hibernate

tab allows you to enable hibernate mode. If you want to use the hibernate settings

Power Schemes

tab, click the

Enable hibernate support

check box on the

tab.

For more information on power management options:

Click the

In the

Start

button and click

Help and Support

window, click

Performance and maintenance

window, click

Conserving power on your computer

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

Windows® XP Service Pack 1

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25

(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:

Click the

Click

Hardware

In the

Device Manager

is enabled, the processor is listed twice.

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You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through system setup. For more information on accessing system setup, see page 86.

Start

button, right-click

and click

My Computer

Device Manager

, and then click

window, click the plus (+) sign next to

Properties

Processors

. If Hyper-Threading

26 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 78). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see page 96).

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 27

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.

NOTE: This system supports an optional USB floppy drive.

CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK — See page 93.

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS

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RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 50.

RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See page 46.

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 39.

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 page 23 or search for the keyword standby in Windows Help for information on power management modes.

28 Solving Problems

Hard drive problems

RUN CHECK DISK —

Click the

Right-click

Click

Click the

Under

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:

In Outlook Express, click

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 —

SE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE —

• 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 29

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —

Click the

Click

Click the

Click the COM port for your modem.

Click communicating with Windows.

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

Start

button and click

Printers and Other Hardware Phone and Modem Options

Modems

Properties

tab.

, click the

Control Panel

Diagnostics

tab, and then click

Query Modem

to verify that the modem is

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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:

Click the

Select the program you want to remove.

Click the

See the program documentation for installation instructions.

Start

button, click

Change or Remove Program

Control Panel

, and then click

icon.

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.

NOTE: This system supports an optional USB floppy drive.

30 Solving Problems

+ 86 hidden pages