Dell Dimension 4700C User Manual

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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

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

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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

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4 Contents

Mouse Problems

Network Problems

Power Problems

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

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

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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

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

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

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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

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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:

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

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

NOTE: This system supports an optional USB floppy drive.

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 96).

Media Card Reader Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NO DRIVE LETTER IS ASSIGNED —

When Microsoft Windows XP detects the Media Card Reader, the device is automatically assigned a drive letter as the next logical drive after all other physical drives in the system. If the next logical drive after the physical drives is mapped to a network drive, Windows XP does not automatically assign a drive letter to the Media Card Reader.

To manually assign a drive for the Media Card Reader:

Right-click My Computer and select

Select the

Right-click the corresponding drive letter in the right pane that needs to be changed.

Select

From the drop-down list, select the new drive letter assignment for the Media Card Reader.

Click OK to confirm your selection.

Disk Management

Drive Letter and Paths.

NOTE: The Media Card Reader appears as a mapped drive only when it is connected. Each of the four

Media Card Reader slots are mapped to a drive even if no media is installed. If you attempt to access the Media Card Reader when no media is inserted, you are prompted to insert media.

option.

Manage

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

Solving Problems 31

ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —

Click the

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 96).

F YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A NON-DELL IEEE 1394 DEVICE — Contact the manufacturer of the

IEEE 1394 device.

Start

button and click

Printers and Other Hardware

Control Panel

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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.

• Reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.

• Check the cable connector for damaged or frayed cables.

• 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 50.

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 43.

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

LECTRICAL OUTLET

32 Solving Problems

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.

A program stops responding

END THE PROGRAM —

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

Click

Applications

Click the program that is no longer responding.

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.

Click the

Wizard

In the welcome screen, click

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Start

button, point to

All Programs→ Accessories

, 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 33

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 64).

• Reseat the memory modules (see page 64) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 46).

34 Solving Problems

IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS —

• Reseat the memory modules (see page 64) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see page 63).

• Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For more information about the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 81.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 46).

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 page 93.

CHECK THE MOUSE CABLE —

Check the cable connector for damaged or frayed cables.

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

Reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.

RESTART THE COMPUTER —

Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the

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

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

Start the computer.

Start

menu.

Shut down

Turn Off

, and then press <Enter>.

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

CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS —

Click the

Click

Try adjusting the settings.

Start

Mouse

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

REINSTALL THE MOUSE DRIVER — See page 49.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 50.

Solving Problems 35

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 "Controls and Lights" on page 84.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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 50.

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 43.

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.

36 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 62).

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

• Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see page 63).

• Remove and then reinstall any cards (see page 66).

• Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see page 66).

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING AMBER — The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.

Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location (if applicable).

Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the system board (see page 62).

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 37

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 14).

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 —

Click the

Click

View installed printers or fax printers

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

Click

Properties

setting is

port(s):

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

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.

Start

button, click

and click the

USB

Control Panel

, and then click

Ports

tab. For a USB printer, ensure that the

Printers and Other Hardware

Print to the following

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.

38 Solving Problems

VERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT WINDOWS —

Click the

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 39

RUN THE SPEAKER DIAGNOSTICS — See your speaker documentation for more information.

REINSTALL THE SOUND DRIVER — See page 49.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 50.

No sound from headphones

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

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

into the headphone connector (see page 55).

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

See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

If the screen is blank

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.

40 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 43.

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 —

Click the

Click

Try different settings for

Start

Display

button, click

and click the

Screen resolution

Control Panel

Settings

tab.

, and then click

and

Color quality.

Appearance and Themes

Solving Problems 41

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42 Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tools

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 56). 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

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

ABCD

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

ABCD

= yellow

= green

= off

A possible processor failure has occurred. Contact Dell (see

Troubleshooting Tools 43

page 96

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

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

ABCD

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A possible graphics card failure has occurred.

ABCD

A possible floppy or hard drive failure has occurred.

• If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module (see page 63), 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 63).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 96).

• If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, reinstall it (see page 66), 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 96).

Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.

ABCD

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

ABCD

= yellow

= green

= off

44 Troubleshooting Tools

connections, and then restart the computer.

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

No memory modules are detected.

ABCD

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

ABCD

A possible expansion card failure has occurred. 1

ABCD

• If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see page 63).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 96).

• Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see page 63).

• Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer (see page 63).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 96).

Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not a graphics card) (see page 66) and restarting the computer.

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

Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see page 50).

If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 96).

= yellow

= green

= off

Troubleshooting Tools 45

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Another failure has occurred.

ABCD

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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 62).

• 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 85) to make sure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 96).

None.

ABCD

= yellow

= green

= off

Dell Diagnostics

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" on page 27 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.

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

When the boot device list appears, highlight

46 Troubleshooting Tools

Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer (see page 53) and try again.

Boot to Utility Partition

and press <Enter>.

When the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

appears, select the test you want to run (see

page 47).

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

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.

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

Main Menu

screen appears, click the button for the

page 96

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

Custom Test

Symptom Tree

option, click the applicable tab

described in the following table for more information.

Ta b 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.

Troubleshooting Tools 47

Tab Function

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

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

Close the test screen to return to the

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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

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.

Windows XP

Click the

Under

Pick a Category

Click

System

In the

System Properties

48 Troubleshooting Tools

Start

button and click

Control Panel

, click

Performance and Maintenance

window, click the

Hardware

tab.

Click

Device Manager

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 (see page 48).

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.

Click the

Under

Click

In the

Click

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

Click the

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

Manually Reinstalling Drivers

After copying the driver files to your hard drive, click the

Computer

Click

Click the

Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver.

Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.

Click the

Click

When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click

Click

Properties

Hardware

Driver

tab and click

Update Driver

Device Manager

Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)

Browse

and browse to the location to which you previously extracted the driver files.

Finish

and restart your computer.

Start

button and right-click

and click

Troubleshooting Tools 49

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:

Click the

Ty p e

hardware troubleshooter

Click

Hardware Troubleshooter

In the

Hardware Troubleshooter

computer

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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.

Start

button and click

, and click

Help and Support

in the

list, click

in the

field and click the arrow to start the search.

Search Results

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my

list.

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

Click the

Click

System Restore

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see page 49) to resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.

50 Troubleshooting Tools

Start

button and click

Help and Support

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

System Restore

Ensure that

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

The

Start

button, point to

Restore my computer to an earlier time

Select a Restore Point

All Programs→

Accessories→

System Tools

is selected and click

, and then click

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

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

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.

Click

The

Restoration Complete

screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and

then the computer restarts.

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.

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

System Restore

Click

Start

button, point to

Undo my last restoration

All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools

and click

, and then click

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:

Click the

Click

Click the

Ensure that

Start

button and click

Control Pane l

Performance and Maintenance

System

System Restore

Turn off System Restore

tab.

is unchecked.

Troubleshooting Tools 51

Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec

NOTE: Dell PC Restore by Symantec is not available in all countries.

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.

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To use PC Restore:

Turn on the computer.

During the boot process, a blue bar with

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

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

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

On the next screen that appears, click

On the next screen, click

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

Confirm

Restore

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—

including data files—are

appears at the top of the screen.

When prompted, click

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

When prompted, click

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.

Click

System Restore

The

After the computer restarts, click OK.

52 Troubleshooting Tools

Finish

to reboot the computer.

Yes

screen appears and the computer restarts.

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" on page 53 and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" on page 53.

• You have read the safety information in your Dell™

• A component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed 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:

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

Turn Off Computer

In the

Turn off computer

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

window, click

Product Information Guide.

Tur n off

Start

button, and then

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.

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.

Removing and Installing Parts 53

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

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

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connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

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

the computer.

Turn off your computer (see page 53).

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 network cables from the computer.

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 59).

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.

Front and Back View of the Computer

Front View

NOTE: The front-panel door does not close when you are using certain Flash Media or IEEE 1394, USB,

or headphone connectors.

NOTE: The front-panel door is removable; if you remove it or accidentally knock it off its hinges, it snaps

back in place. For instructions on how to reattach the door, see page 58.

54 Removing and Installing Parts

Not present on all computers.

1 breakaway hinges (2) To prevent damage to your computer, the front door is designed to "break away" if it is

opened too far. To reattach the front door, see page 58.

2 CD or DVD

drive-activity light

3 media card slots

(4)(optional)

4 IEEE 1394 6-pin

connector

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

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

Use the media card slots to transfer data to your computer. For more information, see "Using a Media Card Reader" on page 14.

Attach high-speed serial multimedia devices, such as digital video cameras. (This feature is only available on computers with an optional Media Card Reader.)

joysticks or cameras.

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

NOTICE: This computer supports the use of a USB hub. However, do not connect two or

more USB hubs to a USB connector. Doing so may cause the computer to unexpectedly restart.

NOTE: If you attach a USB device that was not included in your original computer order,

you may need to install a specific driver to make the device work. Check the documentation that came with the device or contact the USB device manufacturer for more information.

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

Removing and Installing Parts 55

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

the hard drive. The light might also be on when devices such as your CD player are operating.

8 power button Press to turn on the computer.

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

Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

9 front-panel door Open the door to use the front-panel connectors.

NOTE: The front door is removable; if you remove it or accidentally knock it off its hinges,

it snaps back in place. For instructions on how to reattach the door, see page 58.

Back View

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14*

11*

Not present on all computers.

56 Removing and Installing Parts

1 modem connector Use the modem connector to connect your computer to the Internet.

2 network adapter

connector

network jack

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

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

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

6 S-video out connector Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see "Connecting a TV" on

7 power connector Insert the power cable.

8 voltage selection switch See the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide for more

9 optional video card

connector

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

11 SPDIF-out connector Use this connector to provide a digital audio signal to amplifiers, a mini-disc, and other

12 microphone connector Use the pink microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for

13 USB 2.0 connectors (5) Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as

14 IEEE 1394 connector Attach high-speed serial multimedia devices, such as digital video cameras.

15 integrated video

connector

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

17 serial connector Connect a serial device, such as a hand-held device, to the serial port.

modem jack

To attach your computer to a network or cable/dsl modem, connect one end of a network cable to either a network jack or your network device. Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back panel of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached.

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.

integrated amplifiers.

player, CD player, or VCR.

page 15.

information.

Plug the cable from your monitor into the video card connector.

(This feature is only available on computers with an optional video card.)

SPDIF-in compatible equipment.

voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

printers and keyboards.

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

(This feature is only available on computers with an optional IEEE 1394 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.

code. For more information, see page 43.

Removing and Installing Parts 57

Reattaching the Front Door

To prevent damage to your computer, the front door is designed to "break away" if it is opened too far. To reattach the front door:

Shut down the computer through the

Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your computer, turn them off now.

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

from the network wall jack.

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Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

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

NOTE: The top hinge arm clicks when it is moved to the closed position—the bottom hinge arm does not.

Move the hinge arms to the closed position.

Align the two clips on the inside of the front door with the two hinge arms.

Press inward on the front door until it clips to both hinge arms.

Start

menu (see page 53).

hinge arms (2) in closed position

58 Removing and Installing Parts

front-door clips (2)

front door

Opening the Computer Cover

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

Product Information Guide.

Shut down the computer through the

Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your computer, turn them off now.

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.

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

Remove the computer stand, if it is attached (see page 11).

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

before opening the cover.

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

top space.

Lay the computer on its side with the back of the computer facing you.

Locate the

two

release buttons shown in the illustration. Then press the

you lift the cover.

Start

menu (see page 53).

two

release buttons as

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

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

NOTE: Make sure that the computer is oriented with the cable security tab on top, as shown in

the illustration.

Removing and Installing Parts 59

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back of computer

Inside View Of Your Computer

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

Product Information Guide.

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

before opening the cover.

NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do not inadvertently

disconnect cables from the system board.

cable security tab

release buttons (one on each side)

60 Removing and Installing Parts

heat sink and blower assembly

back of computer

CD or DVD drive

hard drive

system board

card slots

power supply

Removing and Installing Parts 61

System Board Components

internal speaker (SPKR)

battery socket (BATTERY)

CMOS jumper (RTCRST)

modem (MDC1)

main power connector (POWER)

password jumper (PSWD)

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memory module connectors (DIMM_1 and DIMM_2)

processor fan connector (FAN)

processor and heat-sink connector

IDE connector (IDE)

front-panel USB connector for Media Card Reader (FPUSB)

SATA connector (SATAO)

front-panel connector (FRONT PANEL)

Standby Voltage Indicator (AUX_PWR)

front-panel 1394 connector for Media Card Reader (FP1394)

PCI Express x16 card connector (PEG)

PCI Express x1 card connector (PCI_E1)

front-panel audio connector (FRONTAUDIO)

62 Removing and Installing Parts

processor power connector (12V POWER)

back of computer

Memory

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

Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For additional information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 81.

DDR2 Memory Overview

If you are installing two DDR2 memory modules, you should install the modules as a pair,

matched memory size and speed.

the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. If you install a mixed pair of DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200) and DDR2 533-MHz (PC2-4300) memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed. See the label on the module to determine the module’s capacity.

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

NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules.

The recommended memory configuration is a pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2.

If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed in a matched pair,

with

matched pair of memory modules in DIMM connectors 1 and 2

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

Removing and Installing Parts 63

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 as a pair in DIMM connectors 1 and 2.

Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations

Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use two 2-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as Microsoft space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is slightly 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.

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Installing 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.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

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

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

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

64 Removing and Installing Parts

memory connector closest to processor

securing clips (2)

connector

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.

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

Close the computer cover.

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.

Right-click the

Click the

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

My Computer

General

tab.

icon and click

Properties

Removing and Installing Parts 65

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.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

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

Grasp the module and pull up.

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

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the connector.

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.

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

• One PCI Express x16 card slot

• One PCI Express x1 card slot

NOTE: The slots for the PCI Express x16 and PCI Express x1 cards are half height slots.

PCI Express Cards

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

66 Removing and Installing Parts

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 card, see "Removing a PCI Express Card" on page 70.

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

Installing a PCI Express Card

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

2 Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.

If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then

continue with step 6.

retention arm

filler bracket

Removing and Installing Parts 67

x16 card

edge connector

securing slot

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securing tab

card connector

retention arm

x1 card

edge connector

retention arm

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

68 Removing and Installing Parts

card connector

Prepare the card for installation.

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.

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.

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

not fully seated card

bracket within slot

bracket caught outside of slot

Ensure that:

fully seated card

• The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.

• The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.

Removing and Installing Parts 69

Press the retention arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

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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.

See the documentation that came with 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 turn them on.

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

retention arm

Removing a PCI Express Card

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.

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

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

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.

Secure the card(s) in the computer.

70 Removing and Installing Parts

page 96

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 turn them on.

Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.

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

Media Card Reader

For information on using the Media Card Reader, see "Using a Media Card Reader" on page 14.

Removing a Media Card Reader

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.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

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

Open the computer cover (see page 59).

Disconnect the CD drive cable from the back of the CD drive.

CD drive

CD drive cable

Removing and Installing Parts 71

Disconnect the USB cable on the back of the Media Card Reader from the front panel USB connector on the system board (see page 62).

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Disconnect the IEEE 1394 connector on the system board (see page 62).

Release the cable from the cable routing clip.

Press in on the release tabs at each end of the bracket and slide the unit out.

Reconnect the cable to the back of the CD drive.

Close the computer cover (see page 80).

cable routing clip

USB cable

IEEE 1394 cable

bracket

release tabs (2)

Installing a Media Card Reader

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.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

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

72 Removing and Installing Parts

Open the computer cover (see page 59).

Disconnect the cable from the back of the CD drive.

CD drive

CD drive cable

Remove the Media Card Reader and bracket from its packaging.

Make sure the USB cable and IEEE 1394 cable are connected to the back of the Media Card Reader.

Connect the USB cable on the back of the Media Card Reader to the front panel USB connector on the system board (see page 62).

Connect the IEEE 1394 cable on the back of the Media Card Reader to the front panel IEEE 1394 connector on the system board (see page 62).

Removing and Installing Parts 73

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Press in on the release tabs at each end of the bracket and slide the unit until it clicks in place.

Route the USB cable and the IEEE 1394 cable through the cable routing clip.

Close the computer cover (see page 80).

cable routing clip

USB cable

IEEE 1394 cable

bracket

release tabs (2)

Modem

Replacing the Modem

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

Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: Before you remove or install the modem, make sure to disconnect all telephone and network

cables from your computer.

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 53.

Open the computer cover (see page 59).

74 Removing and Installing Parts

securing clip

modem cable

pull tab

screws (2)

ground wire

Remove the existing modem:

Disconnect the modem cable from the modem.

Use a size #1 screwdriver to remove the screws securing the modem and ground wire to

modem

the system board, and set the screws aside.

Move the ground wire out of the way.

Pull straight up on the attached pull-tab to lift the modem out of its connector on the system board.

NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the

connectors and realign the card.

Install the new modem:

Align the modem with the screw holes and press the modem into the connector on the system board.

Replace the ground wire.

Use a size #1 screwdriver to install the screws that secure the modem and ground wire to the system board.

Connect the modem cable to the modem.

Close the computer cover (see page 80).

Replacing the Modem Cable and External Modem Connector

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

Product Information Guide.

Removing and Installing Parts 75

NOTICE: Before you remove or install the modem, make sure to disconnect all telephone and network

cables from your computer.

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 53.

Open the computer cover (see page 59).

Remove the modem cable and ground wire from the modem:

Disconnect the modem cable from the modem.

Remove the screw that secures the ground wire to the modem and system board and set

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the screw aside.

Remove the cable and ground wire from the securing clip that is located next to the modem.

securing clip

modemscrews (2)

fan

ground wire

Remove the external modem connector:

Remove the two screws from the fan and lift the fan up and out of the way.

Remove the screw from the cable clip located by the external modem connector.

76 Removing and Installing Parts

chassis hole

screw cable clip

exposed ground wire

modem cable

modem connector

tabs (2)

external clip

To release the modem connector, gently open the tabs on each side of the external clip that holds the external modem connector in place.

Lift the modem cable and connector from the computer.

To install a new modem cable and external modem connector:

Align the external connector with the slot on the back on the computer.

Press on each side of the external clip and secure the external modem connector in place.

Push on the back of the modem connector to make sure that the external clip completely engages and fits tightly against the back of the computer.

Place the modem cable and ground wire in the cable clip and secure the clip to the computer chassis with the screw.

Carefully route the cable and ground wire around the processor making sure that you keep the wires away from any internal parts.

Attach the modem cable and ground wire to the modem:

Connect the modem cable to the modem.

Replace the screw that secures the ground wire to the modem and system board.

Align the fan with the holes on the heat sink and replace the two screws.

Close the computer cover (see page 80).

Removing and Installing Parts 77

Battery

Replacing the 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.

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

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 coin cell battery:

NOTE: For information regarding the type of coin cell battery, see "Power" on page 84.

Record all the screens in system setup (see page 85) so that you can restore the correct settings in step 8.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

Locate the battery socket (see page 62).

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 system battery.

Support the battery connector by pressing down firmly on the positive side of the connector.

While supporting the battery connector, press the battery toward the positive side of the connector and pry it up out of the securing tabs at the negative side of the connector.

78 Removing and Installing Parts

battery (positive side)

battery socket

negative side of battery

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the battery connector, you must firmly support the connector while

installing or removing a battery.

Install the new system battery.

Support the battery connector by pressing down firmly on the positive side of the connector.

Hold the battery with the "+" facing up, and slide it under the securing tabs at the positive side of the connector.

Press the battery straight down into the connector until it snaps into place.

Close the computer cover (see page 80).

Removing and Installing Parts 79

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.

Enter system setup (see page 86) and restore the settings you recorded in step 1.

Properly dispose of the old battery. See the information.

Closing the Computer Cover

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

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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.

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

Close the cover:

Pivot the cover down.

Press down on the right side of the cover until it closes.

Press down on the left side of the cover until it closes.

Ensure that both sides of the cover are locked. If not, repeat all of step 3.

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.

Product Information Guide

for battery disposal

80 Removing and Installing Parts

Appendix

Specifications

Processor

Processor type

Level 1 (L1) cache 16 KB

Level 2 (L2) cache 1 MB for Pentium 4 processors

Memory

Type 400-MHz and 533-MHz DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM

Memory connectors two

Memory capacities 256-MB, 512-MB, 1-GB, or 2-GB non-ECC

Minimum memory 256 MB

Maximum memory 4 GB

BIOS address F0000h

Intel® Pentium® 4 processor 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, and 570 with Hyper-Threading technology

NOTE: Not all Pentium 4 processors support Hyper-Threading

technology.

Intel Celeron

D processor 330 and 335

NOTE: Dell™ Dimension™ 4700C with Intel Celeron processors are

available only in Japan.

256 KB for Celeron processors

(depending on your computer configuration) pipelined-burst, eight-way set associative, write-back SRAM

NOTE: See "Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations" in your

Owner’ s Manual to verify the amount of memory available to the

operating system.

Computer Information

Chip set Intel 915G Express chip set

DMA channels eight

Interrupt levels 24

Appendix 81

Computer Information (continued)

BIOS chip (NVRAM) 4Mb

NIC Integrated network interface capable of 10/100 Mbps

System clock 800-MHz data rate

Video

Type Intel integrated Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 900 x16 PCI

Audio

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Type ADI 1980 AC97 Codec

Expansion Bus

Bus type PCI Express x1 and x16

Bus speed

PCI Express:

connector one x1

connector size 36 pins

connector data width (maximum) one PCI Express lane

communication

Express Discrete Graphics

PCI Express:

x1 slot bidirectional speed: 500 MB/s x16 slot bidirectional speed: 8 GB/sec

PCI Express:

connector one x16

connector size 164 pins

connector data width (maximum) 16 PCI Express lanes

Drives

Externally accessible one slimline 3.5-inch media bay

Available devices Serial ATA drive, USB memory devices, CD drive, DVD drive,

Internally accessible one bay for 1-inch high hard drive

82 Appendix

one slimline 5.25-inch drive bay

DVD+RW drive, DVD/CD-RW combo drive, DVD+/-RW, and Media Card Reader

Connectors

External connectors:

Serial 9-pin, 16550C-compatible connector

IEEE 1394 one 6-pin powered back-panel connector (not present on all

computers) one 6-pin powered front-panel connector (with optional Media Card Reader)

Video 15-hole D-SUB connector

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

Headphone front-panel miniature connector for line-out

Audio

Network adapter RJ45 connector

Modem RJ11 (MDC 1.5) connector

System board connectors:

IDE drive

Serial ATA

Fan

PCI Express x1

PCI Express x16

USB

MDC

Front-panel audio

Front panel

Power

Processor power

IEEE 1394

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

connector (S/PDIF connector not present on all computers)

one 40-pin connector

one 7-pin connectors

one 5-pin connectors

36-pin connector

164-pin connector

8-pin header for optional Media Card Reader (3.5-inch bay device)

one 12-pin connector

one 10-pin header

one 34-pin header

one 2 x 10 connector

one 2 x 2 connector

one 2 x 5 header for optional Media Card Reader (3.5-inch bay device)

S/PDIF back panel

Appendix 83

Controls and Lights

Power control push button

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

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" in your

Standby power light AUX_PWR on the system board

Activity light (optional Media Card Reader)

Power

DC power supply:

Wattage 160 W

Heat dissipation 460.7 BTU/hr

Voltage (See the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide

for important voltage setting information.)

Backup battery 3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell

state.

amber light — Blinking amber indicates a problem with an installed device; solid amber indicates an internal power problem (see "Power Problems" in your

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

Dimension Owner’s Manual

green blinking light

270 W

fixed-voltage power supply — 110 V at 50/60 Hz

manual selection and auto-sensing power supplies — 90 to 135 V at 50/60 Hz; 180 to 265 V at 50/60 Hz; 100 V at 50/60 Hz for Japanese computers

Dell Dimension Owner’s Manual

Dell

84 Appendix

Physical

Height

Width

Depth

We ig ht

Environmental

Temperature:

Operating 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)

32.3 cm (12.7 inches)

9.6 cm (3.8 inches)

35.6 cm (14.0 inches)

7.4 kg (16.4 lb)

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

(3000 ft).

Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F)

Relative humidity 20% to 80% (noncondensing)

Maximum vibration:

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

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

Maximum shock:

Operating bottom half-sine pulse with a change in velocity of 50.8 cm/sec

(20 inches/sec)

Storage 27-G faired square wave with a velocity change of 508 cm/sec

(200 inches/sec)

Altitude:

Operating –15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)

Storage –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

Appendix 85

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.

Entering System Setup

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

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

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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.

Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer (see page 53) and try again.

Options List

— This 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.

Scroll up and down the list with 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.

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.

Key Functions — This field appears below the

Option Field

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

86 Appendix

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

system board, and lists the capacity for hard drives.

SATA Operation Identifies and defines the SATA modes. You can set the SATA controller to

Normal or Combo mode.

Onboard Devices

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

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.

Modem Enables or disables the onboard modem 1394 Controller Enables of disables the IEEE 1394 connections. Card Reader Enables or disables the optional Media Card Reader. Audio Controller Enables or disables the onboard audio controller.

Appendix 87

USB Controller Set to On (default) so that USB devices will be detected and supported in

Serial Port Identifies and defines the serial port settings. Auto (default) automatically

Video

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

Video Memory Size Use this option to select 8 MB (default) or 1 MB of system memory for an

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Performance

HyperThreading If your computer’s processor supports Hyper-Threading, this option appears

HDD Acoustic Mode

Security

DEP (Execute Disable)

Unlock Setup Use this option with Admin Password to unlock setup options.

the operating system. The No Boot option enables a USB controller, but does not recognize a USB storage device.

configures a connector to a particular designation (COM1 or COM3).

NOTE: If both resources are in use, the port is disabled.

controllers are present on the computer.

integrated video controller.

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 is not affected.

NOTE: Changing the acoustics setting does not alter your hard drive image.

This section displays available system security options.

•

Opt-In

(default) — DEP is enabled by default on computers with NX-capable processors. Only Windows system binaries are covered by DEP with this option. Applications may enable DEP protection through creating an application compatibility shim and installing that shim with the application.

Opt-Out

• exceptions for specific applications in System Properties, or IT Pros and ISVs can use the Application Compatibility Toolkit to opt-out.

Always On

•

Always Off —

kernel binaries are covered by DEP, but no other binaries are included in the set of covered applications.

— DEP is enabled for all processes. Users can manually create

— Full DEP coverage with no exceptions.

No user-mode DEP coverage. Drivers and the Widows core

NOTE: This option appears only when the Admin Password option is enabled.

88 Appendix

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

program in the same way that access to the system can be restricted with the System Password option.

NOTE: To delete a password, enter the old password and press <Enter> two

times.

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

allows a new system password to be assigned and verified.

Password Status This option locks the system password field with the setup password. When

the field is locked, you can no longer disable password security by pressing <Ctrl><Enter> when the computer starts.

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 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 Use this mode to conserve power. 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

Load Defaults This setting restores the computer’s factory-installed default settings. Event Log Displays the system event log.

POST Behavior

Fastboot When set to On (default), your computer starts more quickly because it

skips certain configurations and tests.

Numlock Key This option involves the rightmost bank of keys on your keyboard. When set

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.

Appendix 89

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

This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices.

NOTICE: If you modify any boot sequence settings, save the new settings to avoid losing the changes.

Option Settings

•

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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.

NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure that your device is bootable,

check the device documentation.

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, or memory key.

90 Appendix

If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector (see page 62).

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 53) and try again.

Boot Device Menu

The

appears, listing all available boot devices.

Select a device and press <Enter>.

For example, if you are booting to a USB memory key, highlight

USB Flash Device

and press

<Enter>.

NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure your device is bootable,

check the device documentation.

NOTE: You can also change the boot sequence using the Boot Sequence options in the System Setup

Options (see page page 87).

Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots

Enter system setup (see page 86).

Use the arrow keys to highlight the

Boot Sequence

menu option and press <Enter> to access

the menu.

NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to move through the list of devices.

Press the spacebar to enable or disable a device (enabled devices have a checkmark).

Press the <U> key or the <D> key to move a selected device up or down the list.

Clearing Forgotten Passwords

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

3 2 1

PSWD

Locate the 3-pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board, and attach the jumper plug

1 2 3 RTCRST

(page 92)

to pins 1 and 2 to clear the password.

NOTE: When you receive your computer, the jumper plug is attached to pins 2 and 3.

Close the computer cover (see page 80).

Appendix 91

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

After the Microsoft® Windows® desktop appears on your computer, shut down the computer (see page 53).

Turn off the monitor and disconnect it from the electrical outlet.

Disconnect the computer power cable from the electrical outlet, and press the power button to ground the system board.

Open the computer cover (see page 59).

Locate the 3-pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board (see page 91) and attach the jumper to pins 2 and 3 to re-enable the password feature.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Close the computer cover (see page 80).

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.

Clearing CMOS Settings

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.

Reset the current CMOS settings:

Locate the 3-pin CMOS jumper (RTCRST) on the system board (see page 91).

Remove the jumper plug from pins 1 and 2.

Place the jumper plug on pins 2 and 3 and wait approximately 5 seconds.

Replace the jumper plug on pins 1 and 2.

Close the computer cover (see page 80).

92 Appendix

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.

Cleaning Your Computer

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor

CAUTION: Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Clean

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

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

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

antiglare coating.

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

• Wipe the keyboard, computer, and plastic part of the monitor with a soft cleaning cloth moistened with a solution of three parts water and one part dishwashing detergent.

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

Mouse

If your screen cursor skips or moves abnormally, clean the mouse. To clean a non-optical mouse:

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

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

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

If the rollers inside the ball cage are dirty, clean the rollers with a cotton swab moistened lightly with isopropyl alcohol.

Recenter the rollers in their channels if they are misaligned. Ensure that fluff from the swab is not left on the rollers.

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

CDs and DVDs

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

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

Appendix 93

If you notice problems, such as skipping, with the playback quality of your CDs or DVDs, try cleaning the discs.

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

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

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

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

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

Technician-assisted technical support requires the cooperation and participation of the customer in the troubleshooting process and provides for restoration of the operating system, software programs, and hardware drivers to the original default configuration as shipped from Dell, as well as the verification of appropriate functionality of the computer and all Dell-installed hardware. In addition to this technician-assisted technical support, online technical support is available at

support.dell.com

Dell provides limited technical support for the computer and any "Dell-installed" software and peripherals

. Support for third-party software and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer, including those purchased and/or installed through Dell Software and Peripherals, Readyware, and Custom Factory Integration

Repair services are provided pursuant to the terms and conditions of your limited warranty and any optional support service contract purchased with the computer.

All Dell-standard components included in a Custom Factory Integration (CFI) project are covered by the standard Dell limited warranty for your computer. However, Dell also extends a parts replacement program to cover all nonstandard, third-party hardware components integrated through CFI for the duration of the computer’s service contract.

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals

Dell-installed software includes the operating system and some of the software programs that are installed on the computer during the manufacturing process (Microsoft and so on).

Dell-installed peripherals include any internal expansion cards, or Dell-branded module bay or PC Card accessories. In addition, any Dell-branded monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, microphones for telephonic modems, docking stations/port replicators, networking products, and all associated cabling are included.

. Additional technical support options may be available for purchase.

Office, Norton Antivirus,

94 Appendix

Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

Third-party software and peripherals include any peripheral, accessory, or software program sold by Dell not under the Dell brand (printers, scanners, cameras, games, and so on). Support for all thirdparty software and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer of the product.

FCC Notices (U.S. Only)

Most Dell computer systems are classified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as Class B digital devices. To determine which classification applies to your computer system, examine all FCC registration labels located on the bottom, side, or back panel of your computer, on card-mounting brackets, and on the cards themselves. If any one of the labels carries a Class A rating, your entire system is considered to be a Class A digital device. If Class B rating as distinguished by either an FCC ID number or the FCC logo, ( ), your system is considered to be a Class B digital device.

Once you have determined your system’s FCC classification, read the appropriate FCC notice. Note that FCC regulations provide that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Dell could void your authority to operate this equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference.

• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

all

labels carry an FCC

Class A

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction manual, may cause harmful interference with radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case you will be required to correct the interference at your own expense.

Class B

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction manual, may cause interference with radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause

Appendix 95

harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

FCC Identification Information

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

The following information is provided on the device or devices covered in this document in compliance with FCC regulations:

• Model number: DHP

Company name:

Dell Inc. One Dell Way Round Rock, Texas 78682 USA 512-338-4400

Contacting Dell

To contact Dell electronically, you can access the following websites:

• www.dell.com

•

For specific web addresses for your country, find the appropriate country section in the table below.

NOTE: Toll-free numbers are for use within the country for which they are listed.

When you need to contact Dell, use the electronic addresses, telephone numbers, and codes provided in the following table. If you need assistance in determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international operator.

96 Appendix

support.dell.com

premiersupport.dell.com

medium/large business customers, including Premier, Platinum, and Gold customers)

(technical support)

(technical support for educational, government, healthcare, and

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Anguilla General Support

Antigua and Barbuda General Support

Argentina (Buenos Aires)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 54

City Code: 11

Aruba General Support

Australia (Sydney)

International Access Code: 0011

Country Code: 61

City Code: 2

Website: www.dell.com.ar

E-mail: us_latin_services@dell.com

E-mail for desktop and portable computers: la-techsupport@dell.com

E-mail for servers and EMC: la_enterprise@dell.com

Customer Care

Tech Support

Tech Support Services

Sales

E-mail (Australia): au_tech_support@dell.com

E-mail (New Zealand): nz_tech_support@dell.com

Home and Small Business

Government and Business

Preferred Accounts Division (PAD)

For servers and storage

For desktop and portable computers

Customer Care

Corporate Sales

Transaction Sales

Fax

Department Name or Service Area,

Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

toll-free: 800-335-0031

1-800-805-5924

toll-free: 0-800-444-0730

toll-free: 0-800-444-0733

toll-free: 0-800-444-0724

0-810-444-3355

toll-free: 800-1578

1-300-65-55-33

toll-free: 1-800-633-559

toll-free: 1-800-060-889

toll-free: 1-800-505-095

toll-free: 1-800-733-314

toll-free: 1-800-819-339

toll-free: 1-800-808-385

toll-free: 1-800-808-312

toll-free: 1-800-818-341

Appendix 97

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Austria (Vienna)

International Access Code: 900

Country Code: 43

City Code: 1

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Bahamas General Support

Barbados General Support

Belgium (Brussels)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 32

City Code: 2

Bermuda General Support

Bolivia General Support

Brazil

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 55

City Code: 51

British Virgin Islands General Support

Brunei

Country Code: 673

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com

Home/Small Business Sales

Home/Small Business Fax

Home/Small Business Customer Care

Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Care

Home/Small Business Technical Support

Preferred Accounts/Corporate Technical Support

Switchboard

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail for French Speaking Customers:

support.euro.dell.com/be/fr/emaildell/

Technical Support

Technical Support Fax

Customer Care

Corporate Sales

Fax

Switchboard

Website: www.dell.com/br

Customer Support, Technical Support

Technical Support Fax

Customer Care Fax

Sales

Customer Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia)

Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)

Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia)

Department Name or Service Area,

Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

0820 240 530 00

0820 240 530 49

0820 240 530 14

0820 240 530 16

0820 240 530 14

0660 8779

0820 240 530 00

toll-free: 1-866-278-6818

1-800-534-3066

02 481 92 88

02 481 92 95

02 713 15 .65

02 481 91 00

02 481 92 99

02 481 91 00

1-800-342-0671

toll-free: 800-10-0238

0800 90 3355

51 481 5470

51 481 5480

0800 90 3390

toll-free: 1-866-278-6820

604 633 4966

604 633 4949

604 633 4955

98 Appendix

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Canada (North York, Ontario)

International Access Code: 011

Cayman Islands General Support

Chile (Santiago)

Country Code: 56

City Code: 2

Online Order Status: www.dell.ca/ostatus

AutoTech (automated technical support)

Customer Care (Home Sales/Small Business)

Customer Care (med./large business, government)

Technical Support (Home Sales/Small Business)

Technical Support (med./large bus., government)

Sales (Home Sales/Small Business)

Sales (med./large bus., government)

Spare Parts Sales & Extended Service Sales

Sales, Customer Support, and Technical Support

Department Name or Service Area,

Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

toll-free: 1-800-247-9362

toll-free: 1-800-847-4096

toll-free: 1-800-326-9463

toll-free: 1-800-847-4096

toll-free: 1-800-387-5757

toll-free: 1-800-387-5752

toll-free: 1-800-387-5755

18664403355

1-800-805-7541

toll-free: 1230-020-4823

Appendix 99

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

China (Xiamen)

Country Code: 86

City Code: 592

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Department Name or Service Area,

Website and E-Mail Address

Technical Support website: support.dell.com.cn

Technical Support E-mail: cn_support@dell.com

Technical Support Fax

Technical Support (Dimension™ and Inspiron™)

Technical Support (OptiPlex™, Latitude™, and Dell Precision™)

Technical Support (servers and storage)

Technical Support (projectors, PDAs, printers, switches, routers, and so on)

Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

818 1350

toll-free: 800 858 2969

toll-free: 800 858 0950

toll-free: 800 858 0960

toll-free: 800 858 2920

Customer Advocacy

Customer Advocacy Fax

Home and Small Business

Preferred Accounts Division

Large Corporate Accounts GCP

Large Corporate Accounts Key Accounts

Large Corporate Accounts North

Large Corporate Accounts North Government and Education

Large Corporate Accounts East

Large Corporate Accounts East Government and Education

Large Corporate Accounts Queue Team

Large Corporate Accounts South

Large Corporate Accounts West

Large Corporate Accounts Spare Parts

Colombia General Support

Costa Rica General Support

toll-free: 800 858 2060

592 818 1308

toll-free: 800 858 2222

toll-free: 800 858 2557

toll-free: 800 858 2055

toll-free: 800 858 2628

toll-free: 800 858 2999

toll-free: 800 858 2955

toll-free: 800 858 2020

toll-free: 800 858 2669

toll-free: 800 858 2572

toll-free: 800 858 2355

toll-free: 800 858 2811

toll-free: 800 858 2621

980-9-15-3978

0800-012-0435

100 Appendix

Dell Dimension 4700C User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Finding Information

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand

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

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

Helpful Tips

Power Management

Standby Mode

Hibernate Mode

Power Options Properties

Hyper-Threading

Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips

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

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

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

Troubleshooting Tools

Diagnostic Lights

Dell Diagnostics

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

Identifying Drivers

Reinstalling Drivers

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Restoring Your Operating System

Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore

Removing and Installing Parts

Before You Begin

Recommended Tools

Turning Off Your Computer

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Front and Back View of the Computer