Dell Dimension L-cx User Manual

Dell™ Dimension™ L Series Systems

www.dell.com
support.dell.com

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 1999–2001 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
T rademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dell Precision, DellWare, Inspiron, Latitude, OptiPlex, and Dimension are trademarks

of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks and Celeron and MMX are trademarks of Intel Corporation;
MS-DOS, Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT 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 Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

February 2001 P/N 3558P Rev. A06

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

When Using Your Computer System

As you use your computer system, observe the following safety guidelines.

CAUTION: Do not operate your computer system with any cover(s) (includ­ing computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on)
removed.

• To help avoid damaging your computer, be sure the voltage selection switch on

the power supply is set to match the AC power available at your location:
— 115 volts (V)/60 hertz (Hz) in most of North and South America and some Far V)/60 hertz (Hz) in most of North and South America and some Far

Eastern countries such as South Korea and Taiwanwan
— 100 V/50 Hz in eastern Japan and 100 V/60 Hz in western Japan
— 230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far EastMiddle East, and the Far East
Also be sure your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate

with the AC power available in your location.

• Before working inside the computer, unplug the system to help prevent electric

shock or system board damage. Certain system board components continue to
receive power any time the computer is connected to AC power.

• To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds af ter turning

off the system before disconnecting a device from the computer.

• To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and device power cables into

properly grounded power sources. These cables are equipped with three-prong
plugs to help ensure proper grounding. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the
grounding prong from a cable. If you must use an extension cable, use a three­wire cable with properly grounded plugs.

• To help protect your computer system from sudden, transient increases and

decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or
uninterruptible power supply (UPS).PS).

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• Be sure nothing rests on your computer system’s cables and that the cables are

not located where they can be stepped on or tripped over.

• Do not spill food or liquids on your computer. If the computer gets wet, refer to

“If Your Computer Gets Wet” in Chapter 6. Computer Gets Wet” in Chapter 6.

• Do not push any objects into the openings of your computer. Doing so can cause

fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.

• Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block diators and heat sources. Also, do not block

cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not
place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on a bed, sofa, or rug.

Ergonomic Computing Habits

CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury.

CAUTION: Viewing the monitor screen for extended periods of time may
result in eye strain.

For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines when setting
up and using your computer system:

• Position y our sy stem so that the monitor and k e yboard are directly in front of y ou

as you work. Special shelves are available (from Dell and other sources) to help
you correctly position your keyboard.

• Set the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance (usually 51 0 to 610 millimeters 51 0 to 610 millimeters

[20 to 24 inches] from your eyes).

• Make sure the monitor screen is at eye le vel or slightly lo wer when y ou are sit ting

in front of the monitor.

• Adjust the tilt of the monitor , its contrast and brightness settings, and the lighting djust the tilt of the monitor , its contrast and brightness set tings, and the lighting

around you (such as overhead lights, desk lamps, and the curtains or blinds on
nearby windows) to minimize reflections and glare on the monitor screen.

• Use a chair that provides good lower back support.

• Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position

while using the keyboard or mouse.

• Always leave space to rest your hands while using the keyboard or mouse.

• Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides.

• Sit erect, with your feet resting on the floor and your thighs level.

• When sitting, make sure the weight of your legs is on your feet and not on the

front of your chair seat. Adjust your chair’s height or use a footrest, if necessary,
to maintain proper posture.

• Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not have to

type for extended periods of time. When you stop typing, try to do things that xtended periods of time. When you stop typing, try to do things that
use both hands.

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wrists relaxed and flat

arms at desk level

monitor screen at or below eye level

monitor and
keyboard
positioned
directly
in front of user

feet flat on the floor

When Working Inside Your Computer

Before you remove the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence
indicated.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to service the computer system yourself, except as
explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell documentation. Always fol­low installation and service instructions closely.

1. Turn off your computer and all devices.

2. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface at the back of the com­puter before touching anything inside your computer.

While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer
to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.

3. Disconnect any devices connected to the computer, including the monitor, from
their electrical outlets to reduce the potential for personal injury or shock. Also, Also,
disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

4. Disconnect the power cable to your computer, and then press the power button
to ground the system board.

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In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:

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

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

• Handle components and cards with care. Don’t touch the components or con-

tacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket.

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.

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

Static electricity can harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent
static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of
your computer’s electronic components, such as the microprocessor. You can do so You can do so
by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an unpainted metal
surface to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.

You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic disc harge
(ESD):

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• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not

remove the component from the antistatic packing material until y ou are ready to
install the component in your computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic
packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your body.

• When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container

or packaging.

• Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic

floor pads and workbench pads.

The following notice may appear throughout this document to remind you of these
precautions:

NOTICE: See “Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge” in the safety
instructions at the front of this guide.

About This Guide

This guide is intended for anyone who uses a Dell Dimension L Series cSeries computer
system. It can be used by both first-time and experienced computer users who want
to learn about the features and operation of the systems or who want to upgrade
their computers. The chapters and appendixes are summarized as follows:

• Chapter 1, “Introduction,” provides an overview of the system features and infor-

mation on preventive maintenance to protect the computer.

• Chapter 2, “Installing Upgrades on the System Board,” provides information on Board,” provides information on

performing various upgrades, such as installing additional memory. The chapter
includes a basic orientation to internal features of the computer.

• Chapter 3, “Installing Drives,” provides instructions on how to install and remov e

drives.

• Chapter 4, “Basic Troubleshooting,” contains checklists to use before calling Dell

for technical assistance.

• Chapter 5, “Software Solutions,” has info rmation on using audio utilities and 5, “Software Solutions,” has information on using audio utilities and

reinstalling software.

• Chapter 6, “Checking Inside Your Computer,” presents troubleshooting proce-

dures for system components such as expansion cards, memory, and drives.

• Chapter 7, “Getting Help,” provides information on obtaining technical assis-7, “Getting Help,” provides information on obtaining technical assis-

tance. Users who have been unable to resolve problems using the
troubleshooting information provided in this guide can refer to this chapter.

• Appendix A, “System Specifications,” is supplemental reference material.

• Appendix B, “System Setup Program,” describes the system setup program B, “System Setup Program,” describes the system setup program

used for checking and changing system configuration data.

• Appendix C, “Diagnostic Codes, Beep Codes, and System Messages,” docu-

ments status and error messages generated during system start-up. Included are
possible causes and corrective actions.ve actions.

• Appendix D, “Regulatory Notices,” provides regulatory information on the system.

• Appendix E, “Limited Warranty and Return Policy,” describes the warranty for Policy,” describes the warranty for

your Dell system, the “Total Satisfaction” Return Policy.

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Warranty and Return Policy Information

Dell Computer Corporation (“Dell”) manufactures its hardware products from parts
and components that are new or equivalent to new in accordance with industry­standard practices. For information about the Dell warranty for your system, see For information about the Dell warranty for your system, see
Appendix E, “Warranty, Return Policy, and Year 2000 Statement of ComplianceYear 2000 Statement of Compliance.”

Other Documents You May Need

Besides this Reference and Troubleshooting Guide, the following documentation is
included with your system:

• The Getting Started sheet provides step-by-step instructions for setting up your

computer system.

• The Dell Dimension Systems Setup Guide describes how to properly set up your

operating system and connect a printer.

• The Dell Dimension L Series System Help describes the features and operation

of your computer. It includes tips on using your computer hardware and answers
to commonly asked questions. To open the ked questions. To open the Help, click the Start button, point to
Programs—> User’s Guides, and then click L Series System Help.

• Online documentation is included for your computer devices (such as a video or

modem card) and for any options you purchase separately from your system. To
access this supplemental documentation, double-click the Dell Documents icon
on the Windows desktop, click System Informationformation, and then click System
Documentation.

• Operating system documentation.

• Technical information files—sometimes called “readme” files—may be installed

on your hard-disk drive to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to
your system or reference material intended for experienced users.

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

Throughout this guide, blocks of text may be accompanied by an icon and printed in
bold type or in italic type. These blocks are notes, notices, and cautions, and they are
used as follows::

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

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 potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

x

Typographical Conventions

The following list defines (where appropriate) and illustrates typographical conven­tions used as visual cues for specific elements of text throughout this document:

• Interface components are window titles, button and icon names, menu names

and selections, and other options that appear on the monitor screen or display.
They are presented in bold.

Example: Click OK.

• Keycaps are labels that appear on the keys on a keyboard. They are enclosed in

angle brackets.
Example: <Enter>

• Key combinations are series of keys to be pressed simultaneously (unless other-

wise indicated) to perform a single function.
Example: <Ctrl><Alt><Enter>

• Commands presented in lowercase bold are for reference purposes only and are

not intended to be typed when referenced.

Example: “Use the format command to . . . .”

In contrast, commands presented in the Courier New font are part of an instruc­tion and intended to be typed.

Example: “Type Type format a: to format the diskette in drive A.”

• Filenames and directory names are presented in lowercase bold.

Examples: autoexec.bat and c:\windows

• Screen text is a message or text that you are instructed to type as part of a com-

mand (referred to as a command line). Screen text is presented in the Courier Courier
New font.

Example: The following message appears on your screen:

No boot device available
Example: “Type md c:\programs and press <Enter>.”

• Variables are placeholders for which you substitute a value. They are presented

in italics.
Example: DIMMIMM_x (where x represents the DIMM socket designation)

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Chapter 1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Hardware Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Software Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Available UpgradesUpgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Preserving Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Scheduling Backups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Backup Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Virus-Scanning Software and Data Transfersware and Data Transfers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Cleaning System Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Recommended Tools and Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Cleaning the Computer, Monitor, and Keyboard ExteriorsMonitor, and Keyboard Exteriors . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Cleaning the Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Cleaning Diskette Drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Power Protection Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Surge Protectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Line Conditioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Uninterruptible Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Chapter 2 Installing Upgrades on the System Board . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Safety First—For You and Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Rotating the Power Supply Away From the System BoardFrom the System Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Jumpers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

xiii

PCI Expansion Card Upgrades xpansion Card Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Installing Expansion Cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Removing Expansion Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Adding Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-144

Installing a DIMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Removing a DIMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Replacing the System Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Chapter 3 Installing Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Removing and Replacing the Bezel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Removing and Replacing a 3.5-Inch F5-Inch Front-Panel Insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Configuring Drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Connecting Drive Cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Installing Externally Accessible Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

5.25-Inch Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

3.5-Inch Drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Upper 3.5-Inch Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Lower 3.5-Inch Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Upgrading the EIDE Hard-Disk Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1010

Replacing the Hard-Disk Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Partitioning and Logically Formatting an EIDE Hard-Disk Drive. . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Chapter 4 Basic Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Backing Up Data Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Installing Additional Hardware and Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

DellWare Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Checking the Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

External Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Start-Up Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Environmental Factorsmental Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Diskette Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

CD-ROM Drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Hard-Disk Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-88

Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Network Cable Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Running the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Starting the Dell Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Dell Diagnostics Main ScreenMain Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

xiv

Using the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Device Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14

Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14

Chapter 5 Software Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Using Windows Windows Power Management Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Reinstalling Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Your System’s Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33

Using the Dell Dimension ResourceCD to Reinstall Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Temporarily Disabling the Virus-Scanning ProgramProgram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Reinstalling Windows 98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-66

Reinstalling Windows Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

Reinstalling Windows 2000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

Chapter 6 Checking Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Expansion Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11

Modem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Sound Cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Network Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

System Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Reseating DIMMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Drivesves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

CD-ROM Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Hard-Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

If Your Computer Gets WetGets Wet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

If Your Computer Is Damaged. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10

Chapter 7 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Technical Assistance Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Help Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

AutoTech Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

TechFax Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Automated Order-Status SystemOrder-Status System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Technical Support Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Problems With Your Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

xv

Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Before You Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Dell Contact Numbersbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

Appendix A System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Appendix B System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Entering the System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Using the System Setup Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

System Setup Screens and Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Main Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

Advanced Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5

Boot Configuration Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6

Peripheral Configuration Submenu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7

IDE Configuration SubmenuDE Configuration Submenu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8

Primary IDE Master Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9

Diskette Configuration Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-10

Event LogLog Configuration Submenu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11

Video Configuration Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12

Security Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13

Boot Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-14

Exit Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-16

Disabling a Forgotten Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17

Clearing NVRAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-18

Appendix C Diagnostic Codes, Beep Codes, and

System Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Diagnostic Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

POST Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

Appendix D Regulatory Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

FCC Notices (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2

Class A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2

Class B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3

IC Notice (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3

CE Notice (European Union) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4

Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4

EN 55022 Compliance (Czech Republic Only)55022 Compliance (Czech Republic Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5

xvi

VCCI Notice (Japan Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5

Class A ITEA ITE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5

Class B ITE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-6

NOM Information (Mexico Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-7

Información para NOM (únicamente para México)ón para NOM (únicamente para México) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8

Appendix E Limited Warranty and Return Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-1

Three-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only)Warranty (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

Coverage During Year One. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

Coverage During Years Two and Three . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-22

General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2

Three-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-3

Coverage During Year Onege During Year One. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4

Coverage During Years Two and Three . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4

General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-5

One-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee facturer Guarantee

(Latin America and the Caribbean Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-5

Guarantee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-5

Exclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-6

Making a Claim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-6

Limitation and Statutory Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-6

“Total Satisfaction” Return Policy (U.S. and Canada Only)(U.S. and Canada Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-7

Index

Figures

Figure 2-1. Removing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Figure 2-2. Rotating the Power SupplyPower Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Figure 2-3. Cable Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Figure 2-4. Inside the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Figure 2-5. System Board FeaturesBoard Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Figure 2-6. PCI Expansion Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Figure 2-7. Removing the Filler Bracketket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Figure 2-8. Installing an Expansion Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Figure 2-9. Correctly Installed Expansion Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Figure 2-10. Installing a DIMM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-155

Figure 2-11. Removing a DIMM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Figure 2-12. System Battery and Battery Socket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Figure 3-1.3-1. Removing the Bezel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Figure 3-2. Removing a 3.5-Inch Insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Figure 3-3. DC Power Cable Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Figure 3-4. Drive Interface Connector face Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Figure 3-5. Removing a 3.5-Inch Drive Bay Plate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

xvii

Figure 3-6. Locating Rails for the Upper 3.5-Inch Drive BayUpper 3.5-Inch Drive Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Figure 3-7. Installing the Hard-Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Figure 4-1. Diagnostics MenuMenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

Figure 4-2. Dell Diagnostics Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

Figure 6-1. Expansion-Card Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Figure 6-2. Incorrect Expansion-Card Installations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Figure 7-1. Diagnostics Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-55

Figure B-1. Main Screen Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

Figure B-2. Advanced Screen Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5

Figure B-3. Boot Configuration Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6

Figure B-4. Peripheral Configuration Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7

Figure B-5. IDE Configuration Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8

Figure B-6. Primary IDE Master SubmenuMaster Submenu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9

Figure B-7. Diskette Configuration Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-10

Figure B-8. Event Log Configuration SubmenuLog Configuration Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11

Figure B-9. Video Configuration Submenu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12

Figure B-10. Security Screen Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-133

Figure B-11. Boot Screen Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-14

Figure B-12. Exit Screen Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-16

Figure D-1. VCCI Class A ITE Regulatory MarkTE Regulatory Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-6

Figure D-2. VCCI Class B ITE Regulatory Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-6

Tables Table 2-1. System Board Connectors and Sockets d Connectors and Sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Table 2-2. Configuration Jumper Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Table 4-1. Start-Up Routine IndicationsRoutine Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Table 7-1. International Dialing Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

Table 7-2. Dell Contact Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

Table A-1. Technical Specifications hnical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Table B-1. System Setup Navigation Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Table B-2. Main Screen Menu OptionsOptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

Table B-3. Advanced Screen Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5

Table B-4. Boot Configuration Submenu Optionsmenu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6

Table B-5. Peripheral Configuration Submenu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7

Table B-6. IDE Configuration Submenu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-88

Table B-7. Primary IDE Master Submenu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-10

Table B-8. Diskette Configuration Submenu OptionsConfiguration Submenu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11

Table B-9. Event Log Configuration Submenu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11

Table B-10. Video Configuration Submenu Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-122

Table B-11. Security Screen Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13

Table B-12. Boot Screen Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-14

Table B-13. Exit Screen Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-16

Table C-1. Diagnostic Codesgnostic Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Table C-2. System Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

xviii

Dell™ Dimension™ L Series computer systems are high-speed personal computers high-speed personal computers
that include an Intel
These systems incorporate a high-performance Peripheral Component Interconnect
(PCI) design, allowing a wide range of initial configurations and upgrade possibilities.

This chapter provides information about the following:

®

Pentium® III microprocessor or an Intel Celeron™ processor.

• Major hardware and software features of your computer

• Available upgrades for your computer

• Preventive maintenance procedures to protect your investment and extend the

life of your computer

Hardware Features

Your Dell computer offers the following hardware features:

• The Dell Dimension Lxxxr includes an Intel Pentium III microprocessor that runs

at an external speed of 100 or 133 megahertz (MHz). 00 or 133 megahertz (MHz).

The Intel Pentium III processor includes Streaming Single Instruction,

Multiple Data (SIMD) Extensions. This technology improves the performance of y improves the performance of

3D graphics, 3D audio, and other advanced application programs, such as speech

recognition software.

The Dell Dimension Lxxxcx and Lxxxcxe include an Intel Celeron processor with

MMX™ technology that runs at an external speed of 66 or 100 MHz.X™ technology that runs at an external speed of 66 or 100 MHz.

The Main screen of the system setup program lists the speed of your system’s

processor . For information on accessing this program, refer to Appendix B, “Sys-Appendix B, “Sys-

tem Setup Program.”

• Cache memory that enhances the speed of many processor operations by stor-

ing the most-recently accessed contents of system memory.

• Memory that can be increased up to 512 megabytes (MB) by installing 32-, 2 megabytes (MB) by installing 32-,

64-, 128- or 256-MB synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAMDRAM)

dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) in the two DIMM sockets on the system

board.

support.dell.com Introduction 1-1

NOTE: The system memory value reported by the operating system is 1 or 2 MB less MB less
than the memory installed because that memory is reserved for video functions.
For example, if the computer has 32 MB of system memory, the operating system g system
may report 30 or 31 MB.

The system board includes the following built-in features:

• An integrated video controller:

— Dell Dimension LLxxxr and Lxxxcx include an integrated Intel 810e video

controller with Dynamic Video Memory and 4 MB of video SDRAM.SDRAM.

— Dell Dimension Lxxxcxe includes an integrated Intel 81 0 video controller with

Dynamic Video Memory.ynamic Video Memory.

• Supports four three-quarter–length 32-bit PCI expansion slots for connecting PCI xpansion slots for connecting PCI

devices to the PCI bus.

• An integrated diskette driv e interface that supports a single disk et te driv e without

the need for a controller card.

• Two enhanced integrated drive electronics (EIDE) interfaces on the PCI bus that

support Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA)-33/66 Ultra direct memory y Attachment (ATA)-33/66 Ultra direct memory
access (DMA) hard-disk drives, CD-ROM, OM, Zip, and tape drives.

NOTE: Inconsistencies in the manufacturing of CD-ROM media may cause some he manufacturing of CD-ROM media ma y cause some
higher-speed CD-ROM drives to vibrate more than others. Such vibration and Such vibration and
associated noise does not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD.

• One serial port and one bidirectional parallel port for connecting external devices.

• For systems r unning the Microsoft

(Me), or Windows 2000 operating system, the two high-performance Universal versal
Serial Bus (USB) ports provide a single connection point for multiple USB­compliant devices. These devices can be connected and disconnected while the
system is running.

NOTE: If you attach a USB device that was not included in your original system USB device that was not included in your original system
configuration, you may need to install a specific driver for that de vice to obtain its
full functionality. Contact the USB device manufacturer for more information.

®

Windows® 988, Windows Millennium Edition

• A personal system/2 (PS/2)–style keyboard port and a PS/2-compatible mouse 2 (PS/2)–style keyboard port and a PS/2-compatible mouse

port.

Software Features

The following software is included with your Dell computer system:

• Microsoft Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT

installed on your hard-disk drive. For more information, refer to your operating For more information, refer to your operating
system documentation.

• Virus-scanning software.

1-2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

®

4.0, or Windows 2000 is

• Video drivers provided with y our computer for supporting video resolutions greater

than 640 x 480 pixels. Before changing the resolution, check the monitor docu-

mentation to determine the supported resolutions and refresh rates.

• Dell Diagnostics for evaluating the computer’s components and devices (refer to

“Running the Dell Diagnostics” in Chapter 4).

• The system setup program for viewing and changing system configuration infor-

mation (refer to Appendix B, “System Setup Program”)B, “System Setup Program”).

• Wakeup On LAN (PCI 2.2) capability for sy stems with 2.2) capability for sy stems with a Wakeup On LAN-capable

network card installed. This feature, when enabled in the system setup program, This f eature, when enabled in the system setup program,

allows the system to be started up from a server management console. Wakeup

On LAN capability also allows remote computer setup, N capability also allows remote computer setup, basic input/output system

(BIOS) upgrades, software downloading and installation, file updates, and asset

tracking after hours and on weekends when local area network (LAN) traffic is at AN) traffic is at

a minimum.

Available Upgrades

The upgrades Dell offers undergo rigorous testing to ensure proper operation with
your computer. You should review “PCI Expansion Card Upgrades” in Chapter 2 or
Chapter 3, “Installing Drives,” to be sure you have the necessary slots or resources
available before purchasing such an upgrade.

Dell offers a variety of expansion cards to increase system functionality:

• Fax/modem cards with telephony support/modem cards with telephony support

• PCI sound cards and multimedia speakers

• 10/100-Mbps network cards

You can expand your system's memory up to 512 MB by installing additional 168-pin,
100-MHz non-error checking and correction (non-ECC) SSDRAM DIMMs in the DIMM
sockets on the system board. Purchasing memory upgrades from Dell Spare Parts
ensures system compatibility; these upgrades are also covered under your system
warranty. Refer to “Adding Memory” in Chapter 2 before purchasing a memory Chapter 2 before purchasing a memory
upgrade.

Dell offers a wide variety of drives that can be installed in your system, including the
following options:

• ATA-33/6666 Ultra DMA hard-disk drives

• EIDE tape drives

• Zip drives with removable media

To order any of these upgrades, call Dell.grades, call Dell.

support.dell.com Introduction 1-3

Preventive Maintenance

The following sections contain maintenance procedures that you should perform reg­ularly to keep the system in top operating condition.

Preserving Data

Everyone inadvertently deletes files at one time or another, viruses can corrupt files,
and hard-disk drives can fail after extended use. To avoid data loss, regularly back up
the data files on the hard-disk drive. If you should lose the contents of your hard-disk
drive, you can reinstall programs, but your data files will be lost if you do not have a
backup.

Your Dell-installed drivers and online documentation are preserved on the Dell Dimen-
sion ResourceCD. Use this CD if you ever need to restore the drivers and CD if you ever need to restore the drivers and
documentation that came on your Dell-installed hard-disk drive.

NOTE: In case of warranty replacement of your hard-disk drive, you hard-disk drive, you will receive a
blank, formatted drive from Dell. You must reinstall application programs and restore
data files.

Scheduling Backups

Dell recommends that you back up the hard-disk driv e at least once a week, with a daily
backup of those files that hav e been changed. Following these guidelines ensures the
loss of no more than a day's work. As further insurance against data loss, keep dupli­cate copies of the weekly and monthly backups at an of f-site location. Doing so ensures
that you lose no more than a week's work, e ven if one of the on-site bac kups becomes
corrupted.

Backup Devices

Tape and Zip drives are convenient and affordable devices that can back up data at
rates of up to 2 megabytes per second (MB/sec) and can often run unattended. Dell
recommends these drives and their associated backup software for use as system
backup devices. Depending on how many data files you have, you can also use dis­kettes as backup devices.

Virus-Scanning Software and Data Transfers

With thousands of known viruses and with the prevalence of data transfers over tele­communications lines, Dell recommends that you use virus-scanning software to
protect your computer. Regularly update your virus-scanning software as described in
the software documentation and load updates immediately.

Use the virus-scanning software before installing any software from unlicensed
sources, either downloaded from the Internet or on disket tes. Making regular bac kups
as discussed in the previous section provides insurance in case a virus does infect
your system.

1-44 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

Cleaning System Components

As it draws in air to cool the computer, the power supply fan also draws dust and
other particles into the computer . This contaminant buildup increases the system’s
internal temperature and interferes with component operation.

To minimize these conditions, Dell recommends keeping your work environment
clean. In particular, you should regularly clean your computer system. You may also
want to purchase monitor and keyboard covers to protect against dust and debris.

Recommended Tools and Accessories

Use the following tools and accessories for cleaning the computer system:

• Wrist grounding strap to reduce the effects of electrostatic discharge (ESD)

• Liquid dishwashing detergent

• Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol

• Soft, lint-free cleaning cloth

• Nonabrasive diskette-drive head-cleaning kit that contains pretreated disket tes in ve diskette-drive head-cleaning kit that contains pretreated disket tes in

individually sealed packages

• Small vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment

Cleaning the Computer, Monitor, and Keyboard Exteriors

To clean the exterior of the computer, monitor, and keyboard, perform the following
steps:

1. Place the strap around your wrist, and attac h the other end to an unpainted metal

surface on the back of the chassis.

2. Turn off the computer, monitor, and any other attached devices, and disconnect

them from their power sources.

3. Use the vacuum cleaner to remove any dust from the slots and holes on the com-

puter and between the keys on the keyboard.

4. Moisten a soft cleaning cloth with a solution of three parts water and one part liq-

uid dishwashing detergent.

Do not soak the cloth in the solution; you must not let the solution drip inside the

computer or keyboard.

NOTICE: Do not wipe the monitor screen with this solution. Doing so may
damage the antiglare coating on your monitor screen.

5. Use the moistened cloth to wipe the computer cover, the k e yboard, and the e xte-xte-

rior of the monitor.

support.dell.com Introduction 1-5

Cleaning the Mouse

If the screen cursor skips or moves abnormally, clean your mouse by performing the
following steps:

1. Turn the retainer ring counterclockwise to remove the ball.

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

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

4. Look for a buildup of dirt on the rollers inside the ball cage. This buildup usually
appears as a stripe running around the middle of the roller.

5. If the rollers are dirty, clean them using a cotton swab moistened lightly with
isopropyl alcohol.

After cleaning, make sure the rollers are still centered in their channels. Make
sure that fluff from the swab is not left on the rollers.

6. Replace the ball and retainer ring.

Cleaning Diskette Drives

You can clean a diskette drive using a commercially available cleaning kit. These kits
contain pretreated diskettes to remove contaminants that accumulate during normal
operation.

If the kit does not contain instructions, insert a pretreated diskette into the drive and
turn on the system. After 20 or 30 seconds, remove the diskette from the drive.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You may acci­dentally misalign the heads, rendering the drive inoperable.

Power Protection Devices

A number of devices are available that protect against power problems, such as wer problems, such as
power surges, transients, and power failures.

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors prevent voltage spikes, which occur during electrical storms or fol­lowing power interruptions, from entering a system through the electrical outlet.
There are various types, and they usually provide a level of protection commensurate
with their cost. Some also provide warranty coverage for certain types of damage.
Compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different devices.
Most surge protectors do not protect against lightning strikes, so you should dis­connect your computer when lightning is near.

Modems can also be damaged by power surges on telephone lines and should be
disconnected during electrical storms. Many surge protectors have a phone jack for
modem protection. Network connections cannot be protected by surge protectors.

Therefore, always disconnect the network cable from the network connector during
electrical storms.

1-6 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

Surge protectors do not offer protection against brownouts, which occur when the
voltage drops more than 20 percent below the normal AC line voltage level.0 percent below the normal AC line voltage level.

Line Conditioners

Line conditioners keep a computer’ s A C po wer source v oltage at a fairly constant level
and, therefore, can handle brownouts. Because of this added protection, line condi­tioners cost more than surge protectors—up to several hundred dollars. However,
these devices cannot protect against a complete loss of power.

Uninterruptible Power Supply

A power loss while your computer is writing to your hard-disk drive can result in loss
of data and file corruption. Worst case, your operating system could be corruptedWorst case, your operating system could be corrupted.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) offers the most complete protection against
variations in power because it uses battery power to keep the system running when keep the system running when
AC power is lost. AC power, while available, charges the battery; when AC power is
lost, the battery provides power to the system for a limited amount of time—from
15 minutes to an hour or so—depending on the UPS system.S system.

NOTE: Use E: Use a UPS to protect your computer only. Connect other devices, such as a
printer, to a separate power strip providing surge protection. The length of time that The length of time that
the battery can supply power following an AC power loss decreases with additional
hardware.

UPS systems can cost a fe w hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on
the operating time they provide when AC power is lost. UPS systems with 5 minutes
of battery power let you conduct an orderly shutdown of the system, but are not
intended to provide continued operation. A UPS system should be Underwriters Lab­oratories (UL) safety-approved) safety-approved.

support.dell.com Introduction 1-7

1-8 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

This chapter describes how to install expansion cards and system memory as well as
replace the system battery (if necessary). It also tells you how to remove and replace
the computer cover and familiarizes you with internal components.

Safety First—For You and Your Computer

Working inside your computer is safe—if you observe the following precautions.

CAUTION FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF YOUR
EQUIPMENT

Before working on your computer, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off your computer and all devices.

2. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface at the back of the k of the
computer before touching anything inside your computer.

While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the com­puter to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal
components.

3. Disconnect any devices connected to the computer, including the monitor,
from their electrical outlets to reduce the potential for personal injury or
shock. Also, disconnect an y t elephone or t elecommunication lines fr om the
computer.

4. Disconnect the power cable to your computer, and then press the power
button to ground the system board.

In addition, Dell recommends that you review the safety instructions at the front of Dell recommends that you review the safety instructions at the front of
this guide.

support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System BoardBoard 2-1

Installation Guidelines

Keep a static-sensitive component in its antistatic packing material until you are ready
to install the component in the computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic pack­aging, discharge static electricity from your body.

Make sure you have adequate lighting and a clean work space. If you temporarily dis­connect cables or remove expansion cards, note the position of the connectors and
slots so that you can reassemble the system correctly. Also note the extra connectors Also note the extra connectors
available for upgrades.

Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover

To remove the computer cover, perform the following steps:

1. Observe the “Caution for Your Personal Safety and Protection of Your Equip-Personal Safety and Protection of Your Equip­ment” found earlier in this chapter. Also, observe the safety instructions at the
front of this guide.

NOTICE: To avoid inadvertently damaging the system board, be sure you
disconnect the computer’s power cable from the electrical outlet and from
the back of the chassis before removing the computer cover. The system
board continues to receive a small amount of power when the system is
turned off and attached to an electrical outlet (the system-board power
indicator light [see Figure 2-5] is on when power is detected.)

2. Face the front of the chassis. Place your left hand on the left side of the chassis.
Push back the release latch at the top back edge of the chassis (see Figure 2-1) to 1) to
release the computer cover into your left hand.

2-2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

computer cover

release latch

Figure 2-1. Removing the Computer Cover

CAUTION: To prevent cuts, keep your hands clear of the metal edges on the
chassis.

3. Lift the cover out from the curves at the bottom of the chassis.
Replace the computer cover as follows:

1. Check all cable connections, especially those that might have come loose during
your work. F old cables and unused connectors out of the w a y so that they do not
catch on the computer cover or interfere with airflow inside the computer.

2. Check to see that no tools or extra parts (including screws) are left inside the
computer.

3. Place the chassis upright with the front facing you. Align the computer cover so
its bottom hooks fit in the chassis curves.

4. Lift up the cover, making sure to keep the bottom hooks aligned with the curves
in the chassis.

5. Gently squeeze the right and left sides of the computer together until the cover
clicks into position.

support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-3

Rotating the Power Supply Away From the System Board

To access components on the system board, you must rotate the power supply out of
the way by performing the following steps:

1. Remove the computer cover as instructed in the previous section, “Removing
and Replacing the Computer Cover.”

2. Lay the computer on its side as shown in Figure 2-2.

3. Press the release latch (see Figure 2-2) while lifting the power supply. Rotate the
power supply out of the chassis while keeping the power cables clear. bles clear.

power supply

release latch

cable retainer

Figure 2-2. Rotating the Power Supply

When you rotate the power supply back into the chassis, gently lift the cable retainer
and hold the drive cables out of the way. Rotate the power supply into position until
its release latch clicks. Wrap the drive cables along the top of the latch in the retainers
as shown in Figure 2-3.

2-44 D ell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

power supply

drive power cablesve power cables

cable retainer

Figure 2-3. Cable Placement

Inside Your Computer

Figure 2-4 shows the computer with its cover removed as an aid in locating internal
features and components.

When you look inside your computer, note the DC power cables coming from the
power supply. These cables supply power to the system board and to internal drives.These cables supply power to the system board and to internal drives.

The flat ribbon cables are the interface cables f or internal driv es. An interf ace cable con­nects a drive to an interface connector on the system board.

The system board—the large printed circuit board secured to the right side of the
chassis—holds the computer’s control circuitry and other electronic components.
Some hardware options are installed directly onto the system board.

support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-5

release latch and
padlock ring

drive bay

drive bay

I/O panel/O panel

Figure 2-4. Inside the Computer

hard-disk drive

power supply

AC power receptacle

2-6 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide