Page 1
Dell™ Inspiron™ 530 Owner’s Manual
Model DCMF
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Page 2
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.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the "Glossary" on page 183.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2007 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Yours Is Here, and Inspiron are trademarks of Dell
Inc.; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under
license; Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are
registered trademarks, SpeedStep and Core are trademarks of Intel 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 DCMF
November 2007 P/N KP338 Rev. A04
Page 3
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer . . . 15
Front View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Back View of the Computer
Back Panel Connectors
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure
Setting Up a Printer
Printer Cable
Connecting a USB Printer
Playing CDs and DVDs
Adjusting the Volume
Adjusting the Picture
Copying CDs and DVDs
How to Copy a CD or DVD
Using Blank CDs and DVDs
Helpful Tips
Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
. . . . . . . . . 30
. . . . . . . . 21
Contents 3
Page 4
Connecting Two Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Connecting Two Monitors With
VGA Connectors
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Connecting One Monitor With a
VGA Connector and
One Monitor With a DVI Connector
Connecting a TV
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Changing the Display Settings
. . . . . . . . . 33
. . . . . . . . . . . 34
Power Management
Power Management Options in
Microsoft
Standby Mode
Hibernate Mode
Power Options Properties
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
®
Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Power Management Options in
Windows Vista™
Standby Mode
Hibernate Mode
Power Plan Properties
Enabling SpeedStep™ Technology
About RAID Configurations
RAID Level 1 Configuration
Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
. . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . 42
Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R)
Option ROM Utility
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R)
Matrix Storage Manager
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . . 47
®
Microsoft
Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
4 Contents
Page 5
Setting Up a Home and Office Network. . . . . . . . . 52
Connecting to a Network Adapter
Setting Up a Network in the
Microsoft
Operating System
®
Windows® XP
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
. . . . . . . . . 52
Setting Up a Network in the
Windows Vista™ Operating System
. . . . . . . . 53
Connecting to the Internet
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
. . . . . . . . 54
2 Solving Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Troubleshooting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Battery Problems
Drive Problems
CD and DVD drive problems
Hard drive problems
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
Error Messages
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
Microsoft
A solid blue screen appears
Other software problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
. . . . . . . . . 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . . 64
®
Windows® operating system . . . . . 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Contents 5
Page 6
Media Card Reader Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Memory Problems
Mouse Problems
Network Problems
Power Problems
Printer Problems
Scanner Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
No sound from speakers
No sound from headphones
Video and Monitor Problems
If the screen is blank
If the screen is difficult to read
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
. . . . . . . . . . . . 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
. . . . . . . . . . . 77
3 Troubleshooting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Power Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
6 Contents
Beep Codes
System Messages
Dell Diagnostics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From
Your Hard Drive
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the
Drivers and Utilities Media
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
. . . . . . . . . 84
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Page 7
Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
What is a Driver?
Identifying Drivers
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
. . . . . . . . . . 89
Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems
in the Microsoft Windows
Windows Vista™ Operating System
Restoring Your Operating System
Using Microsoft
®
XP and
. . . . . . . . . . . 91
. . . . . . . . . . . . 92
®
Windows® System Restore . . . 92
Click the System Restore tab and ensure that
Turn off System Restore is unchecked.
. . . . . . . 94
Using Dell PC Restore and
Dell Factory Image Restore
Using the Operating System CD
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
. . . . . . . . . . 97
4 Removing and Installing Parts . . . . . . . . 99
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Recommended Tools
Turning Off Your Computer
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Removing the Computer Cover
Inside View of Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
. . . . . . . 100
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
System Board Components
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments
Memory
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Memory Installation Guidelines
Installing Memory
Removing Memory
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
. . . . . . . . . . 110
. . . . . 106
Contents 7
Page 8
Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
PCI and PCI Express Cards
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Bezel
Removing the Bezel
Replacing the Bezel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Drives
Recommended Drive Cable Connections
Connecting Drive Cables
Drive Interface Connectors
. . . . . . . . . . . . 114
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
. . . . . 124
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
. . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Connecting and Disconnecting
Drive Cables
Hard Drives
Floppy Drive
Media Card Reader
CD/DVD Drive
Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Replacing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
8 Contents
Power Supply
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Replacing the Power Supply
I/O Panel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Removing the I/O Panel
Installing the I/O Panel
Processor Fan
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Removing the
Processor Fan/Heat Sink Assembly
Installing the
Processor Fan/Heat Sink Assembly
. . . . . . . . . . . 146
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
. . . . . . . 150
. . . . . . . 151
Page 9
Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Removing the Processor
Installing the Processor
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Chassis Fan
System Board
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Removing the Chassis Fan
Replacing the Chassis Fan
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Removing the System Board
Installing the System Board
Replacing the Computer Cover
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
. . . . . . . . . . . . 158
. . . . . . . . . . . . 159
. . . . . . . . . . . 160
A Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
System Setup
Overview
Entering System Setup
System Setup Options
Boot Sequence
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
Clearing CMOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Flashing the BIOS
Cleaning Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Mouse
Floppy Drive
CDs and DVDs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
. . . . . . . . . 176
Contents 9
Page 10
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . 178
Definition of "Dell-Installed"
Software and Peripherals
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Definition of "Third-Party"
Software and Peripherals
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
FCC Notice (U.S. Only)
FCC Class B
Contacting Dell
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
10 Contents
Page 11
Finding Information
NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your
computer. Some features or media may not be available in certain countries.
NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.
What Are You Looking For? Find it Here
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• How to set up my computer
Setup Diagram
Finding Information 11
Page 12
What Are You Looking For? Find it Here
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints
and tips, articles from technicians, and
online courses, frequently asked
questions
• Community — Online discussion with
other Dell customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for
components, such as memory, the hard
drive, and the operating system
• Customer Care — Contact
information, service call and order
status, warranty, and repair
information
• Service and support — Service call
status and support history, service
contract, online discussions with
technical support
• Reference — Computer
documentation, details on my
computer configuration, product
specifications, and white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers,
patches, and software updates
Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows®
License
These labels are located on your computer.
•Use the Service Tag to identify your
computer when you use
or contact support.
•Enter the Express Service Code to direct
your call when contacting support.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region to view the
appropriate support site.
NOTE: Corporate, government, and
education customers can also use the
customized Dell Premier Support website at
premier.support.dell.com.
support.dell.com
12 Finding Information
Page 13
What Are You Looking For? Find it Here
• Desktop System Software (DSS)— If
you reinstall the operating system for
your computer, you should also
reinstall the DSS utility. DSS provides
critical updates for your operating
system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch
USB floppy drives, optical drives, and
USB devices. DSS is necessary for
correct operation of your Dell
computer. The software automatically
detects your computer and operating
system and installs the updates
appropriate for your configuration.
To download
1
Go to
support.dell.com
and Downloads
2
Click
Select Model
3
Select your product model and click
Confirm
Go
.
4
Click
System Utilities
5
Click
Desktop System Software
Dell - Utility
6
Click
Run
save the driver to your computer.
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface
may vary depending on your selections.
NOTE: DSS may or may not be available for
your desktop model.
• How to use your Windows® operating
system
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Windows Help and Support
1
To access Windows Help and Support:
• In Windows XP, click
Help and Support
• In Windows Vista™, click the Windows
Vista Start button
and Support
2
Type a word or phrase that describes your
problem, and then click the arrow icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your
problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Desktop
System Software:
and click
Drivers
.
.
, or enter a service tag and click
.
under
, and click
to run the driver, or
Download Now
Save
to
Start and click
.
.
and click
Help
.
Finding Information 13
Page 14
14 Finding Information
Page 15
Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Front View of the Computer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15
Page 16
1 Service Tag (located on
top of the chassis
towards the rear)
2 CD/DVD drive Use the CD/DVD drive for playing a CD/DVD.
3 CD/DVD drive panel This panel covers the CD/DVD drive.
4 CD/DVD eject button Press to eject a disk from the CD or DVD drive.
5 optional CD/DVD drive
bay
6 optional CD/DVD eject
button
7 FlexBay drive Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional
8 USB 2.0 connectors (4) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you
9 IEEE 1394 connector
(optional)
10 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach
11 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a personal
12 front panel door grip Slide up the front panel door grip to cover the
Use the Service Tag to identify your computer
when you access the Dell Support website or call
technical support.
(Shown in open position)
Can contain an optional CD/DVD drive.
Press to eject a disk from the optional CD or
DVD drive.
Media Card Reader.
connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras,
or for bootable USB devices (see "System Setup
Options" on page 170 for more information on
booting to a USB device).
It is recommended that you use the back USB
connectors for devices that typically remain
connected, such as printers and keyboards.
Attach high-speed serial multimedia devices, such
as digital video cameras.
headphones and most kinds of speakers.
computer microphone for voice or musical input
into a sound or telephony program.
On computers with a sound card, the microphone
connector is on the card.
FlexBay drive, four Universal Serial Bus (USB)
connectors, one headphone connector, and one
microphone connector.
16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 17
13 power button,
power light
14 drive activity light The drive activity light is on when the computer
Press the power button to turn on the computer.
The light in the center of this button indicates
power state. See "Controls and Lights" on page 166
for more information.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the
power button to turn off the computer. Instead,
perform an operating system shutdown.
reads data from or writes data to the hard drive.
The light might also be on when a device such as a
CD player is operating.
Back View of the Computer
1
2
3
7
4
6
5
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17
Page 18
1 power connector Insert the power cable.
2 voltage selector switch For selecting voltage rating.
3 power supply LED Indicates power availability for power supply.
4 back panel connectors Plug USB, audio, and other devices into the
appropriate connector. See "Back Panel Connectors"
on page 18 for more information.
5 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI
Express cards.
6 padlock rings Padlock rings are for attaching a commercially
available theft-deterrent device. The padlock rings
allow you to secure the computer cover to the
chassis with a padlock to prevent unauthorized
access to the inside of the computer. To use the
padlock rings, insert a commercially available
padlock through the rings, and then lock the
padlock.
7 security cable slot Security cable slot lets you attach a commercially
available antitheft device to the computer. For more
information, see the instructions included with the
device.
CAUTION: Ensure that none of the system air vents are blocked. Blocking them
can cause serious thermal problems.
Back Panel Connectors
18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
12
1011 9
34
5
6
7
8
Page 19
1 network activity
light
2 network adapter
connector
Flashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting
or receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic
may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.
To attach your computer to a network or broadband
device, connect one end of a network cable to either a
network port or your network or broadband 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.
NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network
connector.
On computers with a network connector card, use the
connector on the card.
It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and
connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3
wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure
reliable operation.
3 link integrity light
4 center/subwoofer
connector
5 line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback
• Green — A good connection exists between a 10/100-Mbps
network and the computer.
• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical
connection to the network.
Use the orange connector to attach a speaker to a Low
Frequency Effects (LFE) audio channel. LFE audio
channel is found in digital surround sound audio schemes
that carries only low frequency information of 80 Hz and
below. The LFE channel drives a subwoofer to provide
extremely low bass extension. Systems not using
subwoofers can shunt the LFE information to the main
speakers in the surround sound set-up.
device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on
the card.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19
Page 20
6 front L/R line-out
connector
7 microphone Use the pink connector to attach a personal computer
8 side L/R surround
connector
9 rear L/R surround
connector
10 USB 2.0
connectors (4)
11 VGA video
connector
Use the green line-out connector (available on computers
with integrated sound) to attach headphones and most
speakers with integrated amplifiers.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on
the card.
microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or
telephony program.
On computers with a sound card, the microphone
connector is on the card.
Use the gray connector to provide enhanced surround
audio for computers with 7.1 speakers.
On computers with a sound card, the microphone
connector is on the card.
Use the black surround connector to attach multichannelcapable speakers.
Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically
remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors
for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks
or cameras.
Connect the monitor’s VGA cable to the VGA connector
on the computer.
On computers with a video card, use the connector on the
card.
20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 21
Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure
Installing your computer in an enclosure can restrict the airflow and impact
your computer’s performance, possibly causing it to overheat. Follow the
guidelines below when installing your computer in an enclosure:
NOTICE: The operating temperature specifications indicated in this Owner’s
Manual reflects the maximum ambient operating temperature. The room ambient
temperature needs to be a consideration when installing your computer in an
enclosure. For example, if the ambient room temperature is at 25° C (77° F),
depending on your computer’s specifications, you only have 5° to 10° C (9° to 18° F)
temperature margin before you reach your computer’s maximum operating
temperature. For details about your computer’s specifications, see "Specifications"
on page 163.
• Leave a 10.2 cm (4 inches) minimum clearance on all vented sides of the
computer to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.
• If your enclosure has doors, they need to be of a type that allows at least
30% airflow through the enclosure (front and back).
• If your computer is installed in a corner on a desk or under a desk, leave at
least 5.1 cm (2 inches) clearance from the back of the computer to the wall
to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21
Page 22
• Do not install your computer in an enclosure that does not allow airflow.
Restricting the airflow impacts your computer’s performance, possibly
causing it to overheat.
22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 23
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.
For technical assistance, refer to the printer owner's manual or contact the
printer manufacturer.
Printer Cable
Your printer connects to your computer with either a USB cable or a parallel
cable. Your printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a
cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer and computer.
If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your
computer, the cable may arrive in the computer’s shipping box.
Connecting a USB Printer
NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.
1
Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.
2
Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and
the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23
Page 24
1
2
3
1 USB connector on
computer
3
Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer.
4
Depending on your computer’s operating system, a printer wizard may be
2 USB connector on
printer
3 USB printer
cable
available to help you install the printer driver:
If your computer is running the Microsoft
system and the
Add New Hardware Wizard
®
Windows®
XP operating
window appears, click
If your computer is running the Windows Vista™ operating system, click
the Windows Vista Start button , and click
start the
5
Install the printer driver if necessary. See "Reinstalling Drivers and
Add Printer Wizard
.
Network→ Add a printer
Utilities" on page 89 and the documentation that came with your printer.
24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Cancel
to
.
Page 25
Playing CDs and DVDs
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.
1
Press the eject button on the front of the drive.
2
Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray.
3
Press the eject button or gently push in the tray.
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
Pau se
Move forward within the current track
Stop
Go to the previous track
Eject
Go to the next track
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25
Page 26
A DVD player includes the following basic buttons:
Stop
Restart the current chapter
Play
Fast forward
Pau se
Fast reverse
Advance a single frame while in pause mode
Go to the next title or chapter
Continuously play the current title or chapter
Go to the previous title or chapter
Eject
For more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click 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.
1
Click
Start , point to
and then click
2
In the
Volume Mixer
Adjust System Volume
column and slide it up or down to increase or decrease the volume.
Control Panel→ Hardware and Sound→ Sound
.
window, click and drag the bar in the
Speakers
,
26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 27
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:
Microsoft Windows XP
1
Click
Start→
2
Under
3
Under
setting.
4
In the drop-down menu under
OK
click
Windows Vista™ Operating System
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button , click
click
Appearance and Personalization
2
Under
The
Display Properties
3
Under
4
In the drop-down menu under
5
Click OK.
Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes
Pick a task...
Screen resolution
.
Personalization
Resolution:
, click
Change the screen resolution
, click and drag the bar to reduce the resolution
Color quality
.
, click
Adjust Screen Resolution
window appears.
click and drag the bar reduce the resolution setting.
Colors:
, click
.
.
, click
Medium (16 bit)
Control Panel
.
Medium (16 bit)
and
, and then
.
Copying CDs and DVDs
NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copyright laws when creating CDs or DVDs.
This section applies only to computers that have a CD-RW, DVD+/-RW, or
CD-RW/DVD (combo) drive.
NOTE: The types of CD or DVD drives offered by Dell may vary by country.
The following instructions explain how to make an exact copy of a CD or
DVD. You can also use Sonic DigitalMedia for other purposes, such as
creating music CDs from audio files stored on your computer or backing up
important data. For help, open Sonic DigitalMedia and then click the
question mark icon in the upper-right corner of the window.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27
Page 28
How to Copy a CD or DVD
NOTE: CD-RW/DVD combo drives cannot write to DVD media. If you have a
CD-RW/DVD combo drive and you experience recording problems, check for
available software patches on the Sonic support website at www.sonic.com.
The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell™ computers can write to and read
DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW and DVD+R DL (dual layer) media, but cannot
write to and may not read DVD-RAM or DVD-R DL media.
NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied
using Sonic DigitalMedia.
1
Click
Start → All Programs→
Disc Copy
2
To copy the CD or DVD:
•
.
If you have one CD or DVD drive
and click the
or DVD and copies the data to a temporary folder on your computer
hard drive.
When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the drive and click
OK
.
Disc Copy
Sonic→ DigitalMedia Projects→ Copy
→
, ensure that the settings are correct
button. The computer reads your source CD
If you have two CD or DVD drives
•
inserted your source CD or DVD and click the
, select the drive into which you have
Disc Copy
button.
The computer copies the data from the source CD or DVD to the
blank CD or DVD.
Once you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD
that you have created automatically ejects.
Using Blank CDs and DVDs
CD-RW drives can write to CD recording media only (including high-speed
CD-RW) while DVD-writable drives can write to both CD and DVD
recording media.
Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After
creating a CD-R, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic
documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs to write to CDs
or to erase, rewrite, or update data on CDs.
28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 29
Blank DVD+/-Rs can be used to permanently store large amounts of
information. After you create a DVD+/-R disc, you may not be able to write
to that disc again if the disc is "finalized" or "closed" during the final stage of
the disc creation process. Use blank DVD+/-RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite,
or update information on that disc later.
CD-Writable Drives
Media Type Read Write Rewritable
CD-R Yes Yes No
C D- RW Ye s Ye s Ye s
DVD-Writable Drives
Media Type Read Write Rewritable
CD-R Yes Yes No
C D- RW Ye s Ye s Ye s
DVD+R Yes Yes No
DVD-R Yes Yes No
DV D +R W Ye s Ye s Ye s
DV D -R W Ye s Ye s Ye s
DVD+R DL Yes Yes No
Helpful Tips
• Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or
CD-RW only after you start Sonic DigitalMedia and open a DigitalMedia
project.
• Use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos.
CD-RWs do not play in most home or car stereos.
• You cannot create audio DVDs with Sonic DigitalMedia.
• Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that
have MP3 software installed.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 29
Page 30
• Commercially available DVD players used in home theater systems may
not support all available DVD formats. For a list of formats supported by
your DVD player, see the documentation provided with your DVD player
or contact the manufacturer.
• 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 blank 650-MB CD. The CD-RW
drive needs 1–2 MB of the blank space to finalize the recording.
• Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD recording until you are familiar with
CD recording techniques. If you make a mistake, you can erase the data on
the CD-RW and try again. You can also use blank CD-RWs to test music
file projects before you record the project permanently to a blank CD-R.
• See the Sonic website at
www.sonic.com
for additional information.
Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)
Use the Media Card Reader to transfer data directly to your computer.
The Media Card Reader supports the following memory types:
•xD-Picture Card
• SmartMedia (SMC)
• CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II)
• MicroDrive Card
• SecureDigital Card (SD)
• MultiMediaCard (MMC)
• Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro)
For information on installing a Media Card Reader, see "Installing a Media
Card Reader" on page 137.
30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 31
1
2
3
4
1 xD-Picture Card and
SmartMedia (SMC)
3 Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro) 4 SecureDigital Card (SD)/
2 CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II)
and MicroDrive Card
MultiMediaCard (MMC)
To use the Media Card Reader:
1
Check the media or card to determine the proper orientation for insertion.
2
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.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 31
Page 32
Connecting Two Monitors
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
If you purchased a graphics card that supports dual monitors, follow these
instructions to connect and enable your monitors. The instructions tell you
how to connect either two monitors (each with a VGA connector), one monitor
with a VGA connector and one monitor with a DVI connector, or a TV.
NOTICE: If you are connecting two monitors that have VGA connectors, you must
have the optional DVI adapter to connect the cable. If you are connecting two
flat-panel monitors, at least one of them must have a VGA connector. If you are
connecting a TV, you may connect only one monitor (VGA or DVI) in addition to the TV.
Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors
1
Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 99.
NOTE: If your computer has integrated video, do not connect either monitor to the
integrated video connector. If the integrated video connector is covered by a cap,
do not remove the cap to connect the monitor or the monitor will not function.
2
Connect one of the monitors to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of
the computer.
3
Connect the other monitor to the optional DVI adapter and connect the
DVI adapter to the DVI (white) connector on the back of the computer.
32 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 33
1
2*
3*
4
*May not be present on your computer
1 optional DVI adapter 2 DVI (white) connector
3 TV-OUT connector 4 VGA (blue) connector
Connecting One Monitor With a VGA Connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector
1
Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 99.
2
Connect the VGA connector on the monitor to the VGA (blue) connector
on the back of the computer.
3
Connect the DVI connector on the other monitor to the DVI (white)
connector on the back of the computer.
Connecting a TV
NOTE: You must purchase an S-video cable, available at most consumer electronics
stores, to connect a TV to your computer. It is not included with your computer.
1
Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 99.
2
Connect one end of the S-video cable to the optional TV-OUT connector
on the back of the computer.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 33
Page 34
3
Connect the other end of the S-video cable to the S-video input connector
on your TV.
4
Connect the VGA or DVI monitor.
Changing the Display Settings
1
After you connect the monitor(s) or TV, turn on the computer.
The Microsoft
2
Enable extended desktop mode in the display settings. In extended
desktop mode, you can drag objects from one screen to the other,
effectively doubling the amount of viewable work space.
®
Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor.
Power Management
Power Management Options in Microsoft® Windows® XP
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, it returns to the
operating state it was in prior to entering 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.
NOTE: The procedures to activate the standby and hibernate modes may vary
according to your operating system.
Standby Mode
Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive
after a designated period of time, known as a time-out. When the computer
exits from standby mode, it returns to the operating state it was in prior to
entering standby mode.
NOTICE: If your computer loses power while in standby mode, it may lose data.
34 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 35
NOTICE: The graphics card in your computer is installed in the PCI Express x16 slot.
When there is a card in this slot and you add a peripheral that does not support s3
suspend, your computer will not enter standby mode.
To set standby mode to automatically activate after a defined period of
inactivity:
1
Click the
2
Define your standby settings on the
tab.
To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click the
Start button, click Turn Off Computer, and then click Stand by.
To exit from standby mode, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.
Start
button, then click
Control Panel
Power Schemes
.
tab and
Advanced
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
prior to entering hibernate mode.
To activate hibernate mode:
Click the
1
2
Define your hibernate settings on the
and
To exit from hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may
take a short time to exit from hibernate mode. Because the keyboard and the
mouse do not function when the computer is in hibernate mode, pressing a
key on the keyboard or moving the mouse does not bring the computer out of
hibernation.
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.
Start
Hibernate
button, then click
tab.
Control Panel
Power Schemes
.
tab,
Advanced
tab,
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 35
Page 36
Power Options Properties
Define your standby mode settings, hibernate mode settings, and other power
settings in the Power Options Properties window.
Power Options Properties window:
1
Click the
2
Define your power settings on the
Hibernate
Power Schemes Tab
Start
button, then click
tab.
Control Panel
Power Schemes
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 Power schemes drop-down menu. The settings for each scheme
appear in the fields below the scheme name. Each scheme has different
settings for starting standby mode, hibernate mode, turning off the monitor,
and turning off the hard drive.
NOTICE: If you set the hard drive 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.
The Power schemes drop-down menu displays the following schemes:
•
Always On
(default) — If you want to use your computer with no power
conservation.
•
Home/Office Desk
— If you use your computer as a home or office
computer and you require minimal 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 Turn off monitor, Turn off hard disks, System stand by, or
System hibernates field, and then select a time-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.
To access the
.
tab,
Advanced
tab, and
36 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 37
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 dropdown menu and click OK.
Hibernate Tab
The Hibernate tab allows you to enable hibernate mode. If you want to use
the hibernate settings as defined on the Power Schemes tab, click the Enable
hibernate support check box on the Hibernate tab.
For more information on power management options:
1
Click the
2
In the
3
In the
your computer
Start
button, then click
Help and Support
window, click
Help and Support
Performance and maintenance
.
.
Performance and maintenance
window, click
Conserving power on
.
Power Management Options in Windows Vista™
The Windows Vista™ power management features are designed to 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, and Windows
Vista sets the default "off" state to standby mode or you can set hibernate
mode to reduce power even further.
When the computer exits from a power conservation mode (Standby or
Hibernate), the Windows desktop is restored to the state it was in before it
entered the mode.
Windows Vista has three main default power management modes:
• Balanced
• Power Saver
• High Performance
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 37
Page 38
Dell has added a fourth, Dell-Recommended mode that sets power
management to the most typical settings for the majority of our customers.
This is the active Power Plan.
Standby Mode
Standby mode is the default "off" state for Windows Vista. 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:
1
Click
Start
and click
2
Click
System and Maintenance
3
Under
System and Maintenance
The next dialog box will show three power plans - the top option is
Dell Recommended - this is the currently active plan.
There is also a show additional plans arrow underneath the three power
plans. You can have many power plans, but only three are displayed and the
top one is the active plan.
To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click
Start , and then click the off button icon. Windows Vista sets Standby as
the default off state.
To exit from standby mode, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.
Control Pane
.
, click
l.
Power Options
.
NOTICE: If your computer loses power while in standby mode, it may lose data.
Windows Vista has a new feature called Hybrid Sleep mode - this saves the data
into a file and also puts the system into standby. If you lose power, the system
retains your data on the hard drive and resumes to the same state you left it. Go to
Help and Support and search for Hybrid Sleep for further information. Hybrid Sleep
provides fast wake if the system is in standby, but also keeps your data safe by
storing it to the hard drive.
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
38 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 39
was in before it entered hibernate mode. Windows Vista may mask Hibernate
from the user if Hybrid Sleep is enabled. See Help and Support for further
information - search for Hibernate.
To activate hibernate mode immediately (if available):
1
Click
Start
and click the
lock
icon.
2
Select
Hibernate
To exit from hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may
take a short time to exit 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 Vista recreates the
hibernate file automatically.
from the list.
arrow
(pointing to the right) beside the
Power Plan Properties
Define your standby mode settings, display mode settings, hibernate mode
settings (if available), and other power settings in the Power Plan Properties
window. To access the Power Plan Properties window:
1
Click
Start
and click
2
Click
System and Maintenance
3
Under
System and Maintenance
This takes you to the main
Control Panel
.
Select a Power Plan
.
, click
Power Options
.
window.
4
In the
Select A Power Plan
To change the default settings for a plan:
1
Click
Start
2
Under
Pick a category
3
Under
System and Maintenance
A number of options are available on the left-hand side of the Power Options
dialog box.
, and click
window, you can change or modify power settings.
Control Panel
, click
System and Maintenance
, click
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 39
.
Power Options
.
.
Page 40
Click Change Plan Settings just below any of the power plans to change
settings such as:
• Require a password on wakeup.
• Choose what power buttons do.
• Create a power plan (you can choose the settings you want and create a
custom power plan here).
• Choose when to turn off the display
• Change when the computer sleeps.
Advanced Tab
The Advanced tab allows you to set many different settings beyond the basic
ones above. If you do not know or are not sure what to set, then leave settings
at the default. To access the advanced settings:
1
Choose the
2
Click
3
Click
CAUTION: There are many different settings in the Power Options, Advanced
Settings dialog box. Use care when making setting changes.
Click Start and then click Help and Support to explore the capabilities of
the advanced settings.
Power Plan
Change Plan Settings
Change Advanced Power Settings
you want to change.
from just below the plan name.
.
Enabling SpeedStep™ Technology
SpeedStep technology controls your computer's processor performance
automatically, dynamically adjusting the operating frequency and voltage,
according to the task at hand. When an application does not require full
performance, significant amounts of power can be saved. Performance is
designed to still be responsive, with maximum processor performance being
delivered when required, and automatic power savings when possible.
Windows Vista automatically sets Intel Speedstep technologies in the
Dell Recommended, Balanced, and Power Saver power plans. It is disabled in
the High Performance power plan.
40 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 41
About RAID Configurations
This section provides an overview of the redundant array of independent disks
(RAID) configuration you may have selected when you purchased your
computer. Your computer supports RAID level 1. A RAID level 1 configuration
is recommended for the data integrity requirements of digital photography
and audio.
The Intel RAID controller on your computer can only create a RAID volume
using two physical drives. If a third drive is present, then that drive cannot be
made part of a RAID volume using the Intel RAID configuration program,
although it can be used as a spare drive in a RAID 1 configuration. However, if four
drives are present in your computer, then each pair of drives can be made into
a RAID level 1 volume. The drives should be the same size in order to ensure
that the larger drive does not contain unallocated (and therefore unusable) space.
RAID Level 1 Configuration
RAID level 1 uses a data-redundancy storage technique known as "mirroring."
When data is written to the primary drive, it is then duplicated, or mirrored,
on the other drive. A RAID level 1 configuration sacrifices high data access
rates for its data redundancy advantages.
serial ATA RAID
configured for
RAID level 1
segment 1
segment 2
segment 3
segment 4
segment 5
segment 6
hard drive 1
segment 1 duplicated
segment 2 duplicated
segment 3 duplicated
segment 4 duplicated
segment 5 duplicated
segment 6 duplicated
hard drive 2
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 41
Page 42
If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to
the surviving drive. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data
from the surviving drive. Also, because data is duplicated on both drives, two
120-GB RAID level 1 drives collectively have a maximum of 120-GB on which
to store data.
NOTE: In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the configuration is equal to the
size of the smallest drive in the configuration.
Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID
Your computer can be configured for RAID even if you did not select a RAID
configuration when you purchased your computer. You must have at least two
hard drives installed in your computer to set up a RAID configuration. For
instructions on how to install a hard drive, see "Hard Drives" on page 125.
You can use one of two methods to configure RAID hard drive volumes. One
method uses the Intel
install the operating system onto the hard drive. The second method uses the
Intel Matrix Storage Manager or Intel Storage Utility, and this method is
performed after you have installed the operating system and the Intel Storage
Utility. Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled
mode before starting any of the RAID configuration procedures in this document.
Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode
before you begin.
Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode
1
Enter the system setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 168).
2
Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight
3
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight
press <Enter>.
4
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight
<Enter>.
®
Option ROM utility, and is performed before you
Drives
tab.
Drive Controller
RAID On
, and then press
, then
NOTE: For more information about RAID options, see "System Setup Options"
on page 170.
5
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight
<Enter> to exit system setup and resume the boot process.
42 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Save/Exit
, and press
Page 43
Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R) Option ROM Utility
NOTE: Although any size drives may be used to create a RAID configuration using
the Intel Option ROM utility, ideally the drives should be of equal size. In a RAID level
0 configuration, the size of the array will be the size of the smallest disk multiplied
by the number (two) of disks in the array. In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of
the array will be the smaller of the two disks used.
Creating a RAID Level 1 Configuration
1
Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to
RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 42).
2
Press <Ctrl><i> when you are prompted to enter Intel RAID Option
ROM.
3
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight
press <Enter>.
4
Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default, and press <Enter>.
5
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select
<Enter>.
6
If there are more than two hard disks available, use the up- and
down-arrow keys and space bar to select the two disks you want to use to
make up your array, and then press <Enter>.
7
Select the desired capacity for the volume, and press <Enter>.
The default value is the maximum available size.
8
Press <Enter> to create the volume.
9
Press <y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.
10
Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main
Intel Option ROM screen.
11
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select
12
Install the operating system.
Create RAID Volume
RAID1(Mirror)
Exit
, and press <Enter>.
, and press
, and
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 43
Page 44
Deleting a RAID Volume
NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.
NOTE: If your computer currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume in
the Intel RAID Option ROM, your computer will become unbootable.
1
Press <Ctrl><i> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option
ROM utility.
2
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight
Delete RAID Volume
, and
press <Enter>.
3
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the RAID volume you want
to delete, and press <Delete>.
4
Press <y> to confirm the deletion of the RAID volume.
5
Press <Esc> to exit the Intel Option ROM utility.
Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager
If you already have one hard drive with the operating system installed on it, and
you want to add a second hard drive and reconfigure both drives into a RAID
volume without losing the existing operating system and any data, you need
to use the migrating option (see "Migrating to a RAID 1 Volume" on page 46).
Create a RAID 1 Volume only when:
• You are adding two new drives to an existing single-drive computer
(and the operating system is on the single drive), and you want to
configure the two new drives into a RAID volume.
• You already have a two-hard drive computer configured into an array, but
you still have some space left on the array that you want to designate as a
second RAID volume.
Creating a RAID 1 Volume
NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.
1
Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to
RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 42).
2
Click
Start
Manager
and point to
→
Intel Matrix Storage Console
All Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix Storage
to launch the Intel(R) Matrix
Storage Manager.
44 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 45
NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your
computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAIDEnabled Mode" on page 42).
3
On the
Actions
menu, select
Create RAID Volume
to launch the Create
RAID Volume Wizard.
4
Click
Next
at the first screen.
5
Confirm the volume name, select
click
Next
to continue.
6
On the
Select Volume Location
RAID 1
as the RAID level, and then
screen, click the first hard drive you want
to use to create your RAID 1 volume, and then click the right arrow.
Click a second hard drive until two drives appear in the
Next
and then click
7
In the
Specify Volume Size
click
Next
.
8
Click
Finish
9
Follow Microsoft Windows procedures for creating a partition on the new
.
window, select the
to create the volume, or click
Volume Size
Back
to make changes.
Selected
desired and
RAID volume.
Deleting a RAID Volume
NOTE: While this procedure deletes the RAID 1 volume, it also splits the RAID 1
volume into two non-RAID hard drives with a partition, and leaves any existing data
files intact.
1
Click
Start
Manager
and point to
→
Intel Matrix Storage Console
All Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix Storage
to launch the Intel(R) Matrix
Storage Manager.
2
Right-click the
select
Delete Volume
3
On the
4
Highlight the RAID volume you want to delete in the
Delete RAID Volume Wizard
Volume
icon of the RAID volume you want to delete, and
.
screen, click
Next
.
Available
the right-arrow button to move the highlighted RAID volume into the
Selected
5
Click
box, and then click
Finish
to delete the volume.
Next
.
window,
box, click
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 45
Page 46
Migrating to a RAID 1 Volume
1
Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to
RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 42).
2
Click
Start
Manager
and point to
→
Intel Matrix Storage Console
All Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix Storage
to launch the Intel(R) Matrix
Storage Manager.
NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your
computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAIDEnabled Mode" on page 42).
3
On the
Drive
4
Click
5
Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default.
6
From the drop-down box, select
7
On the
which you want to migrate, and click
8
On the
Actions
menu, click
Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard
to launch the Migration Wizard.
Next
on the first Migration Wizard screen.
RAID 1
NOTE: Select the hard drive that already has the data or operating system
files that you want to maintain on the RAID volume as your source hard drive.
Select Source Hard Drive
screen, double-click the hard drive from
Select Member Hard Drive
as the RAID level
Next
.
.
screen, double-click the hard drive to
select the member drive that you want to act as the mirror in the array, and
click
Next
.
9
On the
click
Specify Volume Size
Next
.
screen, select the volume size you want, and
NOTE: In the following step, you will lose all data contained on the member
drive.
10
Click
Finish
to start migrating, or click
Back
to make changes. You can use
your computer normally during migration process.
Creating a Spare Hard Drive
A spare hard drive may be created with a RAID 1 array. The spare hard drive
will not be recognized by the operating system, but you will be able to see the
spare drive from within Disk Manager or the Intel Option ROM Utility.
46 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 47
When a member of the RAID 1 array is broken, the computer automatically
rebuilds the mirror array using the spare hard drive as the broken member’s
replacement.
To Mark a Drive as a Spare Hard Drive:
1
Click
Start
and point to
Manager
Storage Manager.
2
Right-click the hard drive you want to mark as a spare hard drive.
3
Click
To Remove Spare Marking From a Spare Hard Drive:
1
Right-click the spare hard drive icon.
2
Click
Rebuilding a Degraded RAID 1 Volume
If your computer does not have a spare hard drive, and the computer has
reported a degraded RAID 1 volume, you can manually rebuild the computer’s
redundancy mirror to a new hard drive by performing the following steps:
1
Click
Manager
Storage Manager.
2
Right-click the available hard drive to which you want to rebuild the
RAID 1 volume, and click
→
Intel Matrix Storage Console
Mark as Spare
Reset Hard Drive to Non-RAID
Start
and point to
→
Intel Matrix Storage Console
.
All Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix Storage
to launch the Intel(R) Matrix
All Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix Storage
to launch the Intel(R) Matrix
Rebuild to this Disk
.
NOTE: You can use your computer while the computer is rebuilding the RAID 1 volume.
Transferring Information to a New Computer
You can use your operating system "wizards" to help you transfer files and
other data from one computer to another—for example, from an old
computer to a new computer. For instructions, see the following section that
corresponds to the operating system that your computer is running.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 47
Page 48
Microsoft® Windows® XP
The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides the Files and Settings
Transfer Wizard to move data from a source computer to a new computer.
You can transfer data, such as:
• E-mail messages
• Toolbar settings
• Window sizes
• Internet bookmarks
You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial
connection, or you can store it on removable media, such as a writable CD,
for transfer to the new computer.
NOTE: You can transfer information from an old computer to a new computer by
directly connecting a serial cable to the input/output (I/O) ports of the two
computers. To transfer data over a serial connection, you must access the Network
Connections utility from the Control Panel and perform additional configuration
steps, such as setting up an advanced connection and designating the host
computer and the guest computer.
For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers,
see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #305621, titled How to Set Up a Direct Cable
Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP. This information may not be
available in certain countries.
For transferring information to a new computer, you must run the Files and
Settings Transfer Wizard. You can use the optional Operating System media
for this process or you can create a wizard disk with the Files and Settings
Transfer Wizard.
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System Media
NOTE: This procedure requires the Operating System media. This media is optional
and may not be included with certain computers.
To prepare a new computer for the file transfer:
Open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: click
1
Accessories→ System Tools→
2
When the
click
3
On the
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Next
.
Which computer is this?
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
screen, click
Start→
All Programs→
.
welcome screen appears,
New Computer→
Next
48 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
.
Page 49
4
On the
from the Windows XP CD
5
When the
source computer. Do
Do you have a Windows XP CD?
→ Next
.
Now go to your old computer
not
click
Next
at this time.
screen, click
I will use the wizard
screen appears, go to your old or
To copy data from the old computer:
On the old computer, insert the Windows XP
1
2
On the
additional tasks
3
Under
4
On the
5
On the
6
On the
transfer and click
Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP
.
What do you want to do?
Which computer is this?
Select a transfer method
, click
screen, click
screen, click the transfer method you prefer.
What do you want to transfer?
Next
.
After the information has been copied, the
screen appears.
Phase
7
Click
Finish
.
screen, select the items you want to
Operating System
screen, click
Perform
Transfer files and settings→Next
Old Computer→Next
Completing the Collection
To transfer data to the new computer:
1
On the
Next
2
On the
chose for transferring your settings and files and click
Now go to your old computer
.
Where are the files and settings?
screen on the new computer, click
screen, select the method you
Next
.
The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your
new computer.
media.
.
.
When all of the settings and files have been applied, the
Finished
screen
appears.
3
Click
Finished
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System Media
and restart the new computer.
To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the Operating System
media, you must create a wizard disk that will allow you to create a backup
image file to removable media.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 49
Page 50
To create a wizard disk, use your new computer with Windows XP and
perform the following steps:
1
Open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: click
Accessories→System Tools→
2
When the
click
3
On the
4
On the
Wizard Disk in the following drive
5
Insert the removable media, such as a writable CD, and click OK.
6
When the disk creation completes and the
computer
7
Go to the old computer.
To copy data from the old computer:
1
On the old computer, insert the wizard disk.
2
Click
3
In the
(on the appropriate removable media) and click
4
On the
5
On the
6
On the
prefer.
7
On the
transfer and click
After the information has been copied, the
Phase
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Next
.
Which computer is this?
Do you have a Windows XP CD?
message appears,
Start→
screen appears.
Run
.
Open
field on the
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Which computer is this?
Select a transfer method
What do you want to transfer?
Next
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
screen, click
screen, click
→
Next.
do not
click
Next
Run
window, browse to the path for
welcome screen, click
screen, click
screen, click the transfer method you
screen, select the items you want to
.
Start→
welcome screen appears,
New Computer→
Now go to your old
.
OK
Old Computer→
Completing the Collection
All Programs→
.
Next
I want to create a
fastwiz
.
Next
Next
.
.
.
8
Click
Finish
.
50 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 51
To transfer data to the new computer:
1
On the
click
2
On the
chose for transferring your settings and files and click
Now go to your old computer
Next
.
Where are the files and settings?
screen on the new computer,
screen, select the method you
Next
. Follow the
instructions on the screen.
The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your
new computer.
When all of the settings and files have been applied, the
Finished
screen
appears.
3
Click
Finished
NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search support.dell.com for
document #154781 (What Are The Different Methods To Transfer Files From My Old
Computer To My New Dell™ Computer Using the Microsoft
Operating System?).
NOTE: Access to the Dell™ Knowledge Base document may not be available in
certain countries.
and restart the new computer.
®
Windows® XP
Windows Vista™
The Windows Vista™ operating system provides the Windows Easy Transfer
wizard to move data from a source computer to a new computer. You can
transfer data, such as:
• User account
• Files and folders
• Program settings
• Internet settings and favorites
• E-mail settings, contacts, and messages
You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial
connection, or you can store it on removable media, such as a writable CD,
for transfer to the new computer.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 51
Page 52
There are two ways to access the Easy Transfer wizard:
1
When Vista setup is completed, you will see the Vista Welcome Center.
One icon in the Welcome Center is
Transfer Files and Settings
icon to start Windows easy Transfer.
2
If the Welcome Center dialog box has been closed, you can access Easy
Transfer by clicking Start ,
To ol s
→
Easy Transfer.
Double-click the
Easy Transfer
→ All Programs → Accessories →
icon to begin the process.
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Connecting to a Network Adapter
NOTICE: 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.
1
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.
2
Connect the other end of the network cable to a network device.
. Click this
System
1
3
1 network adapter connector 2 network device
3 network adapter connector on computer 4 network cable
2
4
52 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 53
Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System
1
Click
Start→
Setup Wizard
NOTE: Selecting the connection method labeled This computer connects
directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows
XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).
2
Complete the checklist.
3
Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions in the
wizard.
All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications→
→
Next→ Checklist for creating a network
.
Network
Setting Up a Network in the Windows Vista™ Operating System
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click
Set up a connection or network
2
Select an option under
3
Click
Next
, and then follow the instructions in the wizard.
Choose a connection option
.
Connect To→
.
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). Your ISP will offer one or more of the
following Internet connection options:
• DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your
existing telephone line or cellular telephone service. 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.
• Satellite modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access
through a satellite television system.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 53
Page 54
• Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line.
Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable (or
satellite) modem connections.
• Wireless LAN connections that provide Internet access using Bluetooth
®
wireless technology.
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/satellite modem
connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup
instructions.
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
To set up an Internet connection with a provided ISP desktop shortcut:
1
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2
Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.
3
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an
Internet connection with a different ISP, perform the steps in the following
section that corresponds to the operating system your computer is using.
NOTE: If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem,
and Internet Problems" on page 60." 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.
Windows XP
1
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2
Click
3
Start→
New Connection Wizard
The
Click
Connect to the Internet
Internet Explorer
.
appears.
.
54 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 55
4
In the next window, click the appropriate option:
• If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click
list of Internet service providers (ISPs)
.
Choose from a
• If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you
did not receive a setup CD, click
• If you have a CD, click
5
Click
Next
.
If you selected
Set up my connection manually
Use the CD I got from an ISP
Set up my connection manually
.
, continue to step 6.
Otherwise, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact
your ISP.
6
Click the appropriate option under
Internet?
7
Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
Windows Vista™
NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to
the Internet wizard can help you get one.
1
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2
Click Start , and click
3
Under
The
, and then click
Network and Internet,
Connect to the Internet
Next
Control Panel
How do you want to connect to the
.
click
Connect to the Internet
window appears.
.
.
4
Click either
Broadband (PPPoE)
or
Dial-up
, depending on how you want
to connect:
•Choose
Broadband
if you will use a DSL, satellite modem, cable TV
modem, or Bluetooth wireless technology connection.
• Chose
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me
5
Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information
Dial-up
choose or contact your ISP.
if you will use a dial-up modem or ISDN.
provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 55
Page 56
56 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Page 57
Solving Problems
CAUTION: Some of the parts described in this chapter may be replaceable by a
certified service technician only and are not custom replaceable.
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.
• 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 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 "Replacing the Battery" on page 145). If the
battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 181).
Solving Problems 57
Page 58
Drive Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
ENSURE THAT MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE —
Windows XP:
• Click
Windows Vista™ :
• Click the Windows Vista Start button and click
If the 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.
ENSURE THAT THE DRIVE IS ENABLED IN THE SYSTEM SETUP PROGRAM — See
"System Setup" on page 168)
TEST THE DRIVE —
• Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the
• Insert bootable media and restart the computer.
Start
and click
original one is defective.
My Computer
.
Computer
.
CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK — See "Cleaning Your Computer" on page 176.
CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS
RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Troubleshooting Software and
Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows
Operating System" on page 91.
RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your
Hard Drive" on page 84.
®
XP and Windows Vista™
58 Solving Problems
Page 59
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 74.
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 —
1
Click
Start
2
Under
System and Maintenance
3
Under
Preferred Plans
4
Click the dropdown menu for
and click
, click
Control Panel
.
and click
Power Options
Change Plan Settings
Turn Off the Display
.
for the selected plan.
and select
Never
.
Solving Problems 59
Page 60
Hard drive problems
RUN CHECK DISK —
Windows XP:
1
Click
Start and click My Computer
2
Right-click
3
Click
4
Click
Windows Vista:
1
Click
2
Right-click
3
Click
The
computer, click
desired action.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Local Disk C:
Properties→ Tools→
Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors and click Start
Start
and click
Local Disk C:
Properties→ Tools→
User Account Control
Continue
.
Computer
.
window may appear. If you are an administrator on the
; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the
.
Check Now
.
Check Now
.
.
.
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions 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 WINDOWS MAIL EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS — If you cannot
open your e-mail attachments:
1
In Windows Mail, click
2
Click
Do not allow attachments
Tools
, click
Options
to remove the checkmark.
, and then click
Security
.
60 Solving Problems
Page 61
CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION —
HECK THE TELEPHONE JACK —
C
ONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK —
C
SE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE —
U
• Verify that the telephone line is connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack
has either a green label or a connector-shaped icon next to it.)
• Ensure that you feel 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 Start , 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.)
VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —
1
Click
Start
2
Click
Hardware and Sound
3
Click
Phone and Modem Options
4
Click the COM port for your modem.
5
Click
Properties
and click
, click the
Control Panel
.
and click the
Diagnostics
.
Modems
tab, and then click
tab.
Query Modem
to verify
that the modem is communicating with Windows.
If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.
ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET — Ensure that you have
subscribed to an Internet provider. With the Windows Mail 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.
Solving Problems 61
Page 62
Error Messages
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions 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:
Windows XP:
1
Click
Start→
Control Panel→Add or Remove Programs→ Programs and Features
2
Select the program you want to remove.
3
Click
Uninstall
4
See the program documentation for installation instructions.
Windows Vista:
1
Click
Start
2
Select the program you want to remove.
3
Click
Uninstall
4
See the program documentation for installation instructions.
.
→
.
Control Panel→ Programs→Programs and Features
.
.
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.
NON-SYSTEM DISK ERROR — Remove the floppy disk from the drive and restart
your computer.
62 Solving Problems
Page 63
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 "Contacting Dell" on
page 181).
Keyboard Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE —
• Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to the computer.
• Shut down the computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 100),
reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer,
and then restart the computer.
• Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed
cables. Straighten bent pins.
• 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.
ENSURE THAT THE USB PORTS ARE ENABLED IN THE SYSTEM SETUP
PROGRAM — See "System Setup" on page 168.
RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Troubleshooting Software and
Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows
Operating System" on page 91.
®
XP and Windows Vista™
Solving Problems 63
Page 64
Lockups and Software Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
The computer does not start up
Ensure that the power cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the
electrical outlet.
The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system
shutdown.
TURN THE COMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key
on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at
least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer.
A program stops responding
END THE PROGRAM —
1
Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2
Click
Applications
3
Click the program that is no longer responding.
4
Click
End Task
.
.
A program crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or
on a floppy disk or CD.
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then
reinstall the program.
64 Solving Problems
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A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system
RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —
Windows XP:
The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an
environment similar to non-XP operating system environments.
1
Click
Start→
All Programs→ Accessories→Program Compatibility Wizard→Next
2
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Windows Vista:
The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an
environment similar to non-Windows Vista operating system environments.
1
Click
Start
→
version of Windows.
2
In the welcome screen, click
3
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Control Panel→Programs→ Use an older program with this
Next
.
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.
.
Other software problems
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE
MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION —
• Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your
computer.
• Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to
run the software. See the software documentation for information.
• Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.
• Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.
• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
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BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY
USE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS,
OR CDS
SAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR
COMPUTER THROUGH THE START MENU
Media Card Reader Problems
NO DRIVE LETTER IS ASSIGNED —
When Windows Vista 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 Vista does not automatically assign a drive letter to the Media
Card Reader.
To manually assign a drive for the Media Card Reader:
1
Click
Start
2
Click
Continue
3
Expand the Storage object and select Disk Management.
4
Right-click the corresponding drive letter in the right pane that needs to be
changed.
5
Select
Change Drive Letter and Paths
6
Click
Change
7
From the drop-down list, select the new drive letter assignment for the Media Card
Reader.
8
Click OK to confirm your selection.
NOTE: The Media Card Reader only appears as a mapped drive 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.
, right-click
if prompted.
.
Computer
and select
.
Manage
.
66 Solving Problems
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FLEXBAY DEVICE IS DISABLED —
There is a FlexBay disable option in the BIOS setup that appears only when the
FlexBay device is installed. If the FlexBay device is physically installed, but it is not
running, check to see if it is enabled in the BIOS setup.
Memory Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions 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 "Memory Installation Guidelines" on page 110).
• Reseat the memory modules (see "Installing Memory" on page 111) to ensure that
your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 84).
IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS —
• Reseat the memory modules (see "Installing Memory" on page 111) to ensure that
your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.
• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see "Memory
Installation Guidelines" on page 110).
• Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For more information about the type of
memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 163.
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 84).
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Mouse Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CLEAN THE MOUSE — See "Mouse" on page 177 for instructions on cleaning the
mouse.
CHECK THE MOUSE CABLE —
1
Remove mouse extension cables, if used, and connect the mouse directly to the
computer.
2
Reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.
RESTART THE COMPUTER —
1
Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the
2
Ty p e u, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight
then press <Enter>.
3
After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the on the
setup diagram for your computer.
4
Start the computer.
ENSURE THAT THE USB PORTS ARE ENABLED IN THE SYSTEM SETUP
PROGRAM — See "System Setup" on page 168.
Start
menu.
Shut down
or
Turn Off
, and
TEST THE MOUSE — Connect a properly working mouse to the computer, and try
using the mouse.
CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS —
Windows XP
1
Click
Start→ Control Panel→
2
Adjust the settings as needed.
Mouse
.
Windows Vista:
1
Click
Start
→ Control Panel→ Hardware and Sound→ Mouse
2
Adjust the settings as needed.
.
68 Solving Problems
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REINSTALL THE MOUSE DRIVER — See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on
page 89.
RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Troubleshooting Software and
Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows
Operating System" on page 91.
®
XP and Windows Vista™
Network Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions 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 port or device.
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 166.
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 "Troubleshooting Software and
Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows
Operating System" on page 91.
®
XP and Windows Vista™
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Power Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
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.
IF THE POWER LIGHT IS STEADY BLUE AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT
RESPONDING — See "Beep Codes" on page 80.
IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING BLUE — The computer is in standby mode.
Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume
normal operation.
IF THE POWER LIGHT IS STEADY AMBER — Power problem or internal device
malfunction.
• Ensure that the 12-volt power connector (12V) is securely connected to the system
board (see "System Board Components" on page 104).
• Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to
the system board (see "System Board Components" on page 104).
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IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING AMBER — The computer is receiving electrical
power, a device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.
• Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see "Installing Memory" on
page 111).
• Remove and then reinstall any cards (see "Cards" on page 114).
• Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see "Removing a
PCI/PCI Express Card" on page 119).
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 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
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 "Setting Up a Printer" on page 23).
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by
testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
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VERIFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —
Windows XP:
1
Click
Start→Control Panel→
or fax printers
2
If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.
3
Click
Properties→
following port(s):
Print to the following port(s):
the
.
Ports
setting is
Printers and Other Hardware→View installed printers
. For a parallel printer, ensure that the
LPT1 (Printer Port)
setting is
. For a USB printer, ensure that
USB
.
Print to the
Windows Vista:
1
Click
Start
→Control Panel→Hardware and Sound→Printer
2
If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.
3
Click
Properties
4
Adjust the settings, as needed.
and click
Ports
.
.
REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER — See the printer documentation for
instructions.
72 Solving Problems
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Scanner Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, contact the scanner’s
manufacturer.
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.
VERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT WINDOWS —
Windows XP:
1
Click
Start→
Control Panel→
Cameras
2
If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.
Windows Vista:
1
Click
Cameras
2
If the scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.
.
Start
→ Control Panel→ Hardware and Sound→ Scanners and
.
Printers and Other Hardware→
Scanners and
REINSTALL THE SCANNER DRIVER — See the scanner documentation for
instructions.
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Sound and Speaker Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions 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 CORRECT AUDIO SOLUTION IS ENABLED IN THE BIOS SETUP
PROGRAM — See "System Setup" on page 168.
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.
74 Solving Problems
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REINSTALL THE SOUND DRIVER — See "Manually Reinstalling Drivers" on
page 91.
RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Troubleshooting Software and
Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows
Operating System" on page 91.
®
XP and Windows Vista™
No sound from headphones
CHECK THE HEADPHONE CABLE CONNECTION — Ensure that the headphone
cable is securely inserted into the headphone connector (see "Front View of the
Computer" on page 15).
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.
ENSURE THAT THE CORRECT AUDIO SOLUTION IS ENABLED IN THE BIOS SETUP
PROGRAM — See "System Setup" on page 168.
Video and Monitor Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.
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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 an optional video card is installed, check that the monitor cable is connected to
the card, rather than the video connector on the system board.
• 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 whether 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.
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 "Beep Codes" on page 80.
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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 —
Windows XP:
1
Click
Start→
Control Panel→
2
Click the area you want to change or click the
3
Try different settings for
Windows Vista:
1
Click
Start
Display Settings
2
Adjust
Resolution
→ Control Panel→ Hardware and Sound→ Personalization→
.
and
Appearance and Themes
Color quality
and
Colors settings,
Display
Screen resolution
as needed.
.
icon.
.
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78 Solving Problems
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Troubleshooting Tools
Power Lights
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
The power button light (bi-color LED) located on the front of the computer
illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:
• If the power light is off, the computer is either turned off or is not
receiving power.
– Reseat the power cable in 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.
• If the power light is steady blue and the computer is not responding:
– Ensure that the display is connected and powered on.
– If the display is connected and powered on, see "Beep Codes" on
page 80.
• If the power light is blinking blue, the computer is in standby mode. Press
a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to
resume normal operation. If the power light is blue and the computer is
not responding:
– Ensure the display is connected and powered on.
– If the display is connected and powered on, see "Beep Codes" on
page 80.
Troubleshooting Tools 79
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• If the power light is blinking amber, the computer is receiving electrical
power, a device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.
– Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory" on
page 110).
– Remove and then reinstall any cards (see "Cards" on page 114).
– Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see "Cards"
on page 114).
• If the power light is steady amber, there may be a power problem or an
internal device malfunction.
– Ensure that all power cables are securely connected to the system
board (see "System Board Components" on page 104).
– Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely
connected to the system board (see "System Board Components" on
page 104).
Beep Codes
Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor
cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code,
identifies a problem. One possible beep code consists of repetitive three short
beeps. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a possible
motherboard failure.
If your computer beeps during start-up:
1
Write down the beep code.
2
Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause (see "Dell
Diagnostics" on page 84).
80 Troubleshooting Tools
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Code
Description Suggested Remedy
(repetitive
short beeps)
1 BIOS checksum
failure. Possible
motherboard failure.
2 No memory modules
are detected
3 Possible
motherboard failure
4 RAM Read/Write
failure
5 Real time clock
failure. Possible
battery failure or
motherboard failure.
6 Video BIOS Test
Failure
7 CPU cache test
failure
Contact Dell.
1
If you have two or more memory modules
installed, remove the modules, reinstall one
module (see "Installing Memory" on page 111),
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.
2
If available, install good memory of the same
type into your computer (see "Installing
Memory" on page 111).
3
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
Contact Dell.
1
Ensure that no special memory
module/memory connector placement
requirements exist (see "Memory Installation
Guidelines" on page 110).
2
Verify that the memory modules that you are
installing are compatible with your computer
(see "Memory Installation Guidelines" on
page 110).
3
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
1
Replace the battery (see "Replacing the
Battery" on page 145).
2
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
Contact Dell.
Contact Dell.
Troubleshooting Tools 81
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System Messages
NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the table, see the documentation
for either the operating system or the program that was running when the message
appeared.
ALERT! PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS AT BOOTING THIS SYSTEM HAVE FAILED AT
CHECKPOINT [NNNN]. FOR HELP IN RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM, PLEASE NOTE
THIS CHECKPOINT AND CONTACT DELL TECHNICAL SUPPORT — The computer
failed to complete the boot routine three consecutive times for the same error (see
"Contacting Dell" on page 181 for assistance).
CMOS CHECKSUM ERROR — Possible motherboard failure or RTC battery low.
Replace battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 145 or see "Contacting Dell"
on page 181 for assistance.
CPU FAN FAILURE — CPU fan failure. Replace CPU fan. See "Removing the
Processor Fan/Heat Sink Assembly" on page 150.
DISKETTE DRIVE 0 SEEK FAILURE — A cable may be loose, or the computer
configuration information may not match the hardware configuration. Check cable
connections or see "Contacting Dell" on page 181 for assistance.
DISKETTE READ FAILURE — The floppy disk may be defective or a cable may be
loose. Replace floppy disk/check for loose cable connection.
HARD-DISK DRIVE FAILURE — Possible hard disk drive failure during HDD
POST. Check cables /swap hard disks or see "Contacting Dell" on page 181 for
assistance.
HARD-DISK DRIVE READ FAILURE — Possible HDD failure during HDD boot test
(see "Contacting Dell" on page 181 for assistance).
KEYBOARD FAILURE — Keyboard failure or keyboard cable loose (see "Keyboard
Problems" on page 63).
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NO BOOT DEVICE AVAILABLE — No bootable partition on HDD or Not a bootable
floppy in floppy driver, or HDD/Floppy cable loose, or No bootable device exists.
• If the floppy drive is your boot device, ensure that a bootable floppy disk is in the
drive.
• If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the cables are connected and
that the drive is installed properly and partitioned as a boot device.
• Enter system setup and ensure that the boot sequence information is correct
(see "Entering System Setup" on page 168).
NO TIMER TICK INTERRUPT — A chip on the system board might be
malfunctioning or motherboard failure (see "Contacting Dell" on page 181 for
assistance).
NON-SYSTEM DISK OR DISK ERROR —Replace the floppy disk with one that
has a bootable operating system or remove the floppy disk from drive A and restart
the computer.
NOT A BOOT DISKETTE —Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart your
computer.
USB OVER CURRENT ERROR — Disconnect the USB device. Use external power
source for the USB device.
NOTICE - HARD DRIVE SELF MONITORING SYSTEM HAS REPORTED THAT A
PARAMETER HAS EXCEEDED ITS NORMAL OPERATING RANGE. DELL
RECOMMENDS THAT YOU BACK UP YOUR DATA REGULARLY. A PARAMETER OUT
OF RANGE MAY OR MAY NOT INDICATE A POTENTIAL HARD DRIVE PROBLEM.—
S.M.A.R.T error, possible HDD failure. This feature can be enabled or disabled in
BIOS setup.
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Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in
Lockups and Software Problems (see "Lockups and Software Problems" on
page 64) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical
assistance.
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your
computer.
See "System Setup" on page 168 to review your computer’s configuration
information, and ensure that the device that you want to test displays in the
system setup program and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and
Utilities media.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on
your hard drive.
NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, see
page 181.
1
Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is
known to be working properly.
2
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
84 Troubleshooting Tools
"Contacting Dell
" on
Page 85
3
When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. Select
Diagnostics
from the boot menu and press <Enter>.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to
wait until you see the Microsoft
computer and try again.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has
been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities media.
4
Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility
®
Windows® desktop; then, shut down your
partition on your hard drive.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media
1
Insert the
2
Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
3
When the boot device list appears, highlight
<Enter>.
4
Select the
press <Enter>.
5
Ty p e 1 to start the CD menu and press <Enter> to proceed.
6
Select
multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your
computer.
7
When the Dell Diagnostics
to run.
Drivers and Utilities
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue
to wait until you see the Microsoft
computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the
next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in the
system setup program.
Boot from CD-ROM
Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics
media.
®
Windows® desktop; then, shut down your
CD/DVD/CD-RW
option from the menu that appears and
from the numbered list. If
Main Menu
appears, select the test you want
and press
Troubleshooting Tools 85
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Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the
the button for the option you want.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on
your computer.
Option Function
Test Memory
Test System
Exit
2
After you have selected the
Run the stand-alone memory test
Run System Diagnostics
Exit the Diagnostics
Test S y s t em
following menu appears:
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Extended Test from the menu below
to run a more thorough check of devices in the computer.
Option Function
Express Test
Extended Test
Custom Test
Symptom Tree
Performs a quick test of devices in the system.
This typically can take 10 to 20 minutes.
Performs a thorough check of devices in the system.
This typically can take an hour or more.
Use to test a specific device or customize the tests to
be run.
This option allows you to select tests based on a
symptom of the problem you are having. This option
lists the most common symptoms.
Main Menu
screen appears, click
option from the main menu, the
3
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 see "Contacting Dell" on page 181.
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.
86 Troubleshooting Tools
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4
If you run a test from the
Custom Test or Symptom Tree
option, click the
applicable tab described in the following table for more information.
Tab Function
Results
Errors
Help
Configuration
Parameters
5
When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the
Menu
screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close
the
Main Menu
6
Remove the
screen.
Drivers and Utilities
Displays the results of the test and any error
conditions encountered.
Displays error conditions encountered, error codes,
and the problem description.
Describes the test and may indicate requirements for
running the test.
Displays your hardware configuration for the
selected 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.
Allows you to customize the test by changing the
test settings.
media (if applicable).
Main
Troubleshooting Tools 87
Page 88
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.
NOTICE: The Drivers and Utilities media may contain drivers for operating systems
that are not on your computer. Ensure that you are installing software appropriate
for your operating system.
Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft
Windows operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:
• Upgrade your operating system.
• Reinstall your operating system.
• Connect or install a new device.
Identifying Drivers
If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the
source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.
1
Click the Start , and right-click
2
Click
Properties→ Device Manager
Computer
.
.
NOTE: The User Account Control (located to the left under Ta sk s window)
may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue;
otherwise, contact your administrator to continue.
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 "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
88 Troubleshooting Tools
" on page 89
).
Page 89
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Drivers and
Utilities media provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers
obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.
Using Windows Device Driver Rollback
If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use
Windows Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously
installed version.
Windows XP:
1
Click
Start→
2
Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click
Properties
3
Click the
Windows Vista:
Click Start ,
1
2
Click
Properties→ Device Manager
NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an
administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your
administrator to enter the Device Manager.
3
Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click
Properties
4
Click the
If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System
Restore ("Restoring Your Operating System" on page 92) to return your
computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new
driver.
My Computer→ Properties→ Hardware→
.
Drivers
tab→
Roll Back Driver
and right-click
Computer
.
.
.
.
Drivers
tab→ Roll Back Driver
.
Device Manager
.
Troubleshooting Tools 89
Page 90
Using the Drivers and Utilities media
If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore ("Restoring Your Operating
System" on page 92) does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver
from the Drivers and Utilities media.
1
With the Windows desktop displayed, insert the
If this is your first time to use the
Drivers and Utilities
Drivers and Utilities
media, go to step 2.
media.
If not, go to step 5.
2
When the
Drivers and Utilities
media installation program starts, follow
the prompts on the screen.
3
When the
Drivers and Utilities
4
When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the
5
At the
A message appears, stating that the
InstallShield Wizard Complete
media and click
Welcome Dell System Owner
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media displays drivers only for hardware that
came installed in your computer. If you installed additional hardware, the
drivers for the new hardware might not be displayed by the Drivers and
Utilities media. If those drivers are not displayed, exit the Drivers and Utilities
media program. For drivers information, see the documentation that came
with the device.
Drivers and Utilities
window appears, remove the
Finish
to restart the computer.
Drivers and Utilities
screen, click
Next
.
media is detecting
media.
hardware in your computer.
The drivers that are used by your computer are automatically displayed in
the
My Drivers—The Drivers and Utilities media has identified these
components in your system
6
Click the driver that you want to reinstall and follow the instructions on
window.
the screen.
If a particular driver is not listed, that driver is not required by your operating
system.
90 Troubleshooting Tools
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Manually Reinstalling Drivers
After extracting the driver files to your hard drive as described in the previous
section, do the following:
1
Click Start , and right-click
2
Click
Properties→ Device Manager
NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an
administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your
administrator to enter the Device Manager.
3
Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver
(for example,
4
Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.
5
Click the
software
6
Click
Browse
the driver files.
7
When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click the name of the
driver
→ OK→
8
Click
Finish
Audio
or
Video
Driver
tab→
Update Driver→ Browse my computer for driver
.
and browse to the location to which you previously copied
Next
.
and restart your computer.
Computer
.
).
.
Troubleshooting Software and Hardware
®
Problems in the Microsoft Windows
XP and
Windows Vista™ Operating System
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 start the Hardware Troubleshooter:
Windows XP:
1
Click
Start→
2
Ty p e
hardware troubleshooter
<Enter> to start the search.
3
In the
4
In the
the problem and click
Help and Support
Fix a Problem
Hardware Troubleshooter
section, click
Next
to follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.
.
in the search field and press
Hardware Troubleshooter
list, select the option that best describes
Troubleshooting Tools 91
.
Page 92
Windows Vista:
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button ,
2
Ty p e
hardware troubleshooter
<Enter> to start the search.
In the search results, select the option that best describes the problem and
follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.
and click
in the search field and press
Help and Support.
Restoring Your Operating System
You can restore your operating system in the following ways:
• Microsoft Windows XP System Restore and Windows Vista™ System
Restore return your computer to an earlier operating state without
affecting data files. Use System Restore as the first solution for restoring
your operating system and preserving 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. Use PC Restore
only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
•
If you received
to restore your operating system. Use the CD
not resolve your operating system problem.
an
Operating System
CD with your computer, you can use it
only
if System Restore did
Using Microsoft® Windows® System Restore
The Windows operating systems provide a System Restore option which allows
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. Any changes that System
Restore makes to your computer are completely reversible.
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 apply if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.
92 Troubleshooting Tools
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Starting System Restore
Windows XP:
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.
1
Click
Restore
2
Click either
restore point
3
Click
Start→
Next
All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→
.
Restore my computer to an earlier time
.
and follow the remaining on-screen prompts.
or
Create a
System
Windows Vista:
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button , and click
2
In the search box, type
NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an
administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your
administrator to continue the desired action.
3
Click
Next
and follow the remaining prompts on the screen.
System Restore
and press <Enter>.
Help and Support
.
In the event that System Restore did not resolve the issue, you may undo the
last system restore.
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.
Windows XP:
1
Click
2
Start→
Click
All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→
Undo my last restoration
and click
Next
System Restore
.
Windows Vista:
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button , and click
2
In the search box, type
3
Click
Undo my last restoration
System Restore
and click
and press <Enter>.
Next
Troubleshooting Tools 93
Help and Support
.
.
.
Page 94
Enabling System Restore
NOTE: Windows Vista does not disable System Restore; regardless of low disk
space. Therefore, the steps below apply only to Windows XP.
If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space
available, System Restore is automatically disabled.
To see if System Restore is enabled:
1
Click
Start→
Control Pane l→ Performance and Maintenance→ System
.
Click the
System Restore
tab and ensure that
Turn off System Restore
is
unchecked.
Using Dell PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore
NOTICE: Using Dell PC Restore or Dell Factory Image Restore permanently deletes
all data on the hard drive and removes any programs or drivers installed after you
received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using these options.
Use PC Restore or Dell Factory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve
your operating system problem.
NOTE: Dell PC Restore by Symantec and Dell Factory Image Restore may not be
available in certain countries or on certain computers.
Use Dell PC Restore (Windows XP) or Dell Factory Image Restore (Windows
Vista) only as the last method to restore your operating system. These options
restore 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—
including data files—are 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 and Dell Factory
Image Restore.
Windows XP: Dell PC Restore
1
Turn on the computer.
During the boot process, a blue bar with
of the screen.
www.dell.com
appears at the top
2
Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press <Ctrl><F11>.
If you do not press <Ctrl><F11> in time, let the computer finish
starting, and then restart the computer again.
94 Troubleshooting Tools
Page 95
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the
following step.
3
On the next screen that appears, click
4
On the next screen, click
Confirm
.
Restore
.
The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.
5
When prompted, click
NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the
computer completely reboot.
6
When prompted, click
Finish
to reboot the computer.
Yes
.
The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating
state, the screens that appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the
same ones that appeared the first time the computer was turned on.
7
Click
Next
.
The
System Restore
8
After the computer restarts, click OK.
Windows Vista: Dell Factory Image Restore
1
Turn on the computer. When the Dell logo appears, press <F8> several
screen appears and the computer restarts.
times to access the Vista Advanced Boot Options Window.
2
Select
Repair Your Computer
.
The System Recovery Options window appears.
3
Select a keyboard layout and click
4
To access the recovery options, log on as a local user. To access the
command prompt, type
click
OK
.
5
Click
Dell Factory Image Restore
NOTE: Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select Dell
Factory Tools, then Dell Factory Image Restore.
administrator
Next
.
.
in the User name field, then
The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears.
6
Click
Next
.
The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears.
Troubleshooting Tools 95
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NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with Factory Image Restore, click Cancel.
7
Click the checkbox to confirm that you want to continue reformatting the
hard drive and restoring the system software to the factory condition, then
click
Next
.
The restore process begins and may take five or more minutes to complete.
A message appears when the operating system and factory-installed
applications have been restored to factory condition.
8
Click
Finish
to reboot the system.
Removing Dell PC Restore
NOTICE: Removing Dell PC Restore from the hard drive permanently deletes the
PC Restore utility from your computer. After you have removed Dell PC Restore, you
will not be able to use it to restore your computer’s operating system.
Dell PC Restore enables you to restore your hard drive to the operating state it
was in when you purchased your computer. It is recommended that you do not
remove PC Restore from your computer, even to gain additional hard-drive space.
If you remove PC Restore from the hard-drive, you cannot ever recall it, and
you will never be able to use PC Restore to return your computer’s operating
system to its original state.
To remove PC Restore:
1
Log on to the computer as a local administrator.
2
In Windows Explorer, go to
3
Double-click the filename
c:\dell\utilities\DSR
DSRIRRemv2.exe
.
.
NOTE: If you do not log on as a local administrator, a message appears
stating that you must log on as administrator. Click Quit, and then log on as a
local administrator.
NOTE: If the partition for PC Restore does not exist on your computer’s hard
drive, a message appears stating that the partition was not found. Click Quit;
there is no partition to delete.
4
Click OK to remove the PC Restore partition on the hard drive.
5
Click
Yes
when a confirmation message appears.
The PC Restore partition is deleted and the newly available disk space is
added to the free space allocation on the hard drive.
96 Troubleshooting Tools
Page 97
6
Right-click
Local Disk (C)
in Windows Explorer, click
Properties
, and
verify that the additional disk space is available as indicated by the
increased value for
7
Click
Finish
8
Restart the computer.
Free Space
to close the
.
PC Restore Removal
window.
Using the Operating System CD
Before You Begin
If you are considering reinstalling the Windows operating system to correct a
problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows Vista Device
Driver Rollback (see "Using Windows Device Driver Rollback" on page 89). If
Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System
Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before
you installed the new device driver (see "Using Microsoft
Restore" on page 92).
NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary
hard drive. For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the
first drive detected by the computer.
To reinstall Windows, you need the following items:
•Dell™
•
Operating System
Drivers and Utilities
CD
CD
®
Windows® System
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during
assembly of the computer. Use the Drivers and Utilities CD to load any required
drivers. Depending on the region from where you ordered your computer, or
whether you requested the CDs/DVDs, the Drivers and Utilities CD and
Operating System CD may not ship with your system.
Reinstalling Windows® XP or Windows Vista
™
The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you
reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus
protection program, and other software.
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP or
Windows Vista. The options will overwrite files and possibly affect programs
installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows Vista unless a Dell
technical support representative instructs you to do so.
Troubleshooting Tools 97
Page 98
1
Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2
Insert the
Operating System
CD. Click
Exit
if the
Install Windows
message appears.
3
Restart the computer. Press <F12> immediately after the DELL™ logo
appears.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to
wait until you see the Microsoft
computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the
next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in the
system setup program.
4
When the boot device list appears, highlight
®
Windows®desktop; then, shut down your
CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive
and press <Enter>.
5
Press any key to
6
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
Boot from CD-ROM
.
98 Troubleshooting Tools
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Removing and Installing Parts
CAUTION: To guard against likelihood of electric shock, laceration by moving fan
blades or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your computer from the
electrical outlet before opening the cover.
CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer
covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on) removed.
CAUTION: Some of the parts described in this chapter may be replaceable by a
certified service technician only and are not custom replaceable.
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 100
and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" on page 100.
• You have read the safety information in the 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
• Small Phillips screwdriver
• Small plastic scribe
• Flash BIOS executable update program on the Dell Support website at
support.dell.com
Product Information Guide.
Removing and Installing Parts 99
Page 100
Turning Off Your Computer
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open
programs before you turn off your computer.
1
Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2
Click Start , click the arrow , and then click
Shut Down
.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
3
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 at
least 8-10 seconds until the computer turns off.
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from
potential damage and to help to ensure your own personal safety.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: 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 pull-tab, not
on the cable itself. Some cables have connectors with locking tabs; if you are
disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect
the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending
any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors
are correctly oriented and aligned.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer
and then unplug the cable from the network device.
1
Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery
before you service the computer.
2
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical
outlets.
100 Removing and Installing Parts
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