Dell K080D User Manual

Dell™ Optiplex™ 960

Setup and Quick Reference Guide

This guide provides a features overview, specifications, and quick setup,

software, and troubleshooting information for your computer. For more

information about your operating system, devices, and technologies, see

the Dell Technology Guide at support.dell.com.

Models DCSM, DCNE, DCCY

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

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

your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data

and tells you how to avoid the problem.

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

or death.

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

Macrovision Product Notice

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by
method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights
owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this
copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision
Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only
unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering
or disassembly is prohibited.

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2008 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc.
is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, OptiPlex, and DellConnect are trademarks of Dell
Inc.; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and is used by Dell under
license; Intel, Pentium, iAMT, Core, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the
U.S. and other countries; Blu-ray Disc is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association; Microsoft,
Windows, Windows Server, MS-DOS, Windows Vista, and the Windows Vista start button logo are either
trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries; AMD, ATI, and ATI Mobility Radeon are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

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.

®

Windows® operating systems are not applicable.

Models DCSM, DCNE, DCCY

August 2008 P/N K080D Rev. A00

Contents

1 About Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Mini Tower — Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Mini Tower — Back View

Mini Tower — Back Panel Connectors

Desktop — Front View

Desktop — Back View

Desktop — Back Panel Connectors

Small Form Factor— Front View

Small Form Factor— Back View

Small Form Factor— Back Panel Connectors

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

. . . . . . . . . . 9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

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

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

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

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

. . . . . 15

2 Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Quick Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure

Connecting to the Internet

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

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

. . . . . . . . 22

. . . . . . . . 24

Contents 3

Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . . 25

®

Microsoft
System

Microsoft Windows

Windows Vista® Operating

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

®

XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

4 Troubleshooting Tips

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Using the Hardware Troubleshooter. . . . . . . . . . . 39

Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Power Problems

Memory Problems

Lockups and Software Problems

Dell Technical Update Service

Dell Diagnostics

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

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

. . . . . . . . . . 48

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

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

5 Reinstalling Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Identifying Drivers

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

Restoring Your Operating System

Using Microsoft

Using Dell Factory Image Restore

Using the Operating System Media

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

. . . . . . . . . . 51

. . . . . . . . . . . . 53

®

Windows® System Restore . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . 55

4 Contents

6 Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

7 Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Obtaining Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Fast Call for Help

Loading iAMT drivers on installation

Technical Support and Customer Service

DellConnect

Online Services

AutoTech Service

Automated Order-Status Service

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

. . . . . . . . 60

. . . . . 61

™

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

. . . . . . . . . . 62

Problems With Your Order

Product Information

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit

Before You Call

Contacting Dell

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

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

. . . . . 63

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Contents 5

6 Contents

About Your Computer

5

8

9

12

11

7

6

10

1

2

3

4

Mini Tower — Front View

1 hard drive activity light 2 link integrity light

3 WiFi (optional) light 4 diagnostic lights

5 power button, power light 6 optical drive

About Your Computer 7

7 optical-drive eject button 8 optical-drive filler panel

4

3

7

6

1

2

5

9 flex bay (for optional floppy drive

or memory card reader)

11 headphone connector 12 microphone connector

10 USB 2.0 connectors (4)

Mini Tower — Back View

1 power supply check button 2 power supply check light

3 cover-release latch and padlock ring

(security screw also an option)

8 About Your Computer

4 security cable slot

5 power connector 6 back-panel connectors

1

2

11

10

3

4

8

9

14

12

13

5

6

7

7 expansion-card slots (4)

Mini Tower — Back Panel Connectors

1 PS2 mouse connector 2 parallel (printer) connector

3 serial connector 4 network-activity light

5 network adapter connector 6 link-integrity light

7 space for optional wireless

connector

9 line-in/microphone connector 10 USB 2.0 connectors (6)

11 VGA video connector 12 eSATA connector

13 DisplayPort connector 14 PS2 keyboard connector

8 line-out connector

About Your Computer 9

Desktop — Front View

1

2

58 76

3

4

9

10

11

12

1 power button, power light 2 optical drive

™

3 optical-drive tray eject button 4 Dell

5 USB 2.0 connectors (2) 6 microphone connector

7 headphone connector 8 flex bay (for optional floppy drive,

9 hard drive activity light 10 link integrity light

11 WiFi (optional) light 12 diagnostic lights

badge

memory card reader, or second

3.5-inch hard disk drive)

10 About Your Computer

Desktop — Back View

6

2

3

4

5

7

1

1 expansion card slots (4) 2 power supply check button

3 power supply check light 4 cover-release latch and padlock ring

(security screw also an option)

5 security cable slot 6 power connector

7 back-panel connectors

About Your Computer 11

Desktop — Back Panel Connectors

1

2

11

10

3

4

8

9

14

12

13

5

6

7

1 PS2 mouse connector 2 parallel (printer) connector

3 serial connector 4 network-activity light

5 network adapter connector 6 link-integrity light

7 space for optional wireless

connector

9 line-in/microphone connector 10 USB 2.0 connectors (6)

11 VGA video connector 12 eSATA connector

13 DisplayPort connector 14 PS2 keyboard connector

8 line-out connector

12 About Your Computer

Small Form Factor— Front View

1

2

4

8

7

6

5

3

12
11

10

9

1 power button, power light 2 optical-drive (slim-line)

3 optical-drive eject button 4 slim-line flex bay (for optional floppy

drive or memory card reader)

5 Dell badge 6 headphone connector

7 microphone connector 8 USB 2.0 connectors (2)

9 hard drive activity light 10 link integrity light

11 WiFi (optional) light 12 diagnostic lights

About Your Computer 13

Small Form Factor— Back View

3

1

6

7

2

5

4

1 expansion-card slots (2) 2 power supply check button

3 power supply check light 4 cover-release latch and padlock ring

(security screw also an option)

5 security cable slot 6 power connector

7 back-panel connectors

14 About Your Computer

Small Form Factor— Back Panel Connectors

1

2

11

10

3

8

9

14

12

13

4

5

6

7

1 PS2 mouse connector 2 parallel (printer) connector

3 serial connector 4 network-activity light

5 network adapter connector 6 link-integrity light

7 space for optional wireless

connector

9 line-in/microphone connector 10 USB 2.0 connectors (6)

11 VGA video connector 12 eSATA connector

13 DisplayPort connector 14 PS2 keyboard connector

8 line-out connector

About Your Computer 15

16 About Your Computer

Setting Up Your Computer

21

Quick Setup

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

safety instructions that shipped with your computer.

NOTE: Some devices may not be included if you did not order them.

1

Your computer comes with VGA and DisplayPort connectors for video
(Desktop back panel shown here).

1 DisplayPort connector 2 VGA video connector

2

Using the DisplayPort for video may require an optional adapter to
connect to older monitors which only support VGA and/or DVI (available
at

www.dell.com

information about DisplayPort.

NOTE: When connecting a DisplayPort monitor or adapter, the multi-monitor

capability of the system will not be available during boot or when running
DOS. Output will be limited to the DisplayPort monitor only. When the system
has booted to Windows and loaded the graphics driver, then multi-monitor
support will be fully functional.

). Refer to the Dell Technology Guide for more

Setting Up Your Computer 17

NOTE: Connection of a DisplayPort monitor or adapter will result in the x16

PCI-Express slot being disabled. This is not a valid configuration. Remove the
PCI-Express card. Alternatively you may use the VGA port to connect a
display device if the PCI-Express card is not a graphics card.

3

Connect the monitor using a VGA cable.

4

Connect a USB device, such as a keyboard or mouse.

18 Setting Up Your Computer

5

Connect the network cable.

6

Connect the modem (if your computer has this option).

Setting Up Your Computer 19

7

Connect the power cable(s).

8

Press the power buttons on the monitor and the computer.

20 Setting Up Your Computer

9

1

2

3

6

5

4

Connect to your network.

1 Internet service 2 cable or DSL modem

3 wireless router (not necessary if your

computer has the optional WiFi
capability)

5 desktop computer with USB wireless

adapter

4 desktop computer with network

adapter

6 USB wireless adapter

The Dell™ Wireless Antenna, if purchased, connects to the wireless
connector.

Setting Up Your Computer 21

NOTE: For security, the Wireless Antenna uses special screws to connect to the

system that can only be removed using the key provided in the kit. The screws do
not need to be attached for the wireless antenna to function.

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.

CAUTION:

instructions that shipped with your computer.

Before installing your computer in an enclosure, read the safety

NOTICE: The operating temperature specifications indicated in this document

reflect the maximum ambient operating temperature. The room’s ambient
temperature needs to be a consideration when installing your system in an
enclosure. For example, if the ambient room temperature is at 25° C (77° F),
depending on your system’s specifications, you may only have 10° C (18° F) before
you reach your system’s maximum operating temperature For details about your
computer’s specifications, see "Specifications" on page 29.

• Leave a 10.2-cm (4-in) minimum clearance on all sides of the computer
that have air vents to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.

Non-ventilated sides of the system can be placed close to the sides of the
enclosure. However, for acoustic and vibration optimization, the system
sides should not touch the enclosure unless there are isolating features
present. These isolation features are typically only on the bottom of a
system, however, on some systems, an additional side has these isolation
features.

22 Setting Up Your Computer

• The enclosure should be designed so that the ambient air entering the
system meets the operating temperature requirements of the system. The
enclosure design should be designed to minimize the temperature increase
of the air entering the system by:

– Implementing enclosure venting that allows at least 30% airflow (front

and back)

– Implementing enclosure ventilation that aligns well with the system

ventilation to allow direct airflow into the system. This is especially
important at the exhaust of the system.

– Ensuring that there is ventilation at the highest point of the enclosure

(such as a gap between the door and top of the enclosure) to allow hot
air to escape.

NOTICE: 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.

• If your computer is installed in a corner on a desk or under a desk, leave at
least 5.1-cm (2-in) clearance from the front of the computer and at least

5.1 cm (2 in) from the back of the computer to the wall to permit the
airflow required for proper ventilation.

Setting Up Your Computer 23

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

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an Internet connection with a desktop shortcut provided by your ISP:

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

1

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 appropriate
section below.

24 Setting Up Your Computer

NOTE: If you cannot connect to the Internet, see the Dell Technology Guide. If you

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.

NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, consult the

Connect to the Internet wizard.

1

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

2

Click the Windows Vista Start button

3

Under

Network and Internet,

4

In the

Connect to the Internet

or

Dial-up

•Choose

• Chose

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose

or contact your ISP.

5

Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information
provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

, depending on how you want to connect:

Broadband

modem, or Bluetooth wireless technology connection.

Dial-up

if you will use a dial-up modem or ISDN.

click

window, click either

if you will use a DSL, satellite modem, cable TV

→

Control Panel

Connect to the Internet

Broadband (PPPoE)

.

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Microsoft® Windows Vista® Operating System

1

Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click

and settings

2

In the

3

Click

4

Follow the instructions provided on the screen by the Windows Easy
Transfer wizard.

→ Start Windows Easy Transfer.

User Account Control

Start a new transfer

dialog box, click

or

Continue a transfer in progress

Continue

Transfer files

.

.

Microsoft Windows® XP

Windows XP provides the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data
from a source computer to a new computer.

Setting Up Your Computer 25

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.
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.

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

4

On the

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Next

.

Which computer is this?

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

from the Windows XP CD

5

When the
source computer. Do

Now go to your old computer

not

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

screen, click

screen, click

→ Next

.

screen appears, go to your old or

click

Next

at this time.

Start→

All Programs→

.

welcome screen appears,

New Computer→

Next

.

I will use the wizard

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

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.

Operating System

screen, click

media.

Perform

Transfer files and settings→ Next

Old Computer→

Next

.

.

26 Setting Up Your Computer

6

On the
transfer and click

After the information has been copied, the

Phase

7

Click

What do you want to transfer?

Next

.

screen appears.

Finish

.

screen, select the items you want to

Completing the Collection

To transfer data to the new computer:

On the

1

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 applies the collected files and settings to your new computer.

3

On the

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System
Media

Finished

screen, click

Finished

, 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.

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

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Next

.

Which computer is this?

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

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.

message appears,

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

screen, click

screen, click

→

Next.

do not

click

Next

Start→

All Programs→

.

welcome screen appears,

New Computer→

Next

.

I want to create a

Now go to your old

.

Setting Up Your Computer 27

To copy data from the old computer:

1

On the old computer, insert the wizard disk, and click

2

In the

Open

field on the

the appropriate removable media) and click

3

4

5

On the

On the

On the

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

Run

window, browse to the path for

OK

welcome screen, click

screen, click

screen, click the transfer method you

Old Computer→

Start→

Run

fastwiz

.

prefer.

6

On the
transfer and click

After the information has been copied, the

Phase

7

Click

What do you want to transfer?

Next

.

screen appears.

Finish

.

screen, select the items you want to

Completing the Collection

To transfer data to the new computer:

On the

1

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

. Follow the

instructions on the screen.

The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your
new computer.

.

Next

Next

(on

.

.

When all of the settings and files have been applied, the

Finished

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
Operating System?).

NOTE: Access to the Dell

certain countries.

and restart the new computer.

™

Computer Using the Microsoft® Windows® XP

™

Knowledge Base document may not be available in

28 Setting Up Your Computer

screen

Specifications

NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the

configuration of your computer, click Start→ Help and Support and select the
option to view information about your computer.

Processor

®

Processor type Intel

System Information

Chipset Intel

RAID Support RAID 1 (Mirroring) RAID 0 (Striping), and Intel

DMA channels seven

Interrupt levels 24

BIOS chip (NVRAM) 8 MB

NIC Intel

Core™2 Quad Processor FSB up to 1333 MHz

®

Intel

Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor

®

Pentium® Dual-Core Desktop Processor

Intel

®

Intel

Celeron® Processor Family 440

®

Q45 Express chipset

Rapid Recovery Technology (IRRT)

®

82567, integrated network interface capable of

10/100/1000 communication

®

Memory

Type 667 MHz or 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM

Memory connectors four

Specifications 29

Memory (continued)

Memory capacities

667 MHz

512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB

NOTE: 512 MB DIMMS are available for use only in the

667-MHz memory configurations.

800 MHz

Minimum memory 512 MB for 667 MHz, 1 GB for 800 MHz

Maximum memory 8 GB

Video

Ty p e :

Integrated

Discrete

1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB

Intel® Q45 Graphics Controller

up to 1759 MB video memory (shared)

ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD3450 256M

™

ATI Mobility Radeon

HD3470 256M

NOTE: Support for discrete full-height video cards is

available on Mini Tower and Desktop via PCIe x16
graphics card slot. Support for half-height video cards
is available on Desktop and Small Form Factor via
PCIe x16 graphics card slot.

Audio

Type Analog Devices ADI 1984A Integrated HD Audio

Expansion Bus

Bus type PCI 2.3

PCI Express 1.0A and 2.0

SATA 1.0 and 2.0

USB 2.0

30 Specifications

Expansion Bus (continued)

Bus speed x1-slot bidirectional speed — 500 MB/s (PCI Express)

x16-slot bidirectional speed — 16 GB (PCI Express)

1.5 Gbps and 3.0 Gbps (SATA)

480-Mbps high speed, 12-Mbps full speed, 1.2-Mbps
low speed (USB)

Expansion card slots

connectors

PCI Mini Tower: two connectors

connector size

connector data width
(maximum)

PCI Express

connector

connector size

connector data width
(maximum)

Mini Tower: four full-height slots

Desktop: four half-height slots without riser, two
full-height slots, two half-height slots with riser

Small Form Factor: two half-height slots

Desktop: two low-profile connectors, with support for
two full-height 6.9-in PCI cards (or one 6.9-in PCI
and one 6.9-in PCIe x16 card) if a PCI riser board is
used

Small Form Factor: one connector

124 pins

32 bits

NOTE: When using the built-in DisplayPort connector,

the x16 PCI Express slot is disabled.

Mini Tower and Desktop: one x16 connector and
one x1 connector

Small Form Factor: one x16 connector

x16: 164 pins

x1 36 pins

16 PCI Express lanes (x16)

Specifications 31

Expansion Bus (continued)

PCIE_WLS

connector

connector size

use

Drives

Hard Disk Drives Mini Tower: two 3.5-inch hard disk drives (HDDs) or

Available device
configurations

one x1(available in all platforms)

36 pins

for optional wireless and WLAN cards

two 2.5-inch HDDs

Desktop: two 3.5-inch HDDs or two 2.5-inch HDDs

Small Form Factor: one 3.5-inch HDD or two 2.5-inch
HDDs

Mini Tower: two external 5.25-inch bays, one external

3.5-inch bay, two internal 3.5-inch bays

Desktop: one external 5.25-inch bay, one external

3.5-inch bay, one internal 3.5-inch bay

NOTE: The desktop platform can accommodate two

3.5-inch HDDs, provided no floppy drive is used.

NOTE: The desktop platform will use the external

3.5-inch bay as an internal 3.5-inch HDD for RAID
configurations.

Small Form Factor: one external 5.25-inch slimline
bay, one external 3.5-inch slimline bay, one internal

3.5-inch bay

NOTE: The number of hard disk drives supported is

determined by the number of internal 3.5-inch bays.

NOTE: The optical drives (CD, DVD) is determined by

the number of external 5.25-inch bays.

Floppy drive Mini Tower and Desktop: one 34-pin connector

Small Form Factor: one 38-pin low-profile connector

32 Specifications

Connectors

External connectors:

Video

Network adapter

USB

2.0-compliant

connectors

Audio

eSATA

Serial

PS/2

Parallel

System board connectors:

SATA

Internal USB device

Floppy drive

Processor fan

VGA and DisplayPort connectors

RJ-45 connector

Mini Tower: four front-panel, and six back-panel USB
connectors

Desktop: two front-panel, and six back-panel USB
connectors

Small Form Factor: two front-panel, and six
back-panel USB connectors

front panel: one microphone and one headphone
connector; (available in all platforms)

back panel: one line-out connector and
one line-in/microphone connector (available in all
platforms)

one eSATA connector (available in all platforms)

one 9-pin connector; 16550 C-compatible (available
in all platforms)

one mouse connector and one keyboard connector
(available in all platforms)

one 25-pin connector (bidirectional, available in all
platforms)

Mini Tower: four 7-pin connectors

Desktop: three 7-pin connectors

Small Form Factor: three 7-pin connectors

media card reader (available in all platforms)

one 34-pin connector in Mini Tower and Desktop

Mini Tower and Desktop: one five-pin connector

Small From Factor: one five-pin connector and one
four-pin connector

Specifications 33

Connectors (continued)

Expansion slots

PCI Express

Front panel USB

Processor

Front panel control

Front panel audio HDA
header

Memory

Power 12 V

Power

LAN on motherboard
(LOM)

Mini Tower: four full-height slots

Desktop: four half-height slots without riser, two
full-height slots, two half-height slots with riser

Small Form Factor: two half-height slots

Mini Tower and Desktop: one x16 connector and
one x1 connector

Small Form Factor: one x16 connector

Mini Tower: two 10-pin connectors

Desktop: one 10-pin connectors

Small Form Factor: one 10-pin connectors

one 775-pin connector

one 10-pin connector

one 10-pin connector

four 240-pin connectors

one 4-pin connector

one 24-pin connector

through RJ-45 connector on back panel

Controls and Lights

Front of computer:

Power button

Power light

Drive activity light

Diagnostic light

34 Specifications

push button

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

amber light — A boot failure has occurred. See
"Power Problems" on page 39.

blue light — A blinking blue light indicates the
computer is reading data from or writing data to the
SATA hard drive or CD/DVD.

amber

Controls and Lights (continued)

Network link light

WiFi (optional) link light

Rear of computer:

Power supply light

Link integrity light (on
integrated network adapter)

Network activity light (on
integrated network adapter)

Power

AC - DC power supply

Wattage

Maximum heat dissipation
(MHD) wattage

blue

blue

solid green — The power supply is turned on and is
functional. The power cable must be connected to
the power connector (on back of the computer) and
the electrical outlet. A test button and LED are on
the side of the unit where the AC plug is located.

Customers can test the health of the power system by
pressing the test button. When the system’s power
supply voltage are within specification, the self-test
LED lights. If the LED does not light up, the power
supply may be defective. AC power must be
connected during this test.

link integrity light color is based on the link speed:

10 - Green, 100 - Orange, 1000 - Amber/Yellow

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

yellow blinking light

Mini Tower: 305 W

Desktop: 255 W

Small Form Factor: 235 W

Mini Tower: 165 W

Desktop: 140 W

Small Form Factor: 127 W

NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated by using the

power supply wattage rating.

Specifications 35

Power

Input voltage (see the safety
information that shipped
with your computer for
important voltage setting
information)

Input frequency

Input amperage

Coin-cell battery CR2032 lithium coin cell

Physical

Mini Tower

Height

Width

Depth

We ig ht

Desktop

Height

Width

Depth

We ig ht

Small Form Factor

Height

Width

Depth

We ig ht

115/230 VAC

50/60 Hz

Mini Tower: 3.6 A/1.8 A

Desktop: 4.0 A/2.0 A

Small Form Factor: 3.5 A/1.8 A

40.8 cm (16.06 in)

18.7 cm (7.36 in)

43.1 cm (16.96 in)

at least 11.5 kg (25.3 lbs)

39.7 cm (15.61 in)

10.9 cm (4.30 in)

34.8 cm (13.70 in)

at least 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs)

29.0 cm (11.40 in)

8.5 cm (3.35 in)

32.4 cm (12.74 in)

at least 5.9 kg (13.0 lbs)

36 Specifications

Environmental

Temperature:

Operating

Storage

Relative humidity 20% to 80% (noncondensing)

Maximum vibration:

Operating

Storage

Maximum shock:

Operating

Storage

Altitude:

Operating

Storage

Airborne contaminant level

10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)

–40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F)

5 to 350 Hz at 0.0002 G2/Hz

5 to 500 Hz at 0.001 to 0.01 G2/Hz

40 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2 msec +/- 10%
(equivalent to 20 in/sec [51 cm/sec])

105 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2 msec +/- 10%
(equivalent to 50 in/sec [127 cm/sec])

–15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)

–15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)

G2 or lower as defined by ISA-S71.04-1985

Specifications 37

38 Specifications

Troubleshooting Tips

CAUTION: Always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before

opening the cover.

NOTE: For detailed troubleshooting information, including responding to system

messages, see your Service Manual on support.dell.com.

Using the Hardware Troubleshooter

1

Click the Windows Vista Start button ,

2

Ty p e

hardware troubleshooter

<Enter> to start the search.

3

In the search results, select the option that best describes the problem and
follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.

Tips

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

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

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

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

and click

in the search field and press

Help and Support.

Power Problems

CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that

shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

The diagnostic lights on the front of the computer along with the status of
the power button indicate the potential problem with the system. Consult
the following table in case of a power problem.

Troubleshooting Tips 39

NOTE: The diagnostic lights will blink when the power button is amber or off, and

will not when it is blue. This has no other significance.

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

The computer is
either turned off or
not receiving power.

Off

• Reseat the power cable in the power
connector on the back of the
computer and the electrical outlet.

• Bypass power strips, power extension
cables, and other power protection
devices to verify that the computer
turns on properly.

• Ensure that any power strips being
used are plugged into an electrical
outlet and are turned on.

• Ensure that the electrical outlet is
working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.

• Ensure that the main power cable and
front panel cable are securely
connected to the system board.

A possible
motherboard failure
has occurred.

Off

• Unplug the computer. Allow one
minute for the power to drain. Plug
the computer into a working electrical
outlet and press the power button.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell

(see

" on page 66).

40 Troubleshooting Tips

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Blinking
Amber

A possible
motherboard, power
supply, or peripheral
failure has occurred.

1

Power off computer, leaving the
computer plugged in. Press and hold
the power supply test button on the
rear of the power supply unit. If the
LED next to the switch illuminates,
the problem may be with your
motherboard. Contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell

2

If the LED next to the switch does not
illuminate, disconnect all internal and
external peripherals, and press and
hold the power supply test button.If it
illuminates, there could be a problem
with a peripheral. Contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell

3

If the LED still does not illuminate,
remove the PSU connections from the
motherboard, then press and hold the
power supply button. If it illuminates,
there could be a problem with the
motherboard. Contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell

4

If the LED still does not illuminate,
the problem is probably with the
power supply. Contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell

No CPU present.

• Reinstall the CPU and restart the
system. If the computer still fails to

Steady
Amber

boot, inspect the CPU socket for
damage.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell

(see

" on page 66

" on page 66

" on page 66).

" on page 66

" on page 66).

).

).

).

Troubleshooting Tips 41

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Steady
Amber

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

• If two or more memory modules are
installed, remove the modules, then
reinstall one module and restart the
computer. If the computer starts
normally, continue to install
additional memory modules (one at a
time) until you have identified a
faulty module or reinstalled all
modules without error. If only one
memory module is installed, try
moving it to a different DIMM
connector and restart the computer.

• If available, install verified working
memory of the same type into your
computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell

(see

Steady
Amber

A possible CPU or
motherboard failure
has occurred.

• Replace the CPU with a known good
CPU. If the computer still fails to
boot, inspect the CPU socket for
damage.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell

(see

BIOS may be corrupt
or missing.

Steady
Amber

• The computer hardware is operating
normally but the BIOS may be corrupt
or missing. Contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell

" on page 66).

" on page 66).

" on page 66).

A possible
motherboard failure

Steady
Amber

has occurred.

42 Troubleshooting Tips

• Remove all peripheral cards from the
PCI and PCI-E slots and restart the
computer. If the computer boots, add
the peripheral cards back one by one
until you find the bad one.

• If the problem persists, the
motherboard is probably bad. Contact
Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on
page 66).

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Power connector not
installed properly.

Steady
Amber

• Reseat the 2x2 power connector from
the power supply unit.

• If the system still fails to boot, contact
Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on
page 66).

Steady
Amber

Possible peripheral
card or motherboard
failure has occurred.

• Remove all peripheral cards from the
PCI and PCI-E slots and restart the
computer. If the computer boots, add
the peripheral cards back one by one
until you find the bad one.

• If the problem persists, the
motherboard is probably bad. Contact
Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on
page 66).

Steady
Amber

A possible
motherboard failure
has occurred.

• Disconnect all internal and external
peripherals, and restart the computer.
If the computer boots, add the
peripheral cards back one by one until
you find the bad one. "Contacting
Dell" on page 66.

• If the problem persists, the
motherboard is probably bad. Contact
Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on
page 66).

Steady
Amber

A possible coin cell
battery failure has
occurred.

• Remove the coin cell battery for one
minute, reinstall the battery, and
restart.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see "Contacting Dell" on page 66).

Steady
Blue

The computer is in a
normal on condition.

The diagnostic lights
are not lit after the

• Ensure that the display is connected
and powered on.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell

(see

computer successfully
boots to the operating
system.

" on page 66).

Troubleshooting Tips 43

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

A possible processor
failure has occurred.

Steady
Blue

• Reseat the processor (see Processor
information for your computer).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see

"Contacting Dell

" on page 66).

Steady
Blue

Steady
Blue

Steady
Blue

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

A possible graphics
card failure has
occurred.

A possible floppy
drive or hard drive
failure has occurred.

• If two or more memory modules are
installed, remove the modules (see
your service manual), then reinstall
one module (see your service manual
and restart the computer. If the
computer starts normally, continue to
install additional memory modules
(one at a time) until you have
identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.

• If available, install working memory of
the same type into your computer (see
your service manual).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell

(see

" on page 66).

• Reseat any installed graphics cards
(see the "Cards" section for your
computer).

• If available, install a working graphics
card into your computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell

(see

" on page 66).

Reseat all power and data cables.

A possible USB failure
has occurred.

Steady
Blue

44 Troubleshooting Tips

Reinstall all USB devices and check all
cable connections.

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

No memory modules
are detected.

Steady
Blue

• If two or more memory modules are
installed, remove the modules (see
your service manual), then reinstall
one module (see your service manual)
and restart the computer. If the
computer starts normally, continue to
install additional memory modules
(one at a time) until you have
identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.

• If available, install working memory of
the same type into your computer (see
your service manual).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see

"Contacting Dell

Steady
Blue

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

• Ensure that no special requirements
for memory module/connector
placement exist.

• Ensure that the memory you are using
is supported by your computer (see
the "Specifications" section for your
computer).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see

"Contacting Dell

" on page 66).

" on page 66

).

Troubleshooting Tips 45

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Steady
Blue

A possible expansion
card failure has
occurred.

1

Determine if a conflict exists by
removing an expansion card (not a
graphics card) and restarting the
computer (see the "Cards" section for
your computer).

2

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

3

Repeat this process for each expansion
card installed. If the computer starts
normally, troubleshoot the last card
removed from the computer for
resource conflicts.

4

If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell

(see

Another failure has
occurred.

Steady
Blue

• Ensure that all hard drive and optical
drive cables are properly connected to
the system board (see the "System
Board Components" section for your
computer).

• If there is an error message on the
screen identifying a problem with a
device (such as the floppy drive or
hard drive), check the device to make
sure it is functioning properly.

• If the operating system is attempting
to boot from a device (such as the
floppy drive or optical drive), check
system setup to ensure the boot
sequence is correct for the devices
installed on your computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell

"Contacting Dell

(see

" on page 66).

" on page 66).

46 Troubleshooting Tips

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

The computer is in
standby mode.

Blinking
Blue

ELIMINATE INTERFERENCE — Some possible causes of interference are:

Press a key on the keyboard, move the
mouse, or press the power button to
resume normal operation.

• Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables

• Too many devices connected to the same power strip

• Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet

Memory Problems

CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that

shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

F YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE —

I

• 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.

• Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully
communicating with the memory.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 49).

IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS —

• Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully
communicating with the memory.

• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines.

• Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer. For
more information about the type of memory supported by your computer,
see "Specifications" on page 29.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 49).

Troubleshooting Tips 47

Lockups and Software Problems

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.

The computer does not start up

Ensure that the power cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the
electrical outlet

A program stops responding

END THE PROGRAM —

1

Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously to access the Task Manager,
and click the

2

Click to select the program that is no longer responding, and click

.

Ta s k

A program crashes repeatedly

NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a

floppy disk, CD, or DVD.

C

HECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then

reinstall the program.

A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft

RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —

1

Click

Start

with this version of Windows.

2

In the welcome screen, click

3

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Applications

→

Control Panel→ Programs→ Use an older program

tab.

Next

End

®

Windows® operating system

.

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 6 seconds (until the computer turns off), and then restart your
computer.

48 Troubleshooting Tips

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.

Dell Technical Update Service

The Dell Technical Update service provides proactive e-mail notification of
software and hardware updates for your computer. To enroll for the Dell
Technical Update service, go to support.dell.com/technicalupdate.

Dell Diagnostics

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

safety instructions that shipped with your computer.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

1

Ensure that the computer is connected to a working electrical outlet.

2

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

3

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

Diagnostics

from the start menu and press <Enter>.

NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to

wait until you see the Microsoft
your 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, and then shut down

partition on your hard drive, and follow the instructions on the screen.

Troubleshooting Tips 49

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Dell Drivers and Utilities Media

NOTE: The Dell Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your

computer.

1

Insert the

2

Shut down and restart the computer.

Drivers and Utilities

media.

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

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 starts according to the devices specified in the
system setup program.

3

When the boot device list appears, highlight

®

Windows® desktop; then, shut down your

CD/DVD/CD-RW

<Enter>.

4

Select the

Boot from CD-ROM

option from the menu that appears and

press <Enter>.

5

Ty p e 1 to start the CD menu and press <Enter> to proceed.

6

Select

Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics

from the numbered list. If
multiple versions are listed, select the version that is appropriate for your
computer.

7

When the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

appears, select the test that you

want to run, and follow the instructions on the screen.

and press

50 Troubleshooting Tips

Reinstalling Software

Drivers

Identifying Drivers

1

Locate the list of devices for your computer.

a

Click the Windows Vista Start button™ , and right-click

Computer

b

Click

NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an

administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your
administrator to continue.

2

Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow
circle with a [

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" on page 51).

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Drivers and

Utilities media provide approved drivers for your computer. If you install drivers

obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

.

Properties→ Device Manager

!]

) on the device icon.

.

Reinstalling Software 51

Returning to a Previous Device Driver Version

1

Click the Windows Vista Start button , 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

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

Properties

4

Click the

.

Drivers

tab→ Roll Back Driver

.

.

Computer

.

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, use System Restore
(see "Restoring Your Operating System" on page 53) to return your computer
to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.

Using the Drivers and Utilities Media

Before using the Drivers and Utilities media, try the following:

• Windows Device Driver Rollback (see "Returning to a Previous Device
Driver Version" on page 52)

• Microsoft System Restore (see "Using Microsoft

®

Windows® System

Restore" on page 54)

1

With the Windows desktop displayed, insert your

.

media

If this is your first time using the

Drivers and Utilities media, go to step 2.

Drivers and Utilities

If not, go to step 5.

2

When the

Drivers and Utilities media installation program starts, follow

the prompts on the screen.

NOTE: In most cases, the Drivers and Utilities program starts running

automatically. If it does not, start Windows Explorer, click your media drive
directory to display the media contents, and then double-click the autorcd.exe
file.

3

When the

Drivers and Utilities

4

When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the

InstallShield Wizard Complete

media and click

media.

52 Reinstalling Software

window appears, remove the

Finish

to restart the computer.

Drivers and Utilities

5

At the

Welcome Dell System Owner

The drivers that are used by your computer are automatically displayed in
the

My Drivers—The ResourceCD has identified these components in

your system

6

Click the driver that you want to reinstall and follow the instructions on
the screen.

If a particular driver is not listed, that driver is not required by your operating
system, or you must find the drivers that came with the specific device.

Manually Reinstalling Drivers

1

Click the Windows Vista Start button , and right-click

2

Click

NOTE: The User Account Control window appears. If you are an

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
the driver files.

7

Click the name of the driver→ OK→ Next

8

Click

window.

Properties→ Device Manager

administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your
administrator to enter the Device Manager.

Audio

or

Video

).

Driver

tab→

Update Driver→ Browse my computer for driver

.

Browse

and browse to the location to which you previously copied

Finish

and restart your computer.

screen, click

.

.

Next

.

Computer

.

Restoring Your Operating System

You can restore your operating system in the following ways:

• Microsoft Windows System Restore returns 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.

Reinstalling Software 53

• Dell Factory Image Restore returns your hard drive to the same operating
state as when you purchased the computer. The program deletes all data
on the hard drive and removes any programs installed after you received
the computer.

• If you received the
use it to restore your operating system. However, using the

System

media deletes all data on the hard drive.

Operating System

media with your computer, you can

Operating

Using Microsoft® Windows® System Restore

NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default

view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell
view.

Starting System Restore

1

Click

Start

.

2

In the Start 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.

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.

1

Click

Start

.

2

In the

3

Start Search

Click

Undo my last restoration

box, type

System Restore

System Restore

and click

™

computer to the Windows Classic

and press <Enter>.

and press <Enter>.

Next

.

Using Dell Factory Image Restore

NOTICE: Use Dell Factory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve

your operating system problem. Using Dell Factory Image Restore permanently
deletes all data (for example, documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital

54 Reinstalling Software

photos, and music files) on the hard drive and removes any programs or drivers
installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before
using Dell Factory Image Restore.

NOTE: Dell Factory Image Restore may not be available in certain countries or on

certain computers.

1

Turn on the computer.

2

When the Dell logo appears, press <F8> several times to access the

Advanced Boot Options

3

Select

Repair Your Computer

The

System Recovery Options

4

Select a keyboard layout and click

5

To access the recovery options, log on as a local user.

6

To access the command prompt, type

name

field, then click OK.

7

Click

Dell Factory Image Restore

NOTE: Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select Dell

Factory Tools, then Dell Factory Image Restore.

8

On the

The

NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with Factory Image Restore, click Cancel.

9

Click the checkbox to confirm that you want to continue reformatting the

Dell Factory Image Restore

Confirm Data Deletion

window.

.

window appears.

Next

.

screen appears.

.

administrator

welcome screen, click

in the

Next.

User

hard drive and restoring the system software to the factory condition, then
click

Next

.

The restore process begins and may take 5 or more minutes to complete. A
message appears when the operating system and factory-installed
applications have been restored to factory condition.

Vista

10

Click

Finish

to restart the computer.

Using the Operating System Media

Before reinstalling the operating system, try the following:

• Windows Device Driver Rollback (see "Returning to a Previous Device
Driver Version" on page 52)

Reinstalling Software 55

• Microsoft System Restore (see "Using Microsoft® Windows® System
Restore" on page 54)

NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files from your primary

hard drive to another media. For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary
hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.

To reinstall Windows, you need the Dell™ Operating System media and the
Dell Drivers and Utilities media. The Dell

Drivers and Utilities

media

contains

drivers that were installed at the time you ordered your computer.

NOTE: Depending on the region from which you ordered your computer, or

whether you requested the media, the Dell Drivers and Utilities media and Dell
Operating System media may not ship with your computer.

Reinstalling Windows

NOTE: The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete.

1

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

2

Insert the

3

If the

4

Restart the computer, and when the DELL logo appears, press <F12>

Operating System

Install Windows

media.

message appears, click

Exit

.

immediately.

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

®

Windows® desktop; then, restart your computer and

try again.

5

When the boot device list appears, highlight

CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive

and press <Enter>.

This selection changes the boot sequence for one time only.

6

Press any key to

Boot from CD-ROM

, and follow the instructions on the

screen to complete the installation.

7 Reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other

software.

56 Reinstalling Software

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.

Document/Media/Label Contents

Service Tag/Express Service Code

The Service Tag/Express Service Code is
located on your computer.

Drivers and Utilities Media

The Drivers and Utilities media is a CD or
DVD that may have shipped with your
computer.

Operating System Media

The Operating System media is a CD or
DVD that may have shipped with your
computer.

• Use the Service Tag to identify your
computer when you use

support.dell.com

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct
your call when contacting support

or contact support.

NOTE: Your Service Tag/Express Service

Code is located on your computer.

• A diagnostic program for your computer

• Drivers for your computer

NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates

can be found at support.dell.com.

• Desktop System Software (DSS)

• Readme files

NOTE: Readme files may be included on

your media to provide last-minute updates
about technical changes to your computer
or advanced technical-reference material
for technicians or experienced users.

Reinstall your operating system

Finding Information 57

Document/Media/Label Contents

Safety, Regulatory, Warranty, and
Support Documentation

This type of information may have
shipped with your computer. For
additional regulatory information, see the
Regulatory Compliance Homepage on

www.dell.com at the following location:
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Service Manual

The Service Manual for your computer
can be found at support.dell.com.

Dell Technology Guide

The Dell Technology Guide is available at

support.dell.com.

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

• How to remove and replace parts

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

• About your operating system

• Using and maintaining devices

• Understanding technologies such as
RAID, Internet, Bluetooth
technology, e-mail, networking, and
more.

Dell™ Systems Management
Administrator's Guide

The Dell Systems Management
Administrator's Guide is available at

support.dell.com.

Microsoft® Windows® License Label

Your Microsoft Windows License is

• About Intel® Active Management
Technology (iAMT
overview, features, setup, and
configuration information.

• Location of drivers for iAMT.

• Provides your operating system product
key.

located on your computer.

®

®

), including

wireless

58 Finding Information

Getting Help

Obtaining Assistance

CAUTION: If you need to remove the computer cover, first disconnect the

computer power and modem cables from all electrical outlets. Follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.

If you experience a problem with your computer, you can complete the
following steps to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem:

1

See "Tips" on page 39 for information and procedures that pertain to the
problem your computer is experiencing.

2

See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 49 for procedures on how to run Dell
Diagnostics.

3

Fill out the "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 65.

4

Use Dell's extensive suite of online services available at Dell Support
(

support.dell.com

procedures. See "Online Services" on page 61 for a more extensive list of
Dell Support online.

5

If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem, see "Contacting
Dell" on page 66.

NOTE: Call Dell Support from a telephone at or near the affected computer so that

the support staff can assist you with any necessary procedures.

) for help with installation and troubleshooting

NOTE: Dell's Express Service Code system may not be available in all countries.

When prompted by Dell's automated telephone system, enter your Express
Service Code to route the call directly to the proper support personnel. If you
do not have an Express Service Code, open the Dell Accessories folder,
double-click the Express Service Code icon, and follow the directions.

For instructions on using the Dell Support, see "Technical Support and
Customer Service" on page 61.

Getting Help 59

NOTE: Some of the following services are not always available in all locations

outside the continental U.S. Call your local Dell representative for information on
availability.

Fast Call for Help

If your system administrator has configured your system with Intel® Active
Management Technology (iAMT), help can be obtained by using Fast Call for
Help. Fast Call for Help alerts the IT department to your problem and allows
IT to take control of your system so they can fix it remotely.

To initiate a Fast Call for Help session using iAMT 5.0 with your IT
department, follow these steps.

1

Ensure that the computer is connected to a working electrical outlet and
network connection.

2

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

3

When the Dell™ logo appears, press <ctrl><h>.

Loading iAMT drivers on installation

To enable Intel AMT (iAMT) system management, download the following
Intel drivers:

• AMT HECI

• AMT SOL/LMS

To download these drivers:

Navigate to

1

2

Select

3

Select your product model and follow the instructions. The AMT HECI
and AMT SOL/LMS drivers can be downloaded from the
category.

After downloading the drivers, you are ready to configure your computer to
take advantage of the Intel iAMT management capabilities. For information
on setting up and configuring your computer for Intel iAMT management:

1

Navigate to

2

Select

3

Locate the instructions for your system.

support.dell.com

Drivers and Downloads

support.dell.com

Manuals

.

.

.

Chipset

.

60 Getting Help

4

Select

Dell™ Systems Management Administrator’s Guide

setup and configuration information.

for Intel iAMT

Technical Support and Customer Service

Dell's support service is available to answer your questions about Dell™
hardware. Our support staff uses computer-based diagnostics to provide fast,
accurate answers.

To contact Dell's support service, see "Before You Call" on page 64, and then
see the contact information for your region or go to support.dell.com.

DellConnect

DellConnect is a simple online access tool that allows a Dell service and
support associate to access your computer through a broadband connection,
diagnose your problem and repair it all under your supervision. For more
information, go to support.dell.com and click DellConnect.

™

Online Services

You can learn about Dell products and services at the following websites:

www.dell.com

www.dell.com/ap

www.dell.com/jp

www.euro.dell.com

www.dell.com/la

www.dell.ca

You can access Dell Support through the following websites and e-mail
addresses:

• Dell Support websites:

support.dell.com

support.jp.dell.com

(Asian/Pacific countries only)

(Japan only)

(Europe only)

(Latin American and Caribbean countries)

(Canada only)

(Japan only)

support.euro.dell.com

(Europe only)

Getting Help 61

• Dell Support e-mail addresses:

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

• Dell Marketing and Sales e-mail addresses:

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

• Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP):

ftp.dell.com –

your password

log in as user

(Latin America and Caribbean countries only)

(Asian/Pacific countries only)

(Asian/Pacific countries only)

(Canada only)

anonymous

, and use your e-mail address as

AutoTech Service

Dell's automated support service—AutoTech—provides recorded answers to
the questions most frequently asked by Dell customers about their laptop and
desktop computers.

When you call AutoTech, use your touch-tone telephone to select the
subjects that correspond to your questions. For the telephone number to call
for your region, see "Contacting Dell" on page 66.

Automated Order-Status Service

To check on the status of any Dell products that you have ordered, you can go
to support.dell.com, or you can call the automated order-status service. A
recording prompts you for the information needed to locate and report on
your order. For the telephone number to call for your region, see "Contacting
Dell" on page 66.

Problems With Your Order

If you have a problem with your order, such as missing parts, wrong parts, or
incorrect billing, contact Dell for customer assistance. Have your invoice or
packing slip available when you call. For the telephone number to call for your
region, see "Contacting Dell" on page 66.

62 Getting Help

Product Information

If you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if
you would like to place an order, visit the Dell website at www.dell.com. For
the telephone number to call for your region or to speak to a sales specialist,
see "Contacting Dell" on page 66.

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit

Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows:

1

Call Dell to obtain a Return Material Authorization Number, and write it
clearly and prominently on the outside of the box.

For the telephone number to call for your region, see "Contacting Dell" on
page 66. Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describing the reason for
the return.

2

Include a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnostics Checklist"
on page 65), indicating the tests that you have run and any error messages
reported by the Dell Diagnostics (see "Contacting Dell" on page 66).

3

Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned
(power cables, software floppy disks, guides, and so on) if the return is for
credit.

4

Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing
materials.

You are responsible for paying shipping expenses. You are also responsible for
insuring any product returned, and you assume the risk of loss during
shipment to Dell. Collect On Delivery (C.O.D.) packages are not accepted.

Returns that are missing any of the preceding requirements will be refused at
Dell’s receiving dock and returned to you.

Getting Help 63

Before You Call

NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell’s

automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently. You may also
be asked for your Service Tag (located on the back or bottom of your computer).

Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnostics Checklist"
on page 65). If possible, turn on your computer before you call Dell for
assistance and call from a telephone at or near the computer. You may be
asked to type some commands at the keyboard, relay detailed information
during operations, or try other troubleshooting steps possible only at the
computer itself. Ensure that the computer documentation is available.

CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, follow the safety instructions in

the documentation that shipped with your computer.

64 Getting Help

Diagnostics Checklist

Name:

Date:

Address:

Phone number:

Service Tag (bar code on the back or bottom of the computer):

Express Service Code:

Return Material Authorization Number (if provided by Dell support technician):

Operating system and version:

Devices:

Expansion cards:

Are you connected to a network? Yes No

Network, version, and network adapter:

Programs and versions:

See your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the
system’s start-up files. If the computer is connected to a printer, print each file.
Otherwise, record the contents of each file before calling Dell.

Error message, beep code, or diagnostic code:

Description of problem and troubleshooting procedures you performed:

Getting Help 65

Contacting Dell

For customers in the United States, call 800-WWW-DELL (800-999-3355).

NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact

information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.

Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options.
Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be
available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or
customer service issues:

1

Visit

support.dell.com

Country/Region

2

Click

Contact Us

service or support link based on your need.

3

Choose the method of contacting Dell that is convenient for you.

, and verify your country or region in the

drop-down menu at the bottom of the page.

on the left side of the page, and select the appropriate

Choose A

66 Getting Help

Index

C

Client Initiated Remote

Access, 60

connecting

Internet, 24
modem, 19
monitor, 18
network, 21
network cable, 19
power cables, 20

contacting Dell, 59, 66

D

Dell

contacting, 59, 66
software updates, 49
Support Utility, 49
technical support and customer

service, 61

Technical Update Service, 49

Dell Diagnostics, 49

starting from the Drivers and

Utilities media, 50

starting from your hard drive, 49

Dell Systems Management

Administrator’s Guide, 58

Dell Technology Guide, 58

DellConnect, 61

Desktop System Software, 57

diagnostics

Dell, 49

documentation, 57

Dell Systems Management

Administrator’s Guide, 58
Dell Technology Guide, 58
Service Manual, 58

drivers, 51

Drivers and Utilities media, 57
identifying, 51
reinstalling, 51
returning to a previous version, 52

Drivers and Utilities media, 52,

57

Dell Diagnostics, 49

E

End User License Agreement

(EULA), 58

ergonomics information, 58

Express Service Code, 57

Index 67

F

N

Fast Call for Help, 60

Files and Settings Transfer

Wizard, 25

finding information, 57

I

Intel Active Management

Technology (iAMT)
documentation, 58
enabling, 60
Fast Call for Help, 60

Internet

connecting, 24
setting up, 24

L

license label, 58

M

networks, 21

connecting, 21

O

operating system

Dell Factory Image Restore, 54
media, 55
reinstalling, 57
System Restore, 53

Operating System media, 57

operating system product key, 58

P

phone numbers, 66

power

power light conditions, 39
troubleshooting, 39

problems

restore to previous state, 54

media

Drivers and Utilities, 57
operating system, 57

memory

troubleshooting, 47

68 Index

R

regulatory information, 58

reinstalling

drivers and utilities, 51
software, 51

S

safety information, 58

Service Manual, 58

Service Tag, 57

setup

computer, 17
installing your computer in an

enclosure, 22
Internet, 24
quick setup, 17

software

problems, 48
reinstalling, 51
troubleshooting, 48-49
updates, 49

specifications

all, 29
audio, 30
connectors, 33
controls and lights, 34
drives, 32
environmental, 37
expansion bus, 30
memory, 29
physical, 36
power, 35
processor, 29
system information, 29
video, 30

support, 59

contacting Dell, 66
DellConnect, 61

support (continued)

online services, 61
regional, 61
technical support and customer

service, 61

support information, 58

System Restore, 53-54

T

Terms and Conditions, 58

transferring information to a new

computer, 25

troubleshooting, 39, 58

blue screen, 48
computer not responding, 48
Dell Diagnostics, 49
memory, 47
power, 39
power light conditions, 39
program crashes, 48
programs and Windows

compatibility, 48
restore to previous state, 53-54
software, 48-49
tips, 39

U

updates

software and hardware, 49

Index 69

V

view

back, 8, 14
back panel connectors, 7-9
front, 7

W

warranty information, 58

Windows License label, 58

Windows Vista

Dell Factory Image Restore, 54
Device Driver Rollback, 52
Program Compatibility wizard, 48
reinstalling, 57
returning to a previous device

driver version, 52

System Restore, 53-54

Windows XP

Files and Settings Transfer

Wizard, 25
reinstalling, 57
System Restore, 53-54

wizards

Files and Settings Transfer

Wizard, 25
Program Compatibility wizard, 48

70 Index