Dell K7821 User Manual

Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX280

Quick Reference Guide

Models DHP, DHS, DCNE, DHM, DCSM

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.

Quick Reference Guide, Drivers and Utilities

The

CD, and operating system media are optional and may not ship

with all computers.

____________________

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, OptiPlex, and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks

of Microsoft Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.

Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Models DHP, DHS, DCNE, DHM, DCSM

September 2004 P/N K7821 Rev. A00

Finding Information for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Front and Back Views

Small Form-Factor Computer Small Desktop Computer Desktop Computer Small Mini-Tower Computer Mini-Tower Computer

Opening the Computer Cover

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Small Form-Factor, Small Desktop, and Small Mini-Tower Computers

Desktop and Mini-Tower Computers

Inside Your Computer

Small Form-factor Computer Small Desktop Computer Desktop Computer Small Mini-Tower Computer Mini-Tower Computer

Setting Up Your Computer

Solving Problems

Dell Diagnostics System Lights

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Diagnostic Lights

Beep Codes Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Using Microsoft Reinstalling Microsoft

Using the Drivers and Utilities CD

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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Windows® XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Contents 3

4 Contents

Finding Information for Your Computer

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• My computer documentation

• My device documentation

• Desktop System Software (DSS)

• Operating system updates and patches

• Terms and Conditions

• Warranty information

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD)

technical changes to your computer or advanced technical-reference material for technicians or experienced users.

Desktop System Software (DSS)

Located on the

support.dell.com

Product Information Guide

Drivers and Utilities

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers, run the Dell Diagnostics, or access your documentation.

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional

and may not ship with all computers.

Readme files may be included on your CD to provide last-minute updates about

CD and the Dell Support website

• How to remove and replace parts

• Technical specifications

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

Dell™ OptiPlex™ User’s Guide

Microsoft

Click the

Click

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

Windows® XP Help and Support Center

Start

button and click

User’s and system guides

Help and Support.

and click

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License

These labels are located on your computer.

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

User’s guides

support.dell.com

Quick Reference Guide 5

or contact

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Latest drivers for my computer

• Answers to technical service and support questions

• Online discussions with other users and technical support

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site.

The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:

• Troubleshooting — Hints and tips, articles from technicians, and online

• Documentation for my computer

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

• Services and Warranties — Contact information, order status, warranty,

• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

• Service call status and support history

• Top technical issues for my computer

• Frequently asked questions

• User Guides — Computer documentation and product specifications

Dell Premier Support Website — premiersupport.dell.com

The Dell Premier Support website is customized for corporate, government, and education customers. This website may not be available in all regions.

• File downloads

• Details on my computer configuration

• Service contract for my computer

• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer

• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)

• How to reinstall my operating system

Windows Help and Support Center

Operating System CD

The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System CD. See your OptiPlex User’s Guide for instructions.

NOTE: The operating system media is optional and may not ship with all

computers.

• Regulatory model information and chassis type

• DHP — Small form-factor chassis

• DHS — Small desktop chassis

• DCSM — Desktop chassis

• DHM — Small mini-tower chassis

• DCNE — Mini-Tower chassis

courses

hard drive, and the operating system

and repair information

Click the

Start

button and click

Help and Support

. Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon. Click the topic that describes your problem. Follow the instructions on the screen.

After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities CD (optional) to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.

Your operating system product key label is located on your computer.

NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the

operating system you ordered.

6 Quick Reference Guide

Front and Back Views

Small Form-Factor Computer

CD/DVD-drive activity light

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

headphone connector

parallel connector

serial connector

video connector

CD/DVD-drive eject button

hard-drive activity light

network activity light

network adapter connector

link integrity light

diagnostic lights

floppy-drive eject button

Microsoft Windows Product Key

power button

power light

line-in connector

line-out connector

card slots (2)

power connector

microphone connector

USB 2.0 connectors (6)

Quick Reference Guide 7

Small Desktop Computer

front panel door

headphone connector

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

CD/DVD-drive eject button

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

front panel door

parallel connector

serial connector

power light

power button

network activity light

network adapter connector

link integrity light

video connector

diagnostic lights (4)

floppy-drive eject button

floppy-drive activity light

hard-drive activity light

line-in connector

microphone connector

USB 2.0 connectors (6)

Microsoft Windows Product Key

line-out connector

card slots (2)

power connector

8 Quick Reference Guide

Desktop Computer

Microsoft Windows Product Key

CD/DVD-drive eject button

floppy-drive eject button

microphone

connector

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

power button

power light

diagnostic lights

headphone connector

network adapter connector

card slots (3)

parallel connector

serial connector

video connector

network activity light

link integrity light

line-in connector

line-out connector

voltage selection switch

power connector

microphone connector

USB 2.0 connectors (6)

Quick Reference Guide 9

Small Mini-Tower Computer

Microsoft Windows Product Key

CD/DVD-drive eject button

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

front-panel door NOTE: See "Small MiniTower Computer — Front-Panel Door and Hinge Arms" on page 11 for more information.

voltage selection switch

USB 2.0 connectors (6)

microphone connector

floppy-drive activity light

power light

power button

power connector

parallel connector

video connector

diagnostic lights

line-out connector

card slots (5)

floppy-drive eject button

hard-drive activity light

front panel door

headphone connector

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

serial connector

link integrity light

network adapter connector

network activity light

line-in connector

10 Quick Reference Guide

Small Mini-Tower Computer — Front-Panel Door and Hinge Arms

To prevent damage to your computer, the front-panel door is designed to "break away" if it is lifted up or pushed down too far.

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

Product Information Guide.

To reattach the front-panel door:

1. Lower the two hinge arms to the vertical. position

2. Align the two clips on the front-panel door with the hinge arms, and press inward.

To reattach the hinge arms, first remove the front-panel door by gently snapping it off the two hinge arms:

1. Use your fingers to pull here to remove the frontpanel insert.

2. Lift both hinge arms to a horizontal position.

3. Look through the two view slots and align the pivot bar with the two pivot-bar slots.

pivot bar

pivot-bar slot

Quick Reference Guide 11

Mini-Tower Computer

Microsoft Windows Product Key

CD/DVD-drive eject button

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

microphone connector

headphone connector

diagnostic lights

voltage selection switch line-out connector

network activity light network adapter connector link integrity light

parallel connector

floppy-drive eject button

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

power button

power light

power connector line-in connector microphone connector

USB 2.0 connectors (6)

video connector

12 Quick Reference Guide

serial connector

card slots (4)

Opening the Computer Cover

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

Product Information Guide.

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

before opening the cover.

Before opening the cover, remove the lock if a lock is installed on the back of the computer.

Small Form-Factor, Small Desktop, and Small Mini-Tower Computers

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

space.

Remove the computer stand, if one is attached.

Locate the the

two

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

cables.

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

computer.

NOTE: When opening the small mini-tower computer, first press

the release button on the right side of the computer with one hand while pulling up on the top of the cover with the other hand, and then press the release button on the left side of the computer with one hand while pulling up on the top of the cover with the other hand.

two

release buttons shown in the figure. Then press

release buttons as you lift the cover.

Desktop and Mini-Tower Computers

Locate the cover release lever on the back of the computer, and press the lever to release the cover.

Quick Reference Guide 13

Inside Your Computer

Small Form-factor Computer

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

padlock ring

PCI-E x16 connector

Small Desktop Computer

floppy drive

hard drive

heat sink and blower assembly

CD/DVD drive

floppy drive

CD/DVD drive

internal speaker

chassis intrusion switch

SATA connector

system board

power supply

hard drive

heat sink and blower assembly

PCI-E x16 connector

PCI-E x1 connector

14 Quick Reference Guide

system board

internal speaker

chassis intrusion switch

SATA connector(s) (2) NOTE: Your computer may not have the SATA1 connector.

power supply

card cage

Desktop Computer

power supply

CD/DVD, floppy, and hard drive (stacked)

Small Mini-Tower Computer

chassis intrusion switch

SATA connectors (2)

system board

PCI-E x16 connecto

heat sink shroud assembly

power supply

heat sink shroud assembly

padlock ring

PCI-E x16 connector

PCI-E x1 connector

CD/DVD drive

system board

floppy drive

hard drive

internal speaker

chassis intrusion switch

SATA connectors (4) NOTE: Your computer may not have the SATA1 or SATA3 connectors.

Quick Reference Guide 15

Mini-Tower Computer

power supply

floppy drive

CD/DVD drive

chassis intrusion switch

SATA connectors (2)

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Setting Up Your Computer

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

Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: If your computer has an expansion card installed (such as a modem card), connect the

appropriate cable to the card, not to the connector on the back panel.

You must complete all the steps to properly set up your computer. See the appropriate figures that follow the instructions.

Connect the keyboard and mouse.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to operate a PS/2 mouse and a USB mouse simultaneously.

Connect the modem or network cable.

Insert the network cable, not the telephone line, into the network connector. If you have an optional modem, connect the telephone line to the modem.

system board

PCI-E x16 connector

heat sink shroud assembly

hard drive

NOTICE: Do not connect a modem cable to the network adapter. Voltage from telephone

communications can cause damage to the network adapter.

16 Quick Reference Guide

Connect the monitor. Align and gently insert the monitor cable to avoid bending connector pins. Tighten the

thumbscrews on the cable connectors.

NOTE: Some monitors have the video connector underneath the back of the screen. See the

documentation that came with your monitor for its connector locations.

Connect the speakers.

Connect power cables to the computer, monitor, and devices and insert the other ends of the power cables to electrical outlets.

Verify that the voltage selection switch is set correctly for your location. Your computer has a manual voltage selection switch. Computers with a voltage selection

switch on the back panel must be manually set to operate at the correct operating voltage.

NOTICE: To help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage selection switch, set the switch for

the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location.

NOTE: Before you install any devices or software that did not ship with your computer, read the

documentation that came with the device or software, or contact the vendor to verify that the device or software is compatible with your computer and operating system.

NOTE: Your computer may vary slightly from the following setup figures.

Set Up Your Keyboard and Mouse

Quick Reference Guide 17

Set Up Your Monitor

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Power Connections

18 Quick Reference Guide

Solving Problems

Dell provides a number of tools to help you if your computer does not perform as expected. For the latest troubleshooting information available for your computer, see the Dell Support website at

support.dell.com

If computer problems occur that require help from Dell, write a detailed description of the error, beep codes, or diagnostics light patterns; record your Express Service Code and Service Tag below; and then contact Dell from the same location as your computer.

See "Finding Information for Your Computer" on page 5 for an example of the Express Service Code and Service Tag.

Express Service Code:___________________________ Service Tag:___________________________

Dell Diagnostics

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

Product Information Guide.

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) is optional and therefore may not ship with all

computers.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" of your

User’s Guide

online

and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.

Enter system setup, review your computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in system setup and is active.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional

Drivers and Utilities

(also known as the ResourceCD).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

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

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell

Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD (optional).

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

When the boot device list appears, highlight

When the Dell Diagnostics

Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

Main Menu

Boot to Utility Partition

appears, select the test you want to run.

and press <Enter>.

Quick Reference Guide 19

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) is optional and therefore may not ship with all

computers.

Insert the

Shut down and restart the computer. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

boots according to the devices specified in system setup.

When the boot device list appears, highlight

Select the

Ty p e 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.

Ty p e 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.

Select

Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics

select the version appropriate for your computer.

When the Dell Diagnostics

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the option you want.

Drivers and Utilities

CD.

IDE CD-ROM Device

Boot from CD-ROM

option from the menu that appears.

Main Menu

IDE CD-ROM Device

and press <Enter>.

option from the CD boot menu.

from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed,

appears, select the test you want to run.

Main Menu

screen appears, click the button for the

Option Function

Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and

Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more

Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.

Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test

If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell.

20 Quick Reference Guide

requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.

and requires you to answer questions periodically.

based on the symptom of the problem you are having.

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,

technical support will ask for your Service Tag.

If you run a test from the

Custom Test

Symptom Tree

option, click the applicable tab

described in the following table for more information.

Tab Function

Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.

Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem

description.

Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.

Configuration 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.

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

When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the

Utilities

Close the test screen to return to the restart the computer, close the

CD (optional), remove the CD.

Main Menu

screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and

screen.

Drivers and

System Lights

Your power light may indicate a computer problem.

Power Light Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Solid green Power is on, and the computer is

operating normally.

Blinking green The computer is in the suspended

state (Microsoft and Windows XP).

Blinks green several times and then turns off

A configuration error exists. Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see if

Windows® 2000

No corrective action is required.

Press the power button, move the mouse, or press a key on the keyboard to wake the computer.

the specific problem is identified.

Quick Reference Guide 21

Power Light Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Solid yellow The Dell Diagnostics is running a

Blinking yellow A power supply or system board

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Solid green and a beep code during POST

Solid green power light, no beep code and no video during POST

Solid green power light and no beep code but the computer locks up during POST

test, or a device on the system board may be faulty or incorrectly installed.

failure has occurred.

A problem was detected while the BIOS was executing.

The monitor or the graphics card may be faulty or incorrectly installed.

An integrated system board device may be faulty.

If the Dell Diagnostics is running, allow the testing to complete.

Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see if the specific problem is identified.

If the computer does not boot, contact Dell for technical assistance.

contacting Dell, see your online

Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see if the specific problem is identified. See "Power Problems" in your online User’s Guide.

See "Beep Codes" on page 26 for instructions on diagnosing the beep code. Also, check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see if the specific problem is identified.

Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see if the specific problem is identified.

Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see if the specific problem is identified. If the problem is not identified, contact Dell for technical assistance.

contacting Dell, see your online

For information on

User’s Guide

For information on

User’s Guide

22 Quick Reference Guide

Diagnostic Lights

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

Product Information Guide.

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your small form factor, small desktop, and small mini-tower computers have four lights labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the back panel. The lights can be yellow or green. When the computer starts normally, the patterns or codes on the lights change as the boot process completes. If the POST portion of system boot completes successfully, all four lights display solid green. If the computer malfunctions during the POST process, the pattern displayed on the LEDs may help identify where in the process the computer halted.

NOTE: The orientation of the diagnostic lights may vary depending on the system type. The diagnostic

lights can appear in either a vertical or horizontal orientation.

Y = Yellow

G = Green

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

off off off off

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

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

YYYG

YYGY

A possible BIOS failure has occurred; the computer is in the recovery mode.

A possible processor failure has occurred. Reinstall the processor and restart the

Run the BIOS Recovery utility, wait for recovery completion, and then restart the computer.

computer. For information on reinstalling the processor, see your online User’s Guide.

Quick Reference Guide 23

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

YYGG

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

YGYY

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

A possible expansion card failure has occurred.

• If you have one memory module installed, reinstall it and restart the computer.

reinstalling memory modules, see your online User’s Guide.

• If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module, and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module. Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.

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

• If the problem persists,

information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.

• Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not the graphics card) and then restarting the computer.

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

• Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 27).

• Move each card one at a time to a different PCI connector and restart the computer after each move.

• If the problem persists,

information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.

For information on

contact Dell. For

24 Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

A possible graphics card failure has occurred.

YGYG

A possible floppy or hard drive failure has occurred.

YGGY

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

YGGG

• If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, reinstall it, and then restart the computer.

• If the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the computer.

• If the problem persists or the computer has integrated graphics,

For information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.

Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.

connections, and then restart the computer.

contact Dell

GYYY

No memory modules are detected.

• If you have one memory module installed, reinstall it and restart the computer.

reinstalling memory modules, see your online User’s Guide.

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

• If the problem persists,

information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.

For information on

contact Dell. For

Quick Reference Guide 25

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

GYGY

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

GGGY

GGGG

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 (code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a memory problem.

If your computer beeps during start-up:

Write down the beep code.

See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 19 to identify a more serious cause.

Contact Dell for technical assistance. For information on contacting Dell, see your online

User’s Guide

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

Other failure has occurred.

The computer is in a normal operating condition after POST.

• Ensure that no

or memory connector placement requirements

• Verify that the you are installing are compatible with your computer.

• If the problem persists,

information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.

• Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive.

• Check the computer message that appears on your monitor screen.

• If the problem persists,

information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.

None.

special memory module

exist.

memory modules

contact Dell. For

that

Code Cause Code Cause

1-1-2 Microprocessor register failure 3-1-4 Slave interrupt mask register failure

1-1-3 NVRAM read/write failure 3-2-2 Interrupt vector loading failure

1-1-4 ROM BIOS checksum failure 3-2-4 Keyboard Controller Test failure

1-2-1 Programmable interval timer failure 3-3-1 NVRAM power loss

26 Quick Reference Guide

Code Cause Code Cause

1-2-2 DMA initialization failure 3-3-2 Invalid NVRAM configuration

1-2-3 DMA page register read/write failure 3-3-4 Video Memory Test failure

1-3 Video Memory Test failure 3-4-1 Screen initialization failure

1-3-1 through 2-4-4 Memory not being properly identified

or used

3-1-1 Slave DMA register failure 3-4-3 Search for video ROM failure

3-1-2 Master DMA register failure 4-2-1 No timer tick

3-1-3 Master interrupt mask register failure 4-2-2 Shutdown failure

4-2-3 Gate A20 failure 4-4-1 Serial or parallel port test failure

4-2-4 Unexpected interrupt in protected

mode

4-3-1 Memory failure above address 0FFFFh 4-4-3 Math-coprocessor test failure

4-3-3 Timer-chip counter 2 failure 4-4-4 Cache test failure

4-3-4 Time-of-day clock stopped

3-4-2 Screen retrace failure

4-4-2 Failure to decompress code to shadowed

memory

Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics

The Dell IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics is a utility that tests the hard drive to troubleshoot or confirm a hard drive failure.

Turn on your computer (if your computer is already on, restart it).

When

F2= Setup

<Ctrl><Alt><d>.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

If a failure is reported, see "Hard Drive Problems" in the "Solving Problems" section of the online

User’s Guide

appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility. In the Microsoft incompatibilities.

Windows XP

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

Windows® 2000 operating system, you can also use Device Manager to resolve

Click the Ty p e Click

Start

button and click

hardware troubleshooter

Hardware Troubleshooter

Help and Support

in the

Search Results

field and click the arrow to start the search.

list.

Quick Reference Guide 27

In the

Hardware Troubleshooter

computer

Windows 2000

To resolve incompatibilities using Device Manager:

Click the

In the

Control Panel

Click the

Click

Device Manager

Click

View

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Double-click Incorrectly configured devices are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (

device has been disabled.

Double-click any device marked with an exclamation point to display the

Device

The reconfigured.

Reconfigure the devices or remove the devices from the Device Manager. See the documentation that came with the device for information on configuring the device.

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

Click the

Click

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

troubleshooters

In the

Hardware Troubleshooter

and click

, and click

Start

button, point to

window, double-click

Hardware

tab.

and click

Resources by connection

Interrupt request (IRQ)

status area in the

Start

button and click

, and then click

list, click

Settings

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my

, and then click

System

Control Panel

) or a red X if the

Properties

Help

Hardware

window reports the cards or devices that need to be

on the

Contents

tab, click

Windows 2000

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer

window.

Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Windows Help and Support Center for information on using System Restore.

NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or

recover them.

28 Quick Reference Guide

Creating a Restore Point

Click the

Click

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files

and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

Click the

System Restore

Ensure that

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

Start

button and click

System Restore

Start

button, point to

Restore my computer to an earlier time

Select a Restore Point

Help and Support

All Programs→

Accessories→

System Tools

is selected and click

, and then click

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

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

Select a restore point and click

If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.

Click

The

Restoration Complete

screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and

then the computer restarts.

After the computer restarts, click OK.

To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.

Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open

programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

Click the

System Restore

Click

Click The

After the computer restarts, click OK.

Start

button, point to

Undo my last restoration

System Restore

screen appears and the computer restarts.

All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools

and click

, and then click

Quick Reference Guide 29

Enabling System Restore

If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:

Click the

Click

Click the

Ensure that

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

System

System Restore

tab.

Turn off System Restore

is unchecked.

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Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

Before You Begin

If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback. 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.

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 XP, you need the following items:

• Dell™

•Dell

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer.

Reinstalling Windows XP

NOTICE: You must use Windows XP Service Pack 1 or later when you reinstall Windows XP.

To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.

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.

Operating System

Drivers and Utilities

Use the Drivers and Utilities CD to load any required drivers, including the drivers required if your computer has a RAID controller.

NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can

overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so.

NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your

computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.

30 Quick Reference Guide

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