Dell KP542 User Manual

Dell Precision™ Workstation T3400

Quick Reference Guide

Model DCTA

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.

____________________

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

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model DCTA

August 2007 P/N KP542 Rev. A00

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

About Your Computer

Front View (Tower Orientation) Back View (Tower Orientation)

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

. . . . . . . . . . 11

. . . . . . . . . . 14

Front View (Desktop Orientation) Back View (Desktop Orientation) Back Panel Connectors

Setting Up Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Changing Between Tower and Desktop Orientations

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure Transferring Information to a New Computer Power Protection Devices

Cleaning Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor Mouse (Non-Optical) Floppy Drive CDs and DVDs

Troubleshooting Tools

Power Lights Diagnostic Lights Beep Codes System Messages Hardware Troubleshooter Dell Diagnostics

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

. . . . . . . . . 15

. . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . 22

. . . 25

. . . . . . . . . 30

Contents 3

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Battery Problems Drive Problems E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems Error Messages IEEE 1394 Device Problems Keyboard Problems Lockups and Software Problems Memory Problems Mouse Problems Network Problems Power Problems Printer Problems Scanner Problems Sound and Speaker Problems Video and Monitor Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . 48

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

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

. . . . . . . . . . 51

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

. . . . . . . . . . . 58

. . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

4 Contents

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your

computer. Some features or media may not be available in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• Desktop System Software (DSS)

Drivers and Utilities Disc

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities disc may

be optional and may not ship with your computer.

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the Drivers and Utilities disc to reinstall drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" in your User’s Guide), or to run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 41).

Readme files may be included on your disc to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical-reference material for technicians or experienced users.

Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com.

Quick Reference Guide 5

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Warranty information

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

• How to remove and replace parts

• Specifications

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

Dell Precision™ User’s Guide

Microsoft Vista

Click

Windows® XP and Windows

™

Help and Support Center

Start→

Help and Support→ Dell User and System Guides System Guides

Click the

User’s Guide

for your

computer.

→

6 Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows Product Key

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows Product Key

These labels are located on 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.

NOTE: As an increased security measure,

the newly designed Microsoft Windows license label incorporates a missing portion, or hole, to discourage removal of the label.

or contact support.

Quick Reference Guide 7

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, and frequently asked questions

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as the memory, hard drive, and operating system

• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and order status, and warranty and repair information

• Service and support — Service call status, support history, service contract, and online discussions with support

• Dell Technical Update Service — Proactive e-mail notification of software and hardware updates for your computer

• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers

• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region or business

segment to view the appropriate support site.

8 Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Desktop System Software (DSS)— If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration, providing critical updates for your operating system and support for processors, optical drives, USB devices, etc. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer.

To download Desktop System Software:

Go to

support.dell.com

country/region, and then click

& Downloads

Click

Select Model

make the appropriate selections or enter the appropriate information for your computer, and then click

Scroll down to

Configuration Utilities System Software Download Now.

NOTE: The support.dell.com user

interface may vary depending on your selections.

• How to use Windows XP

• How to use Windows Vista

• How to work with programs and files

• How to personalize my desktop

Windows Help and Support Center

Click

Start→

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.

, select your

Enter a Tag

Confirm

System and

→

Desktop

, and then click

Help and Support

Drivers

Quick Reference Guide 9

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to reinstall my operating system

Operating System Media

The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System reinstallation media that came with your computer (see "Restoring Your Operating System" in your User’s Guide).

After you reinstall your operating system, use the optional Drivers and Utilities disc 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 operating system

installation media varies according to the operating system you ordered.

• How to use Linux

• E-mail discussions with users of Dell Precision products and the Linux operating system

• Additional information regarding Linux and my Dell Precision computer

Dell Supported Linux Sites

• linux.dell.com

• lists.us.dell.com/mailman/listinfo/linuxprecision

10 Quick Reference Guide

About Your Computer

Front View (Tower Orientation)

14 13

1 upper 5.25-inch drive

bay

2 lower 5.25-inch drive

bay

3 upper 3.5-inch drive

bay

4 lower 3.5-inch drive

bay

Supports an optical drive.

Supports an optical drive or an additional hard drive (SATA only).

Supports a floppy drive, a Media Card Reader, or an additional hard drive (SATA or SAS).

Supports a floppy drive or a Media Card Reader.

Quick Reference Guide 11

5 hard drive activity

light

6 IEEE 1394 connector

(optional)

7 USB 2.0 connectors

(2)

The hard drive activity light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light may also be on when a device such as an optical drive is in operation.

Use the optional IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices.

Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see "System Setup" in your User’s Guide for more information on booting to a USB device).

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the back USB

connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

8 Dell badge (rotatable) Use the plastic handle on the back of the Dell badge to

rotate the badge for tower-to-desktop or desktop-totower conversion.

9 power button Press to turn on the computer.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the

power button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI

enabled, when you press the power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.

NOTE: The power button can also be used to wake the

system or to place it into a power-saving state (see "Power Management" in your User’s Guide).

12 Quick Reference Guide

10 power light The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid

to indicate different states:

• No light — The computer is turned off (S4, S5, or mechanical OFF).

• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.

• Blinking green — The computer is in a powersaving state (S1 or S3).

• Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" in

User’s Guide

your

To exit from a power-saving state, press the power button or use the keyboard or mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For more information about sleep states and exiting from a power-saving state, see "Power Management" in your

User’s Guide

For a description of diagnostic light codes for troubleshooting problems with your computer, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 33.

11 microphone

connector

12 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones. 13 diagnostic lights (4) Use the diagnostic lights to help you troubleshoot

14 network link light The network link light is on when a good connection

Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

a problem with your computer (see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 33).

exists between a 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps (1-Gbps) network and the computer.

Quick Reference Guide 13

Back View (Tower Orientation)

1 power connector Insert the power cable. 2 voltage selection

switch

See the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide for more information.

NOTE: The voltage selection switch is available on the 375-W

PSU only.

3 back panel

connectors

Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector.

14 Quick Reference Guide

4 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express

cards.

NOTE: The upper five connector slots support full-length

cards; the connector slot at the bottom supports a half-length card.

NOTE: Check the documentation for cards to ensure that you

can accommodate them in your configuration. Some cards that require more physical space and power (such as PCI Express graphics cards) may restrict the use of other cards.

Front View (Desktop Orientation)

1 2 7

1 upper 5.25-inch drive

bay

2 lower 5.25-inch drive

bay

3 3.5-inch drive bay Supports a floppy drive or a Media Card Reader. 4 hard drive activity

light

5 6

9101112

Supports an optical drive.

Supports an optical drive or an additional hard drive (SATA only).

The hard drive activity light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light may also be on when a device such as an optical drive is in operation.

Quick Reference Guide 15

5 IEEE 1394 connector

(optional)

6 USB 2.0 connectors

(2)

Use the optional IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the back USB

connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

7 power button Press to turn on the computer.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the

power button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI

enabled, when you press the power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.

NOTE: The power button can also be used to wake the

system or to place it into a power-saving state (see "Power Management" in your User’s Guide).

16 Quick Reference Guide

8 power light The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid

to indicate different states:

• No light — The computer is turned off (S4, S5, or mechanical OFF).

• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.

• Blinking green — The computer is in a powersaving state (S1 or S3).

• Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" your User’s Guide

For a description of diagnostic light codes for troubleshooting problems with your computer, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 33.

9 diagnostic lights (4) Use the diagnostic lights to help you troubleshoot

a problem with your computer (see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 33).

10 microphone

connector

11 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones. 12 network link light The network link light is on when a good connection

Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

exists between a 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps (or 1-Gbps) network and the computer.

Quick Reference Guide 17

Back View (Desktop Orientation)

1 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express

cards.

NOTE: Check the documentation for cards to ensure that

you can accommodate them in your configuration. Some cards that require more physical space and power (such as PCI Express graphics cards) may restrict the use of other cards.

2 power connector Insert the power cable. 3 voltage selection

switch

See the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide for more information.

NOTE: The voltage selection switch is available on the

375-W PSU only.

4 back panel connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the

appropriate connector.

18 Quick Reference Guide

Back Panel Connectors

1 mouse connector Plug a PS/2 mouse into the green mouse connector. Turn off

2 parallel

connector

2 345

891011

the computer and any attached devices before you connect a mouse to the computer. If you have a USB mouse, plug it into a USB connector.

Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.

NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically

disabled if the computer detects an installed card containing a parallel connector configured to the same address. For more information, see "System Setup Options" in your User’s Guide.

3 link integrity

light

• Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer.

• Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer.

• Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps (1-Gbps) network and the computer.

• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.

Quick Reference Guide 19

4 network adapter

connector

5 network activity

light

6 line-out

connector

7 line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback

8 Rear Dual USB

2.0 connectors (2)

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

NOTICE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network

connector.

On computers with an additional network connector card, use the connectors on the card and on the back of the computer when setting up multiple network connections (such as a separate intra- and extranet).

It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation.

The network activity light is on (flashing) when the computer is transmitting or receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady on state.

Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers.

On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

device such as a microphone, cassette player, CD player, or VCR.

On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB

connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys or cameras, or for bootable USB devices.

20 Quick Reference Guide

9 Rear Quad USB

2.0 connectors (4)

10 serial connector Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the

11 keyboard

connector

Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB

connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys or cameras, or for bootable USB devices.

serial port. The default designations are COM1 for serial connector 1 and COM2 for the optional serial connector 2.

For more information, see "System Setup Options" in your User’s Guide.

If you have a PS/2 keyboard, plug it into the purple keyboard connector. If you have a USB keyboard, plug it into a USB connector.

Setting Up Your Computer

Changing Between Tower and Desktop Orientations

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

safety instructions in the

NOTE: To change your computer to either the tower or the desktop orientation, you

must use an optional kit available from Dell. See "Product Information" in your User’s Guide for more details on ordering from Dell.

NOTE: The tower computer supports one more 3.5-inch drive in the front than does

the desktop computer.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" in your

Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" in your

User’s Guide

Remove the front panel (see "Removing the Front Panel" in your

Guide

Remove the drive panel and prepare the drive panel by adding or removing

Product Information Guide

inserts, as needed (see "Drive Panel" in your

User’s Guide

User’s

Quick Reference Guide 21

Switching From Tower to Desktop Orientation

Remove all installed floppy drives or media card readers by following the steps in "Removing a Floppy Drive or Media Card Reader (Tower Computer)" in your

User’s Guide

, and then reinstall a single floppy drive or media card reader by following the steps in "Installing a Floppy Drive or Media Card Reader (Desktop Computer)" in your

Remove all installed optical drives by following the steps in "Removing an Optical Drive (Tower Computer)" in your

User’s Guide

, and then reinstall the drives by following the steps in "Installing an Optical Drive (Desktop Computer)" in your

Switching From Desktop to Tower Orientation

Remove the floppy drive or media card reader (if installed) by following

User’s Guide

the steps in "Removing a Floppy Drive or a Media Card Reader (Desktop Computer)" in your

User’s Guide

, and then reinstall the floppy drive or media card reader by following the steps in "Installing a Floppy Drive or Media Card Reader (Tower Computer)" in your

Remove all installed optical drives by following the steps in "Removing an Optical Drive (Desktop Computer)" in your

User’s Guide

, and reinstall the drives by following the steps in "Installing an Optical Drive (Tower Computer)" in your

User’s Guide

Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure

Installing your computer in an enclosure can restrict airflow, can cause your computer to overheat, and may impact your computer’s performance. Follow the guidelines below when installing your computer in an enclosure:

NOTICE: The operating temperature specified in this manual reflects the maximum

ambient operating temperature. The ambient room temperature must be a consideration when installing your computer in an enclosure. For details about your computer’s specifications, see "

Specifications" in your User’s Guide.

22 Quick Reference Guide

• Leave 10.2 cm (4 in) minimum clearance on all vented sides of the computer to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.

• If your computer is installed in a corner on or under a desk, leave 5.1 cm (2 in) minimum clearance from the back of the computer to the wall to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.

• If your enclosure has doors, ensure that they allow at least thirty percent airflow through the enclosure (front and back).

Quick Reference Guide 23

• Do not install your computer in an enclosure that does not allow airflow. Restricting the airflow impact your computer’s performance

can cause your computer to overheat, and may

24 Quick Reference Guide

Transferring Information to a New Computer

You can use your operating system wizards to help you transfer files and other data from one computer to another computer.

Microsoft Windows XP

The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to transfer data, such as:

• E-mail messages

• Toolbar settings

•Window sizes

• Internet bookmarks

You can transfer data from one computer to another computer over a network or serial connection, or by storing the data on removable media, such as a writable CD or DVD.

NOTE: You can transfer information from one computer to another computer by

directly connecting a serial cable to the input/output (I/O) ports of the two computers. To transfer data over a serial connection, you must use the Network Connections utility in the Control Panel to perform additional configuration steps, such as setting up an advanced connection and designating the host computer and the guest computer.

For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #305621, (How to Set Up a Direct Cable Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP). This information may not be available in certain countries.

Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard requires the Operating System installation media that came with your computer or a wizard disk, which the wizard can create for you.

NOTE: For more information about transferring data, search support.dell.com for

document #154781 (What Are The Different Methods To Transfer Files From My Old

Computer To My New Dell™ Computer Using the Microsoft Operating System?).

NOTE: Access to the Dell Knowledge Base document may not be available in

certain countries.

Quick Reference Guide 25

Windows® XP

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard (With the Operating System Media)

NOTE: The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard designates the source computer

from which data is to be transferred as the old computer, and designates the destination computer to which the data is going to be transferred as the new computer.

PREPARE THE DESTINATION COMPUTER FOR THE FILE TRANSFER:

Click

Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ Files and

Settings Transfer Wizard

Under

Which computer is this?

Under

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

the Windows XP CD

Review the information under to the source computer. Do

COPY DATA FROM THE SOURCE COMPUTER:

Insert the Windows XP

, click

, then click

Now go to your old computer

not

click

Operating System

New computer

, click

, then click

I will use the wizard from

installation media into the

, and then go

source computer. The

2 3

Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP

Click

Perform additional tasks

Under

What do you want to do?

The

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

, click

screen appears.

Transfer files and settings

window appears.

Click

Under

Which computer is this?

Under

Select a transfer method

then click

Under transfer, then click

What do you want to transfer?

The selected data is copied and the

, click , click the transfer method of your choice,

Completing the Collection Phase

screen appears.

Click

Finish

TRANSFER DATA TO THE DESTINATION COMPUTER:

Go to the destination computer.

Under

Now go to your old computer

, click

26 Quick Reference Guide

Old Computer

, then click

, click to select the data you want to

Under

Where are the files and settings?

chose for transferring your settings and files, then click

, click to select the method you

The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to the destination computer. When the transfer is complete, the

Finished

screen

appears.

Click

Finished

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard (Without the Operating System Media)

, and then restart the computer.

To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the Operating System installation media, you must create a wizard disk. The wizard disk allows you to create a backup image file on removable media.

NOTE: The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard designates the source computer

from which data is to be transferred as the old computer, and designates the destination computer to which the data is going to be transferred as the new computer.

CREATE A WIZARD DISK:

On the destination computer, click

→

System Tools

Under

Which computer is this?

Under

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

Disk in the following drive

Insert removable media, such as a writable CD or DVD, then click OK.

Review the information under

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

, then click

to the source computer. Do

COPY DATA FROM THE SOURCE COMPUTER:

Insert the wizard disk into the source computer.

Click

Under

Under then click

Start→ Browse...

Run

and navigate to

Which computer is this? Select a transfer method

Start→

All Programs→

Accessories→

, click

New computer

, click

, then click

I want to create a Wizard

Next.

Now go to your old computer

not

click

fastwiz

on the wizard disk, then click OK.

, click

Old Computer

, and then go

, then click

, click the transfer method of your choice,

Quick Reference Guide 27

Under

What do you want to transfer?

transfer, then click

The selected data is copied and the

, click to select the data you want to

Completing the Collection Phase

screen appears.

Click

Finish

TRANSFER DATA TO THE DESTINATION COMPUTER:

Go to the destination computer.

Under

Now go to your old computer

Under

Where are the files and settings?

chose for transferring your settings and files, then click

, click

, click to select the method you

The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to the destination computer. When the transfer is complete, the

Finished

screen

appears.

Click

Finished

Microsoft Windows Vista

Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click

and settings

In the

User Account Control

Click

Start a new transfer

, and then restart the computer.

→

Start Windows Easy Transfer.

dialog box, click

Continue a transfer in progress

Continue

Transfer files

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

Power Protection Devices

Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:

• Surge protectors

• Line conditioners

• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

28 Quick Reference Guide

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or after power interruptions. Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector and compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different devices. A device with a higher joule rating offers more protection.

NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or

power interruptions caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack and disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.

Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the surge protector documentation for modem connection instructions.

NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the

network cable from the network wall jack during electrical storms.

Line Conditioners

NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.

Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result in

data loss or file damage.

NOTE: To ensure maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to

a UPS. Connect other devices, such as a printer, to a separate power strip that provides surge protection.

A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices contain a battery that provides temporary power to connected devices when AC power is interrupted. The battery charges while AC power is available. See the UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery operating time and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Quick Reference Guide 29

Cleaning Your Computer

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

safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor

CAUTION: Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the

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

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

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

may damage the antiglare coating.

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

• Wipe the keyboard, computer, and plastic part of the monitor with a soft cleaning cloth moistened with water.

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

Mouse (Non-Optical)

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

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

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

Clean the rollers inside the ball cage with a cotton swab moistened lightly with isopropyl alcohol.

Recenter the rollers in their channels, as needed. Ensure that fluff from the swab is not left on the rollers.

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

30 Quick Reference Guide

+ 246 hidden pages

Dell KP542 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Quick Reference Guide

Contents

Finding Information

About Your Computer

Front View (Tower Orientation)

Back View (Tower Orientation)

Front View (Desktop Orientation)

Back View (Desktop Orientation)

Back Panel Connectors

Setting Up Your Computer

Changing Between Tower and Desktop Orientations

Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Power Protection Devices

Cleaning Your Computer

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor

Mouse (Non-Optical)