Dell NT499 User Manual

Download

Dell Precision™ Workstation T3400

User’s 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 a potential for 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, Dell Precision, and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Computrace and Absolute are registered trademarks of Absolute Software Corporation.

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

Model DCTA

July 2007 P/N NT499 Rev. A00

1 Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2 About Your Computer

Front View (Tower Orientation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Back View (Tower Orientation)

Front View (Desktop Orientation)

Back View (Desktop Orientation)

Back Panel Connectors

Specifications

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

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

3 Advanced Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

LegacySelect Technology Control . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Manageability

Dell OpenManage™ IT Assistant

Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation

Power Management

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

. . . . . . . . . 39

. . . . . 40

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

4 About RAID Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Using RAID with Hard Drive Passwords . . . . . . . . 43

Contents 3

RAID Level 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

RAID Level 1

RAID Level 5

RAID Level 10 (1+0)

Configuring Your Computer for RAID

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

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

. . . . . . . . . . 47

Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Configuring Your Computer for RAID Using

the Intel

RAID Option ROM Utility . . . . . . . . 48

Configuring Your Computer for RAID Using the Intel Matrix Storage Manager

Migrating to a RAID Level 0 Configuration

Migrating to a RAID Level 1 Configuration

Migrating to a RAID Level 5 Configuration

Migrating to a RAID Level 10 Configuration

Creating a Spare Hard Drive

. . . . . . . . . 52

. . . . . 56

. . . . . 57

. . . . 58

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

Rebuilding a Degraded RAID Level 1 Configuration

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

5 Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

4 Contents

Changing Between Tower and Desktop Orientations

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

Switching From Tower to Desktop Orientation

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

Switching From Desktop to Tower Orientation

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

Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Microsoft

Microsoft Windows Vista™

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

. . . . . . . . . . . . 68

. . . . . . . 62

. . . . . . 65

Power Protection Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Surge Protectors

Line Conditioners

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

. . . . . . . . . . 69

6 Securing Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Chassis Intrusion Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Security Cable Lock

Smart Cards and Fingerprint Readers

Passwords

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

About Passwords

Using a Primary (System) Password

Using an Administrator Password

Using a Hard Drive Password

Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

Turning On and Activating TPM

Security Management Software

Computer Tracking Software

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

. . . . . . . . . 72

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

. . . . . . . . 74

. . . . . . . . . 74

. . . . . . . . . . . 75

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . . . 77

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

. . . . . . . . . . . 78

7 Cleaning Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Mouse (Non-Optical)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Floppy Drive

CDs and DVDs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Contents 5

8 System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Entering System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

System Setup Screens

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

System Setup Options

Boot Sequence

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots

. . . . 94

9 Clearing Passwords and CMOS

Settings

Clearing Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Clearing CMOS Settings

Flashing the BIOS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

10 Troubleshooting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Power Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Diagnostic Lights

Diagnostic Light Codes During POST

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

. . . . . . . 100

6 Contents

Beep Codes

System Messages

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Hardware Troubleshooter

Dell Diagnostics

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

. . . . . . . . . 108

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

. . . . . . . . . . . . 110

11 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Battery Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Drive Problems

Optical drive problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Problems writing to an optical drive

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

Keyboard Problems

Lockups and Software Problems

The computer does not start up

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

. . . . . . . . . . . . 119

. . . . . . . . . . 119

The computer stops responding

A program stops responding

A program crashes repeatedly

. . . . . . . . . . . . 119

. . . . . . . . . . 119

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system

A solid blue screen appears

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" on page 132), or to run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 107).

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.

Finding Information 15

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to set up my computer

Quick Reference Guide

• How to care for my computer

• Basic troubleshooting information

• How to run the Dell Diagnostics

• Tools and utilities

• How to open my computer

NOTE: This document is available as a PDF

at support.dell.com.

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• How to remove and replace parts

• Specifications

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

16 Finding Information

Dell Precision™ User’s Guide

Microsoft Windows XP and Windows

™

Help and Support Center

Vista

Click

Start→

Help and Support→

→

Dell User and System Guides System Guides

Click the

User’s Guide

for your

computer.

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.

Finding Information 17

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

• 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.

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region or business

segment to view the appropriate support site.

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.

, select your

Enter a Tag

Confirm

System and

→

, and then click

Drivers

Desktop

18 Finding Information

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• 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.

• 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" on page 136).

Help and Support

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.

Finding Information 19

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• 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

20 Finding Information

About Your Computer

Front View (Tower Orientation)

1 upper 5.25-inch drive

bay

2 lower 5.25-inch drive

bay

3 upper 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).

About Your Computer 21

4 lower 3.5-inch drive

bay

5 hard drive activity

light

6 IEEE 1394 connector

(optional)

7 USB 2.0 connectors

(2)

Supports a floppy drive or a Media Card Reader.

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" on page 81 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.

22 About Your Computer

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" on page 40 for more information).

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" on page 123.

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" on page 40.

For a description of diagnostic light codes for troubleshooting problems with your computer, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 100.

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 a

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.

problem with your computer (see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 100).

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

About Your Computer 23

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.

24 About Your Computer

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.

About Your Computer 25

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" on page 40 for more information.

26 About Your Computer

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" on page 123.

For a description of diagnostic light codes for troubleshooting problems with your computer, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 100.

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

problem with your computer (see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 100).

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.

About Your Computer 27

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.

28 About Your Computer

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" on page 82.

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 (or 1-Gbps) network and the computer.

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

About Your Computer 29

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.

30 About Your Computer

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" on page 82.

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.

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

Microprocessor types Intel

Cache 1 MB minimum up to 12 MB (depending on

Core™ 2 Duo processors

Intel Core 2 Quad processors

Intel Core 2 Extreme processors

your processor)

System Information

Chipset Intel X38 Express Chipset/ICH9R

Data bus width 64 bits

Address bus width 32 bits

DMA channels eight

Interrupt levels 24

BIOS chip (NVRAM) 8 Mb

About Your Computer 31

System Information

Memory speed 667/800 MHz

NIC Integrated network interface with ASF 2.0

support as defined by DMTF

Capable of 10/100/1000-Mbps communication:

• 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-Gb) network and the computer.

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

SAS controller add-in SAS 6/iR card

System clock 800-MHz, 1066-MHz, or 1333-MHz data

rate (depending on your processor)

Controller

Hard drive integrated serial ATA (4), with RAID 0,

RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 (0+1), and command queuing

Drives

Available devices serial ATA drive, SAS drive, floppy drive, CD

drive, DVD drive, Media Card Reader, and USB memory devices

Externally accessible: one 3.5-inch drive bay (FlexBay) in desktop

orientation, or two 3.5-inch drive bays (FlexBay) in tower orientation

two 5.25-inch bays

Internally accessible: four 3.5-inch hard drive bays

32 About Your Computer

Memory

Type 667-MHz ECC and non-ECC and 800-MHz

ECC DDR2 SDRAM

NOTE: Ensure that you do not mix ECC and

non-ECC memory.

NOTE: Your computer does not support

registered or buffered memory.

Memory connectors four

Memory capacities 512 MB, 1 GB, or 2 GB

Minimum memory 1 GB

Maximum memory 4 GB for 32-bit operating systems

8 GB for 64-bit operating systems

BIOS address F0000h

Connectors

External connectors:

Serial

Parallel

IEEE 1394a/b

Video

Network adapter

PS/2 (keyboard and mouse)

USB

Audio

one 9-pin connector (16550C-compatible)

one 25-hole connector (bidirectional)

one front-panel 6-pin serial connector (with optional card)

DVI connector on graphics card

VGA connector on graphics card

RJ45 connector

two 6-pin mini-DIN

two front-panel and six back-panel USB

2.0–compliant connectors

two rear connectors for line-in and line-out; two front-panel connectors for headphones and microphone

About Your Computer 33

Connectors

System board connectors:

Serial ATA

serial connector

Floppy drive

Fan

PCI

PCI Express x8

PCI Express x16

FlexBay

uDOC

speaker

SAS activity LED

chassis intrusion switch

Video

Type PCI Express x16

Supported Configurations:

375-W PSU

six 7-pin connectors

12-pin connector

34-pin connector

three 5-pin connectors

three 120-pin connectors

98-pin connector

two 164-pin connectors

2-port USB header

1-port USB header

4-pin connector

3-pin connector

NOTICE: Installing graphics cards that

exceed the specified wattage for your power supply may result in your computer not functioning properly. See the documentation for your graphics card for power requirements.

75-W PCI Express x16 (single or dual)

NOTE: 150-W PCI Express x16 graphics card

not supported.

525-W PSU

75-W PCI Express x16 (single or dual);

150-W PCI Express x16 (single or dual);

225-W PCI Express x16 and 75-W PCI Express x16

34 About Your Computer

Audio

Type internal stereo: integrated HD audio or PCI

option cards

Stereo conversion 24-bit analog-to-digital; 24-bit digital-to-

analog

Controls and Lights

Power control push button

Power light green light — blinking green in sleep state;

solid green for power-on state

amber light — solid amber indicates a problem with an installed device; blinking amber indicates an internal power problem (see "Power Problems" on page 123)

Hard-drive access light green

Link integrity light (on integrated network adapter and on front panel)

Activity light (on integrated network adapter)

Diagnostic lights four lights on the front panel (see

Standby power light AUX_PWR_LED on the system board

on back panel integrated network adapter: green light for 10-Mb operation; orange light for 100-Mb operation; yellow light for a 1000-Mb (1-Gb) operation

on front panel: displays solid green when a network connection is present

yellow blinking light when there is network activity

"Diagnostic Lights" on page 100)

About Your Computer 35

Power

DC power supply:

Wa t ta g e

Heat dissipation

375/525 W

375-W PSU: 1279 BTU/hr

525-W PSU: 1790 BTU/hr

NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated based

upon the power supply wattage rating.

Vo lt ag e

Backup battery 3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell

Physical

Height

Width

Depth

We ig ht

Supported monitor weight (in desktop orientation)

Environmental

Temperature:

Operating

Storage

Relative humidity 20% to 80% (noncondensing)

Maximum vibration:

Operating

Storage

manual selection power supplies—90 to 135 V at 50/60 Hz; 180 to 265 V at 50/60 Hz

44.8 cm (17.6 inches)

17.1 cm (6.8 inches)

46.7 cm (18.4 inches)

17.7 kg (39 lb)

45.4 kg (100 lb)

10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)

–40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F)

0.25 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 0.5 octave/min

0.5 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1 octave/min

36 About Your Computer

Environmental

Maximum shock:

Operating

Storage

Altitude:

Operating

Storage

bottom half-sine pulse with a change in velocity of 50.8 cm/sec (20 inches/sec)

27-G faired square wave with a velocity change of 508 cm/sec (200 inches/sec)

–15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)

–15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)

About Your Computer 37

38 About Your Computer

Advanced Features

LegacySelect Technology Control

LegacySelect technology control offers legacy-full, legacy-reduced, or legacyfree solutions based on common platforms, hard drive images, and help desk procedures. Control is provided to the administrator through System Setup, Dell OpenManage™ IT Assistant, or Dell custom factory integration.

LegacySelect allows administrators to electronically activate or deactivate connectors and media devices that include serial and USB connectors, PCI slots, a parallel connector, a floppy drive, and a PS/2 mouse. Connectors and media devices that are deactivated make resources available. You must restart the computer to effect the changes.

Manageability

Dell OpenManage™ IT Assistant

IT Assistant configures, manages, and monitors computers and other devices on a corporate network. IT Assistant manages assets, configurations, events (alerts), and security for computers equipped with industry-standard management software and supports instrumentation that conforms to SNMP, DMI, and CIM industry standards.

Dell OpenManage Client instrumentation, which is based on DMI and CIM, is available for your computer. For information on IT Assistant, see the Dell OpenManage IT Assistant User’s Guide available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

Advanced Features 39

Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation

Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation is software that enables remote management programs such as IT Assistant to do the following:

• Access information about your computer, such as the number processors installed and the computer’s operating system.

• Monitor the status of your computer, such as listening for thermal alerts from temperature probes or hard drive failure alerts from storage devices.

• Change the state of your computer, such as updating the BIOS or shutting down the computer remotely.

A managed system is one that has Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation set up on a network that uses IT Assistant. For information about Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation, see the Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation User’s Guide available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

Power Management

Your computer can be set to use less power when you are not working. You control the power usage through the operating system installed on your computer and certain option settings in System Setup. Such periods of reduced power are called sleep states.

•

Standby (

components, including the cooling fans; however, system memory remains active.

•

Sleep (

writing all data in system memory to a hard drive, and then turning off power for most components. Writing the date to a hard drive ensures that data is not lost if the computer loses power; however, system memory remains active to increase the restart time for the computer.

Hibernate:

• in system memory to a hard drive, and then removing system power. Waking the computer from Hibernate restarts the computer, and restores the data stored in system memory. The computer then returns to the operating state it was in prior to entering hibernation mode.

Windows XP

Windows Vista): Reduces power consumption to a minimum by

Reduces power consumption to a minimum by writing all data

Power is reduced or turned off for most

40 Advanced Features

•

Shutdown

: Removes all power from the computer except a small auxiliary amount. As long as the computer remains connected to an electrical outlet, it can be automatically or remotely started. For example, the

Power On

option in System Setup (see "System Setup Options" on

Auto

page 82) allows the computer to automatically start at a specified time. Your network administrator can also remotely start your computer using a power management event such as Remote Wake Up.

NOTE: All components installed in the computer must support Hibernate, Standby,

and/or Sleep feature(s) and have the appropriate drivers loaded to enter either of these sleep states. For more information, see the manufacturer’s documentation for each component.

The following table lists the sleep states and the corresponding methods you can use to wake the computer:

Sleep Mode Wake-Up Methods

Standby

Sleep

Hibernate

Shutdown

• Press the power button

• Auto power on

• Move or click the mouse

• Type on the keyboard

• USB device activity

• Power management event

• Press the power button

• Auto power on

• Power management event

• Press the power button

• Auto power on

• Power management event

• Press the power button

• Auto power on

• Power management event

NOTE: For more information on power management, see your operating system

documentation.

Advanced Features 41

42 Advanced Features

About RAID Configurations

This section provides an overview of the RAID configuration you may have selected when you purchased your computer. There are several RAID configurations available in the computer industry for different types of uses. Your Dell Precicion computer supports RAID level 0, RAID level 1, RAID level 5, or RAID level 10, also known as RAID level 1+0. A RAID level 0 configuration is recommended for high-performance programs, and a RAID level 1 configuration is recommended for users that desire a high level of data integrity.

All drives must be the same type (SAS and SATA drives cannot be mixed in a RAID array) and should also be the same size to ensure that the larger drive does not contain unallocated (and therefore unusable) space.

The Intel RAID controller on your computer can only create a RAID level 0 configuration using two or three physical drives. If a third or fourth drive is present, then the drive(s) can be made part of a RAID level 0 configuration using the Intel RAID configuration program, or the drive(s) can be used as a spare drive in a RAID level 1 configuration (see "Creating a Spare Hard Drive" on page 59).

NOTE: RAID levels do not represent a hierarchy. A RAID level 10 configuration is

not inherently better or worse than a RAID level 0 configuration.

Using RAID with Hard Drive Passwords

If you are using the hard drive security option available in System Setup you should not use a RAID configuration. Using a RAID configuration requires that the hard drive password be cleared to allow data access.

About RAID Configurations 43

RAID Level 0

NOTICE: Because a RAID level 0 configuration provides no data redundancy, a

failure of one drive results in the loss of all data. To protect your data when using a RAID level 0 configuration, perform regular backups.

RAID level 0 uses a storage technique known as data striping to provide a high data access rate. Data striping is a method of writing consecutive segments, or stripes, of data sequentially across the physical drive(s) to create a large virtual drive. Data striping allows one of the drives to read data while the other drive is searching for and reading the next block.

serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 0

segment 1

segment 3

segment 5

hard drive 1

segment 2

segment 4

segment 6

hard drive 2

Another advantage of a RAID level 0 configuration is that it utilizes the full storage capacities of the drives. For example, two 120-GB hard drives combine to provide 240 GB of hard drive space on which to store data.

NOTE: In a RAID level 0 configuration, the size of the configuration is equal to the

size of the smallest drive multiplied by the number of drives in the configuration.

RAID Level 1

RAID level 1 uses a data-redundancy storage technique known as mirroring to enhance data integrity. When data is written to the primary drive, the data is also duplicated, or mirrored, on the second drive in the configuration. A RAID level 1 configuration sacrifices high data-access rates for its data redundancy advantages.

44 About RAID Configurations

serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 1

segment 1

segment 2

segment 3

segment 4

segment 5

segment 6

hard drive 1

segment 1 duplicated

segment 2 duplicated

segment 3 duplicated

segment 4 duplicated

segment 5 duplicated

segment 6 duplicated

hard drive 2

If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the surviving drive. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data from the surviving drive.

NOTE: In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the configuration is equal to the

size of the smallest drive in the configuration.

RAID Level 5

RAID level 5 uses a data-staging storage technique known as data parity. When data is written to the primary drive, the data is duplicated on at least three other drives. Unlike a RAID level 1 configuration which writes to one other volume that acts as a data mirror, a RAID level 5 configuration writes data to each drive in increments, placing data from each segment across multiple drives. A RAID level 5 configuration has higher data-access rates, but requires more storage space than a RAID level 0 or RAID level 1 configuration.

About RAID Configurations 45

serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 5

segment 1

segment 2

segment 3

segment 4

segment 5

segment 6

hard drive 1

segment 1 striped across at least 3 drives

segment 2 striped across at least 3 drives

segment 3 striped across at least 3 drives

segment 4 striped across at least 3 drives

segment 5 striped across at least 3 drives

segment 6 striped across at least 3 drives

hard drives 2, 3 (and optionally, 4)

If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the surviving drives. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data from the surviving drives.

NOTE: In a RAID level 5 configuration, the size of the configuration is equal to the

size of the smallest drive in the configuration multiplied by three.

RAID Level 10 (1+0)

RAID level 10, also known as RAID level 1+0, uses a data-staging storage technique known as data parity. When data is written to the primary drive, the data is then duplicated on four other drives. Unlike a RAID level 1 configuration which writes to one other volume that acts as a data mirror, a RAID level 10 configuration writes data to each drive in increments which places data from each segment across multiple drives. A RAID level 10 configuration has higher data access rates but requires more storage space than a RAID level 0 or RAID level 1 configuration.

46 About RAID Configurations

serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 10

segment 1

segment 2

segment 3

segment 4

segment 5

segment 6

hard drive 1

segment 1 striped across 4 drives

segment 2 striped across 4 drives

segment 3 striped across 4 drives

segment 4 striped across 4 drives

segment 5 striped across 4 drives

segment 6 striped across 4 drives

hard drives 2, 3, and 4

If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the surviving drives. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data from the surviving drives.

NOTE: In a RAID level 10 configuration, the size of the configuration is equal to the

size of the smallest drive in the configuration multiplied by two.

Configuring Your Computer for RAID

At some point you may want to configure your computer for RAID if you did not select a RAID configuration when you purchased your computer. You must have at least two hard drives installed in your computer to set up a RAID configuration. For instructions on how to install a hard drive, see "Hard Drive" on page 191.

You can use one of two methods to configure RAID hard drive volumes. One method uses the Intel RAID Option ROM utility and is performed before you install the operating system onto the hard drive. The second method uses the Intel Matrix Storage Manager, or Intel Matrix Storage Console, and this method is performed after you have installed the operating system and the

About RAID Configurations 47

Intel Matrix Storage Console. Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before starting any of the RAID configuration procedures in this document.

Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode

Enter System Setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 81).

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Drives

, then press

<Enter>.

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

SATA Operation

, then

press <Enter>.

Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight

RAID On

, press <Enter>,

and then press <Esc>.

NOTE: For more information about RAID options, see "System Setup Options"

on page 82.

Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight

Save/Exit

, and press

<Enter> to exit System Setup and resume the boot process.

Configuring Your Computer for RAID Using the Intel® RAID Option ROM Utility

NOTE: Although any size of drives may be used to create a RAID configuration

when using the Intel RAID Option ROM utility, ideally the drives should be of equal size. In a RAID level 0 configuration, the size of the configuration will be the size of the smallest drive multiplied by the number (two) of drives in the configuration. In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the configuration will be the smaller of the two drives used.

Creating a RAID Level 0 Configuration

NOTICE: You will lose any data on your hard drives when you create a RAID

configuration using the following procedure. Back up data that you want to keep before continuing.

NOTE: Use the following procedure only if you are reinstalling your operating

system. Do not use the following procedure to migrate an existing storage configuration to RAID level 0 configuration.

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 48).

48 About RAID Configurations

Press <Ctrl> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Create RAID Volume

press <Enter>.

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default, and press <Enter>.

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to select

RAID0(Stripe)

, and press

<Enter>.

If more than two hard drives are available, press the up- and down-arrow keys and spacebar to select the two or three drives that you want to use to make up your configuration, and then press <Enter>.

NOTE: Select the strip size closest to the size of the average file that you want to

store on the RAID volume. If you do not know the average file size, choose 128 KB as your strip size.

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to change the strip size and press <Enter>.

Select the desired capacity for the volume and press <Enter>. The default value is the maximum available size.

Press <Enter> to create the volume.

Press <y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.

Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main Intel RAID Option ROM utility screen.

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to select

Install the operating system (see "Restoring Your Operating System" on

Exit

and press <Enter>.

page 136).

, and

Creating a RAID Level 1 Configuration

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 48).

Press <Ctrl> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Create RAID Volume

press <Enter>.

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default and press <Enter>.

About RAID Configurations 49

and

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

RAID1(Mirror)

and press

<Enter>.

If there are more than two hard drives available, press the up- and downarrow keys and spacebar to select the two drives you want to use to make up your volume, and then press <Enter>.

Select the desired capacity for the volume, and press <Enter>. The default value is the maximum available size.

Press <Enter> to create the volume.

Press <y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.

Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main Intel RAID Option ROM utility screen.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

Install the operating system (see "Restoring Your Operating System" on

Exit

and press <Enter>.

page 136).

Creating a RAID Level 5 Configuration

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 48).

Press <Ctrl> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Create RAID Volume

press <Enter>.

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default, and press <Enter>.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

RAID5(Mirror)

, and press

<Enter>.

Press the up- and down-arrow keys and spacebar to select the three or four drives you want to use to make up your volume, and then press <Enter>.

Select the desired capacity for the volume, and press <Enter>. The default value is the maximum available size.

Press <Enter> to create the volume.

Press <y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.

Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main Intel RAID Option ROM utility screen.

, and

50 About RAID Configurations

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

Install the operating system (see "Restoring Your Operating System" on

Exit

, and press <Enter>.

page 136).

Creating a RAID Level 10 Configuration

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 48).

Press <Ctrl> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Create RAID Volume

press <Enter>.

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default, and press <Enter>.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

RAID10(Mirror)

, and press

<Enter>.

Press the up- and down-arrow keys and spacebar to select the four drives you want to use to make up your volume, and then press <Enter>.

Select the desired capacity for the volume, and press <Enter>. The default value is the maximum available size.

Press <Enter> to create the volume.

Press <y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.

Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main Intel RAID Option ROM utility screen.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

Install the operating system (see "Restoring Your Operating System" on

Exit

, and press <Enter>.

page 136).

, and

Deleting a RAID Volume

NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.

NOTE: If your computer currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume in

the Intel RAID Option ROM utility, your computer will become unbootable.

Press <Ctrl> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.

About RAID Configurations 51

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Delete RAID Volume

, and

press <Enter>.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the RAID volume you want to delete, and press <Delete>.

Press <y> to confirm the deletion of the RAID volume.

Press <Esc> to exit the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.

Configuring Your Computer for RAID Using the Intel Matrix Storage Manager

If you already have one hard drive with the operating system installed on it, and you want to add a second hard drive and reconfigure both drives into a RAID volume without losing the existing operating system and any data, you need to use the migrating option for a RAID level 0 configuration (see "RAID Level 0" on page 44) or a RAID level 1 configuration (see "RAID Level 1" on page 44.) Create a RAID level 0 volume or RAID level 1 volume only when:

• You are adding two new drives to an existing single-drive computer (and the operating system is on the single drive), and you want to configure the two new drives into a RAID volume.

• You already have a two-hard drive computer configured into a volume, but you still have some space left on the volume that you want to designate as a second RAID volume.

Creating a RAID Level 0 Configuration

NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 48).

Click

Start

and point to

Intel Matrix Storage Console

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your

computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 48).

On the

Actions

menu, select

RAID Volume Wizard, and then click

On the

Select Volume Location

Programs→

Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager

to launch the Intel Storage Utility.

Create RAID Volume

screen, click the first hard drive you want

to launch the Create

to include in your RAID level 0 volume, and then click the right arrow.

52 About RAID Configurations

→

Click a second hard drive. To add a third hard drive in your RAID level 0 volume, click the right arrow and click on the third drive until three drives appear in the

In the then click

Click

Finish

Creating a RAID Level 1 Configuration

NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to

Selected

Specify Volume Size

window, and then click

window, click the

to create the volume, or click

Volume Size

Back

to make changes.

desired, and

RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 48).

Click the

Manager

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Console

Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix Storage

to launch the Intel® Storage

Utility.

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your

computer to RAID-enabled mode.

On the

Actions

menu, select

Create RAID Volume

to launch the Create

RAID Volume Wizard.

Click

at the first screen.

Confirm the volume name, select click

to continue.

On the

Select Volume Location

RAID 1

as the RAID level, and then

screen, click the first hard drive you want to use to create your RAID level 1 volume, and then click the right arrow. Click a second hard drive until two drives appear in the

and then click

In the

Specify Volume Size

click

Click

Finish

Follow Microsoft Windows procedures for creating a partition on the new

window, select the

to create the volume, or click

Volume Size

Back

to make changes.

Selected

desired and

RAID volume.

window,

About RAID Configurations 53

Creating a RAID Level 5 Configuration

NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 48).

Click the

Manager

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Console

Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix Storage

to launch the Intel Storage

Utility.

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your

computer to RAID-enabled mode.

On the

Actions

menu, select

Create RAID Volume

to launch the Create

RAID Volume Wizard.

Click

at the first screen.

Confirm the volume name, select click

to continue.

On the

Select Volume Location

RAID 5

as the RAID level, and then

screen, click the first hard drive you want to use to create your RAID level 5 volume, and then click the right arrow. Click two or three additional drives until either three or four drives appear in the

Selected

In the

Specify Volume Size

click

Click

Finish

Follow Microsoft Windows procedures for creating a partition on the new

window, and then click

window, select the

to create the volume, or click

Volum e Si z e

Back

to make changes.

desired and

RAID volume.

Creating a RAID Level 10 Configuration

NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 48).

Click the

Manager

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Console

Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix Storage

to launch the Intel Storage

Utility.

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your

computer to RAID-enabled mode.

54 About RAID Configurations

On the

Actions

menu, select

Create RAID Volume

to launch the Create

RAID Volume Wizard.

Click

at the first screen.

Confirm the volume name, select click

to continue.

On the

Select Volume Location

RAID 10

as the RAID level, and then

screen, click the first hard drive you want to use to create your RAID level 10 volume, and then click the right arrow. Click three additional drives until four drives appear in the window, and then click

In the

Specify Volume Size

click

Click

Finish

to create the volume, or click

Follow Microsoft Windows procedures for creating a partition on the new

window, select the

Volume Size

Back

to make changes.

Selected

desired and

RAID volume.

Deleting a RAID Volume

NOTE: While this procedure deletes the RAID 1 volume, it also splits the RAID 1

volume into two non-RAID hard drives with a partition, and leaves any existing data files intact. Deleting a RAID 0 volume, however, destroys all data on the volume.

Click the

Manager

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Console

Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix Storage

to launch the Intel Storage

Utility.

Right-click the select

Delete Volume

On the

Highlight the RAID volume you want to delete in the

Delete RAID Volume Wizard

Vol um e

icon of the RAID volume you want to delete, and

screen, click

Available

the right-arrow button to move the highlighted RAID volume into the

Selected

Click

box, and then click

Finish

to delete the volume.

box, click

About RAID Configurations 55

Migrating to a RAID Level 0 Configuration

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 48).

Click the

Storage Manager

Storage Utility.

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your

computer to RAID-enabled mode

On the

Drive

Click

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default.

From the drop-down box, select

NOTE: Select the strip size closest to the size of the average file you want to store

on the RAID volume. If you do not know the average file size, choose 128 KB as your strip size.

Select the appropriate strip size from the drop-down box, and then click

NOTE: Select the hard drive that you want to use as your source hard drive (it

should be the hard drive containing the data or operating system files that you want to keep on the RAID volume).

On the which you want to migrate, and click

On the to select the member drive(s) to span the stripe array, and click

On the click

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Console

Actions

menu, select

Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard

to launch the Migration Wizard.

on the Migration Wizard screen.

RAID 0

Select Source Hard Drive

screen, double-click the hard drive from

Select Member Hard Drive

Specify Volume Size

screen, select the

All Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix

to launch the Intel

as the RAID level

screen, double-click the hard drive(s)

Volum e Si z e

you want, and

NOTE: In step 11, all data contained on the member drive will be removed.

Click

Finish

to start migrating, or click

Back

to make changes. You can use

your computer normally during the migration process.

56 About RAID Configurations

Migrating to a RAID Level 1 Configuration

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 48).

Click the

Storage Manager

Storage Utility.

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your

computer to RAID-enabled mode

On the

Drive

Click

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default.

From the drop-down box, select

NOTE: Select the hard drive that you want to use as your source hard drive (it

should be the hard drive containing the data or operating system files that you want to keep on the RAID volume).

On the which you want to migrate, and click

On the select the member drive that you want to act as the mirror in the configuration, and click

On the click

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Console

All Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix

Actions

menu, click

Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard

to launch the Migration Wizard.

on the first Migration Wizard screen.

RAID 1

Select Source Hard Drive

screen, double-click the hard drive from

Select Member Hard Drive

Specify Volume Size

screen, select the volume size you want, and

to launch the Intel

as the RAID level

screen, double-click the hard drive to

NOTE: In step 10, all data contained on the member drive will be removed.

Click

Finish

to start migrating, or click

Back

to make changes. You can use

your computer normally during migration process.

Migrating to a RAID Level 5 Configuration

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 48).

Click the

Storage Manager

Storage Utility.

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Console

All Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix

to launch the Intel

About RAID Configurations 57

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your

computer to RAID-enabled mode

On the

Drive

Click

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default.

From the drop-down box, select

NOTE: Select the hard drive that you want to use as your source hard drive (it

should be the hard drive containing the data or operating system files that you want to keep on the RAID volume).

On the

Actions

menu, click

to launch the Migration Wizard.

on the first Migration Wizard screen.

Select Source Hard Drive

which you want to migrate, and click

On the

Select Member Hard Drive

Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard

RAID 5

as the RAID level

screen, double-click the hard drive from

screen, double-click the two or three drives to select the member drives that you want to use in the configuration, and click

On the click

NOTE: In step 10, all data contained on the member drive will be removed.

Click

Specify Volume Size

Finish

to start migrating, or click

screen, select the volume size you want, and

Back

to make changes. You can use

your computer normally during migration process.

Migrating to a RAID Level 10 Configuration

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 48).

Click the

Storage Manager

Storage Utility.

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your

computer to RAID-enabled mode

On the

Drive

Click

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default.

58 About RAID Configurations

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Console

All Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix

Actions

menu, click

Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard

to launch the Migration Wizard.

on the first Migration Wizard screen.

to launch the Intel

From the drop-down box, select

NOTE: Select the hard drive that you want to use as your source hard drive (it

should be the hard drive containing the data or operating system files that you want to keep on the RAID volume).

On the

Select Source Hard Drive

which you want to migrate, and click

On the

Select Member Hard Drive

RAID 10

as the RAID level

screen, double-click the hard drive from

screen, double-click the three drives to select the member drives that you want to use in the configuration, and click

On the click

NOTE: In step 10, all data contained on the member drive will be removed.

Click

Specify Volume Size

Finish

to start migrating, or click

screen, select the volume size you want, and

Back

to make changes. You can use

your computer normally during migration process.

Creating a Spare Hard Drive

A spare hard drive may be created with a RAID level 1 configuration. The spare hard drive will not be recognized by the operating system, but you will be able to see the spare drive from within Disk Manager or the Intel RAID Option ROM utility. When a member of the RAID level 1 configuration is broken, the computer automatically rebuilds the mirror configuration using the spare hard drive as the broken member’s replacement.

To mark a drive as a spare hard drive:

Click the

Manager

Utility.

Right-click the hard drive you want to mark as a spare hard drive.

Click

To remove spare marking from a spare hard drive:

Right-click the spare hard-drive icon.

Click

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Console

Mark as Spare

Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix Storage

Reset Hard Drive to Non-RAID

to launch the Intel Storage

About RAID Configurations 59

Rebuilding a Degraded RAID Level 1 Configuration

If your computer does not have a spare hard drive, and the computer has reported a degraded RAID level 1 volume, you can manually rebuild the computer’s redundancy mirror to a new hard drive:

Click the

Manager

Utility.

Right-click the available hard drive to which you want to rebuild the RAID level 1 volume, and click

You can use your computer while the computer is rebuilding the RAID level 1 volume.

Start

button and point to

→

Intel Matrix Storage Console

Rebuild to this Disk

Programs→ Intel(R) Matrix Storage

to launch the Intel Storage

60 About RAID Configurations

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 Product Information Guide.

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" on page 266 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" on page 143.

Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 145).

Remove the front panel (see "Removing the Front Panel" on page 154).

Remove the drive panel and prepare the drive panel by adding or removing inserts, as needed (see "Drive Panel" on page 212).

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)" on page 220, 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)" on page 228.

Remove all installed optical drives by following the steps in "Removing an Optical Drive (Tower Computer)" on page 231, and then reinstall the drives by following the steps in "Installing an Optical Drive (Desktop Computer)" on page 237.

Setting Up Your Computer 61

Switching From Desktop to Tower Orientation

Remove the floppy drive or media card reader (if installed) by following the steps in "Removing a Floppy Drive or a Media Card Reader (Desktop Computer)" on page 226, 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)" on page 222.

Remove all installed optical drives by following the steps in "Removing an Optical Drive (Desktop Computer)" on page 236, and reinstall the drives by following the steps in "Installing an Optical Drive (Tower Computer)" on page 233.

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" on page 31.

62 Setting Up Your Computer

• 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).

Setting Up Your Computer 63

• 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

64 Setting Up Your Computer

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, titled 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.

Setting Up Your Computer 65

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→

Settings Transfer Wizard

Under

the Windows XP CD

Review the information under to the source computer. Do

COPY DATA FROM THE SOURCE COMPUTER:

Insert the Windows XP

All Programs→

Accessories→ System Tools→

Which computer is this?

, click

New computer

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

, then click

Now go to your old computer

not

click

Operating System

Files and

, then click

, click

I will use the wizard from

, and then go

installation media into the

source computer.

The

Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP

Click

Perform additional tasks

Under

What do you want to do?

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

The

, 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

66 Setting Up Your Computer

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

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

Which computer is this?

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

, 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,

Setting Up Your Computer 67

Under

What do you want to transfer?

transfer, then click

The selected data is copied and the 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

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

Click

Finished

, and then restart the computer.

, click to select the data you want to

Completing the Collection Phase

, click

, click to select the method you

Finished

screen

Microsoft Windows Vista™

Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click

and settings

In the

Click

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

Continue a transfer in progress

Continue

Transfer files

Power Protection Devices

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

• Surge protectors

• Line conditioners

• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

68 Setting Up Your Computer

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

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).

Setting Up Your Computer 69

70 Setting Up Your Computer

Securing Your Computer

Chassis Intrusion Detection

NOTE: When the administrator password is enabled, you must know the

administrator password before you can reset the Chassis Intrusion setting.

The Chassis Intrusion Detection feature detects when the computer chassis is or has been opened and alerts the user. The following Chassis Intrusion settings are available in System Setup:

•

Off

— The Chassis Intrusion dectection feature is disabled. If the

computer cover is opened, no action is taken.

•

— The Chassis Intrusion dectection feature is enabled. If the computer cover is opened, the setting changes to message displays during the boot routine at the next computer start up.

•

On-Silent

enabled. If the computer cover is opened, the setting changes to however, no alert message appears during the boot routine at the next computer start up.

NOTE: For information on changing System Setup options see "System Setup" on

page 81.

(default) — The Chassis Intrusion dectection feature is

Security Cable Lock

Detected

, and an alert

Detected

;

NOTE: Your computer does not ship with a security cable lock.

A security cable lock is a commercially available antitheft device. To use the lock, attach it to the security cable slot on your Dell computer. For more information, see the instructions included with the device.

NOTICE: Before you purchase an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the

security cable slot on your computer.

Securing Your Computer 71

Smart Cards and Fingerprint Readers

NOTE: The smart card feature may not be available on your computer.

Smart cards are portable credit-card shaped devices with internal integrated circuits. Using smart cards can improve system security by combining something a user has (the smart card) with something only the user should know (a PIN) to provide more secure user-authentication than passwords alone.

A fingerprint reader is a strip sensor located on a peripheral device for your computer. When you slide your finger over the reader, it uses your unique fingerprint to authenticate your user identity and help keep your Dell computer secure.

Passwords

Passwords prevent unauthorized access to your computer. When using passwords, observe the following guidelines:

• Choose a password that you can remember, but not one that is easy to guess. For example, do not use the names of family members or pets for passwords.

• If possible, do not write down your password. If you do write it down, ensure that the password is stored in a secure location.

• Do not share your password with other people.

• Ensure that people are not watching you when you type your password.

72 Securing Your Computer

Use the User Accounts option in the Control Panel in the Microsoft Windows operating system to create user accounts or to change passwords. Once you create a user password, you must enter it each time you turn on or unlock your computer. If a valid password is not entered within two minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.

For more information, see your Windows documentation.

About Passwords

NOTICE: Passwords provide a high level of security for data in your computer or

hard drive. However, they are not always reliable. If you require more security, obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as smart cards, data encryption programs, or PC Cards with encryption features.

NOTE: Passwords are disabled when you receive your computer.

The following table identifies types and features of passwords available on your computer.

Type of Password Features

Primary (system) password

Administrator password

Hard drive password

• Protects your computer from unauthorized access

• Gives system administrators or service technicians access to computers for repair or reconfiguration

• Restricts access to System Setup in the same way a primary password restricts access to the computer

• Can be used instead of the primary password

• Helps protect your hard drive or external hard drive (if used) from unauthorized access

NOTE: Some hard drives do not support hard drive

passwords.

If you forget a password, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 269). For your protection, Dell support will require verification of your identity to ensure that only an authorized person can use the computer.

Securing Your Computer 73

Using a Primary (System) Password

The primary password protects your computer from unauthorized access. If a primary password is set, you must enter the password when your computer starts.

If a valid password is not entered within two minutess, the computer returns to its previous operating state.

NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also

disabled.

To add or change passwords, access User Accounts from the Control Panel.

If you have assigned an administrator password, you can use it instead of the primary password. The computer does not specifically prompt you for the administrator password.

Using an Administrator Password

The administrator password is designed to give system administrators or service technicians access to computers for repair or reconfiguration. The administrators or technicians can assign identical administrator passwords to groups of computers, allowing you to assign a unique primary password.

To set or change administrator passwords, access User Accounts from the Control Panel.

When you set an administrator password, the Configure Setup option becomes available in System Setup. The Configure Setup option allows you to restrict access to System Setup in the same way that a primary password restricts access to the computer.

The administrator password can be used instead of the primary password. Whenever you are prompted to enter the primary password, you can enter the administrator password.

NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also

disabled.

NOTE: The administrator password provides access to the computer, but it does

not provide access to the hard drive when a hard drive password is assigned.

74 Securing Your Computer

If you forget the primary password and do not have an administrator password assigned, or if you have both a primary and an administrator password assigned, but forget them both, contact your system administrator or contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 269).

Using a Hard Drive Password

The hard drive password helps protect the data on your hard drive from unauthorized access. You can also assign a password for an external hard drive (if one is being used) that can be the same as or different from the password for the primary hard drive.

If a hard drive password is assigned, you must enter it each time you turn on the computer and each time you restore the computer to normal operation from standby mode.

If an invalid password is entered three times consecutively, the computer tries to start from another bootable device if the Boot First Device option in System Setup is set to allow start-up from another device. If the Boot First Device option is not set to allow the computer to start from another device, the computer returns to the operating state it was in when you turned it on.

If a valid password is not entered within two minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.

If the hard drive password, the external hard-drive password, and the primary password are the same, the computer prompts you only for the primary password. If the hard drive password is different from the primary password, the computer prompts you for both. Two different passwords provide greater security.

NOTE: The administrator password provides access to the computer, but it does

not provide access to the hard drive when a hard drive password is assigned.

Securing Your Computer 75

Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

NOTE: The TPM feature supports encryption only if the operating system supports

TPM. For more information, see the TPM software documentation and the help files that came with the software.

TPM is a hardware-based security feature that can be used to create and manage computer-generated encryption keys. When combined with security software, TPM enhances existing network and computer security by enabling features such as file protection capabilities and protected e-mail. TPM settings are available in System Setup.

NOTICE: To secure your TPM data and encryption keys, follow the backup

procedures documented in the Archive and Restore section of the EMBASSY Security Center help file. If the backups are incomplete, lost, or damaged, Dell will be unable to assist in the recovery of encrypted data.

Turning On and Activating TPM

Enter System Setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 81).

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highligh <Enter>.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight <Enter>.

Under

TPM Security

, use the left- and right-arrow keys to select On, and

then press <Enter>.

The TPM Activation menu appears.

Security

, then press

TPM Security

, then press

NOTE: Setting TPM Security to On does not activate or enable TPM. The operating

system recognizes TPM, but TPM remains deactivated and disabled.

NOTE: If you do not wish to activate TPM, press <Esc>, press the left- and right-

arrow keys to highlight Save/Exit, and then press <Enter> to exit System Setup and restart your computer.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

TPM Activation

<Enter>.

NOTE: The TPM Activation menu appears only if TPM Security is set to On.

Under

TPM Activation

Activate

Press <Enter> to accept the TPM Acknowlegement.

, and then press <Enter>.

, use the left- and right-arrow keys to select

76 Securing Your Computer

, then press

Press <Esc>.

Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight <Enter> to exit System Setup and restart your computer.

NOTE: If prompted to IGNORE or MODIFY the changes to the TPM setting,

select MODIFY, and then press <Enter>.

Use the Embassy Security Center to manage the TPM security feature.

Save/Exit

, and then press

Security Management Software

Security management software is designed to utilize four different features to help you secure your computer:

• Log-in management

• Pre-boot authentication (using a fingerprint reader, smart card, or password)

• Encryption

• Private information management

For information about how to use the software and the different security features, click Start Started with EMBASSY® Trust Suite.

→

All Programs→ Security by Wave Systems→ Getting

Computer Tracking Software

Computer tracking software may enable you to locate your computer if it is lost or stolen. The software is optional and may be purchased when you order your Dell computer.

NOTE: Computer tracking software may not be available in certain countries.

NOTE: If you have computer tracking software and your computer is lost or stolen,

you must contact the company that provides the tracking service to report the missing computer.

Securing Your Computer 77

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen

• Call a law enforcement agency to report the lost or stolen computer. Include the Service Tag in your description of the computer. Ask that a case number be assigned and write down the number, along with the name, address, and phone number of the law enforcement agency. If possible, obtain the name of the investigating officer.

NOTE: If you know where the computer was lost or stolen, call a law

enforcement agency in that area. If you do not know, call a law enforcement agency where you live.

• If the computer belongs to a company, notify the security office of the company.

• Contact Dell customer service to report the missing computer. Provide the computer Service Tag, the case number, and the name, address, and phone number of the law enforcement agency to which you reported the missing computer. If possible, give the name of the investigating officer.

The Dell customer service representative will log your report under the computer Service Tag and record the computer as missing or stolen. If someone calls Dell for technical assistance and gives your Service Tag, the computer is identified automatically as missing or stolen. The representative will attempt to get the phone number and address of the caller. Dell will then contact the law enforcement agency to which you reported the missing computer.

78 Securing Your Computer

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.

Cleaning Your Computer 79

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.

Floppy Drive

NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. The heads may become

misaligned and prevent the drive from operating.

Clean your floppy drive using a commercially available cleaning kit. These kits contain pretreated floppy disks to remove contaminants that accumulate during normal operation.

CDs and DVDs

NOTICE: Always use compressed air to clean the lens in the CD/DVD drive, and

follow the instructions that come with the compressed air. Never touch the lens in the drive.

Hold the disc by its outer edge. You can also touch the inside edge of the center hole.

NOTICE: To prevent damaging the surface, do not wipe in a circular motion around

the disc.

With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the unlabeled side) in a straight line from the center to the outer edge of the disc.

For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild soap. You can also purchase commercial products that clean discs and provide some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are safe to use on DVDs.

80 Cleaning Your Computer

System Setup

Use System Setup as follows:

• To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computer

• To set or change a user-selectable option such as the user password

• To read the current amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed

Before you use System Setup, it is recommended that you write down the System Setup screen information for future reference.

NOTICE: Do not change the settings in System Setup unless you are an expert

computer user. Certain changes can cause your computer to work incorrectly.

Entering System Setup

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

When the DELL logo appears, press <F2> immediately.

NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down

for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F2> in even intervals until the System Setup screen appears.

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft your computer and try again.

Windows® desktop, then shut down

System Setup Screens

The System Setup screen displays current or changeable configuration information for your computer. Information on the screen is divided into three areas: the options list, the active options field, and key functions.

System Setup 81

Options List — Appears on the left side of the System Setup window. The field is a scrollable list containing features that define the configuration of your computer, including installed hardware, power conservation, and security features.

Scroll up and down the list with the up- and down-arrow keys. As an option is highlighted, the Options Field displays more information about that option and the option’s current and available settings.

Options Field — Appears on the right side of the System Setup window and contains information about each option listed in the Options List. In this field you can view information about your computer and make changes to your current settings.

Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight an option. Press <Enter> to make that selection active and return to the Options List.

NOTE:

Not all settings listed in the Options Field are

changeable.

Key Functions — Appears below the Options Field and lists keys and their functions within

the active System Setup field.

System Setup Options

NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this

section may not appear, or may not appear exactly as listed.

System

System Info Lists system information, such as the computer name, the

BIOS version number and date, the system service tag, express service code, asset tag, and other system-specific information.

Processor Info Identifies the processor type, clock speed, bus speed, cache, ID,

and whether the processor is multiple core capable, supports Hyper-Threading, and supports 64-bit technology.

82 System Setup

Memory Info Identifies the amount of memory installed, the memory speed,

channel mode (dual or single), and type by DIMM slot location.

PCI Info Identifies installed expansion cards by type and slot location.

Date/Time Displays current date and time settings.

Boot Sequence Specifies the sequence of devices from which the computer

attempts to boot when trying to find an operating system (see "Boot Sequence" on page 92).

NOTE: If you insert a boot device and restart the computer, the

option to boot to that device appears in the boot sequence. To boot from a USB memory device, for example, select the USB device and move it so that it becomes the first device in the boot sequence.

Drives

Diskette Drive

(

Internal

default)

Enables and disables the floppy drive(s) attached to the computer and sets read permissions for the drive(s).

•

Off

— All floppy drives are disabled.

USB

— USB floppy drives are enabled.

•

Internal

— The integrated floppy drive is enabled.

Read Only

• read-only access.

— The integrated floppy drive is enabled with

NOTE: Operating systems with USB support will recognize USB

floppy drives regardless of this setting.

SATA Drives 0 through 5

(On default)

SATA Operation

(

RAID

Autodetect/

default)

AHCI

Enables or disables drives attached to the SATA connectors on the system board.

•

Off

— The drive attached to the interface is disabled.

•

— The drive attached to the interface is enabled.

Specifies the operating mode of the integrated hard drive controller.

•

RAID Autodetect/AHCI

AHCI.

RAID Autodetect/ATA

• ATA.

•

RAID On

— SATA is configured for RAID on every boot.

— RAID if signed drives, otherwise

System Setup 83

SMART Reporting

(

Off

default)

Onboard Devices

Integrated NIC

(On default)

Integrated Audio

(

Auto

default)

USB Controller

(On default)

Rear Quad USB

(On default)

Rear Dual USB

(On default)

Specifies whether hard drive errors for internal drives are reported during system startup.

•

Off

— Errors are not reported.

•

— Errors are reported.

Enables or disables the integrated network interface controller (NIC).

•

Off

— The integrated NIC is disabled.

— The integrated NIC is enabled.

•

On w/PXE

On w/RPL

•

— The integrated NIC is on (with PXE enabled).

— The integrated NIC is on (with RPL enabled).

NOTE: PXE or RPL is required only if you are booting to an

operating system located on another computer. If a boot routine is not available from the remote system, the computer attempts to boot from the next device listed in the boot sequence.

Enables or disables the integrated audio controller.

•

Off

— Integrated audio is disabled.

•

Auto

— Use the add-in Audio controller.

— Integrated audio is enabled.

•

Enables or disables the internal USB controller.

•

Off

— The USB controller is disabled.

— The USB controller is enabled.

•

No Boot

will not recognize USB storage devices.

— The USB controller is enabled; however, the BIOS

NOTE: Operating systems with USB support will recognize USB

storage devices regardless of the No Boot setting.

Enables or disables the rear quad USB ports.

•

Off

— The USB group is disabled.

•

— The USB group is enabled.

Enables or disables the rear dual USB ports.

•

Off

— The USB group is disabled.

— The USB group is enabled.

•

84 System Setup

Front USB

(On default)

LPT Port Mode

(

PS/2

default)

LPT Port Address

(

378h

default)

Serial Port #1

(

Auto

default)

PS/2 Mouse Port

(On default)

Enables or disables the front USB ports.

•

Off

— The USB group is disabled.

•

— The USB group is enabled.

Specifies the mode of operation for the integrated parallel port.

•

Off

— The port is disabled.

— The port is configured for IBM AT compatibility.

•

PS/2

— The port is configured for IBM PS/2 compatibility.

•

EPP

— The port is configured for Enhanced Parallel Port

protocol.

ECP

— The port is configured for Extended Capability Port

• protocol.

Specifies the base I/O address for the integrated parallel port.

• 378h

• 278h

• 3BCh

Disables or selects the address for the integrated serial port and determines how the serial port operates.

•

Off

— The serial port is disabled.

Auto

— The BIOS selects between COM1 and COM3; if both

• resources are in use, the port is disabled.

COM1

•

Enables or disables the integrated PS/2-compatible mouse controller.

•

— The port is configured at 3F8h with IRQ 4.

COM3

— The port is configured at 3E8h with IRQ 4.

Off

— The PS/2 legacy mouse port is disabled.

— The PS/2 legacy mouse port is enabled.

System Setup 85

Video

Primary Video

(

PEG

default)

Performance

Multiple CPU Core

(On default)

SpeedStep

(

Off

default)

Virtualization

(

Off

default)

Limit CPUID Value

(

Off

default)

Specifies which video controller is the primary video controller when two controllers are available in the system.

•

PCI

— Use the PCI video controller.

•

PEG

— Use the PCI Express Graphics video controller.

NOTE: This setting applies only when two video controllers

present.

Specifies whether the processor has more than one core enabled.

•

Off

— Multiple CPU core technology is disabled.

— Multiple CPU core technology is enabled.

•

NOTE: The performance of some applications may improve with

an additional core enabled.

Specifies whether Enhanced SpeedStep Technology is enabled for all supported processor(s) in the system.

•

Off

— Enhanced SpeedStep Technology is disabled.

— Enhanced SpeedStep Technology is enabled.

•

Specifies whether a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel Virtualization Technology.

•

Off

— Virtualization Technology is disabled.

— Virtualization Technology is enabled.

•

Limits the maximum value the processor Standard CPUID Function will support.

•

Off

— The CPUID Function will not be limited to 3.

•

— The CPUID Function will be limited to 3.

NOTE: Some operating systems will not complete installation

when the maximum CPUID Function supported is greater than 3.

86 System Setup

HDD Acoustic Mode

(

Bypass

default)

Security

Admin Password

(

Not Set

default)

System Password

(

Not Set

default)

Drives 0 through 5 Password

(

Not Set

default)

Password Changes

(

Unlocked

default)

Specifies the performance and acoustic noise levels at which the hard drive operates.

•

Bypass

— Do nothing (needed for older drives).

•

Quiet

— The hard drive operates at its most quiet setting.

Suggested

• mode.

•

Performance —

speed.

— Allow the hard drive manufacturer to select the

The hard drive operates at its maximum

NOTE: Switching to performance mode may cause an increase in

noise produced by the drive, but does not affect the drive’s performance.

NOTE: Changing the acoustics setting does not alter your hard

drive image.

Used to prohibit an unauthorized user from changing any configuration settings in System Setup.

Used to prohibit an unauthorized user from booting to the operating system.

Used to prohibit an unauthorized user from accessing the hard drive.

Controls the interaction between the system password and the administrator password.

•

Unlocked

without having knowledge of the administrator password.

Locked

• modify or delete the system password.

— The system password may be modified or deleted

— A valid administrator password is required to

NOTE: If the system password field is locked, password security

cannot be disabled by pressing <Ctrl><Enter> when the computer starts.

System Setup 87

Chassis Intrusion

(

On-Silent

default)

TPM Security

(

Off

TPM Activation

(

Deactivate

default)

Execute Disable

(On default)

default)

Enables or disables the chassis intrusion feature.

•

Off

— The intrusion detection feature is disabled.

•

— The intrusion detection feature is enabled and reports

intrusions during POST.

On-Silent

• does not display any detected intrusions during POST.

Enables or disables the TPM security device.

•

Off

•

— The intrusion detection feature is enabled, but

— The TPM security device is disabled.

— The TPM security device is enabled.

NOTE: When TPM Security is set to On, the operating system

recognizes TPM, but TPM is not activated/enabled.

Enables or disables the TPM security device.

•

Activate

•

Deactivate

Clear

•

— Enables and activates TPM security.

— Deactivates and disables TPM security.

— Clears TPM security ownership data.

NOTE: The TPM Activation menu appears only if TPM Security is

set to On.

Enables or disables Execute Disable Memory Protection technology.

•

Off — Execute Disable Memory Protection technology

disabled.

On —

•

Execute Disable Memory Protection technology

enabled.

88 System Setup

Computrace

(

Deactivate

default)

Power Management

AC Recovery

(

Off

default)

Auto Power On

(

Off

default)

Activates or disables the BIOS module interface of the optional Computrace

Service from Absolute® Software.

The Computrace agent from Absolute Software is a service solution designed to help track assets and provide recovery services in the event the computer is lost or stolen. The Computrace agent communicates with the Absolute Software Monitoring Server at programmed intervals to provide the tracking service.

•

Disable

— Permanently block the Computrace module

interface.

Deactivate

•

Activate

— Block the Computrace module interface.

— Permit the Computrace module interface.

NOTE: The Computrace service is available for purchase as an

option. By activating the service, you consent to the transmission of information from and to your computer and the Absolute Software Monitoring Server.

NOTE: Selecting the Activate or Disable option permanently

Activates or Disables the feature and no further changes to this setting are allowed.

Specifies how the computer will behave when AC power is restored after an AC power loss.

•

Off

— The computer stays off after AC power is restored.

— The computer powers on after AC power is restored.

•

Last

— The computer returns to the previous state after AC

• power is restored.

Specifies when to use the Auto Power Time setting to turn the computer on.

•

Off

— Do not use the

Everyday

•

— Turn the computer on every day at the time set in

Auto Power Time

•

Weekdays

— Turn the computer on Monday through Friday at

the time set in

Auto Power Time

NOTE: This feature does not work if you turn off your computer

using a power strip or surge protector.

System Setup 89

Auto Power Time Specifies the time to automatically turn on the computer.

Set the time to automatically turn on the computer by pressing the up- or down-arrow key to increase or decrease the numbers, or type the numbers in the appropriate time field.

NOTE: This feature does not work if you turn off your computer

using a power strip or surge protector.

Low Power Mode

(

Off

default)

Specifies how aggressive the system is at conserving power while in Hibernate mode or when turned off.

•

Off

— Add more functionality.

•

— Conserve more power.

NOTE: Setting this option to On disables the integrated NIC when

the computer is in Hibernate mode or turned off. Only an add-in NIC can be used to remotely wake the system.

Remote Wake Up

(

Off

default)

Specifies whether the computer can be turned on when a NIC receives a wake up signal.

•

Off

— The NIC cannot wake up the system.

— The NIC can wake up the system

•

On w/Boot to NIC

the system will boot from the network.

— The NIC can wake up the system, and

NOTE: The system can be powered on remotely from Suspend

mode, Hibernate mode, or when turned off.

NOTE: When Low Power Mode is set to On, the system can only

be powered up from Suspend mode. If Remote Wake Up from Hibernate or Off is required, Low Power Mode must be set to Off.

Suspend Mode

(S3 default)

Specifies the power management suspend mode.

•S1 — The computer resumes more quickly from sleep mode.

•

— The computer conserves more power when not in use

(system memory remains active).

90 System Setup

Maintenance

Service Tag Displays the computer service tag.

ASF Mode

(

Off

default)

SERR Message

(On default)

Enables or disables the ASF management mechanism.

•

Off

— All ASF functionality is disabled.

— Full ASF 2.0 functionality (RMCP) is enabled.

•

Alert Only

Enables or disables the SERR message mechanism.

•

Off

•

— Send ASF messages on event or error.

— The SERR Message Mechanism is disabled.

— The SERR Message Mechanism is enabled.

NOTE: Some graphic cards require that the SERR message

mechanism be disabled.

Load Defaults Restores the computer’s factory-installed default settings.

•

Cancel

— Do not restore factory-installed default settings.

Continue

•

Event Log Displays the system event log.

•

Mark all entrie

Clear log

•

— Restore factory-installed default settings.

s — Mark all event log entries as read (R).

— Clear all event log entries.

NOTE: Once an event log entry is marked as read (R) that entry

cannot be marked as unread (U).

POST Behavior

Fastboot

(On default)

Numlock Key

(On default)

Enables or disables the option to speed up the boot process by skipping some compatibility tests.

•

Off

— Do not skip any steps in the boot process.

•

— Boot quickly.

Enables or disables the numerical and mathematical features of the rightmost bank of keys on the keyboard.

•

Off

— Right keypad keys function as arrows.

— Right keypad keys function as numbers.

•

System Setup 91

POST Hotkeys

(

Setup & Boot

default)

Keyboard Errors

(

Report

default)

Specifies the function keys to display on the screen when the computer starts.

•

Setup & Boot Menu

and F12=Boot Menu

Setup

•

— Display the setup message only (

Boot Menu

— Display the

Boot Menu

None

— Neither message is displayed.

•

Enables or disables keyboard error reporting when the computer starts.

•

Report

— Display any keyboard errors.

•

Do not report

— Display both messages (

F2=Setup

Quickboot

— Do not display any keyboard errors.

message only (

Boot Sequence

The boot sequence specifies the sequence of devices from which the computer attempts to boot when trying to find an operating system.

NOTE: An error message is generated only after the computer attempts to boot

from every device in the boot sequence and no operating system is found.

The following options are available under the Boot Sequence menu in System Setup (see "System Setup Options" on page 82):

•

Onboard or USB Floppy Drive —

the floppy drive. If the floppy disk in the drive is not bootable, if no floppy disk is in the drive, or if there is no floppy drive installed in the computer, the computer attempts to boot from the next bootable device in the boot sequence.

•

Onboard SATA Hard Drive

primary hard drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer attempts to boot from the next bootable device in the boot sequence.

•

Onboard or USB CD-ROM Drive

from the CD drive. If no CD is in the drive, or if the CD has no operating system, the computer attempts to boot from the next bootable device in the boot sequence.

The computer attempts to boot from

— The computer attempts to boot from the

— The computer attempts to boot

F12=

92 System Setup

•

Onboard Network Controller

— The computer attempts to boot from the network. If no network is detected or there is no computer on the network to which to boot, the computer attempts to boot from the next bootable device in the boot sequence.

•

USB Flash Device —

The USB Flash Device option appears only if a

bootable USB device is connected to a USB port.

NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure

that your device is bootable, check the device documentation.

Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot

You can change the boot device for the current boot, for example, to tell the computer to boot from the optical drive in order to run the Dell Diagnostics on the Drivers and Utilities disc, and then boot from the hard drive when the diagnostic tests are complete. You can also boot your computer to a USB device such as a floppy drive, memory key, or hard drive.

NOTE: If you are booting to a USB floppy drive, you must first set the floppy drive to

OFF in System Setup (see "System Setup" on page 81).

If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector (see "Back View (Tower Orientation)" on page 24 or "Back View (Desktop Orientation)" on page 28).

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

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

NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down

for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in even intervals until the Boot Device Menu appears.

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

At the

Boot Device Menu

, use the up- and down-arrow keys or press the appropriate number on the keyboard to highlight the device that is to be used for the current boot only, and then press <Enter>.

For example, if you are booting to a USB memory key, highlight

and press <Enter>.

Device

System Setup 93

USB Flash

NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure that

your device is bootable, check the device documentation.

Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots

Enter System Setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 81).

Use the arrow keys to highlight the <Enter> to access the menu.

NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it

later.

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to move through the list of devices.

Press the spacebar to enable or disable a device.

Press plus (+) or minus (–) to move a selected device up or down the list.

Boot Sequence

menu option and press

94 System Setup

Clearing Passwords and CMOS Settings

Clearing Passwords

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

safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 143.

Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 145).

Locate the 4-pin password connector (RTCRST_PSWD) on the system board.

Remove the 2-pin jumper plug from pins 3 and 4 and set the jumper plug aside.

Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 262).

Clearing Passwords and CMOS Settings 95

Connect your keyboard and mouse, then connect your computer and monitor to electrical outlets and turn them on.

After the Microsoft Windows desktop appears on your computer, turn the computer off.

NOTE: Ensure that the computer is off and not in a power management mode.

If you cannot shut down the computer using the operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.

Disconnect the keyboard and mouse, then disconnect the computer and monitor from their electrical outlets.

Press the power button on the computer to ground the system board.

Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 145).

Replace the 2-pin jumper plug onto pins 3 and 4 of the password connector (RTCRST_PSWD) on the system board.

NOTE: The password jumper plug must be reinstalled on the password

jumper pins in order to enable the password feature.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack

and then plug it into the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

NOTE: In System Setup (s

administrator password options appear as Not Set. The password feature is enabled, but a password is not assigned.

"System Setup" on page 81), both system and

Clearing CMOS Settings

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

safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 143.

NOTE: The computer must be disconnected from the electrical outlet to clear

the CMOS setting.

Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 145).

96 Clearing Passwords and CMOS Settings

Locate the 4-pin CMOS jumper (RTCRST_PSWD) on the system board (see "System Board Components" on page 148).

Move the 2-pin jumper plug from pins 3 and 4 to pins 1 and 2.

Wait five seconds for the CMOS to clear.

Move the 2-pin jumper plug back to pins 3 and 4.

Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 262).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or

device and then plug it into the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

Flashing the BIOS

The BIOS may require flashing when an update is available or when replacing the system board.

Turn on the computer.

Locate the BIOS update file for your computer at the Dell Support website at

Click

If the

this Agreement

The

support.dell.com

Download Now

Export Compliance Disclaimer

File Download

to download the file.

window appears.

window appears, click

Yes, I Accept

Click

Save this program to disk

Save As

The

Click the down arrow to view the

Save

click

The file downloads to your desktop.

Click

The file icon appears on your desktop and is titled the same as the downloaded BIOS update file.

Double-click the file icon on the desktop and follow the on-screen instructions.

window appears.

when the

Download Complete

, and then click OK.

Save As

Clearing Passwords and CMOS Settings 97

menu, select

window appears.

Desktop

, and then

98 Clearing Passwords and CMOS Settings

Troubleshooting Tools

Power Lights

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

The power button light located on the front of the computer illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:

• If the power light is green and the computer is not responding, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 100.

• If the power light is blinking green, the computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.

• If the power light is off, the computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.

– Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of

the computer and the electrical outlet.

– If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power

strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned on.

– Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension

cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.

– Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another

device, such as a lamp.

– Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely

connected to the system board (see "System Board Components" on page 148).

• If the power light is blinking amber, the computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.

– Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power

at your location, if applicable.

Troubleshooting Tools 99

– Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the

system board (see "System Board Components" on page 148).

• If the power light is steady amber, a device may be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.

– Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory" on

page 157).

– Remove and then reinstall any cards (see "Cards" on page 162).

• Eliminate interference. Some possible causes of interference are:

– Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables

– Too many devices on a power strip

– Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet

Diagnostic Lights

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

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

To help troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the front panel (see "Front View (Tower Orientation)" on page 21 or "Front View (Desktop Orientation)" on page 25). When the computer starts normally, the lights flash, and then turn off. If the computer malfunctions, use the sequence of the lights to help identify the problem.

NOTE: After the computer completes POST, all four lights turn off before booting to

the operating system.

Diagnostic Light Codes During POST

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

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

100 Troubleshooting Tools

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

Dell NT499 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

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

Specifications

Advanced Features

LegacySelect Technology Control

Manageability

Dell OpenManage™ IT Assistant

Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation

Power Management

About RAID Configurations

Using RAID with Hard Drive Passwords

RAID Level 0

RAID Level 1

RAID Level 5

RAID Level 10 (1+0)

Configuring Your Computer for RAID

Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode

Configuring Your Computer for RAID Using the Intel® RAID Option ROM Utility

Configuring Your Computer for RAID Using the Intel Matrix Storage Manager

Migrating to a RAID Level 0 Configuration

Migrating to a RAID Level 1 Configuration

Migrating to a RAID Level 5 Configuration

Migrating to a RAID Level 10 Configuration

Creating a Spare Hard Drive

Rebuilding a Degraded RAID Level 1 Configuration

Setting Up Your Computer

Changing Between Tower and Desktop Orientations

Switching From Tower to Desktop Orientation

Switching From Desktop to Tower Orientation

Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Microsoft® Windows® XP

Microsoft Windows Vista™

Power Protection Devices

Surge Protectors

Line Conditioners

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

Securing Your Computer

Chassis Intrusion Detection

Security Cable Lock

Smart Cards and Fingerprint Readers

Passwords

About Passwords

Using a Primary (System) Password

Using an Administrator Password

Using a Hard Drive Password

Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

Turning On and Activating TPM

Security Management Software

Computer Tracking Software

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen

Cleaning Your Computer

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor

Mouse (Non-Optical)

Floppy Drive

CDs and DVDs

System Setup

Entering System Setup

System Setup Screens

System Setup Options

Boot Sequence

Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot

Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots

Clearing Passwords and CMOS Settings

Clearing Passwords

Clearing CMOS Settings

Flashing the BIOS

Troubleshooting Tools

Power Lights

Diagnostic Lights