Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, OptiPlex, and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.
Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or 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
• My computer documentation
• My device documentation
• Desktop System Software (DSS)
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
computer. You can use the CD to run the
access your documentation. (see "Dell Diagnostics" on
page 28).
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship
with your computer.
Dell™ Product Information Guide
Dell Diagnostics
Readme files may be included on
your CD to provide last-minute
updates about technical changes
to your computer or advanced
technical-reference material for
technicians or experienced users.
or
NOTE: Drivers and documentation
updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
• How to remove and replace parts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
User’s Guide
®
Microsoft
1
Click the Start button, then click Help and Support.
2
Click Dell User and System Guides, then click System Guides.
3
Click Dell Optiplex User's Guide.
The User’s Guide is also available on the optional Drivers and
Utilities
Windows® XP Help and Support Center
CD (
Resource
CD)
.
Quick Reference Guide5
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips,
articles from technicians, online courses, and
frequently asked questions
• Community — Online discussion with other
Dell customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for
components, such as memory, the hard drive, and
the operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information, service
call and order status, warranty, and repair
information
• Service and support — Service call status and
support history, service contract, and online
discussions with technical support
• Reference — Computer documentation, details
on my computer configuration, product
specifications, and white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and
software updates
• Desktop System Software (DSS) — If you
reinstall the operating system for your computer,
you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS
provides critical updates for your operating
system and support for Dell 3.5-inch USB floppy
drives, Intel
drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for
correct operation of your Dell computer. The
software automatically detects your computer
and operating system and installs the updates
appropriate for your configuration.
®
Pentium®M processors, optical
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License
These labels are located on your computer.
• Use the Service Tag to
identify your computer
when you use
support.dell.com
technical support.
• Enter the Express Service
Code to direct your call
when contacting technical support.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site.
NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers can
also use the customized Dell Premier Support website at
premier.support.dell.com. The website may not be available in
all regions.
or contact
6Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• How to use Windows XP
• Documentation for my computer
• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)
Windows Help and Support Center
1
Click the
2
Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click
the arrow icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
• How to reinstall my operating system
Operating System CD
The operating system is already installed on your computer.
To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System
CD (see "Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP" on page 37 for
instructions).
NOTE: The Operating System CD is optional and may not ship with
your computer.
Start
button and click
Help and Support
.
After you reinstall your operating
system, use the optional Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) to
reinstall drivers for the devices
that came with your computer.
Your operating system product key
label is located on your computer.
NOTE: The color of your CD varies
based on the operating system you
ordered.
Quick Reference Guide7
System Views
Mini Tower Computer — Front View
1234
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8Quick Reference Guide
1CD/DVD drive
2floppy drive
3hard-drive activity light
4USB 2.0 connectors (2)Use the USB connectors on the front of the computer for devices that you
5diagnostic lights
6power button
7power lightThe power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different
8headphone connectorUse the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
Insert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive.
Insert a floppy disk into this drive.
This light flickers when the hard drive is in use.
connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices.
It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back of the computer
for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic
code (for more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 32).
Press this button to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the
power button for 6 seconds or longer. 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.
operating states:
• No light — The computer is turned off.
• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.
• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.
• Blinking or solid amber — The computer is receiving electrical power, but an
internal power problem might exist. See "Power Problems" in your online
User’s Guide.
To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or
the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager.
For more information about sleep modes and exiting from a power-saving mode,
see your online User’s Guide.
For a description of light codes that can help you troubleshoot problems with your
computer, see "System Lights" on page 31.
Quick Reference Guide9
Mini Tower Computer — Back View
1
2
3
4
5
1
cover release latchThis latch allows you to open the computer cover.
2
padlock ringInsert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
3voltage selection
switch
10Quick Reference Guide
6
Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.
To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the
switch to the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your
location.
NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage-selection switch must be set to 115-V.
Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate
with the AC power available in your location.
4power connectorInsert the power cable into this connector.
5back-panel connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector.
6card slotsAccess connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
Mini Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors
13
10
1
parallel connectorConnect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a
USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.
9
24
8
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 your online User’s Guide.
link integrity light• Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer.
2
• Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the
computer.
• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
3
network adapter
connector
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
the back panel of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been
securely attached.
NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
On computers with a network adapter card, use the connector on the card.
It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network.
If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure
reliable operation.
4
network activity lightThis light flashes yellow 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.
5
6
7
Quick Reference Guide11
5
line-in connectorUse the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette
player, CD player, or VCR.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
6
line-out connectorUse 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.
7
microphone connectorUse the pink microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for
voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.
8
USB 2.0 connectors (4)Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as
printers and keyboards.
9
video connectorPlug the cable from yourVGA-compatiblemonitor into the blue connector.
NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be covered by
a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics card. Do not remove
the cap.
NOTE: If you are using a graphics card that supports dual monitors, use the y-cable
that came with your computer.
serial connectorConnect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. The default
10
designation is COM1 for serial connector 1.
For more information, see your online
User’s Guide
.
Desktop Computer — Front View
9
12Quick Reference Guide
1
4
3
2
1
2
78
3
5
46
1USB 2.0 connectors (2)Use the USB connectors on the front of the computer for devices that you
connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices
(see your online User’s Guide for more information about booting to a USB device).
It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back panel for
devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
2hard-drive activity lightThis light flickers when the hard drive is being accessed.
3power buttonPress this button to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the
power button for 6 seconds or longer. 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.
4Dell badgeThis badge can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer. To rotate
the badge, place your fingers around the outside of the badge, press firmly, and
turn the badge. You can also rotate the badge using the slot provided near the
bottom of the badge.
5power lightThe power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different
operating states:
• No light — The computer is turned off.
• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.
• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.
• Blinking or solid amber — The computer is receiving electrical power, but an
internal power problem might exist. See "Power Problems" in your online
User’s Guide.
To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or
the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager.
For a description of light codes that can help you troubleshoot problems with
your computer see "System Lights" on page 31.
6diagnostic lightsUse the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the
diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 32.
7headphone connectorUse the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
8floppy driveInsert a floppy disk into this drive.
9CD/DVD driveInsert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive.
Quick Reference Guide13
Desktop Computer — Back View
1
1card slotsAccess connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express Cards.
2back-panel connectorsPlug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector.
3power connectorInsert the power cable into this connector.
4voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.
5padlock ringInsert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
6cover release latchUse this latch to open the computer cover.
2346
To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the
switch to the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your
location.
NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage-selection switch must be set to 115-V.
Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to
operate with the AC power available in your location.
5
Desktop Computer — Back-Panel Connectors
13
1098
14Quick Reference Guide
24
5
6
7
1
parallel connectorConnect 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 your online User’s Guide.
link integrity light• Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the
2
computer.
• Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the
computer.
• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
3
network adapter
connector
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
the back panel of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been
securely attached.
NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
On computers with a network adapter card, use the connector on the card.
It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network.
If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure
reliable operation.
4
network activity lightThis light flashes yellow 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.
5
line-in connectorUse the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette
player, CD player, or VCR.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
6
line-out connectorUse 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.
7
microphone connectorUse the pink microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for
voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.
Quick Reference Guide15
USB 2.0 connectors (4)Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as
8
printers and keyboards.
9
video connectorPlug the cable from yourVGA-compatiblemonitor into the blue connector.
NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be covered by
a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics card. Do not remove
the cap.
NOTE: If you are using a graphics card that supports dual monitors, use the y-cable
that came with your computer.
10
serial connectorConnect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. The default
designation is COM1 for serial connector 1.
For more information, see your online
User’s Guide
.
Removing the Computer Cover
Before You Begin
This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless
otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:
•You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 16 and "Before Working Inside
Your Computer" on page 16.
•You have read the safety information in your Dell™
Turning Off Your Computer
Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off
your computer.
1
Shut down the operating system:
a
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the
Turn Off Computer
b
In the
Turn off computer
.
window, click
Tur n o f f
.
Start
button, and then click
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
2
Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached
devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, turn them off now.
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure
your own personal safety.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
16Quick Reference Guide
CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a
card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.
NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing
that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself.
Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking
tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any
connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.
Turn off your computer.
1
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the
network wall jack.
2
Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
3
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the
power button to ground the system board.
4
Remove the cable cover, if it is attached.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.
5
Remove the computer cover:
•Remove the Mini Computer cover (see "Mini Tower Computer" on page 17).
•Remove the Desktop Computer cover (see "Desktop Computer" on page 23).
NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface,
such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to
dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.
Mini Tower Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the computer cover.
1
Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 16.
2
Lay the computer on its side.
3
Slide the cover release latch back as you lift the cover.
4
Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.
5
Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a soft nonabrasive surface.
The real-time clock is being reset
(jumpered temporarily).
jumpered unjumpered
Quick Reference Guide25
Setting Up Your Computer
CAUTION: Before performing any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in
Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: If your computer has an expansion card installed (such as a modem card), connect the appropriate cable
to the card, not to the connector on the back panel.
NOTICE: To help allow the computer to maintain proper operating temperature, ensure that you do not place the
computer too close to a wall or other storage compartment that might prevent air circulation around the chassis.
NOTE: Before you install any devices or software that did not ship with your computer, read the documentation that
came with the device or software, or contact the vendor to verify that the device or software is compatible with
your computer and operating system.
NOTE: Your computer may vary slightly from the following illustrations.
You must complete all the steps to properly set up your computer. See the appropriate figures that follow
the instructions.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to operate a PS/2 mouse and a USB mouse simultaneously.
1
Connect the keyboard and mouse.
NOTICE: Do not connect a modem cable to the network adapter connector. Voltage from telephone
communications can cause damage to the network adapter
2
Connect the modem or network cable.
Insert the network cable, not the telephone line, into the network connector. If you have an optional
modem, connect the telephone line to the modem.
3
Connect the monitor.
Align and gently insert the monitor cable to avoid bending connector pins. Tighten the thumbscrews
on the cable connectors.
NOTE: Some monitors have the video connector underneath the back of the screen. See the documentation
that came with your monitor for its connector locations.
4
Connect the speakers.
5
Connect power cables to the computer, monitor, and devices and connect the other ends of the power
cables to electrical outlets.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the switch to the voltage that
most closely matches the AC power available in your location.
NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to 115-V.
6
Verify that the voltage selection switch is set correctly for your location.
Your computer has a manual voltage-selection switch. Computers with a voltage selection switch on
the back panel must be manually set to operate at the correct operating voltage.
26Quick Reference Guide
Set Up Your Keyboard and Mouse
Set Up Your Monitor
Quick Reference Guide27
Power Connections
Solving Problems
Dell provides a number of tools to help you if your computer does not perform as expected. For the latest
troubleshooting information available for your computer, see the Dell Support website at
support.dell.com.
If computer problems occur that require help from Dell, write a detailed description of the error, beep
codes, or diagnostics light patterns, record your Express Service Code and Service Tag below, and then
contact Dell from the same location as your computer. For information on contacting Dell, see your
online User’s Guide.
For an example of the Express Service Code and Service Tag, see "Finding Information" on page 5.
Express Service Code:___________________________
Service Tag:___________________________
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" of your online
User’s Guide and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. For
information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
28Quick Reference Guide
Enter system setup (see "System Setup" in your online User’s Guide for instructions), review your
computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in system
setup and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional Drivers and Utilities CD
(also known as the ResourceCD).
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
1
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD (optional) (see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard
Drive" on page 29).
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft
3
When the boot device list appears, highlight
4
When the Dell Diagnostics
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD
1
Insert the
2
Shut down and restart the computer.
®
Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
Main Menu
Drivers and Utilities
Boot to Utility Partition
appears, select the test you want to run.
CD.
and press <Enter>.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
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.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots
according to the devices specified in system setup.
3
When the boot device list appears, highlight the listing for the CD/DVD drive and press <Enter>.
4
Select the listing for the CD/DVD drive option from the CD boot menu.
5
Select the option to boot from the CD/DVD drive from the menu that appears.
6
Ty p e 1 to start the
7
Ty p e 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.
8
Select
Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics
Drivers and Utilities
CD menu.
from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select
the version appropriate for your computer.
9
When the Dell Diagnostics
Main Menu
appears, select the test you want to run.
Quick Reference Guide29
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the
Main Menu
screen appears, click the button for the option
you want.
OptionFunction
Express TestPerforms a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and
requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the
possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
Extended TestPerforms a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more and
requires you to answer questions periodically.
Custom TestTests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.
Symptom TreeLists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test
based on the symptom of the problem you are having.
2
If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the
problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell. For information on contacting Dell, see your
online
User’s Guide
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,
technical support will ask for your Service Tag.
3
If you run a test from the
.
Custom Test
or
Symptom Tree
option, click the applicable tab described in
the following table for more information.
TabFunction
ResultsDisplays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
ErrorsDisplays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.
HelpDescribes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.
ConfigurationDisplays your hardware configuration for the selected device.
ParametersYou can customize the test by changing the test settings.
4
When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the
CD (optional), remove the CD.
5
Close the test screen to return to the
computer, close the
30Quick Reference Guide
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system
setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device
list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all
the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.
Drivers and Utilities
Main Menu
Main Menu
screen.
screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the
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