Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly
forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, OptiPlex, Inspiron, Dimension, Latitude, Dell Precision, DellNet, TravelLite, Dell OpenManage, PowerVault, Axim, PowerEdge, PowerConnect,
and PowerA pp are trademarks of Dell Inc.; AMD, AMD Athlon, AMD Phenom, and combinations
thereof, and Cool ’n’ Quiet are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc; Microsoft and Windows
are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; IBM is a registered trademark of International
Business Machines Corporation; Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used
by Dell Inc. under license. ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. As an ENERGY STAR partner, Dell Inc. has determined that this product meets
the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
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 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
1
• A diagnostic program for my computer
• Drivers for my computer
• My device documentation
• Desktop System Software (DSS)
Drivers and Utilities Media
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media 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 media to
reinstall drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on
page 302) or to run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell
Diagnostics" on page 327).
Readme files may be
included on your media to
provide last-minute
updates about technical
changes to your computer
or advanced technicalreference material for
technicians or experienced
users.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
Finding Information13
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• How to set up my computer
• Basic troubleshooting information
• How to run the Dell Diagnostics
• Error codes and diagnostic lights
• Tools and utilities
• Additional information about setting up my computer
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
• How to remove and install parts
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Quick Reference Guide
NOTE: This document may be optional and may not ship with
your computer.
NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at
support.dell.com.
Dell™ Product Information Guide
14Finding Information
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License
NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag and Microsoft
®
Windows
Your computer’s Service Tag contains both a Service Tag
number and an Express Service Code.
• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you
use
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when
contacting support.
Use the product key on the Microsoft Windows License
Label if you need to reinstall your operating system.
• Use the product key on the License Label if you need to
reinstall your operating system.
License labels are located on your computer.
support.dell.com
or contact 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.
Finding Information15
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 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, online discussions with
technical 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 provides critical updates
for your operating system and support for Dell™
3.5-inch USB floppy drives, AMD™ processors, optical
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.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region or business segment to view the
appropriate support site.
To download Desktop System Software:
1
Go to
support.dell.com
2
Click
Select Model
3
Select your product model and click
service tag and click
4
Click
System Utilities
5
Click
Desktop System Software
click
Download Now
6
Click
Run
to run the driver, or
and click
.
Go
.
.
.
Drivers and Downloads
Confirm
under
Save
to save the driver to
, or enter a
Dell - Utility
, and
your computer.
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary
depending on your selections.
NOTE: DSS may or may not be available for your computer
model.
.
COMMENT
• Software upgrades and troubleshooting hints —
Frequently asked questions, hot topics, and general
health of your computing environment
16Finding Information
Dell Support 3
Dell Support 3 is an automated upgrade and notification
system installed on your computer. This support provides
real-time health scans of your computing environment,
software updates, and relevant self-support information.
Access Dell Support 3 from the
icon in the taskbar.
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• How to find information about my computer and its
components
• How to connect to the Internet
• How to add user accounts for different people
• How to transfer files and settings from another
computer
COMMENT
• How to use Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Windows Welcome Center
The Windows Welcome Center automatically appears
when you use the computer for the first time. You can
choose to have it appear every time you start your
computer by placing a check in the Run at startup
checkbox. Another method of accessing the Welcome
Center is to click the Windows Vista Start button , and
then click Welcome Center.
Windows Help and Support
Microsoft Windows XP:
1
Click the
®
2
Either select one of the topics listed, or type a word or
phrase that describes your problem into the
Start
button and click
Help and Support
Search
click the arrow icon, and then click the topic that
describes your problem.
3
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Microsoft Windows Vista:
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click
Help and Support
2
In
Search Help
.
, type a word or phrase that describes your
problem, and then press <Enter> or click the magnifying
glass.
3
Click the topic that describes your problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
.
box,
• Remote help with troubleshooting my computer
DellConnect™ Service and Support
Dell associates can diagnose and repair your computer
remotely over a broadband connection. To learn more and
get started with DellConnect, go to support.dell.com and
click Revolutionary remote help—DellConnect.
Finding Information17
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• How to reinstall my operating system
Operating System Media
NOTE: The Operating System media may be optional and may
not ship with your computer.
The operating system is already installed on your computer.
To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System media. See "Reinstalling Microsoft
Vista® and Windows® XP" on page 307.
After you reinstall your
operating system, use the
optional Drivers and Utilities media to reinstall
drivers for the devices that
came with your computer.
Your operating system
product key label is located
on your computer.
®
Windows
NOTE: The color of your media varies based on the operating
system you ordered.
18Finding Information
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 19 and "Before Working
Inside Your Computer" on page 20.
2
•You have read the safety information in your Dell™
•A component can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Product Information Guide.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
•Small flat-blade screwdriver
•Phillips screwdriver
•Flash BIOS update program floppy disk, CD, USB key
Turning Off Your Computer
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, and exit any open programs.
b
Click the
c
In the
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
Start
button, and then click
Shut Down Windows
Shut Down
window, select
.
Shut down
, and then click OK.
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.
NOTICE: To turn off your computer without shutting down the operating system is not recommended,
because you may lose data. If, however, it is necessary to do so, it may be done by pressing down and
holding the power button for 6 seconds.
Before You Begin19
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
Information 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.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the
computer.
1
Turn off your computer.
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
.
Product
power button to ground the system board.
4
If applicable, remove the computer stand (for instructions, see the documentation that came with the
stand).
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 tower computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 39).
•Remove the desktop computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 177).
•Remove the small form factor computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on
page 203).
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.
20Before You Begin
Mini Tower Computer
About Your Mini Tower Computer
Front View
3
1
2
3
10
4
9
8
5
6
7
Mini Tower Computer21
1optical drive (optional)Insert media (if supported) into this drive.
2Flexbay driveCan contain an optional floppy drive or an optional media card reader.
3USB 2.0 connectors (2)Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as
joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see "System Setup" on page 257 for
more information on booting to a USB device).
It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically
remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
4LAN indicator lightThis light indicates that a local area network (LAN) connection is established.
5diagnostic lightsUse the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic
code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 330.
6power buttonPress this button to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the power
button. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. See "Turning Off Your
Computer" on page 19 for more information.
NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power
button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.
7power lightThe power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different operating
modes:
• 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 — See "Power Problems" on page 321.
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 "Power
Management" on page 267.
See "System Lights" on page 329 for a description of light codes that can help you
troubleshoot problems with your computer.
8hard-drive activity lightThis light flickers when the hard drive is being accessed.
9headphone connectorUse the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
10microphone connectorUse the microphone connector to attach a microphone.
22Mini Tower Computer
Back View
1
2
3
4
5
6
Mini Tower Computer23
1cover release latchThis latch allows you to open the computer cover.
2padlock ringInsert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
3voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.
To help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage selection switch, set the
switch for the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your
location.
NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to the 115-V position
.
even though the AC power available in Japan is 100 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.
5back-panel connectorsPlug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connectors. See "Back-Panel
Connectors" on page 25.
6card slotsAccess connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
24Mini Tower Computer
Back-Panel Connectors
1
9
1parallel connectorConnect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a
USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.
8
2
3
7
4
5
6
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 258.
2link integrity light
3network adapter
connector
• 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 1-Gbps (or 1000-Mbps) network
and the computer.
• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
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 connector 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.
4network activity lightFlashes a yellow light 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.
5line-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.
Mini Tower Computer25
6line-in connectorUse the 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.
7USB 2.0 connectors (5)Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as
printers and keyboards.
8video connectorPlug the cable from your VGA-compatible monitor into the blue connector.
NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be covered by
a cap. Do not remove the cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics
card.
NOTE: If you are using a graphics card that supports dual monitors, use the y-cable
that came with your computer.
9serial connectorConnect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. The default
designations are COM1 for serial connector 1 and COM2 for serial connector 2.
For more information, see "System Setup Options" on page 258.
Inside Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide
CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing
the computer cover.
.
NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do not accidentally disconnect cables