Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and OptiPlex are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel is registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Vist a are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.
Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
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
• My computer documentation
• My device documentation
• Desktop System Software (DSS)
• How to remove and replace parts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD)
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional
and may not ship with your computer.
Documentation and drivers are already installed on
your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall
drivers (see "Using the Drivers and Utilities CD" on
page 34), run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell
Diagnostics" on page 21), or access your
documentation.
Readme files may
be included on your
CD to provide lastminute updates
about technical
changes to your
computer or
advanced technical
reference material
for technicians or
experienced users.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be
found at support.dell.com.
Dell™ OptiPlex™ User’s Guide
Microsoft Windows XP Help and Support Center
1
Click
Start→
Help and Support→ Dell User and
→
System Guides
2
Click the
The User’s Guide is also available on the optional
Drivers and Utilities CD.
User’s Guide
System Guides
for your computer.
.
Quick Reference Guide5
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Warranty information
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
• How to reinstall my operating system
• How to use Windows XP
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Operating System CD
NOTE: The Operating System CD 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 CD (see "Reinstalling
Microsoft Windows XP" on page 30).
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. For more
information, see
"Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD)" on page 5.
Your operating system product key label is located
on your computer (see "Service Tag and Microsoft
Windows
®
Product Key" on page 7).
®
NOTE: The color of your Operating System CD varies
according to the operating system you ordered.
Windows Help and Support Center
1
Click
Start→
Help and Support
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.
.
6Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows Product Key Label
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.co
or contact
m
support.
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call
when contacting support.
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles
from technicians, online courses, and frequently asked
questions
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region or business segment to
view the appropriate support site.
• 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
• 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 on 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 Dell™
3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel
®
processors, optical
drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct
operation of your Dell computer.
To download Desktop System Software:
1
Go to
support.dell.com
business segment, then enter your Service Tag.
2
Select
3
Click your operating system, and then search for
the keyword
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary
depending on your selections.
, select your region or
Drivers & Downloads
Desktop System Software
, then click Go.
.
Quick Reference Guide7
System Views
Mini Tower Computer — Front View
1
2
3
11
10
9
4
5
6
7
8
8Quick Reference Guide
15.25-inch drive bayCan contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.
25.25-inch drive bayCan contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.
33.5-inch drive bayCan contain an optional floppy drive or optional media card reader.
4USB 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 your online User’s Guide
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.
5LAN indicator lightThis light indicates that a LAN (local area network) connection is established.
6diagnostic lightsUse the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the
diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 25.
7power 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 "Before
You Begin" on page 13 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.
8power 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
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.
See "System Lights" on page 24 for a description of light codes that can help you
troubleshoot problems with your computer.
9hard-drive activity lightThis light flickers when the hard drive is being accessed.
10headphone connectorUse the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
11microphone connectorUse the microphone connector to attach a microphone.
your online User’s Guide
.
Quick Reference Guide9
Mini Tower Computer — Back View
1
2
3
4
5
10Quick Reference Guide
6
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: 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 "Mini
Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors" on page 11).
6card slotsAccess connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
Mini Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors
13
987
24
5
6
Quick Reference Guide11
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.
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.
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 most speakers with integrated
amplifiers.
6line-in/microphone
connector
7USB 2.0 connectors (6)Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as
8video connectorPlug the cable from your VGA-compatible monitor into the blue connector.
Use the blue and pink line-in/microphone connector to attach a record/playback
device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.; or a personal computer
microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
printers and keyboards.
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.
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 your online User’s Guide.
12Quick Reference Guide
Removing the Computer Cover
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.
Before You Begin
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 ff
.
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.
Start
button, and then click
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.
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.
Quick Reference Guide13
3
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the
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. See "Mini Tower Computer" on page 14.
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 13.
2
Lay the computer on its side as shown in the illustration.
3
Locate the cover release latch shown in the illustration. Then, slide the 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.
CAUTION: Graphic card heatsinks may become very hot during normal operation. Ensure that a graphic card
heatsink has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
14Quick Reference Guide
1
2
3
1security cable slot2cover release latch3padlock ring
NOTE: Do not populate the MFG_MODE jumper. Active Management technology will not function properly. Only
manufacturing uses this jumper.
JumperSettingDescription
PSWDPassword features are enabled
(default setting).
Password features are
disabled.
RTCRSTThe real-time clock has
not been reset.
jumpered unjumpered
The real-time clock is being reset
(jumpered temporarily).
18Quick Reference Guide
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.
See your Product Information Guide for more information.
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.
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 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.
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.
Quick Reference Guide19
Set Up Your Keyboard and Mouse
Set Up Your Monitor
20Quick Reference Guide
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" in your computer
User’s Guide.
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" in 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.
Quick Reference Guide21
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
(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 the optional Drivers and Utilities CD (see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and
Utilities CD" on page 22).
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.
When the boot device list appears, highlight
3
When the Dell Diagnostics
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD
1
Insert the
2
Shut down and restart the computer.
Drivers and Utilities
Main Menu
CD.
Boot to Utility Partition
appears, select the test you want to run.
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.
22Quick Reference Guide
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.
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.
ParametersYou can customize the test by changing the test settings.
Quick Reference Guide23
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
Main Menu
Main Menu
screen.
screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the
System Lights
Your power light may indicate a computer problem.
Power LightProblem DescriptionSuggested Resolution
Solid greenPower is on, and the computer is
operating normally.
Blinking greenThe computer is in a power-saving
mode.
Blinks green several
times and then
turns off
Solid yellowA device on the system board may be
Blinking yellowA power supply or system board
Solid green and a
beep code during
POST
Solid green power
light, no beep code
and no video during
POST
Solid green power
light and no beep
code, but the
computer locks up
during POST
A configuration error exists.Check Diagnostic Lights to see if the specific problem
faulty or incorrectly installed or the
voltage selection switch on the power
supply may be set incorrectly.
failure has occurred.
A problem was detected while the
BIOS was executing.
The monitor or the graphics card may
be faulty or incorrectly installed.
An integrated system board device
may be faulty.
No corrective action is required.
Press the power button, move the mouse, or press a
key on the keyboard to wake the computer.
is identified (see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 25).
Check Diagnostic Lights to see if the specific problem
is identified (see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 25).
See "Power Problems" in your online User’s Guide.
If the computer does not boot, contact Dell for
technical assistance.
Dell, see your online
Check Diagnostic Lights to see if the specific problem
is identified (see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 25).
See "Power Problems" in your online User’s Guide.
If the computer does not boot, contact Dell for
technical assistance.
Dell, see your online
For instructions on diagnosing the beep code see
"Beep Codes" on page 27. Also, check Diagnostic
Lights to see if the specific problem is identified.
Check Diagnostic Lights to see if the specific problem
is identified.
Check Diagnostic Lights to see if the specific problem
is identified. If the problem is not identified, contact
Dell for technical assistance.
contacting Dell, see your online
Drivers and Utilities
For information on contacting
User’s Guide
For information on contacting
User’s Guide
.
.
For information on
User’s Guide
.
24Quick Reference Guide
Diagnostic Lights
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "1," "2," "3," and "4" on the
front or back panel. The lights can be "off" or green. When the computer starts normally, the patterns or
codes on the lights change as the boot process completes. If the POST portion of system boot completes
successfully, all four lights display solid green for a short time, and then turn off.
If the computer malfunctions during the POST process, the pattern displayed on the LEDs may help
identify where in the process the computer halted. If the computer malfunctions after a successful
POST, the diagnostic lights do not indicate the cause of the problem.
NOTE: The orientation of the diagnostic lights may vary depending on the system type. The diagnostic lights can be
The computer is in a normal "off" condition, or a
possible pre-BIOS failure has occurred.
The diagnostic lights are not lit after the computer
successfully boots to the operating system.
A possible BIOS failure has occurred; the
computer is in recovery mode.
A possible processor failure has occurred.Reinstall the processor and restart the
Memory modules are detected, but a memory
failure has occurred.
Plug the computer into a working
electrical outlet and press the power
button.
Run the BIOS Recovery utility, wait for
recovery completion, and then restart the
computer.
computer.
the processor, see your online
• If you have one memory module installed,
• If you have two or more memory modules
• If available, install properly working
• If the problem persists,
For information on reinstalling
User’s Guide
reinstall it and restart the computer. For
information on reinstalling memory
modules, see your online
installed, remove the modules, reinstall
one module, and then restart the computer.
If the computer starts normally, reinstall
an additional module. Continue until
you have identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.
memory of the same type into your
computer.
For information on contacting Dell, see
your online
A possible floppy or hard drive failure has
occurred.
A possible USB failure has occurred.Reinstall all USB devices, check cable
No memory modules are detected.
• If the computer has a graphics card,
remove the card, reinstall it, and then
restart the computer.
• If the problem still exists, install a
graphics card that you know works and
restart the computer.
• If the problem persists or the computer
has integrated graphics,
For information on contacting Dell, see
your online
Reseat all power and data cables and
restart the computer.
connections, and then restart the
computer.
• If you have one memory module
installed, reinstall it and restart the
computer. For information on
reinstalling memory modules, see your
online
• If you have two or more memory
modules installed, remove the modules,
reinstall one module, and then restart
the computer. If the computer starts
normally, reinstall an additional module.
Continue until you have identified a
faulty module or reinstalled all modules
without error.
• If available, install properly working
memory of the same type into your
computer.
• If the problem persists,
information on contacting Dell, see your
online
Memory modules are detected, but a memory
configuration or compatibility error exists.
A failure has occurred.
This pattern also displays when you enter system
setup and may not indicate a problem.
• Ensure that no
module/memory connector placement
requirements
• Verify that the
you are installing are compatible with
your computer.
• If the problem persists,
information on contacting Dell, see your
User’s Guide
online
• Ensure that the cables are properly
connected to the system board from the
hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive.
• Check the computer message that
appears on your monitor screen.
• If the problem persists,
information on contacting Dell, see your
User’s Guide
online
special memory
exist.
memory modules
contact Dell
.
contact Dell
.
that
. For
. For
Beep Codes
Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems.
This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. One possible beep code (code 1 3-1)
consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the
computer encountered a memory problem.
If your computer beeps during start-up:
1
Write down the beep code.
2
See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 21 to identify a more serious cause.
3
Contact Dell for technical assistance. For information on contacting Dell, see your online
4-2-3Gate A20 failure4-4-1Serial or parallel port test failure
4-2-4Unexpected interrupt in protected mode4-4-2Failure to decompress code to
4-3-1Memory failure above address 0FFFFh4-4-3Math-coprocessor test failure
4-3-3Timer-chip counter 2 failure4-4-4Cache test failure
4-3-4Time-of-day clock stopped
Memory not being properly
identified or used
3-4-2Screen retrace failure
shadowed memory
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly
configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.
1
Click the
2
Ty p e
3
Click
4
In the
click
Start
button and click
Help and Support
hardware troubleshooter
Hardware Troubleshooter
Hardware Troubleshooter
Next
.
in the
list, click
.
in the
Search
field and click the arrow to start the search.
Search Results
list.
I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer
, and
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore
The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your
computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software,
or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Windows Help
and Support Center for information on using System Restore. To access the Windows Help and Support
Center, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 6.
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.
Creating a Restore Point
1
Click the
2
Click
3
Follow the instructions on the screen.
28Quick Reference Guide
Start
button and click
System Restore
Help and Support
.
.
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any
open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.
1
Click the
2
Ensure that
3
Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.
The
Start
button, point to
Restore my computer to an earlier time
Select a Restore Point
All Programs→
Accessories→
is selected, and click
System Tools
, and then click
Next
.
System Restore
screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points.
All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.
4
Select a restore point and click
Next
.
If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or
more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.
5
Click
Next
.
The
Restoration Complete
screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the
computer restarts.
6
After the computer restarts, click OK.
To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can
undo the restoration.
Undoing the Last System Restore
NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not
alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.
1
Click the
2
Click
3
Click
The
Start
button, point to
Undo my last restoration
Next
.
System Restore
screen appears and the computer restarts.
All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools
and click
Next
.
, and then click
System Restore
.
.
4
After the computer restarts, click OK.
Enabling System Restore
If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is
automatically disabled. To verify that System Restore is enabled:
1
Click the
2
Click
3
Click
4
Click the
5
Ensure that
Start
button and click
Control Panel
Performance and Maintenance
System
.
System Restore
tab.
Turn off System Restore
.
.
is unchecked.
Quick Reference Guide29
Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP
Getting Started
NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view in Windows XP Home Edition, so
the steps will differ if you set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic view or are using Windows XP Professional.
If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly
installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback.
1
Click the
2
Under
3
Click
4
In the
5
Click
6
Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click
7
Click the
8
Click
If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your operating
system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver (see "Using Microsoft
Windows XP System Restore" on page 28).
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the
Drivers Utilities CD to load any required drivers, including the drivers required if your computer has a RAID controller.
Start
button and click
Pick a Category
System
.
System Properties
Device Manager
Drivers
tab.
Roll Back Driver
Control Pane
, click
Performance and Maintenance
window, click the
l.
Hardware
.
.
tab.
.
Properties
.
Reinstalling Windows XP
NOTICE: You must use Windows XP Service Pack 1 or later when you reinstall Windows XP.
NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For conventional
hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.
To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:
•Dell
•Dell
Operating System
CD
Drivers and Utilities
CD
To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.
The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you
must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files
and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell
technical support representative instructs you to do so.
NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your computer
before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.
30Quick Reference Guide
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