Reproduction of this material in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, OptiPlex are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Core, and Celeron are either trademarks or
registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries; Microsoft, Windows, Windows Server, MS - DOS and Windows Vista
are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their
products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
October 2012 Rev. A02
Working on Your Computer
Dell™ OptiPlex™ 780 Service Manual—Desktop
Before Working Inside Your ComputerRecommended ToolsTurning Off Your ComputerAfter Working Inside Your Computer
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help to ensure your
personal safety. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that the following conditions
exist:
You have performed the steps in Working on Your Computer.
You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
A component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed by performing the removal procedure in
reverse order.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your
computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage
at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the
online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is
not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by
periodically touching an unpainted metal surface, such as a connector on the back of the computer.
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.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself.
Some cables have connectors 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.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.
To avoid damaging your computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.
1. Ensure that your work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.
2. Turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug
the cable from the network device.
).
3. Disconnect all network cables from the computer.
5. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
6. Press and hold the power button while the system is unplugged to ground the system board.
7. Remove the cover
CAUTION: 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 static electricity, which could harm internal components.
.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
Small flat-blade screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Small plastic scribe
Flash BIOS update program CD (see the Dell Support website at support.dell.com)
Turning Off Your Computer
CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn
off your computer.
1. Shut down the operating system:
In Windows Vista®:
Click Start
click Shut Down.
In Windows® XP:
Click Start®Turn Off Computer®Turn Off.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.
2. Ensure that the computer and all attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not
automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for about 6
seconds to turn them off.
, then click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu as shown below, and then
After Working Inside Your Computer
After you complete any replacement procedure, ensure you connect any external devices, cards, and cables before turning
on your computer.
1. Replace the cover
CAUTION: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into
the computer.
.
2. Connect any telephone or network cables to your computer.
3. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
4. Turn on your computer.
5. Verify that the computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics
Back to Contents Page
.
Back to Contents Page
Removing and Replacing Parts
Dell™ OptiPlex™ 780 Service Manual—Small Form Factor
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics software works only on Dell computers.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your computer.
Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup
device you want to test displays in System Setup and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media.
), review your computer's configuration information, and ensure that the
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 media.
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.
3. When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.
4. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test that you want to run.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Disc
1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities disc.
2. Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the 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 startup, the computer boots
according to the devices specified in the system setup program.
3. When the boot device list appears, highlight Onboard or USB CD-ROM Drive and press <Enter>.
4. Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and press <Enter>.
5. Type 1 to start the menu and press <Enter> to proceed.
6. Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version
appropriate for your computer.
7. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
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
Test
Extended
Test
Custom
Test
Symptom
Tree
2. If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem.
3. If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the
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.
Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.
Performs 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.
Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer
questions periodically.
Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.
Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the
problem you are having.
Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.
following table for more information.
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.
ParametersAllows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.
4. When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities disc, remove
the disc.
5. Close the test screen to return to the MainMenu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer,
close the Main Menu screen.
Power Button Light Codes
The diagnostic lights give much more information about the system state, but legacy power light states are also
supported in your computer. The power light states are shown in following table.
Power
Light
State
Off
Blinking
Amber
Solid
Power is off, light is blank.
Initial state of light at power up.
Indicates system has power, but the POWER_GOOD signal is not yet active.
If the Hard Drive light is off, it is probable that the power supply needs to be replaced.
If the Hard Drive light on, it is probable that an onboard regulator or VRM has failed. Look at the
diagnostic lights for further information.
Description
Amber
Second state of the light at power up. Indicates the POWER_GOOD signal is active and it is probable that
the power supply is fine. Look at the diagnostic lights for further information.
Blinking
Green
Solid
Green
System is in a low power state, either S1 or S3. Look at the diagnostic lights to determine which state the
system is in.
System is in S0 state, the normal power state of a functioning machine.
The BIOS will turn the light to this state to indicate it has started fetching op-codes.
Beep Codes
If the monitor cannot display error messages during the POST, the computer may emit a series of beeps that identifies the
problem or that can help you identify a faulty component or assembly. The following table lists the beep codes that may
be generated during the POST. Most beep codes indicate a fatal error that prevents the computer from completing the
boot routine until the indicated condition is corrected.
CodeCause
1-1-2Microprocessor register failure
1-1-3NVRAM read/write failure
1-1-4ROM BIOS checksum failure
1-2-1Programmable interval timer failure
1-2-2DMA initialization failure
1-2-3DMA page register read/write failure
1-3Video Memory Test failure
1-3-1 through 2-4-4 Memory not being properly identified or used
3-1-1Slave DMA register failure
3-1-2Master DMA register failure
3-1-3Master interrupt mask register failure
3-1-4Slave interrupt mask register failure
3-2-2Interrupt vector loading failure
3-2-4Keyboard Controller Test failure
3-3-1NVRAM power loss
3-3-2Invalid NVRAM configuration
3-3-4Video Memory Test failure
3-4-1Screen initialization failure
3-4-2Screen retrace failure
3-4-3Search for video ROM failure
4-2-1No timer tick
4-2-2Shutdown failure
4-2-3Gate A20 failure
4-2-4Unexpected interrupt in protected mode
4-3-1Memory failure above address 0FFFFh
4-3-3Timer-chip counter 2 failure
4-3-4Time-of-day clock stopped
4-4-1Serial or parallel port test failure
4-4-2Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory
4-4-3Math-coprocessor test failure
4-4-4Cache test failure
Diagnostic Lights
To help troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the bank panel. When the
computer starts normally, the lights flash before turning off. If the computer malfunctions, the sequence of the lights help
to identify the problem.
NOTE: After the computer completes POST, all four lights turn off before booting to the operating system.
Light Pattern Problem DescriptionSuggested Resolution
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 processor
failure has occurred.
Memory modules are
detected, but a
memory failure has
occurred.
A possible graphics
card failure has
occurred.
Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet.
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
Reseat the processor (see Processor information for your computer).
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules,
then reinstall one module and restart the computer. If the computer
starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at
a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all
modules without error.
If available, install working memory of the same type into your
computer.
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
Reseat any installed graphics cards.
If available, install a working graphics card into your computer.
If the problem persists, contact Dell .
A possible floppy drive
or hard drive failure
has occurred.
A possible USB failure
has occurred.
No memory modules
are detected.
Memory modules are
detected, but a
memory configuration
or compatibility error
has occurred.
A possible expansion
card failure has
occurred.
Reseat all power and data cables.
Reinstall all USB devices and check all cable connections.
If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules,
then reinstall one module and restart the computer. If the computer
starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at
a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all
modules without error.
If available, install working memory of the same type into your
computer.
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
Ensure that no special requirements for memory module/connector
placement exist.
Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer
(see the "Specifications" section for your computer).
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
Determine if a conflict exists by removing an expansion card (not a
graphics card) and restarting the computer.
If the problem persists, reinstall the card you removed, then remove
a different card and restart the computer.
Repeat this process for each expansion card installed. If the computer
starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the
computer for resource conflicts.
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
Another failure has
occurred.
Back to Contents Page
Ensure that all hard drive and optical drive cables are properly
connected to the system board .
If there is an error message on the screen identifying a problem with
a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive), check the device to
make sure it is functioning properly.
If the operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as
the floppy drive or optical drive), check system setup to ensure the
boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
Back to Contents Page
System Setup
Dell™ OptiPlex™ 780 Service Manual—Mini-Tower, Desktop, and Small Form Factor
Boot MenuNavigation KeystrokesEntering System SetupSystem Setup SimulationSystem Setup Menu Options
Boot Menu
Press <F12> when the Dell™ logo appears to initiate a one-time boot menu with a list of the valid boot devices for the system.
The options listed are:
Internal HDD
CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive
Onboard NIC
BIOS Setup
Diagnostics
This menu is useful when you are attempting to boot to a particular device or to bring up the diagnostics for the system. Using the boot menu does not make any
changes to the boot order stored in the BIOS.
Navigation Keystrokes
Use the following keystrokes to navigate the System Setup screens.
Navigation Keystrokes
ActionKeystroke
Expand and collapse field<Enter>, left- or right-arrow key, or +/–
Expand or collapse all fields< >
Exit BIOS<Esc>—Remain in Setup, Save/Exit, Discard/Exit
Change a settingLeft or right-arrow key
Select field to change<Enter>
Cancel modification<Esc>
Reset defaults<Alt><F> or Load Defaults menu option
Entering System Setup
Your computer offers the following BIOS and System Setup options:
Bring up a one-time boot menu by pressing <F12>
Access System Setup by pressing <F2>
<F12> Menu
Press <F12> when the Dell™ logo appears to initiate a one-time boot menu with a list of the valid boot devices for the computer. Diagnostics and Enter Setup
options are also included in this menu. The devices listed on the boot menu depend on the bootable devices installed in the computer. This menu is useful when you
are attempting to boot to a particular device or to bring up the diagnostics for the computer. Making changes in the boot menu does not make any changes to the
boot order stored in the BIOS.
<F2>
Press <F2> to enter System Setup and make changes to user-definable settings. If you have trouble entering System Setup using this key, press <F2> when the
keyboard lights first flash.
System Setup Menu Options
NOTE: System Setup options may vary depending on your computer and may not appear in the exact same order.
General
System
Board
Date/Time Displays the system date and time. Changes to the system date and time take effect immediately.
Displays the following information:
System information: Displays BIOS Info,, System Info, Service Tag,Express Service Code,Asset Tag, Manufacture Date, and the
PCI information: Displays available slots on the system board.
Boot
Sequence
Specifies the order in which the computer attempts to find an operating system from the devices specified in this list.
Onboard or USB Floppy
HDD(will show the model currently in system)
Onboard or USB CD-Rom Drive
USB Device
Drives
Diskette drive This field determines how the BIOS configures floppy drives, Operating Systems with USB support will recognize USB Floppy drives regardless of
this setting:
Disable - All Floppy drive are disable
Enable - All floppy drive are enable.
The "USB Controller" Setup option will affect floppy operation.
SATA
Operation
configures the operating mode of the integrated hard drive controller.
RAID Autodetect / AHCI = RAID if signed drives, otherwise AHCI
RAID Autodetect / ATA= RAID if signed drives, otherwise ATA
RAID On / ATA= SATA is configured for RAID on every boot
Legacy = The hard drive controller is configured for legacy mode
Legacy mode provides for compatibility with some older operating systems that do not support native resources assigned to the drive controller.
RAID Mode is incompatible with ImageServer. Please disable RAID mode if enabling Image Server.
S.M.A.R.T.
Reporting
This field controls whether hard drive errors for integrated drives are reported during system startup. This technology is part of the SMART(Self
Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) specification.
This option is disabled by default.
DrivesEnables or disables the SATA or ATA drives connected to the system board.
System Configuration
Integrated NIC
Enables or disables the integrated network card. You can set the integrated NIC to:
Disable
Enable (default)
Enable with PXE
Enable with ImageSever
ImageServe is incompatible with RAID mode. Please disable RAID if enabling ImageServer.
PXE is needed only if intending to boost to an operating system located on a server, not if you are booting on an OS located on a hard drive in
this system.
This field enable and disable the internal USB for Flex Bay, you can set:
USB for Flex bay
Disable - Internal USB for Flex Bay is disable
Enable - Internal USB for Flex Bay is enable
No Boot - Internal USB for Flex Bay is enable, but not bootable. (default)
USB ControllerEnables or disables the integrated USB controller. You can set the USB controller to:
Enable (default)
Disable
No boot
Operating systems with USB support will recognize USB Storage
Parallel PortIdentifies and defines the parallel port settings. You can set the parallel port to:
Disable
AT
PS/2 (default)
EPP
ECP No DMA
ECP DMA 1
ECP DMA 3
Parallel Port
Address
Serial Port #1
Sets the base I/O address of the integrated parallel port.
Identifies and defines the serial port settings. You can set the serial port to:
Disable
Auto (default)
COM1
COM3
The Operating System may allocate resources even though the setting is disabled.
Serial Port #2
Identifies and defines the serial port settings. You can set the serial port to:
Disable
Auto (default)
COM2
COM4
The Operating System may allocate resources even though the setting is disabled.
Miscellaneous
Devices
Enables or disables the following onboard devices:
Front USB
Rear Dual USB
Rear Quad USB
PCI slots
Audio
Video
Primary
Video
Performance
Multi Core
Support
Intel®
SpeedStep™
C States
Control
Limit CPUID
Value
HDD
Acoustic
Mode
This field determines which video controller will become the primary video controller when 2 controllers are available in the system. This selection
matters only if there are 2 video controller present.
Auto(default) - Use the add-in video controller.
Onboard/Card - Use the integrated video controller unless a Graphic care is installed. A PCI Express Graphic(PEG) card will override and disable
the integrated video controller.
This field specifies whether the processor will have one or all cores enable. The performance of some application will improve with the additional
cores.
This Option enables or disables the Intel® SpeedStep™ mode of the processor. When disabled, the system is placed into the highest performance
state and the Intel® SpeedStep™ applet or native operating system driver are prevented from adjusting the processor's performance. When enable.
the Intel® SpeedStep™, enabled CPU is allowed to operate in multiple performance states.
This option is disabled by default.
This option enables or disables additional processor sleep states. The operating system may optionally use these for additional power saving when
idle.
This option is disabled by default.
This field limits the maximum value the processor Standard CPUID Function will support. Some operating systems will not complete installation when
the maximum CPUID Function supported is greater than 3.
This option is disabled by default.
This option allows you to optimize your hard drives performance and acoustic noise level based on your personal preferences.
Bypass(default)- Do nothing (needed for older drives)
Quiet- The drive is slower, but quieter.
Suggested - Allow drive manufacturer to select the mode.
Performance- The drive is faster, but possibly noisier.
Virtualization Support
Virtualization This Option specifies whether a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel® Virtualization
Technology.
Enable Intel® Virtualization Technology - This option is disabled by default.
VT for Direct
I/O
Enables or disables the Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) from utilizing the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel® Virtualization technology
for direct I/O.
Enable Intel® Virtualization Technology for Direct I/O - This option is disabled by default.
Trusted
Execution
Field specifies whether a Measured Virtual Machine(MVMM) can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel® Trusted Execution
Technology. The TPM Virtualization Technology and Virtualization Technology for Direct I/O must be enable to use this feature.
Enable Intel® Trusted Execution Technology - This option is disabled by default.
Security
Administrative
Password
Provides restricted access to the computer's system setup program in the same way that access to the system can be restricted with the
System Password option.
This option is not set by default.
System PasswordDisplays the current status of the system's password security feature and allows a new system password to be assigned and verified.
This option is not set by default.
Password ChangesEnables or disables the user from changing the system password without the administrative password.
This option is enabled by default.
TPM SecurityEnables or disables the trusted platform module (TPM) security.
You can set the TPM security to:
Deactivate (default)
Activate
Clear
NOTE: When TPM Security is set to Clear the system setup program clears the user information stored in the TPM.
CPU XD SupportEnables or disables the execute disable mode of the processor.
This option is enabled by default.
Computrace(R)Enables or disables the optional Computrace® service designed for asset management.
You can set this option to:
Deactivate (default)
Disable
Activate
SATA-0 PasswordDisplays the current status of the password set for the hard drive connected to the SATA-0 connector on the system board.
You can also set a new password. This option is not set by default.
NOTE: The system setup program displays a password for each of the hard drives connected to your system board.
Power Management
AC RecoveryDetermines how the system responds when AC power is re-applied after a power loss. You can set the AC Recovery to:
LED
Power Off (default)
Power On
Last State
Auto On Time Sets time to automatically turn on the computer.
Time is kept in the standard 12-hour format (hours:minutes:seconds).
Change the startup time by typing the values in the time and AM/PM fields.
NOTE: This feature does not work if you turn off your computer using the switch on a power strip or surge protector or if Auto Power On is set
to disabled.
Low Power
Mode
Enables or disables low power mode.
This option is disabled by default.
When low power mode is enabled, the integrated network card is disabled when the system is shutdown or in Hibernate mode. Only Add-in NIC
cards will be able to remotely wake the system.
Remote WakeupAllows the system to power up when a network interface controller receives a wake up signal. You can set Remote Wake up to:
Disable (default)
Enable
Enable with Boot NIC
Suspend Mode Sets the power management suspend mode to:
S1
S3 (default)
NOTE: If the AMT Management Engine (ME) of the system is disabled, the S1 suspend mode is unavailable in the system setup.
Fan Control
Override
Controls the speed of the system fan.
NOTE: When enabled, the fan runs at full speed.
Maintenance
Service TagDisplays the Service Tag of your computer.
Asset TagAllows you to create a system asset tag if an asset tag is not already set.
This option is not set by default.
SERR MessagesControls the SERR Message mechanism.
This option is enabled by default.
Some graphics cards require the SERR Message mechanism be disabled.
Image Server
Lookup MethodSpecifies how the ImageServer looks for the server address.
Static IP
DNS
NOTE: You must set the Integrated NIC to Enable with ImageServer to set the Lookup Method.
ImageServer IPSpecifies the primary static IP address of the ImageServer with which the client software communicates.
The default IP address is 255.255.255.255
NOTE: You must set the Integrated NIC to Enable with ImageServer to set the ImageServer IP.
ImageServer PortSpecifies the primary IP port of the image server with which the client software communicates.
The default IP port is 06910.
Client DHCPSpecifies how the client obtains the IP address.
Static IP
DHCP (default)
Client IPSpecifies the static IP address of the client.
The default IP address is 255.255.255.255
NOTE: To set the Client IP you must set the Client DHCP to the Static IP
Client SubnetMaskSpecifies the subnet mask for the client.
The default setting is 255.255.255.255
NOTE: To set Client Subnet Mask you must set Client DHCP to Static IP
Client GatewaySpecifies the gateway IP address for the client.
The default setting is 255.255.255.255
NOTE: To set Client Subnet Mask you must set Client DHCP to Static IP
License StatusDisplays the current license status.
Post Behavior
Fast BootWhen enabled (default), your computer starts more quickly because it skips certain configurations and tests.
NumLock
Enables or disables the NumLock feature when your computer starts.
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