Dell OptiPlex GX240 User Manual
Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX240 Systems
User’s Guide
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better
use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of
data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage,
personal injury, or death.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the “Glossary.”
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2001–2002 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer
Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, OptiPlex, and Dell OpenManage are
trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Pent ium are registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation; Microsoft, Windows NT, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation; 3Com is a registered trademark of 3Com Corporation; IBM is a registered
trademark of International Business Machines Corporation; NetWare and Novell are registered
trademarks of Novell, Inc. As an ENERGY STAR partner, Dell Computer Corporation 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 Computer Corporation disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Models: DHS, DHP, and DHM
September 2002 4G172 Rev. A04
Contents
CAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
General
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When Using Your Computer
When Working Inside Your Computer
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Ergonomic Computing Habits
Battery Disposal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1 About Your Computer
Finding Information and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Front Panel
Front Panel Door
Speaker/Headphone Connector
Power Button
Power Light
Floppy Drive Access Light
Hard Drive Access Light
Back Panel
Connecting Devices
Parallel Connector
Mouse Connector
USB Connectors
Integrated Network Adapter Connector
Network Cable Requirements
Line-In Jack
Line-Out Jack
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Contents 1
Microphone Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Video Connector
Serial Connectors
Keyboard Connector
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Inside Your Computer
System Board Components
2 Advanced Features
LegacySelect Technology Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Manageability
Dell OpenManage™ IT Assistant
Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation
Security
Chassis Intrusion Detection
Padlock Ring and Security Cable Slot
Password Protection
System Password
Setup Password
Disabling a Forgotten Password
Computer Settings
Entering System Setup
System Setup Screens
Changing the Boot Sequence During System Setup
Changing the Boot Sequence in System Setup
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
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2 Contents
Additional System Setup Options
If You Have a Problem
Jumper Settings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
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Software Installation and Configuration
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3 Installing Upgrades
Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Opening the Computer Cover
Closing the Computer Cover
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Expansion Cards
Installing an Expansion Card
Removing an Expansion Card
Installing an AGP Graphics Card
Removing an AGP Card
Expansion-Card Cage (Small Desktop Computer Only)
Removing the Expansion-Card Cage
Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage
TAPI
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Installing a TAPI Device
Installing a TAPI Sound Card
Memory
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Installing DIMMs
Removing DIMMs
Microprocessor
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Removing the Heat Sink or Heat-Sink/Blower Assembly
Removing the Microprocessor
Installing the Microprocessor
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Replacing the Heat Sink or Heat-Sink/Blower Assembly
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3 Contents
Front Panel Inserts
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Removing Front Panel Inserts—Small Form-Factor and Small Desktop
Computers
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Removing Front Panel Inserts—Small Mini-Tower Computer
Replacing Front Panel Inserts
Internal Drives
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IDE Drive Addressing
Connecting Drives
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Hard Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Detaching Hard Drive Cables
Removing a Hard Drive
Installing a Hard Drive
Reattaching Hard Drive Cables
Adding a Second Hard Drive — Small Mini-Tower Computer
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Floppy Drives
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Detaching Floppy Drive Cables
Removing a Floppy Drive
Installing a Floppy Drive and Reattaching Cables
CD/DVD Drives
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Detaching CD, CD-RW, or DVD Drive Cables
Removing a CD, CD-RW, or DVD Drive
Installing a CD, CD-RW, or DVD Drive and Reattaching Cables
Battery
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Replacing the Battery
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4 Stand
Removing the Computer Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Attaching the Computer Stand
5 Technical Specifications
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143
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6 Solving Problems
Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Using the Dell OptiPlex ResourceCD
Power Problems
Video and Monitor Problems
Sound and Speaker Problems
Printer Problems
4 Contents
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Serial or Parallel Device Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Mouse Problems
Keyboard Problems
Floppy Drive Problems
Hard Drive Problems
Battery Problems
Expansion Card Problems
Recovering From a Program That Is Not Responding
Restarting a Computer That Is Not Responding
Repairing a Wet Computer
Repairing a Dropped or Damaged Computer
Hardware Conflicts
Computer Memory Problems
System Board Problems
Resetting a Damaged System Board
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Dell Diagnostics
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When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
Features
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Before You Start Testing
Running the Dell Diagnostics
Advanced Testing
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Advanced Testing Help Menu
Messages and Codes
Computer Messages
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Computer Beep Codes
Warning Messages
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Diagnostics Messages
Diagnostic Lights
Front Panel Lights
Back Panel Lights
Software Problems
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Operating System Compatibility
Input Errors
Error Messages
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5 Contents
Device Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Memory-Resident Programs
Program Conflicts
Memory Address Conflicts
Interrupt Assignment Conflicts
7 Getting Help
Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Online Services
AutoTech Service
Automated Order-Status Service
Technical Support Service
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Problems With Your Order
Product Information
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Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
Before You Call
Contacting Dell
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8 Additional Information
Regulatory Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
FCC Notices (U.S. Only)
IC Notice (Canada Only)
CE Notice (European Union)
®
ENERGY STAR
Simplified Chinese Class A Warning Notice (China Only)
EN 55022 Compliance (Czech Republic Only)
VCCI Notice (Japan Only)
MIC Notice (Republic of Korea Only)
Polish Center for Testing and Certification Notice
BSMI Notice (Taiwan Only)
Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
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6 Contents
NOM Information (Mexico Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Warranty and Return Policy
Ergonomic Computing Habits
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9 Microsoft® Windows® XP Features
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Help and Support Center
New User Interface
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Switching to Classic View
Clean Desktop Wizard
Taskbar Grouping
Notification Area Cleanup
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Application and Device Compatibility
Program Compatibility Wizard
System Restore
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Using System Restore
Restore Process
Driver Rollback
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User Accounts and Fast User Switching
How to Use Fast User Switching
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What Happens When a Fast User Switch Occurs?
Special Considerations With Fast User Switching
How to Turn Off Fast User Switching
How to Add Users
Home and Small Office Networking
Network Setup Wizard
Internet Connection Firewall
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Contents 7
8 Contents
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect
your computer and working environment from potential damage.
General
• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service
technician. Always follow installation instructions closely.
• To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and device power cables into properly
grounded electrical outlets. These cables are equipped with 3-prong plugs to help ensure
proper grounding. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from a cable.
If you must use an extension cable, use a 3-wire cable with properly grounded plugs.
• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not use your computer during an
electrical storm.
• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or disconnect any
cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical
storm.
• If your computer includes a modem, the cable used with the modem should be
manufactured with a minimum wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG) and an FCCcompliant RJ-11 modular plug.
• Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet.
Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.
• To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the
computer before disconnecting a device from the computer.
9
CAUTION: Safety Instructions (continued)
• To avoid shorting out your computer when disconnecting a network cable, first unplug
the cable from the network adapter on the back of your computer, and then from the
network jack. When reconnecting a network cable to your computer, first plug the cable
into the network jack, and then into the network adapter.
• To help protect your computer from sudden, transient increases and decreases in
electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or uninterruptible power supply
(UPS).
• Ensure that nothing rests on your computer’s cables and that the cables are not located
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where they can be stepped on or tripped over.
• Do not push any objects into the openings of your computer. Doing so can cause fire or
electric shock by shorting out interior components.
• Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling
vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not place your computer
in a closed-in wall unit or on a bed, sofa, or rug.
• Do not spill food or liquids on your computer. If the computer gets wet, consult
"Repairing a Wet Computer."
• Do not use your computer during an electrical storm unless the AC adapter cable has
been disconnected from the electrical outlet.
• When you use the AC adapter to run the computer or to charge the battery, place the AC
adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk top or on the floor.
• The AC adapter may become hot during normal operation of your computer. Use care
when handling the adapter during or immediately after operation.
10
When Using Your Computer
As you use your computer, observe the following safe-handling guidelines.
CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer
covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on) removed.
• Your computer is equipped with one of the following:
– A fixed-voltage power supply — Computers with a fixed-voltage power supply do not
have a voltage selection switch on the back panel and operate at only one voltage (see
the regulatory label on the outside of the computer for its operating voltage).
– An auto-sensing voltage circuit — Computers with an auto-sensing voltage circuit do
not have a voltage selection switch on the back panel and automatically detect the
correct operating voltage.
– 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.
NOTICE: 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. For 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.
• Before working inside the computer, unplug the computer to help prevent electric shock
or system board damage. Certain system board components continue to receive power
any time the computer is connected to AC power.
11
When Using Your Computer (continued)
When Working Inside Your Computer
Before you open the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to service the computer yourself, except as explained in
your online Dell™ documentation or in instructions otherwise provided to you by
Dell. Always follow installation and service instructions closely.
NOTICE: To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the
computer before removing a component from the system board or disconnecting a device from the
computer.
1
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Perform an orderly computer shutdown using the operating system menu.
2 Turn off your computer and any devices connected to the computer.
3 Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as the metal
around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer, before touching anything
inside your computer.
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis
to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.
4 Disconnect your computer and devices, including the monitor, from their electrical
outlets. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.
In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:
• 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 disconnecting 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.
12
When Using Your Computer (continued)
• 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 microprocessor chip by its edges, not by its pins.
CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed.
Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer. Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact
your local waste disposal agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Static electricity can harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent static
damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s
electronic components, such as the microprocessor. You can do so by touching an unpainted
metal surface on the computer chassis.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to
remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):
• Do not remove components from their antistatic packing material until you are ready to
install the component in your computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging,
discharge static electricity from your body.
• When transporting an electrostatic sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic
container or packaging.
• Handle all electrostatic sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use
antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.
Ergonomic Computing Habits
CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury.
CAUTION: Viewing the monitor screen for extended periods of time may result in
eye strain.
For comfort and efficiency, observe the ergonomic guidelines in "Ergonomic Computing
Habits" when setting up and using your computer.
13
When Using Your Computer (continued)
Battery Disposal
Your computer uses a lithium battery. The lithium battery is a long-life battery, and it is very
possible that you will never need to replace it. However, should you need to replace it, see
"Replacing the Battery."
Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your local waste disposal
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agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site.
14
SECTION 1
About Your Computer
Finding Information and Assistance
Front Panel
Back Panel
Inside Your Computer
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Finding Information and Assistance
The following table lists the resources that Dell provides as support tools.
Additional resources may be shipped with your computer system.
Resources and Support Tools
Resources Contents Using the Resource
Dell OptiPlex ResourceCD
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Setup and Quick Reference
Guide
• Dell Diagnostics
• Drivers
• Utilities
• Computer and device
documentation
• Getting started/setup
• Support tools
• Solving Problems
See the main menu on the ResourceCD that was shipped
with your computer. Use the pull-down menu to make
selections appropriate for your computer. You can perform
the following tasks:
• Diagnose a problem
• Install or reinstall drivers
• Obtain information on your computer and devices
NOTE: User documentation and drivers are already
installed on your computer when shipped from Dell. You
can use this CD to access documentation, reinstall drivers,
or run diagnostics tools. You must boot your computer
from this CD to run the diagnostics, which may require
changing your computer’s boot sequence.
For more information on using the ResourceCD, see
“Using the Dell OptiPlex ResourceCD.”
See the Setup and Quick Reference Guide for information
on the following:
• Setting up your computer
• Finding and using support resources
• Diagnosing a problem
• Using tools and utilities
16 About Your Computer
Resources and Support Tools (continued)
Resources Contents Using the Resource
Service and Registration
Labels—located on the front
or side of your Dell™
computer.
• Express Service Code and
Service Tag Number
• Product Key (also called the
Product ID or Certificate of
Authenticity [COA])
Operating System CD To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating
Operating system installation
guide
The Express Service Code and Service Tag Number are
unique identifiers for your Dell computer.
You may need the Product Key (or Product ID) number to
complete the operating system setup.
System CD that was shipped with your computer.
NOTE: The operating system CD may not include all the
latest drivers for your computer. If you reinstall your
operating system, use the Res ou rc eCD to reinstall drivers
for the devices shipped with your computer.
For more information about reinstalling your operating
system, see the operating system installation
documentation that was shipped with your computer.
See the operating system installation guide for
information on reinstalling and configuring your
operating system.
Click the Start button and select Help or Help and
Support, depending on your operating system, to obtain
more information on your operating system.
About Your Computer 17
Resources and Support Tools (continued)
Resources Contents Using the Resource
User’s guides for your
computer and devices
Depending on your operating system, double-click the
User’s Guides icon on your desktop or click the Start
button and then select Help and Support to access the
electronic documentation stored on your hard drive.
Obtain information on the following:
• Using your computer
User’s Guides
• Configuring system settings
• Removing and installing parts
• Installing and configuring software
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• Diagnosing a problem
• Technical specifications
• Device documentation (on selected operating systems)
• Getting technical assistance
Dell Support website
• Technical support and
information
• Downloads for your
computer
• Order or delivery status
• Hints and tips, technology
papers, service information
Go to Dell Support website at support.dell.com and
complete the one-time registration.
• Get help with general usage, installation, and
troubleshooting questions
• Obtain answers to technical service and support
questions
• Get the latest versions of the drivers for your computer
• Access documentation about your computer and
devices
• Join online discussions with other Dell customers and
Dell technical professionals
• Explore a list of online links to Dell's primary vendors
Dell Premier Support website
• Service call status
• Top technical issues by
product
Go to premiersupport.dell.com:
The Dell Premier Support website is customized for
corporate, government, and education customers.
This site may not be available in all regions.
• Frequently asked questions
by product number
• Customized service tags
• System configuration detail
18 About Your Computer
Front Panel
The following figures show the controls, lights, and features located on the
front panel of the small form-factor, small desktop, and small mini-tower
computers.
Small Form-Factor Computer
12 3 4 5
1 USB connectors (2)
2 headphone connector
3 hard drive access lights
4 power button
5power light
About Your Computer 19
Small Desktop Computer
12 3 4 5
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1 front panel door
2 power button
3 power light
4 hard drive access light
5 floppy drive access light
20 About Your Computer
Small Mini-Tower Computer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1 removable drive panel
2 floppy drive access light
3 removable drive panel
4 hard drive access light
5 power button
6 power light
7 front panel door
About Your Computer 21
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Front Panel Door
Open the front panel door to access two Universal Serial Bus (USB)
connectors and one headphone connector. This door is removable; if you
remove it or accidentally knock it off its hinges, it snaps back in place.
Small Desktop Computer
213
1 USB connectors (2)
2 headphone connector
3 breakaway hinges (2)
22 About Your Computer
Small Mini-Tower Computer
1
2
3
1 breakaway hinges (2)
2 USB connectors (2)
3 headphone connector
Speaker/Headphone Connector
Used to connect computer speakers, headphones, or other audio output
devices. This connector is amplified to support headphones.
Power Button
The power button controls the computer's AC input power.
About Your Computer 23
The Microsoft® Windows® 98 Second Edition (SE), Windows 2000, and
Windows XP operating systems let you configure the function of the power
button through the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
feature, as shown in the following table.
NOTICE: To turn off your computer, perform an orderly computer shutdown
using the operating system menu when possible.
Power Button Functions for Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000,
and Windows XP with ACPI
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Action Results
Computer Turned On
and ACPI Enabled
Press power
button
Hold power
button
for 6 seconds*
*Pressing or holding the power button to shut down the computer may result in
data loss. Use the power button to shut down the computer only if the operating
system is not responding.
Power Button Functions for Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000,
and Windows XP with ACPI Disabled
Action Results
Press power button Computer turns off
Hold power button
for 6 seconds*
Computer goes into standby mode or
turns off (depending on the operating
system setup)
Computer turns off Computer
Computer Turned On
and ACPI Disabled
immediately
Computer turns off Computer turns
Computer
in Standby
Mode
Computer
turns on
turns off
Computer in
Suspend Mode
Computer turns
off immediately
off
Computer
Turned Off
Boots and
computer
turns on
Boots and
computer
turns on
Computer
Turned Off
Boots and
computer turns
on
Boots and
computer turns
on
24 About Your Computer
*Pressing or holding the power button to shut down the computer may result in data
loss. Use the power button to shut down the computer only if the operating system is
not responding.
Power Button Functions for Microsoft Windows NT®
Action Results
Computer
Turn ed On
Press power button Computer shuts
down
Hold power button for 6 seconds* Computer turns
off
*Pressing or holding the power button to shut down the computer may result in data
loss. Use the power button to shut down the computer only if the operating system is
not responding.
Computer Turned Off
Boots and computer turns
on
Boots and computer turns
on
If the computer does not turn off when you press the power button, the
computer may be hung. Press and hold the power button until the
computer turns off completely (this process may take several seconds). If
the computer is hung and the power button fails to function properly,
unplug the AC power cable from the computer, wait for it to completely
stop running, and plug in the AC power cable. If the computer does not
restart, press the power button to restart the computer.
Power Light
The power light illuminates in two colors and blinks or remains solid to
indicate different states (normal and nonnormal). The following are normal
lights:
• No light — computer is in the off state (S4, S5, or mechanical OFF)
• Steady green — normal operating state
• Blinking green — low-power state (S1 or S3)
About Your Computer 25
NOTE: Your computer
can resume from the S3
state (suspend to RAM) in
several ways. Pressing the
power button always
works. Remote Wake Up
also creates an S3 wake
event if enabled in system
setup and in your
operating system.
Personal System/2 (PS/2)
wake events also vary
depending on your
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operating system, but
PS/2 mice always wake
the computer from S3
with both movement and
click. Certain USB
devices also wake the
computer from S3, and
the action required varies
by device. Check your
device documentation for
details.
See “Diagnostic Lights” for a description of nonnormal indications.
Floppy Drive Access Light
The floppy drive access light lights when the drive is reading data from, or
writing data to, a floppy disk. Wait until this light turns off before you
remove the floppy from the drive.
Hard Drive Access Light
The hard drive access light lights when the computer is reading data from,
or writing data to, the drive.
Back Panel
Small Form-Factor Computer
213
26 About Your Computer
1 half-height PCI expansion-card slot
2 AC adapter
3 AC voltage switch
Small Desktop Computer
1 PCI slots (2)
2AC adapter
21
About Your Computer 27
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Small Mini-Tower Computer
1
2
3
4
28 About Your Computer
1AC adapter
2 AC voltage switch
3 AGP slot
4 PCI slots (4)
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