Dell OptiPlex GX520 User Manual [en, es]

Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520

Quick Reference Guide

Models DCTR, DCNE, DCSM

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.

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.

Quick Reference Guide, Drivers and Utilities

The

CD, and operating system media are optional and may not ship

with all computers.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary in the

____________________

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, OptiPlex, and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

User’s Guide

Models DCTR, DCNE, DCSM

August 2006 P/N U9181 Rev. A02

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

System Views

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Mini Tower Computer — Front View Mini Tower Computer — Back View Desktop Computer — Front View Desktop Computer — Back View Small Form Factor Computer — Front View Small Form Factor Computer — Back View Back-Panel Connectors

Removing the Computer Cover

Before You Begin Mini Tower Computer Desktop Computer Small Form Factor Computer

Inside Your Computer

Mini Tower Computer Desktop Computer Small Form Factor Computer

Setting Up Your Computer

Solving Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Dell Diagnostics System Lights

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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Diagnostic Lights

Beep Codes Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Using Microsoft Reinstalling Microsoft

Using the Drivers and Utilities CD

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Windows® XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

. . . . . . . . . . . 36

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Contents 3

4 Contents

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• My computer documentation

• My device documentation

• Desktop System Software (DSS)

• Operating system updates and patches

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD)

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is 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 41), run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD" on page 29), or access your documentation.

Readme files may be included on your CD to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced

technical-reference material for technicians or experienced users.

NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com.

Desktop System Software (DSS)

Located on the Drivers and Utilities CD and the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• How to remove and replace parts

• Specifications

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

User’s Guide

Available in the Microsoft

Click the

Click

The User’s Guide is also available on the optional Drivers and Utilities CD.

Start

button and click

User’s and system guides

Windows® XP Help and Support Center:

Help and Support.

and click

User’s guides

Quick Reference Guide 5

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License

These labels are located on your computer.

• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, frequently asked questions

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and order status, warranty, and repair information

• Service and support — Service call status

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site.

The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:

• Troubleshooting — Hints and tips, articles from technicians, and online

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the

• Services and Warranties — Contact information, order status, warranty,

• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates

• User guides — Computer documentation and product specifications

and support history, service contract, online discussions with technical support

• Reference — Computer documentation, details on computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers

• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates

• Desktop System Software (DSS) — If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel Pentium

M processors, optical drives,

and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. This software automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.

when you use

support.dell.com

or contact

technical support.

courses

hard drive, and the operating system

and repair information

6 Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Service call status and support history

• Top technical issues for my computer

• Frequently asked questions

• File downloads

Dell Premier Support Website — premiersupport.dell.com

The Dell Premier Support website is customized for corporate, government, and education customers. This website may not be available in certain regions.

• Details on my computer configuration

• Service contract for my computer

• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer

• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)

• How to reinstall my operating system

Windows Help and Support Center

Click the

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Operating System CD

NOTE: The Operating System CD is 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 your online User’s Guide for instructions.

• Regulatory model information and chassis type

• DCTR — Mini tower chassis

• DCNE — Desktop chassis

• DCSM — Small form factor chassis

Start

button and click

Help and Support

After you reinstall your operating system, use the optional Drivers and Utilities CD to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.

Your operating system product key label is located on your computer.

NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the

operating system you ordered.

Quick Reference Guide 7

System Views

Mini Tower Computer — Front View

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

4 5 6

8 Quick Reference Guide

1 CD/DVD drive 2 floppy drive 3 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, memory key, printer, joystick, and

4 LAN indicator light 5 diagnostic lights

6 power button Press this button to turn on the computer.

7 power light The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different operating

8 hard-drive activity light 9 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers. 10 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a microphone.

Insert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive.

Insert a floppy disk into this drive.

computer speakers into either of the USB connectors.

It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back panel for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

This light indicates that a LAN (network) connection is established.

Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 32.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the power

button for 6 seconds or longer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power

button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.

states:

• No light — The computer is turned off.

• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.

• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.

• Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" in your online

To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For more information about sleep modes and exiting from a power-saving mode, see "Power Management"

See "System Lights" on page 31 for a description of power light patterns that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer.

This light flickers when the hard drive is in use.

in your online

User’s Guide.

Quick Reference Guide 9

Mini Tower Computer — Back View

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

1 2 3

10 Quick Reference Guide

cover release latch This latch allows you to open the computer cover.

padlock ring Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.

3 voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.

To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the switch to the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location.

NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to 115-V.

Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.

4 power connector Insert the power cable into this connector. 5 back-panel connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector. 6 card slots You can access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.

Desktop Computer — Front View

1 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, memory key, printer, joystick,

and computer speakers into either of the USB connectors.

It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back panel for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

2 LAN indicator light This light indicates that a LAN (network) connection is established.

514611 10

Quick Reference Guide 11

3 power button Press this button to turn on the computer.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the

power button for 6 seconds or longer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power

button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.

4 Dell badge The badge can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer. To rotate

the badge, place your fingers around the outside of the badge, press firmly, and turn the badge. You can also rotate the badge using the slot provided near the bottom of the badge.

5 power light This light turns on and blinks or remains solid to indicate different operating

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

6 diagnostic lights Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the

7 hard-drive activity light This light flickers when the hard drive is in use. 8 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers. 9 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a microphone. 10 floppy drive Insert a floppy disk into this drive. 11 CD/DVD drive Insert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive.

states:

• No light — The computer is turned off.

• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.

• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.

• Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" in your online

See "System Lights" on page 31 for a description of power light patterns that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer.

diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 32.

in your online

User’s Guide.

User’s Guide

12 Quick Reference Guide

Desktop Computer — Back View

1 card slots You can access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards. 2 back-panel connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector. 3 power connector Insert the power cable into this connector. 4 voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.

5 padlock ring Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover. 6 cover release latch Use this latch to open the computer cover.

2 3 4 6

To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the switch to the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location.

NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to 115-V.

Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.

Quick Reference Guide 13

Small Form Factor Computer — Front View

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

11 10

1 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, memory key, printer, joystick,

and computer speakers into either of the USB connectors.

It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back panel for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

2 power button Press this button to turn on the computer.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the

power button for 6 seconds or longer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power

button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.

3 Dell badge The badge can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer. To rotate

the badge, place fingers around the outside of the badge, press firmly, and turn the badge. You can also rotate the badge using the slot provided near the bottom of the badge.

4 LAN indicator light This light indicates that a LAN (network) connection is established. 5 diagnostic lights Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the

diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 32.

6 hard-drive activity light This light flickers when the hard drive is in use.

14 Quick Reference Guide

7 power light Turns on and blinks or remains solid to indicate different operating states:

• No light — The computer is turned off.

• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.

• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.

• Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" in your online

See "System Lights" on page 31 for a description of power light patterns that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer.

8 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers. 9 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a microphone. 10 floppy drive Insert a floppy disk into this drive. 11 CD/DVD drive Insert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive.

User’s Guide

Small Form Factor Computer — Back View

51 2 3 4

Quick Reference Guide 15

4 voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.

To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the switch to the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location.

NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to 115-V.

Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.

5 padlock ring Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover. 6 cover release latch Use this latch to open the computer cover.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Back-Panel Connectors

parallel connector Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a

link integrity light • Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the

10 9 8

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 "System Setup Options" in your online User’s Guide.

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.

16 Quick Reference Guide

network adapter connector

To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a network cable to either a network jack or your network or broadband device. Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back panel of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached.

NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.

On computers with a network adapter card, use the connector on the card.

It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation.

network activity light This light flashes yellow when the computer is transmitting or receiving network

data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.

line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette

player, CD player, or VCR.

On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

line-out connector Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers with

integrated amplifiers.

On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

microphone connector Use the pink microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for

voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.

USB 2.0 connectors (6)

video connector Plug the cable from your VGA-compatible monitor into the blue connector.

Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, memory key, printer, joystick, and computer speakers into any of the USB connectors.

NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be covered by

a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics card. Do not remove the cap.

NOTE: If you are using a graphics card that supports dual monitors, use the y-cable

that came with your computer.

serial connector Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. The default

designations are COM1 for serial connector 1 and COM2 for serial connector 2.

For more information, see "System Setup Options" in your online

User’s Guide

Quick Reference Guide 17

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.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Shut down the operating system:

Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the click

In the

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.

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.

Turn Off Computer

Turn off computer

window, click

Tur n o ff

Start

button, and then

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to

servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.

NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable

itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.

Turn off your computer if it is not already turned off.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it

from the network wall jack.

Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

18 Quick Reference Guide

Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

Remove the computer stand, if it is attached.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before removing the cover.

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

NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted

metal surface. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 18.

If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.

Lay the computer on its side as shown in the following illustration.

Quick Reference Guide 19

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Slide the cover release latch back as you lift the cover.

Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.

Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a clean, nonabrasive surface.

20 Quick Reference Guide

security cable slot

cover release latch

padlock ring

computer cover

Desktop Computer

NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted

metal surface. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 18.

If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.

Slide the cover release latch back as you lift the cover.

Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.

Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a clean, nonabrasive surface.

security cable slot

cover release latch

padlock ring

computer cover

Quick Reference Guide 21

Small Form Factor Computer

NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted

metal surface. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 18.

If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.

Slide the cover release latch back as you lift the cover.

Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a clean, nonabrasive surface.

security cable slot

cover release latch

padlock ring

computer cover

22 Quick Reference Guide

Inside Your Computer

Mini Tower Computer

1 CD/DVD drive 5 system board 2 floppy drive 6 heat sink assembly 3 power supply 7 hard drive 4 chassis intrusion switch

Quick Reference Guide 23

Desktop Computer

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

1 drives bay (CD/DVD,

floppy, or hard drive)

2 power supply 6 heat sink assembly 3 chassis intrusion switch 7 front I/O panel 4 system board

5 two low-profile PCI card slots

Optionally, you can install a PCI riser card that converts one lowprofile PCI slot to two full-height slots. A total of three card slots are available: one low-profile and two full-height card slots.

24 Quick Reference Guide

Small Form Factor Computer

1 CD/DVD drive 4 system board 2 power supply and fan 5 heat sink assembly 3 hard drive

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.

Quick Reference Guide 25

You must complete all the steps to properly set up your computer. See the appropriate figures that follow the instructions.

Connect the keyboard and mouse.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to operate a PS/2 mouse and a USB mouse simultaneously.

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.

NOTICE: Do not connect a modem cable to the network adapter connector. Voltage from telephone

communications can cause damage to the network adapter.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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.

Connect the speakers.

Connect power cables to the computer, monitor, and devices and connect the other ends of the power cables to electrical outlets.

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.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the switch to the

voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location.

NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to 115-V. NOTE: Before you install any devices or software that did not ship with your computer, read the

documentation that came with the device or software, or contact the vendor to verify that the device or software is compatible with your computer and operating system.

NOTE: Your computer may vary slightly from the following illustrations.

26 Quick Reference Guide

Set Up Your Keyboard and Mouse

Set Up Your Monitor

Quick Reference Guide 27

Power Connections

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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.

See "Finding Information" on page 5 for an example of the Express Service Code and Service Ta g .

Express Service Code: ___________________________

Service Tag: ___________________________

Dell Diagnostics

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" of your online User’s Guide and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.

NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.

28 Quick Reference Guide

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" in your online User’s Guide for instructions), review your computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in system setup and is active.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell

Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD (optional) (see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD" on page 29).

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft

When the boot device list appears, highlight

When the Dell Diagnostics

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD

Insert the

Shut down and restart the computer.

Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

Main Menu

Drivers and Utilities

Boot to Utility Partition

appears, select the test you want to run.

CD.

and press <Enter>.

When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

If you wait too long and the 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 start-up, the computer

boots according to the devices specified in system setup.

When the boot device list appears, highlight the listing for the CD/DVD drive and press <Enter>.

Select the listing for the CD/DVD drive option from the CD boot menu.

Select the option to boot from the CD/DVD drive from the menu that appears.

Ty p e 1 to start the

Ty p e 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.

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.

When the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

appears, select the test you want to run.

Quick Reference Guide 29

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the option you want.

Option Function

Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires

Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more and

Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based

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

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.

If you run a test from the described in the following table for more information.

Main Menu

no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.

requires you to answer questions periodically.

on the symptom of the problem you are having.

User’s Guide

Custom Test

Symptom Tree

screen appears, click the button for the

option, click the applicable tab

Tab Function

Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.

Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.

Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

Parameters You can customize the test by changing the test settings.

When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the

Utilities

Close the test screen to return to the

CD (optional), remove the CD.

restart the computer, close the

30 Quick Reference Guide

The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.

Drivers and

Main Menu

screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and

screen.

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