Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Red Hat is a registered trademark of Red Hat 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.
Front View (Tower Orientation)
Back View (Tower Orientation)
Front View (Desktop Orientation)
Back View (Desktop Orientation)
Back-Panel Connectors
Inside View
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore
Using the Last Known Good Configuration
Dell Diagnostics
Before You Start Testing
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)
• How to set up my computer
• How to care for my computer
• Basic troubleshooting information
• How to run the Dell Diagnostics
• Error codes and diagnostic lights
• How to remove and install parts
• How to open my computer cover
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers, run
the "Dell Diagnostics" on page 34, or access your
documentation.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found
at support.dell.com.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may
not ship with your computer.
Quick Reference Guide
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: The Quick Reference Guide is optional and may
not ship with your computer.
NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at
support.dell.com.
Quick Reference Guide5
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Warranty information
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
• How to remove and replace parts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
User’s Guide
Microsoft
®
Windows® XP Help and Support Center
1
Click the
2
Click
Start
User’s and system guides
button and click
Help and Support
and click
User’s guides
.
The User’s Guide is also available on the optional Drivers
CD
and Utilities
.
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License
These labels are located on your computer.
• Use the Service Tag
to identify your
computer when you
support.dell.com
use
or contact technical
support.
• Enter the Express
Service Code to direct your call when contacting
technical support.
.
6Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles
from technicians, online courses, frequently asked
questions
• Community — Online discussion with other Dell
customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components,
such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support
site.
NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers
can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website
at premier.support.dell.com. The website may not be
available in all regions.
system
• Customer Care — Contact information, service call
and order status, warranty, and repair information
• Service and support — Service call status and support
history, service contract, online discussions with
technical support
• Reference — Computer documentation, details on
my computer configuration, product specifications,
and white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and
software updates
• Desktop System Software (DSS) — If you reinstall
the operating system for your computer, you should
also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS provides critical
updates for your operating system and support for
Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel
Pentium
®
M processors, optical drives, and USB
®
devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of
your Dell computer. The software automatically
detects your computer and operating system and
installs the updates appropriate for your
configuration.
• How to use Windows XP
• Documentation for my computer
• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)
Windows Help and Support Center
1
Click the
2
Type a word or phrase that describes your problem
and click the arrow icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Start
button and click
Help and Support
.
Quick Reference Guide7
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• How to reinstall my operating system
Operating System CD
The operating system is already installed on your
computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the
Operating System CD. See your User’s Guide for
instructions.
NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating
system you ordered.
NOTE: The Operating System CD is optional and may
not ship with your computer.
• How to use Linux
• E-mail discussions with users of Dell Precision™
products and the Linux operating system
• Additional information regarding Linux
and my Dell Precision computer
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.
8Quick Reference Guide
Setting Up Your Computer (Tower Orientation)
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located
in the Product Information Guide.
You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer.
Connect the keyboard and the mouse.
1
Connect the modem or the network cable.
2
NOTICE: Do not connect a modem cable to the
network adapter. Voltage from telephone
communications can damage the network adapter.
NOTE: If your computer has a network card installed,
connect the network cable to the card.
Quick Reference Guide9
Connect the monitor.
3
Depending on your graphics
card, you can connect your
monitor in various ways.
NOTE: You may need to use
the provided adapter or
cable to connect your
monitor to the computer.
10Quick Reference Guide
For single- and dual-monitor capable cards with a single connector
One VGA Adapter
VGA
Use the VGA adapter when you have a single-monitor
graphics card and you want to connect your computer
to a VGA monitor.
Dual VGA Y Cable Adapter
Dual DVI Y Cable Adapter
VGA
VGA
Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card
has a single connector and you want to connect your
computer to one or two VGA monitors.
Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a
single connector and you want to connect your computer
to one or two DVI monitors.
DVI
DVI
The dual-monitor cable is color coded; the blue connector is for the primary monitor, and the black
connector is for the secondary monitor. To enable dual-monitor support, both monitors must be attached
to the computer when it starts.
Quick Reference Guide11
For dual-monitor capable cards with one DVI connector and one VGA connector
One DVI Connector and One VGA Connector
DVI
VGA
Two VGA Connectors With One VGA Adapter
VGA
VGA
Use the appropriate connector(s) when you want
to connect your computer to one or two monitors.
For dual-monitor capable cards with two DVI connectors
Two DVI Connectors
Two DVI Connectors With One VGA
Adapter
DVI
DVI
Use the DVI connectors to connect
your computer to one or two DVI
monitors.
Use the VGA adapter to connect
a VGA monitor to one of the DVI
connectors on your computer
DVI
Use the VGA adapter when you want to connect
your computer to two VGA monitors.
Two DVI Connectors With Two VGA
Adapters
VGA
VGA
VGA
Use two VGA adapters to connect
two VGA monitors to the DVI
connectors on your computer.
12Quick Reference Guide
Connect the
4
speakers.
NOTE: If your
computer has a sound
card installed, connect
the speakers to the
card.
Connect the power
5
cables and turn on
the computer and
monitor.
Quick Reference Guide13
Install additional software or devices.
6
Before you install any devices or software that did not come with your computer, read the documentation
that came with the software or device or contact the vendor to verify that the software or device is
compatible with your computer and operating system.
Congratulations! You have completed the setup for your tower computer.
Setting Up Your Computer (Desktop Orientation)
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located
in the Product Information Guide.
You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer.
Connect the keyboard and the mouse.
1
NOTICE: Do not connect a
modem cable to the network
adapter. Voltage from
telephone communications
can damage the network
adapter.
14Quick Reference Guide
Connect the modem
2
or the network cable.
NOTE: If your computer
has a network card
installed, connect the
network cable to the card.
Connect the monitor.
3
Depending on your graphics card,
you can connect your monitor in
various ways.
NOTE: You may need to use the
provided adapter or cable to connect
your monitor to the computer.
Quick Reference Guide15
For single- and dual-monitor capable cards with a single connector
VGA Adapter
VGA
Use the VGA adapter when you have a single monitor
graphics card and you want to connect your computer
to a VGA monitor.
Dual VGA Y Cable Adapter
Dual DVI Y Cable Adapter
VGA
VGA
Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card
has a single connector and you want to connect your
computer to one or two VGA monitors.
Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a
single connector and you want to connect your computer
to one or two DVI monitors.
DVI
DVI
The dual-monitor cable is color coded; the blue connector is for the primary monitor, and the black
connector is for the secondary monitor. To enable dual-monitor support, both monitors must be attached
to the computer when it starts.
16Quick Reference Guide
For dual-monitor capable cards with one DVI connector and one VGA connector
One DVI Connector and One VGA Connector
DVI
VGA
Two VGA Connectors With One VGA Adapter
VGA
VGA
Use the appropriate connector(s) when you want
to connect your computer to one or two monitors.
For dual-monitor capable cards with two DVI connectors
Two DVI Connectors
Two DVI Connectors With One VGA
Adapter
DVI
DVI
Use the DVI connector(s) to connect
your computer to one or two DVI
monitors.
Use the VGA adapter to connect a
VGA monitor to one of the DVI
connectors on your computer.
DVI
Use the VGA adapter when you want to connect
your computer to two VGA monitors.
Two DVI Connectors With Two VGA
Adapters
VGA
VGA
VGA
Use two VGA adapters to connect
two VGA monitors to the DVI
connectors on your computer.
Quick Reference Guide17
Connect the speakers.
4
NOTE: If your computer has a sound card installed, connect the speakers to the card.
Connect the power cables
and turn on the computer
5
and monitor.
Your desktop computer has an
optional front IEEE 1394
connector. This connector is only
available if you purchased an
IEEE 1394 card. To purchase
a card, contact Dell. For
instructions on contacting Dell
and for more information on the
IEEE 1394 card, see your
Guide
.
User’s
Install additional software or devices.
6
Before you install any devices or software that did not come with your computer, read the documentation
that came with the software or device or contact the vendor to verify that the software or device is
compatible with your computer and operating system.
Congratulations! You have completed the setup for your desktop computer.
18Quick Reference Guide
About Your Computer
1
Front View (Tower Orientation)
14
13
12
2
3
4
5
11
10
9
1CD- or DVD-drive
activity light
2CD- or DVD-drive
eject button
3floppy-drive activity
light
4floppy-drive eject button Press this button to eject a floppy disk from the optional floppy drive.
5hard-drive activity lightThe hard-drive activity light is on when the computer reads data from or writes
6IEEE 1394 connector
(optional)
The CD/DVD-drive activity light is on when the computer reads data from or
writes data to the CD/DVD drive. Wait until this light turns off before you remove
the CD or DVD from the drive.
Press this button o eject a disc from the CD or DVD drive.
The floppy-drive activity light is on when the computer reads data from or writes
data to the optional floppy drive. Wait until this light turns off before you remove
the floppy from the drive.
data to the hard drive. The light might also be on when a device such as your CD
player is operating.
Use the optional IEEE 1394 connectors for high-speed data devices such as digital
video cameras and external storage devices.
6
7
8
Quick Reference Guide19
7USB 2.0 connectors (2)Use the USB connectors on the front of your computer for devices that you
connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys or cameras, or for bootable USB
devices (see
to a USB device).
It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically
remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
8Dell badge rotation
notch
9power buttonPress this button to turn the computer on.
To rotate the badge, place your fingers around the outside of the badge, press in,
and turn the badge. You can also rotate the badge by using the slot provided near
the bottom of the badge.
"System Setup" in your
User’s Guide for more information on booting
NOTE: The power button can also be used to wake the system or to place it into
a power-saving mode. See "Power Management" in the User’s Guide for more
information.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn the
computer off. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.
10power lightThe power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different 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 the
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" in the User’s Guide.
See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 37 for a description of light codes that can help
you troubleshoot problems with your computer.
11microphone connectorUse the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for
voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
12headphone connectorUse the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
13diagnostic lights (4)Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the
diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 37.
14network link lightThe network light is on when the computer sends or receives data over a network
connection. The light might also be on when a network device is establishing a
network connection.
User’s Guide
.
20Quick Reference Guide
Back View (Tower Orientation)
1
2
3
4
1power connectorInsert the power cable into this connector.
2voltage selection switchSee the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide for more
information.
3back-panel connectorsPlug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector.
4card slotsAccess connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express cards.
Quick Reference Guide21
Front View (Desktop Orientation)
127
3
568
4
910111213
1floppy-drive activity
light
2CD- or DVD-drive
activity light
3floppy-drive eject button Press this button to eject a floppy disk from the optional floppy drive.
4CD- or DVD-drive
eject button
5hard-drive activity lightThe hard-drive activity light is on when the computer reads data from or writes
6IEEE 1394 connector
(optional)
The floppy-drive activity light is on when the computer reads data from or writes
data to the optional floppy drive. Wait until this light turns off before you remove
the floppy from the drive.
The CD/DVD-drive activity light is on when the computer reads data from or
writes data to the CD/DVD drive. Wait until this light turns off before you remove
the CD or DVD from the drive.
Press this button to eject a disc from the CD or DVD drive.
data to the hard drive. The light might also be on when a device such as your CD
player is operating.
Use the optional IEEE 1394 connectors for high-speed data devices such as digital
video cameras and external storage devices.
22Quick Reference Guide
7USB 2.0 connectors (2)Use the USB connectors on the front of the computer for devices that you connect
occasionally, such as flash memory keys or cameras, or for bootable USB devices
(see
"System Setup" in your
device).
It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically
remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
8power buttonPress this button to turn the computer on.
User’s Guide for more information on booting to a USB
NOTE: The power button can also be used to wake the system or to place it into a
power-saving mode. See "Power Management" in the User’s Guide" for more
information.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn the
computer off. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.
9power lightThe power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different 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 Management" in the User’s Guide."
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" in the User’s Guide for more information. See "Diagnostic
Lights" on page 37 for a description of light codes that can help you troubleshoot
problems with your computer.
10diagnostic lights (4)Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the
diagnostic code. For more information See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 37.
11microphone connectorUse the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone
for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
12headphone connectorUse the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
13network link lightThe network light is on when the computer sends or receives data over a network
connection. The light might also be on when a network device is establishing a
network connection.
Quick Reference Guide23
Back View (Desktop Orientation)
32
1
4
1card slotsAccess connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express cards.
2power connectorInsert the power cable into this connector.
3voltage selection switchSee the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide for more
information.
4back-panel connectorsPlug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector.
24Quick Reference Guide
Back-Panel Connectors
1
2345
6
7
891011
1mouse connectorPlug a standard mouse into the green mouse connector. Turn off the computer
and any attached devices before you connect a mouse to the computer. If you have
a USB mouse, plug it into a USB connector.
If your computer is running the Microsoft
the necessary mouse drivers have been installed on your hard drive.
2parallel connectorConnect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have
a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.
NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically disabled if the computer
detects an installed card containing a parallel connector configured to the same
address. For more information, see "System Setup Options" in the User’s Guide.
3link integrity light
• Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the
computer.
• Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the
computer.
• Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps (or 1-Gbps) network
and the computer.
• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
®
Windows XP operating system,
Quick Reference Guide25
4network 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 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 an additional network connector card, use the connectors
on the card and on the back of the computer when setting up multiple network
connections (such as a separate intra- and extranet).
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.
5network activity lightFlashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting or receiving network
data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady
"on" state.
6line-in connectorUse 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.
7line-out connectorUse the green line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers
with integrated amplifiers.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
8USB 2.0 connectors (2)Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected,
such as printers and keyboards.
It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you
connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys or cameras., or for bootable USB
devices.
9USB 2.0 connectors (3)Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected,
such as printers and keyboards.
It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you
connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys or cameras, or for bootable USB
devices.
10serial connectorConnect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. The default
designations are COM1 for serial connector 1 and COM2 for the optional serial
connector 2.
For more information, see "System Setup Options" in the User’s Guide
11keyboard connectorIf you have a standard keyboard, plug it into the purple keyboard connector.
If you have a USB keyboard, plug it into a USB connector.
.
26Quick Reference Guide
Inside View
1
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located
in the Product Information Guide.
2
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
4
5
3
1power supply7processor fan
2system board8lower 3.5 inch drive bay
3secondary hard drive bay9upper 3.5 inch drive bay
4processor airflow shroud10lower 5.25 inch drive bay
5primary hard drive bay11upper 5.25 inch drive bay
6card fan12drive cage
Quick Reference Guide27
Cable Colors
1
2
34 5
DeviceColor
Hard driveblue cable
Floppy driveblack pull tab
CD/DVD driveorange pull tab
System Board Components
6
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
1516
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
28Quick Reference Guide
1power connector (12VPOWER)13PCI-Express x16 up to 150w card slot
2memory module connectors14PCI-Express x8 card slot (wired as x4)
3battery socket (BATTERY)15PCI card slots (1-3)
4memory fan connector (FAN_MEM)16external LED connector (AUX LED)
5front panel connector17floppy drive (FLOPPY)
6main power connector (POWER)18serial connector (SERIAL2)
7IDE drive connector (IDE)19card cage fan (FAN CARD CAGE)
8SATA connectors (SATA-1, SATA-3,
SATA-0, SATA-2)
9RTC reset jumper (RTCRST)21processor fan connector (FAN_CPU)
10Flexbay connector (FLEXBAY)22processor fan thermal sensor connector (THRM)
•Information for changing the orientation of your computer from a desktop to a tower
•Front and back views of your computer, including all of the available connectors
•Inside views of your computer, including a detailed graphic of the system board and the connectors
•Instructions for cleaning your computer
•Information on software features, such as LegacySelect Technology control, using a password,
and system setup options
•Tips and information for using the Microsoft Windows XP operating system
•Instructions for removing and installing parts, including memory, cards, drives, the microprocessor,
and the battery
•Information for troubleshooting various computer problems
•Instructions for using the Dell Diagnostics and reinstalling drivers
•Information on how to contact Dell
You can access the
contains additional information about your computer such as:
User’s Guide
from your hard drive or the Dell Support website at
support.dell.com
.
Quick Reference Guide29
To access the User’s Guide from your hard drive:
Click the
To access your User’s Guide from the Dell Support website:
1
2
3
Start
button and click
Go to
support.dell.com
Help and Support
.
.
Follow the prompts on the website that ask you for information specific to your computer.
At the Dell Support website home page, click
Reference
, click
User’s Guides
, click
Systems
and then select your computer.
Removing the Computer Cover
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located
in the Product Information Guide.
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.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your
computer.
1
Shut down the operating system:
a
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the
Off Computer
b
In the
Turn off computer
.
window, click
Tur n o ff
.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
Start
button, and then click
,
Tu r n
2
Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached
devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, turn them off now.
3
If you have installed a security cable, remove it from the security cable slot.
NOTICE: Ensure that you are working on a level, protected surface to avoid scratching either the computer or the
surface on which it is resting.
4
Lay your computer on a flat surface with the computer cover facing up.
5
Pull back the cover latch release.
30Quick Reference Guide
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