Dell Precision T5400 User Manual [en, ru, pl]
Dell Precision™ T5400
Quick Reference Guide
Model DCTA
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.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2007 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Inc.;
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming
the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and
trade names other than its own.
Model DCTA
September 2007 P/N GX738 Rev. A00
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setting Up Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Changing Between Tower and Desktop
Orientations
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure
Transferring Information to a New Computer
Power Protection Devices
About Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Front View (Tower Orientation)
Back View (Tower Orientation)
Back Panel Connectors (Tower Orientation)
Front View (Desktop Orientation)
Back View (Desktop Orientation)
Cleaning Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor
Mouse (Non-Optical)
Floppy Drive
CDs and DVDs
Troubleshooting Tools
Power Lights
Diagnostic Lights
Beep Codes
System Messages
Hardware Troubleshooter
Dell Diagnostics
Troubleshooting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
. . . . . 11
. . . . 13
. . . . . . . . . . 18
. . . . . . . . . . 20
. . . . . 21
. . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . 25
. . . . . . . . . 26
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Contents 3
4 Contents
Finding Information
NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer.
Some features or media may not be available in certain countries.
NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• A diagnostic program for my computer
• Drivers for my computer
• My device documentation
• Desktop System Software (DSS)
Drivers and Utilities Disc
Documentation and drivers are already
installed on your computer. You can use
the Drivers and Utilities disc to reinstall
drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers and
Utilities" in your User’s Guide) and to run
the Dell™ Diagnostics (see
on page 36
).
"Dell Diagnostics"
• How to remove and replace parts
•Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates
can be found at support.dell.com.
Dell Precision™ User’s Guide
®
Microsoft
Windows Vista™ Help and Support Center
1
2
This document is also available on
support.dell.com.
Windows® XP and
Click
Start→
Help and Support→ Dell
User and System Guides
Click the
User’s Guide
Quick Reference Guide 5
→
System Guides
for your computer.
.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• 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 when you use
or contact support.
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct
your call when contacting support.
support.dell.com
NOTE: As an increased security measure,
the newly designed Microsoft Windows
license label incorporates a missing portion,
or "hole", to discourage removal of the label.
6 Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and
tips, articles from technicians, and online
courses, frequently asked questions
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region or business
segment to view the appropriate support site.
• Community — Online discussion with
other Dell customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for
components, such as 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
and support history, service contract,
online discussions with technical support
• Dell Technical Update Service —
Proactive e-mail notification of software
and hardware updates for your computer
• 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
processors, optical drives, USB devices,
and so on. DSS is necessary for correct
operation of your Dell computer. The
software automatically detects your
computer and operating system and
To download Desktop System Software:
1
Go to
support.dell.com
region or business segment, and enter
your Service Tag.
2
Select
Drivers & Downloads
3
Click your operating system and search for
the keyword
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface
may vary depending on your selections.
installs the updates appropriate for your
configuration.
, select your
and clickGo.
Notebook System Software
.
Quick Reference Guide 7
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• How to use Microsoft Windows XP or
Vista™
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Windows Help and Support
Microsoft Windows XP:
1
Click the
and Support
2
Either select one of the topics listed, or
type a word or phrase that describes your
problem into the
arrow icon, and then click the topic that
describes your problem.
3
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Microsoft Windows Vista:
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button
, and then click
2
In
Search Help
describes your problem, and then press
<Enter> or click the magnifying glass.
3
Click the topic that describes your problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Start
button and click
.
Search
box, click the
Help and Support
, type a word or phrase that
Help
.
8 Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• How to reinstall my operating system
Operating System Disc
NOTE: The Operating System disc may be
optional and may not ship with your computer.
The operating system is already installed on
your computer. To reinstall your operating
system, use the Operating System disc (see
"Reintalling Windows XP or Windows Vista"
in your User’s Guide).
After you reinstall your operating system,
use the Drivers and Utilities disc 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 disc varies based
on the operating system you ordered.
• 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
Dell Supported Linux Sites
• linux.dell.com
• lists.us.dell.com/mailman/listinfo/linuxprecision
Quick Reference Guide 9
Setting Up Your Computer
Changing Between Tower and Desktop Orientations
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions in the
NOTE: To change your computer to either the tower or the desktop orientation,
you must use an optional kit available from Dell. See "Product Information" in your
User’s Guide for more details on ordering from Dell.
NOTE: The tower computer supports one more 3.5-inch drive in the front than does
the desktop computer.
1
Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" in your
2
Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" in your
User’s Guide
3
Remove the front panel (see "Removing the Front Panel" in your
4
Remove the drive panel and prepare the drive panel by adding or removing
Product Information Guide
).
inserts, as needed (see "Drive Panel" in your
Switching From Tower to Desktop Orientation
1
Remove all installed floppy drives or media card readers by following the steps
in "Removing a Floppy Drive or Media Card Reader (Tower Computer)" in
your
User’s Guide
, and then reinstall a single floppy drive or media card reader
by following the steps in "Installing a Floppy Drive or Media Card Reader
(Desktop Computer)" in your
2
Remove all installed optical drives by following the steps in "Removing an
User’s Guide
Optical Drive (Tower Computer)" in your
the drives by following the steps in "Installing an Optical Drive (Desktop
Computer)" in your
User’s Guide
.
.
User’s Guide
.
User’s Guide
User’s Guide
User’s Guide
).
, and then reinstall
.
).
Switching From Desktop to Tower Orientation
1
Remove the floppy drive or media card reader (if installed) by following
the steps in "Removing a Floppy Drive or a Media Card Reader (Desktop
Computer)" in your
User’s Guide
, and then reinstall the floppy drive or
media card reader by following the steps in "Installing a Floppy Drive or
Media Card Reader (Tower Computer)" in your
User’s Guide
10 Quick Reference Guide
.
2
Remove all installed optical drives by following the steps in "Removing an
Optical Drive (Desktop Computer)" in your
User’s Guide
, and reinstall the
drives by following the steps in "Installing an Optical Drive (Tower Computer)"
in your
User’s Guide
.
Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure
Installing your computer in an enclosure can restrict airflow, can cause your
computer to overheat, and may impact your computer’s performance. Follow
the guidelines below when installing your computer in an enclosure:
NOTICE: The operating temperature specified in this manual reflects the maximum
ambient operating temperature. The ambient room temperature must be a consideration
when installing your computer in an enclosure. For details about your computer’s
specifications, see "Specifications" in your User’s Guide.
• Leave 10.2 cm (4 in) minimum clearance on all vented sides of the computer
to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.
• If your computer is installed in a corner on or under a desk, leave 5.1 cm
(2 in) minimum clearance from the back of the computer to the wall to
permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.
Quick Reference Guide 11
• If your enclosure has doors, ensure that they allow at least thirty percent
airflow through the enclosure (front and back).
• Do not install your computer in an enclosure that does not allow airflow.
Restricting the airflow
impact your computer’s performance
can cause your computer to overheat, and may
.
12 Quick Reference Guide
Transferring Information to a New Computer
You can use your operating system wizards to help you transfer files and other
data from one computer to another computer.
Microsoft Windows XP
The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides the Files and Settings
Transfer Wizard to transfer data, such as:
• E-mail messages
• Toolbar settings
•Window sizes
• Internet bookmarks
You can transfer data from one computer to another computer over a network or
serial connection, or by storing the data on removable media, such as a writable
CD or DVD.
NOTE: You can transfer information from one computer to another computer by
directly connecting a serial cable to the input/output (I/O) ports of the two computers.
To transfer data over a serial connection, you must use the Network Connections
utility in the Control Panel to perform additional configuration steps, such as setting
up an advanced connection and designating the host computer and the guest computer.
For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers,
see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #305621, titled How to Set Up a Direct Cable
Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP. This information may not be
available in certain countries.
Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard requires the Operating System
installation disc that came with your computer or a wizard disc, which the
wizard can create for you.
NOTE: For more information about transferring data, search support.dell.com for
document #154781 (What Are The Different Methods To Transfer Files From My Old
Computer To My New Dell™ Computer Using the Microsoft Windows XP Operating
System?).
NOTE: Access to the Dell Knowledge Base document may not be available in
certain countries.
Quick Reference Guide 13
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard (With the Operating System Disc)
NOTE: The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard designates the source computer from
which data is to be transferred as the old computer, and designates the destination
computer to which the data is going to be transferred as the new computer.
PREPARE THE DESTINATION COMPUTER FOR THE FILE TRANSFER
1
Click
Start→
Settings Transfer Wizard
2
Under
3
Under
the Windows XP CD
4
Review the information under
to the source computer. Do
COPY DATA FROM THE SOURCE COMPUTER
1
Insert the Windows XP
All Programs→
Accessories→ System Tools→
.
Which computer is this?
, click
New computer
Do you have a Windows XP CD?
, then click
Next
.
Now go to your old computer
not
click
Next
Operating System
Files and
, then click
, click
I will use the wizard from
, and then go
.
installation disc into the source
computer.
The
Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP
2
Click
Perform additional tasks
3
Under
What do you want to do?
The
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
4
Click
Next
.
5
Under
Which computer is this?
6
Under
Select a transfer method
then click
7
Under
transfer, then click
Next
.
What do you want to transfer?
Next
.
The selected data is copied and the
.
, click
, click
, click the transfer method of your choice,
screen appears.
Transfer files and settings
window appears.
Old Computer
, then click
, click to select the data you want to
Completing the Collection Phase
screen appears.
Next
.
Next
.
.
8
Click
Finish
.
14 Quick Reference Guide
TRANSFER DATA TO THE DESTINATION COMPUTER
1
Go to the destination computer.
2
Under
Now go to your old computer
3
Under
Where are the files and settings?
chose for transferring your settings and files, then click
, click
Next
.
, click to select the method you
Next
.
The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to the
destination computer. When the transfer is complete, the
Finished
screen
appears.
4
Click
Finished
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard (Without the Operating System Disc)
, and then restart the computer.
To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the Operating System
installation disc, you must create a wizard disk. The wizard disk allows you to
create a backup image file on removable media.
NOTE: The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard designates the source computer from
which data is to be transferred as the old computer, and designates the destination
computer to which the data is going to be transferred as the new computer.
CREATE A WIZARD DISK
1
On the destination computer, click
System Tools
2
Under
3
Under
Disk in the following drive
4
Insert removable media, such as a writable CD or DVD, then click OK.
5
Review the information under
to the source computer. Do
COPY DATA FROM THE SOURCE COMPUTER
1
Insert the wizard disk into the source computer.
2
Click
3
Click
4
Under
5
Under
then click
→ Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Which computer is this?
Do you have a Windows XP CD?
, then click
not
Start→
Browse...
Run
.
and navigate to
Which computer is this?
Select a transfer method
Next
.
Start→
All Programs→
Accessories→
.
, click
New computer
, click
Next
.
Now go to your old computer
click
Next
.
fastwiz
on the wizard disk, then click OK.
, click
Old Computer
, then click
Next
.
I want to create a Wizard
, and then go
, then click
Next
.
, click the transfer method of your choice,
Quick Reference Guide 15
6
Under
What do you want to transfer?
transfer, then click
Next
.
The selected data is copied and the
, click to select the data you want to
Completing the Collection Phase
screen appears.
7
Click
Finish
.
TRANSFER DATA TO THE DESTINATION COMPUTER
1
Go to the destination computer.
2
Under
Now go to your old computer
3
Under
Where are the files and settings?
chose for transferring your settings and files, then click
, click
Next
.
, click to select the method you
Next
.
The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to the
destination computer. When the transfer is complete, the
Finished
screen
appears.
4
Click
Finished
Microsoft Windows Vista
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button and then click
and settings
2
In the
User Account Control
3
Click
Start a new transfer
, and then restart the computer.
→ Start Windows Easy Transfer
dialog box, click
or
Continue a transfer in progress
.
Continue
Tran sfe r fi les
.
.
Follow the instructions provided on the screen by the Windows Easy Transfer
wizard.
Power Protection Devices
Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:
• Surge protectors
• Line conditioners
• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
16 Quick Reference Guide
Surge Protectors
Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help prevent
damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical
storms or after power interruptions. Some surge protector manufacturers include
warranty coverage for certain types of damage. Carefully read the device warranty
when choosing a surge protector and compare joule ratings to determine the
relative effectiveness of different devices. A device with a higher joule rating offers
more protection.
NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power
interruptions caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area,
disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack and disconnect your
computer from the electrical outlet.
Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the
surge protector documentation for modem connection instructions.
NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the
network cable from the network wall jack during electrical storms.
Line Conditioners
NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.
Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies
NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result in
data loss or file damage.
NOTE: To ensure maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to
a UPS. Connect other devices, such as a printer, to a separate power strip that
provides surge protection.
A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices
contain a battery that provides temporary power to connected devices when
AC power is interrupted. The battery charges while AC power is available. See
the UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery operating time
and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Quick Reference Guide 17
About Your Computer
Front View (Tower Orientation)
12
11
10
1
2
3
4
9
8
1 upper 5.25-inch
drive bay
2 lower 5.25-inch
drive bay
3 FlexBay You can use this bay for an optional third hard drive
4 hard-drive
activity light
5 IEEE 1394
connector (optional)
Holds an Optical Drive.
You can use this bay for an optional Optical Drive.
(SATA or SAS), a floppy drive or a Media Card Reader.
The hard drive light is on when the computer reads data
from or writes data to the hard drive. The light might also
be on when a device such as your CD drive is operating.
Use the optional IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed
data devices such as digital video cameras and external
storage devices.
5
6
7
18 Quick Reference Guide
6 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you
connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys or
cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see "System
Setup" in your User’s Guide for more information on
booting to a USB device).
Dell recommends that you use the back USB connectors for
devices that typically remain connected, such as printers
and keyboards.
7 Dell rotatable badge To rotate the Dell badge for tower-to-desktop conversion:
remove the
in your User’s Guide), turn it over, and rotate the plastic
handle behind the badge.
8 power button,
power light
9 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones.
10 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a personal
11 network link light The network link light is on when a good connection
12 diagnostic lights (4) Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer
Press the power button to turn on the computer. The light in
the center of this button indicates power state. See "Controls
and Lights" in your User’s Guide for more information.
computer microphone for voice or musical input into
a sound or telephony program.
exists between a 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps
(or 1-Gbps) network and the computer.
problem based on the diagnostic code. For more information,
see "Power Lights" on page 27.
front panel ("Removing the Computer Cover"
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power
button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an
operating system shutdown.
Quick Reference Guide 19
Back View (Tower Orientation)
1
2
3
1 power connector Insert the power cable.
2 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
The center four connector slots support full-length cards,
and the connector slots on either the top or bottom (one x8
PCI Express slot (wired as x4) and one PCI-X card) support
half-length cards.
3 back panel
connectors
Plug USB, audio, and other devices into the appropriate
connector. For more information, see "Back View (Desktop
Orientation)" on page 25.
CAUTION: Ensure that none of the system air vents are blocked. Blocking them
would cause serious thermal problems.
20 Quick Reference Guide
Back Panel Connectors (Tower Orientation)
12357
8
1 parallel connector Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel
connector. If you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.
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 User’s Guide.
2PS/2 mouse
connector
3 line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a playback device
4 line-out connector Use the green line-out connector to attach most speakers with
5 link integrity light Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps
Plug a standard PS/2 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.
such as an MP3 player, CD player, or VCR.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
integrated amplifiers.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
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.
9
46
10
Quick Reference Guide 21
6 network adapter
connector
7network
activity light
8 serial
connectors (2)
9 PS/2 keyboard
connector
10 USB 2.0
connectors (5)
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.
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).
Dell recommends 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.
Flashes 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.
Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the
serial port. If necessary, the address for this port can be
modified through "System Setup" in your User’s Guide.
If you have a standard PS/2 keyboard, plug it into the purple
keyboard connector. If you have a USB keyboard, plug it into
a USB connector.
Dell recommends 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.
Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain
connected, such as printers and keyboards.
22 Quick Reference Guide
Front View (Desktop Orientation)
1 23
1 upper 5.25-inch
drive bay
2 lower 5.25-inch
drive bay
3 FlexBay You can use the bay for a floppy drive or a Media Card Reader.
4 IEEE 1394
connector
(optional)
5 USB 2.0
connectors (2)
6 hard-drive
activity light
Holds an Optical Drive.
You can use the bay for an optional Optical Drive or a SATA
hard drive.
Use the optional IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices
such as digital video cameras and external storage devices.
Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect
occasionally, such as flash memory keys or cameras, or for
bootable USB devices. (For more information on booting to
a USB device, see "System Setup" in your User’s Guide.)
Dell recommends that you use the back USB connectors for
devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and
keyboards.
The hard drive light is on when the computer reads data from or
writes data to the hard drive. The light might also be on when
a device such as your CD player is operating.
4
67
5
9101112
8
Quick Reference Guide 23
7 Dell rotatable
badge
8 power button,
power light
9 headphone
connector
10 microphone
connector
11 network link light The network link light is on when a good connection exists
12 diagnostic
lights (4)
To rotate the Dell badge for tower-to-desktop conversion:
remove the
User’s Guide
the badge.
Press the power button to turn on the computer. The light in the
center of this button indicates power state. For more information,
see "Power Lights" on page 27.
Use the headphone connector to attach headphones.
Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer
microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or
telephony program.
between a 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps (or 1-Gbps)
network and the computer.
Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem
based on the diagnostic code. For more information, see "Power
Lights" on page 27.
front panel (see
)
, turn it over, and rotate the plastic handle behind
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power
button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an
operating system shutdown.
"Removing the Front Panel" in your
24 Quick Reference Guide
Back View (Desktop Orientation)
1 2 3
1 back panel
connectors
2 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
3 power connector Insert the power cable.
Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the
appropriate connector
Slots 2-4 support full-length cards:
- two PCI Express x16 slots
- one PCI slot.
Slots 1, 5, and 6 support half-length cards:
- two PCI-X slots
- one PCI Express x8 slot.
.
Quick Reference Guide 25
Cleaning Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the
Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor
CAUTION: 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.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove dust from
the slots and holes on your computer and from between the keys on the
keyboard.
NOTICE: Do not wipe the display screen with a soap or alcohol solution. Doing so
may damage the antiglare coating.
• To clean your monitor screen, lightly dampen a soft, clean cloth with water.
If possible, use a special screen-cleaning tissue or solution suitable for the
monitor’s antistatic coating.
• Wipe the keyboard, computer, and plastic part of the monitor with a soft
cleaning cloth moistened with water.
Do not soak the cloth or let water drip inside your computer or keyboard.
Mouse (Non-Optical)
1
Turn the retainer ring on the underside of your mouse counterclockwise,
and then remove the ball.
2
Wipe the ball with a clean, lint-free cloth.
3
Blow carefully into the ball cage to dislodge dust and lint.
4
Clean the rollers inside the ball cage with a cotton swab moistened lightly
with isopropyl alcohol.
5
Recenter the rollers in their channels, as needed. Ensure that fluff from
the swab is not left on the rollers.
6
Replace the ball and retainer ring, and then turn the retainer ring clockwise
until it clicks into place.
Product Information Guide
.
26 Quick Reference Guide
Floppy Drive
NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. The heads may become
misaligned and prevent the drive from operating.
Clean your floppy drive using a commercially available cleaning kit. These
kits contain pretreated floppy disks to remove contaminants that accumulate
during normal operation.
CDs and DVDs
NOTICE: Always use compressed air to clean the lens in the CD/DVD drive, and
follow the instructions that come with the compressed air. Never touch the lens in
the drive.
1
Hold the disc by its outer edge. You can also touch the inside edge of the
center hole.
NOTICE: To prevent damaging the surface, do not wipe in a circular motion around
the disc.
2
With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the unlabeled
side) in a straight line from the center to the outer edge of the disc.
For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild
soap. You can also purchase commercial products that clean discs and
provide some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning
products for CDs are safe to use on DVDs.
Troubleshooting Tools
Power Lights
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide
The power button light located on the front of the computer illuminates and
blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:
• If the power light is green and the computer is not responding, "Diagnostic
Lights" on page 29.
• If the power light is blinking green, the computer is in standby mode.
Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button
to resume normal operation.
.
Quick Reference Guide 27
• If the power light is off, the computer is either turned off or is not
receiving power.
– Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of
the computer and the electrical outlet.
– If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power
strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is
turned on.
– Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension
cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.
– Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
– Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely
connected to the system board (see "System Board Components" in
your
User’s Guide
).
• If the power light is blinking amber, the computer is receiving electrical
power, but an internal power problem might exist.
– Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power
at your location, if applicable.
– Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the
system board (see "System Board Components" in your
User’s Guide
• If the power light is steady amber, a device may be malfunctioning or
incorrectly installed.
– Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see "Removing the
Front Panel" in your
– Remove and then reinstall any cards (see "Cards" in your
User’s Guide
).
User’s Guide
• Eliminate interference. Some possible causes of interference are:
– Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables
– Too many devices on a power strip
– Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet
).
).
28 Quick Reference Guide
Diagnostic Lights
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide
To help troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled 1, 2, 3, and
4 on the front panel (see "Front View (Tower Orientation)" on page 18). When
the computer starts normally, the lights flash, and then turn off. If the computer
malfunctions, use the sequence of the lights to help identify the problem.
NOTE: After the computer completes POST, all four lights turn off before booting to
the operating system.
Diagnostic Light Codes During POST
Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution
The computer is in
a normal off
condition or
a possible pre-BIOS
failure has occurred.
A possible BIOS
failure has occurred;
the computer is in the
recovery mode.
A possible processor
failure has occurred.
Plug the computer into a working electrical
outlet and press the power button.
• Run the BIOS Recovery utility, wait
for recovery completion, and then
restart the computer.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see
User’s Guide
• Reseat the processor (see "Processor"
in your User’s Guide
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see
User’s Guide
.
"Contacting Dell" in your
).
).
"Contacting Dell" in your
).
Quick Reference Guide 29
Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution
Memory modules
are detected, but
amemory failure
has occurred.
A possible graphics
card failure has
occurred.
A possible floppy or
hard drive failure
has occurred.
A possible USB
failure has occurred.
• If two or more memory modules are
installed, remove the modules
(see "Memory"
reinstall one module, and then restart
the computer. If the computer starts
normally, continue to install additional
memory modules (one at a time) until
you have identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.
• If available, install working memory of
the same type into your computer
(see "Memory"
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
"Contacting Dell" in your User’s
(see
Guide
).
• Reseat any installed graphics cards
(see "Cards"
• If available, install a working graphics
card into your computer.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
"Contacting Dell" in your User’s
(see
).
Guide
• Reseat all power and data cables and
restart the computer.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
"Contacting Dell" in your User’s
(see
Guide
).
• Reinstall all USB devices, check cable
connections, and then restart the
computer.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
"Contacting Dell" in your User’s
(see
).
Guide
in your User’s Guide
in your User’s Guide
in your User’s Guide
),
).
).
30 Quick Reference Guide
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