Dell Precision T7400 User Manual [en, ru, pl]

Dell Precision™ T7400

Quick Reference Guide

Model DCDO
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.
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 DCDO
September 2007 P/N GX691 Rev. A00

Contents

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setting Up Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Changing Between Tower and Desktop Orientations
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
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
Cleaning Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . 10
. . . . 13
. . . . . . . . . . 18
. . . . . . . . . . 20
. . . . . . . . . 23
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
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
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities disc may
be optional and may not ship with your computer.
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 "Dell Diagnostics" on page 33).
• 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
Windows® XP and Microsoft
Click
Start→
Help and Support→ Dell User and System Guides System Guides
Click the
Quick Reference Guide 5
.
User’s Guide
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® Product Key
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows Product Key
These labels are located on your computer:
• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use or contact Dell support.
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting Dell 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, online courses, and frequently asked questions
• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as the memory, hard drive, and operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and order status, and warranty and repair information
• Service and support — Service call status, support history, service contract, and online discussions with 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 automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration, providing critical updates for your operating system and support for processors, optical drives, USB devices, for example. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region or business
segment to view the appropriate support site.
To download Desktop System Software:
1
Go to
support.dell.com
country/region, and then click
& Downloads
2
Click
Select Model
make the appropriate selections or enter the appropriate information for your computer, and then click
3
Scroll down to
Utilities
and then click
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface
may vary depending on your selections.
, select your
.
or
Enter a Tag
Confirm
System and Configuration
Desktop System Software
Download Now.
Drivers
,
.
,
Quick Reference Guide 7
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• How to use Windows XP
• How to use Windows Vista
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Windows Help and Support Center
1
Click
Start→
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.
• How to reinstall my operating system
Operating System Disc
The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System disc that came with your computer (see "Restoring Your Operating System" in your User’s Guide).
Help and Support
.
8 Quick Reference Guide
After you reinstall your operating system, use the optional 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 operating system
installation disc varies according to the operating system you ordered.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• 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

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 Panels" in your
.
User’s Guide
User’s Guide
User’s Guide
).
.
).
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 Optical Drive (Tower Computer)" in your
User’s Guide
.
User’s Guide
, and then reinstall the drives by following the steps in "Installing an Optical Drive (Desktop Computer)" in your
User’s Guide
.
Quick Reference Guide 9
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
2
Remove all installed optical drives by following the steps in "Removing an Optical Drive (Desktop Computer)" in your
User’s Guide
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.
10 Quick Reference 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.
If your enclosure has doors, ensure that they allow at least 30 percent airflow through the enclosure (front and back).
Quick Reference Guide 11
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 disc that came with your computer or a wizard disk, 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
Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP
The
2
Click
Perform additional tasks
3
Under
The
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
4
Click
Next
5
Under
6
Under and then click
7
Under transfer, and then click
The selected data is copied and the
All Programs→
Accessories→ System Tools→
.
Which computer is this?
, click
New computer
Do you have a Windows XP CD?
, and then click
Next
Now go to your old computer
not
click
Next
Operating System
.
What do you want to do?
, click
Transfer files and settings
.
Which computer is this?
Select a transfer method
Next
.
What do you want to transfer?
Next
, click
Old Computer
, click the transfer method of your choice,
, click to select the data you want to
.
Completing the Collection Phase
Files and
, and then click
, click
I will use the wizard from
.
, and then go
.
disc into the source computer.
screen appears.
window appears.
, and then click
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, and 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 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
in the following drive
4
Insert a writable CD or DVD, and 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
Browse...
4
Under
5
Under and then click
→ Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Which computer is this?
Do you have a Windows XP CD?
, and then click
not
Start→
Run
.
and navigate to
Which computer is this?
Select a transfer method
Next
.
Start→
All Programs→
Accessories→
.
, click
New computer
, click
I want to create a Wizard Disk
, and then click
Next
Next.
Now go to your old computer
click
Next
.
fastwiz
on the wizard disk, and then clickOK.
, click
Old Computer
, and then go
, and then click
Next
, click the transfer method of your choice,
.
.
Quick Reference Guide 15
6
Under
What do you want to transfer?
transfer, and 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?
for transferring your settings and files, and then click
, click
Next
.
, click to select the method you chose
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 s fer f ile s
.
.
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)

1
2
3
1–3 5.25-inch
drive bays
13 12
11 10
9
Can hold a CD/DVD drive, or a media card reader, floppy drive, or a SATA hard drive in a 5.25-inch drive bay carrier. The hard-drive carrier is only for use in the 5.25-inch drive bays. The floppy-drive/media card reader and hard-drive carriers are not interchangeable.
4
5 6
7
8
18 Quick Reference Guide
4 5.25-inch drive
bay with special
3.5-inch drive panel plate
5 hard-drive
activity light
6 IEEE 1394
connector
7USB 2.0
connectors (2)
8 power button,
power light
Can hold a CD/DVD drive, or a media card reader, a floppy drive, or a SATA hard drive in a 5.25-inch drive bay carrier. The drive-panel plate shown here is only for use with a floppy drive or media card reader; you can install the plate in front of any of the four 5.25-inch drive bays. For more information, see "Drive Panels" in your User’s Guide. The hard-drive carrier is only for use in the 5.25-inch drive bays. The floppy-drive/media card reader and hard-drive carriers are not interchangeable.
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 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, cameras, or bootable USB devices. Dell recommends that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
Press the power button to turn on the computer. The light in the center of this button indicates the power state. For more information, see "Controls and Lights" in your User’s Guide.
NOTE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to
turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.
9 Dell badge You can rotate the Dell badge so that "Dell" is read horizontally,
depending on whether you use the desktop or tower orientation.
10 headphone
connector
11 microphone
connector
12 diagnostic
lights (4)
13 network link light The network link light is on when a good connection exists
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.
Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" in your User’s Guide.
between a 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps (or 1-Gbps) network and the computer.
Quick Reference Guide 19

Back View (Tower Orientation)

1
2
3
1 power connector Connect the power cable.
2 card slots Slots 2–6 support full-length cards, including one PCI, two PCI
Express 2.0 x16, and two PCI-X slots. Slots 1 and 7 support half-length cards, including one PCI Express x8 (wired as x4) and one PCI-X slot.
3 back panel
connectors
Plug USB, audio, and other devices into the appropriate connector (see "Back Panel Connectors" on page 21 for more information).
CAUTION: Ensure that none of the computer air vents are blocked. Blocking them
can cause serious thermal problems.
20 Quick Reference Guide

Back Panel Connectors

12345678
11 10 9
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.
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 User’s Guide.
2 mouse connector 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.
3 IEEE 1394
connector
4 line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a playback device
5 line-out connector Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and
6 link integrity light Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps
Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices.
such as an MP3 player, CD drive, or VCR. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
most speakers with 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.
Quick Reference Guide 21
7 network adapter
connector
8network
activity light
9 USB 2.0
connectors (5)
10 keyboard
connector
11 serial
connectors (2)
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). 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.
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.
It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable USB devices. Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
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.
Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. If necessary, the address for this port can be modified through the system setup program (see "System Setup" in you User’s Guide).
22 Quick Reference Guide

Cleaning Your Computer

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

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.
.
Quick Reference Guide 23

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 26.
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.
24 Quick Reference Guide
.
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
).
).
Quick Reference Guide 25

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
).
26 Quick Reference Guide
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
(see
User’s 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
(see
User’s Guide
• Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
"Contacting Dell" in your
(see
User’s Guide
• Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
"Contacting Dell" in your
(see
User’s Guide
in your User’s Guide
in your User’s Guide
).
in your User’s Guide
).
).
).
),
).
).
Quick Reference Guide 27
Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution
No memory modules are detected.
System board 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
(see
User’s Guide
Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your User’s Guide).
in your User’s Guide
in your User’s Guide
).
),
).
Memory modules are detected, but amemory configuration or compatibility error exists.
A possible system board resource and/or hardware failure has occurred.
28 Quick Reference Guide
• Ensure that no special requirements for memory module/connector placement exist (see "Memory" your User’s Guide
• Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer (see "Memory"
• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
"Contacting Dell" in your
User’s Guide).
• Perform the procedures in "Restoring Your Operating System"
User’s Guide
• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell"
User’s Guide
).
in your User’s Guide
.
in your
).
in
).
in your
Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution
A possible expansion card failure has occurred.
1
Determine if a conflict exists by removing an expansion card (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer (see "Cards"
2
If the problem persists, reinstall the card
in your User’s Guide
you removed, and then remove a different card and restart the computer.
3
Repeat this process for each expansion card installed. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Restoring Your Operating
in your User’s Guide
System"
4
If the problem persists, contact Dell
"Contacting Dell" in your
(see
).
Another failure has occurred.
User’s Guide
• Ensure that all hard drive and CD/DVD drive cables are properly connected to the system board (see "System Board Components" your User’s Guide
• If there is an error message on the screen identifying a problem with a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive), check the device to make sure it is functioning properly.
• If the operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the floppy drive or CD/DVD drive), check the system setup program (see "System
in your User’s Guide
Setup" the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
"Contacting Dell" in your
(see
User’s Guide
).
).
).
in
).
) to ensure
Quick Reference Guide 29

Beep Codes

Your computer may emit a series of beeps during start up. The series of beeps is called a beep code and can be used to help identify a problem with your computer.
If your computer emits a series of beeps during start-up:
1
Write down the beep code.
2
Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify the cause (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 33).
Code Cause
2 short, 1 long BIOS checksum error
1 long, 3 short, 2 short Memory error
1 short F12 key pressed
Code (repetitive short beeps)
1BIOS checksum
2 No memory modules
3Possible
Description Suggested Remedy
failure. Possible motherboard failure.
are detected.
motherboard failure.
Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your User’s Guide).
• 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 (see
"Contacting Dell" in your
User’s Guide
Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your User’s Guide).
in your User’s Guide
in your User’s Guide
).
),
).
30 Quick Reference Guide
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