Dell TJ021, 745c User Manual

Dell™ OptiPlex™ 745c

Quick Reference Guide

Model DCSM

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

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

____________________

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 OptiPlex are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel is registered trademarks of Intel Corporation;

Microsoft, Windows, and Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft 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.

Model DCSM

February 2007 P/N TJ021 Rev. A00

Contents

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

System Views

Mini Tower Computer — Front View
Mini Tower Computer — Back View

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Mini Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors

Removing the Computer Cover

Before You Begin
Mini Tower Computer

Inside Your Computer

Mini Tower Computer

Setting Up Your Computer

Set Up Your Keyboard and Mouse
Set Up Your Monitor
Power Connections

Solving Problems

Dell Diagnostics
System Lights

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Diagnostic Lights
Beep Codes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore
Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft

®

Windows Vista™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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

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

The support.dell.com user interface may vary depending
on your selections.

Using the Drivers and Utilities CD

Drivers for Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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 computer documentation

• My device documentation

• Desktop System Software (DSS)

• How to remove and replace parts

• Specifications

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD)

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional

and may not ship with your computer.

Documentation and drivers are already installed on
your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall
drivers (see "Using the Drivers and Utilities CD" on
page 34), run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell
Diagnostics" on page 21), or access your
documentation.

Readme files may
be included on your
CD to provide last­minute updates
about technical
changes to your
computer or
advanced technical
reference material
for technicians or
experienced users.

NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be

found at support.dell.com.

Dell™ OptiPlex™ User’s Guide

Microsoft Windows XP Help and Support Center

1

Click

Start→

Help and Support→ Dell User and

→

System Guides

2

Click the

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

User’s Guide

System Guides

for your computer.

.

Quick Reference Guide 5

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 reinstall my operating system

• How to use Windows XP

• How to work with programs and files

• How to personalize my desktop

Operating System CD

NOTE: The Operating System CD 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 CD (see "Reinstalling
Microsoft Windows XP" on page 30).

After you reinstall
your operating
system, use the
optional Drivers and
Utilities CD
(ResourceCD) to
reinstall drivers for
the devices that
came with your
computer. For more
information, see

"Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD)" on page 5.

Your operating system product key label is located
on your computer (see "Service Tag and Microsoft
Windows

®

Product Key" on page 7).

®

NOTE: The color of your Operating System CD varies

according to the operating system you ordered.

Windows Help and Support Center

1

Click

Start→

Help and Support

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.

.

6 Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows Product Key Label

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

support.dell.co

or contact

m

support.

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

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

• 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 on 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 Dell™

3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel

®

processors, optical
drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct
operation of your Dell computer.

To download Desktop System Software:

1

Go to

support.dell.com

business segment, then enter your Service Tag.

2

Select

3

Click your operating system, and then search for
the keyword

NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary

depending on your selections.

, select your region or

Drivers & Downloads

Desktop System Software

, then click Go.

.

Quick Reference Guide 7

System Views

Mini Tower Computer — Front View

1

2

3

11

10

9

4

5

6

7

8

8 Quick Reference Guide

1 5.25-inch drive bay Can contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.

2 5.25-inch drive bay Can contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.

3 3.5-inch drive bay Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional media card reader.

4 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as

joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see your online User’s Guide
for more information on booting 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.

5 LAN indicator light This light indicates that a LAN (local area network) connection is established.

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

diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 25.

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

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

power button. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. See "Before
You Begin" on page 13 for more information.

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

power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.

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

operating modes:

• 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

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 your online User’s Guide.

See "System Lights" on page 24 for a description of light codes that can help you
troubleshoot problems with your computer.

9 hard-drive activity light This light flickers when the hard drive is being accessed.

10 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.

11 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a microphone.

your online User’s Guide

.

Quick Reference Guide 9

Mini Tower Computer — Back View

1

2

3

4

5

10 Quick Reference Guide

6

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

2 padlock ring Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.

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

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

NOTICE: The voltage selection switch must be set to the 115-V position even

though the AC power available in Japan is 100 V.

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

4 power connector Insert the power cable.

5 back-panel connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connectors (see "Mini

Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors" on page 11).

6 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.

Mini Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors

13

98 7

24

5

6

Quick Reference Guide 11

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 your online User’s Guide.

2 link integrity light

3 network adapter

connector

• 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 1-Gbps (or 1000-Mbps) network
and the computer.

• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.

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

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

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

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

4 network activity light 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.

5 line-out connector Use the green line-out connector to attach most speakers with integrated

amplifiers.

6 line-in/microphone

connector

7 USB 2.0 connectors (6) Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as

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

Use the blue and pink line-in/microphone connector to attach a record/playback
device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.; or a personal computer
microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

printers and keyboards.

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

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

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

that came with your computer.

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

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

For more information, see your online User’s Guide.

12 Quick Reference Guide

Removing the Computer Cover

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

Product Information Guide.

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

removing the cover.

Before You Begin

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off

your computer.

1

Shut down the operating system:

a

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

Turn 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.

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.

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help
ensure your own personal safety.

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

Product Information Guide.

Start

button, and then click

CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a

card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by
its pins.

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

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

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

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

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

1

Turn off your computer.

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

network wall jack.

2

Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

Quick Reference Guide 13

3

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

4

If applicable, remove the computer stand (for instructions, see the documentation that came with the
stand).

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

removing the cover.

5

Remove the computer cover. See "Mini Tower Computer" on page 14.

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

such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to
dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

Mini Tower Computer

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

Product Information Guide.

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

removing the computer cover.

1

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 13.

2

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

3

Locate the cover release latch shown in the illustration. Then, slide the release latch back as you lift the
cover.

4

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

5

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

CAUTION: Graphic card heatsinks may become very hot during normal operation. Ensure that a graphic card

heatsink has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.

14 Quick Reference Guide

1

2

3

1 security cable slot 2 cover release latch 3 padlock ring

Quick Reference Guide 15

Inside Your Computer

Mini Tower Computer

2

1

3

4

5

6

7

1 optical drive 2 floppy drive 3 power supply

4 chassis-intrusion switch 5 system board 6 heat-sink assembly

7 hard drive

16 Quick Reference Guide

System Board Components

21

1

2

3

20

4

19

18

5

6

17

7

16

MFG_MODE

15

14

8

9

13

12

11

10

Quick Reference Guide 17

1 fan connector (FAN) 12 internal USB (INTERNAL_USB)

2 processor connector (CPU) 13 battery socket (BATT)

3 processor power connector (12VPOWER) 14 PCI Express x16 connector (SLOT1)

4 memory module connectors (DIMM_1, DIMM_2,

DIMM_3, DIMM_4)

5 RTC reset jumper (RTCRST) 16 PCI connector (SLOT2)

6 password jumper (PSWD) 17 PCI connector (SLOT3)

7 SATA drive connectors (SATA0, SATA1, SATA4, SATA5) 18 serial connector (SER2)

8 manufacturing mode jumper (MFG_MODE) 19 floppy drive connector (DSKT)

9 front-panel connector (FNT_PANEL) 20 system board speaker (BEEP)

10 power connector (POWER) 21 speaker connector (INT_SPKR)

11 intrusion switch connector (INTRUDER)

15 PCI Express x1 connector (SLOT4)

Jumper Settings

NOTE: Do not populate the MFG_MODE jumper. Active Management technology will not function properly. Only

manufacturing uses this jumper.

Jumper Setting Description

PSWD Password features are enabled

(default setting).

Password features are
disabled.

RTCRST The real-time clock has

not been reset.

jumpered unjumpered

The real-time clock is being reset
(jumpered temporarily).

18 Quick Reference Guide

Setting Up Your Computer

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

Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: If your computer has an expansion card installed (such as a modem card), connect the appropriate cable

to the card, not to the connector on the back panel.

NOTICE: To help allow the computer to maintain proper operating temperature, ensure that you do not place the

computer too close to a wall or other storage compartment that might prevent air circulation around the chassis.
See your Product Information Guide for more information.

NOTE: Before you install any devices or software that did not ship with your computer, read the documentation

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

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

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

1

Connect the keyboard and mouse.

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

communications can cause damage to the network adapter

2

Connect the modem or network cable.

Insert the network cable, not the telephone line, into the network connector. If you have an optional
modem, connect the telephone line to the modem.

3

Connect the monitor.

Align and gently insert the monitor cable to avoid bending connector pins. Tighten the thumbscrews
on the cable connectors.

NOTE: Some monitors have the video connector underneath the back of the screen. See the documentation

that came with your monitor for its connector locations.

4

Connect the speakers.

5

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

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

most closely matches the AC power available in your location.

NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to the 115-V position even though the AC power

available in Japan is 100 V.

6

Verify that the voltage selection switch is set correctly for your location.

Your computer has a manual voltage-selection switch. Computers with a voltage selection switch on
the back panel must be manually set to operate at the correct operating voltage.

Quick Reference Guide 19

Set Up Your Keyboard and Mouse

Set Up Your Monitor

20 Quick Reference Guide

Power Connections

Solving Problems

Dell provides a number of tools to help you if your computer does not perform as expected. For the latest
troubleshooting information available for your computer, see the Dell Support website at
support.dell.com.

If computer problems occur that require help from Dell, write a detailed description of the error, beep
codes, or diagnostics light patterns, record your Express Service Code and Service Tag below, and then
contact Dell from the same location as your computer. For information on contacting Dell, see your
online User’s Guide.

For an example of the Express Service Code and Service Tag, see "Finding Information" in your computer
User’s Guide.

Express Service Code: ___________________________

Service Tag: ___________________________

Dell Diagnostics

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

Product Information Guide.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

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

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

Quick Reference Guide 21

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

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

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

1

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2

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

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

Diagnostics from the optional Drivers and Utilities CD (see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and
Utilities CD" on page 22).

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

®

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

When the boot device list appears, highlight

3

When the Dell Diagnostics

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD

1

Insert the

2

Shut down and restart the computer.

Drivers and Utilities

Main Menu

CD.

Boot to Utility Partition

appears, select the test you want to run.

and press <Enter>.

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

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots

according to the devices specified in system setup.

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

Ty p e 1 to start the

7

Ty p e 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.

8

Select

Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics

Drivers and Utilities

CD menu.

from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select

the version appropriate for your computer.

9

When the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

appears, select the test you want to run.

22 Quick Reference Guide

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

1

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the

Main Menu

screen appears, click the button for the option

you want.

Option Function

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

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

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

and requires you to answer questions periodically.

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

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

based on the symptom of the problem you are having.

2

If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the
problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the
screen.

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell. For information on contacting Dell, see your
online

User’s Guide

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,

technical support will ask for your Service Tag.

3

If you run a test from the

.

Custom Test

or

Symptom Tree

option, click the applicable tab described in

the following table for more information.

Tab Function

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

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

description.

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

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

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

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

Quick Reference Guide 23

4

When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the
CD (optional), remove the CD.

5

Close the test screen to return to the
computer, close the

Main Menu

Main Menu

screen.

screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the

System Lights

Your power light may indicate a computer problem.

Power Light Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Solid green Power is on, and the computer is

operating normally.

Blinking green The computer is in a power-saving

mode.

Blinks green several
times and then
turns off

Solid yellow A device on the system board may be

Blinking yellow A power supply or system board

Solid green and a
beep code during
POST

Solid green power
light, no beep code
and no video during
POST

Solid green power
light and no beep
code, but the
computer locks up
during POST

A configuration error exists. Check Diagnostic Lights to see if the specific problem

faulty or incorrectly installed or the
voltage selection switch on the power
supply may be set incorrectly.

failure has occurred.

A problem was detected while the
BIOS was executing.

The monitor or the graphics card may
be faulty or incorrectly installed.

An integrated system board device
may be faulty.

No corrective action is required.

Press the power button, move the mouse, or press a
key on the keyboard to wake the computer.

is identified (see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 25).

Check Diagnostic Lights to see if the specific problem
is identified (see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 25).

See "Power Problems" in your online User’s Guide.

If the computer does not boot, contact Dell for
technical assistance.

Dell, see your online

Check Diagnostic Lights to see if the specific problem
is identified (see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 25).

See "Power Problems" in your online User’s Guide.

If the computer does not boot, contact Dell for
technical assistance.

Dell, see your online

For instructions on diagnosing the beep code see
"Beep Codes" on page 27. Also, check Diagnostic
Lights to see if the specific problem is identified.

Check Diagnostic Lights to see if the specific problem
is identified.

Check Diagnostic Lights to see if the specific problem
is identified. If the problem is not identified, contact
Dell for technical assistance.

contacting Dell, see your online

Drivers and Utilities

For information on contacting

User’s Guide

For information on contacting

User’s Guide

.

.

For information on

User’s Guide

.

24 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 you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "1," "2," "3," and "4" on the
front or back panel. The lights can be "off" or green. When the computer starts normally, the patterns or
codes on the lights change as the boot process completes. If the POST portion of system boot completes
successfully, all four lights display solid green for a short time, and then turn off.

If the computer malfunctions during the POST process, the pattern displayed on the LEDs may help
identify where in the process the computer halted. If the computer malfunctions after a successful
POST, the diagnostic lights do not indicate the cause of the problem.

NOTE: The orientation of the diagnostic lights may vary depending on the system type. The diagnostic lights can be

either vertically or horizontally oriented.

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

The computer is in a normal "off" condition, or a
possible pre-BIOS failure has occurred.

The diagnostic lights are not lit after the computer
successfully boots to the operating system.

A possible BIOS failure has occurred; the
computer is in recovery mode.

A possible processor failure has occurred. Reinstall the processor and restart the

Memory modules are detected, but a memory
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.

computer.

the processor, see your online

• If you have one memory module installed,

• If you have two or more memory modules

• If available, install properly working

• If the problem persists,

For information on reinstalling

User’s Guide

reinstall it and restart the computer. For
information on reinstalling memory
modules, see your online

installed, remove the modules, reinstall
one module, and then restart the computer.
If the computer starts normally, reinstall
an additional module. Continue until
you have identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.

memory of the same type into your
computer.

For information on contacting Dell, see
your online

User’s Guide

User’s Guide

contact Dell

.

.

.

.

Quick Reference Guide 25

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

A possible graphics card failure has occurred.

A possible floppy or hard drive failure has
occurred.

A possible USB failure has occurred. Reinstall all USB devices, check cable

No memory modules are detected.

• If the computer has a graphics card,
remove the card, reinstall it, and then
restart the computer.

• If the problem still exists, install a
graphics card that you know works and
restart the computer.

• If the problem persists or the computer
has integrated graphics,
For information on contacting Dell, see
your online

Reseat all power and data cables and
restart the computer.

connections, and then restart the
computer.

• If you have one memory module
installed, reinstall it and restart the
computer. For information on
reinstalling memory modules, see your
online

• If you have two or more memory
modules installed, remove the modules,
reinstall one module, and then restart
the computer. If the computer starts
normally, reinstall an additional module.
Continue until you have identified a
faulty module or reinstalled all modules
without error.

• If available, install properly working
memory of the same type into your
computer.

• If the problem persists,
information on contacting Dell, see your
online

User’s Guide

User’s Guide

User’s Guide

contact Dell

.

.

contact Dell

.

.

. For

26 Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Memory modules are detected, but a memory
configuration or compatibility error exists.

A failure has occurred.

This pattern also displays when you enter system
setup and may not indicate a problem.

• Ensure that no

module/memory connector placement
requirements

• Verify that the
you are installing are compatible with
your computer.

• If the problem persists,
information on contacting Dell, see your

User’s Guide

online

• Ensure that the cables are properly
connected to the system board from the
hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive.

• Check the computer message that
appears on your monitor screen.

• If the problem persists,
information on contacting Dell, see your

User’s Guide

online

special memory

exist.

memory modules

contact Dell

.

contact Dell

.

that

. For

. For

Beep Codes

Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems.
This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. One possible beep code (code 1 3-1)
consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the
computer encountered a memory problem.

If your computer beeps during start-up:

1

Write down the beep code.

2

See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 21 to identify a more serious cause.

3

Contact Dell for technical assistance. For information on contacting Dell, see your online

User’s Guide

.

Code Cause Code Cause

1-1-2 Microprocessor register failure 3-1-4 Slave interrupt mask register failure

1-1-3 NVRAM read/write failure 3-2-2 Interrupt vector loading failure

1-1-4 ROM BIOS checksum failure 3-2-4 Keyboard Controller test failure

1-2-1 Programmable interval timer failure 3-3-1 NVRAM power loss

1-2-2 DMA initialization failure 3-3-2 Invalid NVRAM configuration

1-2-3 DMA page register read/write failure 3-3-4 Video Memory test failure

1-3 Video Memory test failure 3-4-1 Screen initialization failure

Quick Reference Guide 27

Code Cause Code Cause

1-3-1 through
2-4-4

3-1-1 Slave DMA register failure 3-4-3 Search for video ROM failure

3-1-2 Master DMA register failure 4-2-1 No timer tick

3-1-3 Master interrupt mask register failure 4-2-2 Shutdown failure

4-2-3 Gate A20 failure 4-4-1 Serial or parallel port test failure

4-2-4 Unexpected interrupt in protected mode 4-4-2 Failure to decompress code to

4-3-1 Memory failure above address 0FFFFh 4-4-3 Math-coprocessor test failure

4-3-3 Timer-chip counter 2 failure 4-4-4 Cache test failure

4-3-4 Time-of-day clock stopped

Memory not being properly
identified or used

3-4-2 Screen retrace failure

shadowed memory

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly
configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.

1

Click the

2

Ty p e

3

Click

4

In the
click

Start

button and click

Help and Support

hardware troubleshooter

Hardware Troubleshooter

Hardware Troubleshooter

Next

.

in the

list, click

.

in the

Search

field and click the arrow to start the search.

Search Results

list.

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer

, and

Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore

The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your
computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software,
or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Windows Help
and Support Center for information on using System Restore. To access the Windows Help and Support
Center, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 6.

NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.

Creating a Restore Point

1

Click the

2

Click

3

Follow the instructions on the screen.

28 Quick Reference Guide

Start

button and click

System Restore

Help and Support

.

.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any

open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1

Click the

2

Ensure that

3

Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.

The

Start

button, point to

Restore my computer to an earlier time

Select a Restore Point

All Programs→

Accessories→

is selected, and click

System Tools

, and then click

Next

.

System Restore

screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points.

All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.

4

Select a restore point and click

Next

.

If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or
more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.

5

Click

Next

.

The

Restoration Complete

screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the

computer restarts.

6

After the computer restarts, click OK.

To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can
undo the restoration.

Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not

alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1

Click the

2

Click

3

Click

The

Start

button, point to

Undo my last restoration

Next

.

System Restore

screen appears and the computer restarts.

All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools

and click

Next

.

, and then click

System Restore

.

.

4

After the computer restarts, click OK.

Enabling System Restore

If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is
automatically disabled. To verify that System Restore is enabled:

1

Click the

2

Click

3

Click

4

Click the

5

Ensure that

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

System

.

System Restore

tab.

Turn off System Restore

.

.

is unchecked.

Quick Reference Guide 29

Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP

Getting Started

NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view in Windows XP Home Edition, so

the steps will differ if you set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic view or are using Windows XP Professional.

If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly
installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback.

1

Click the

2

Under

3

Click

4

In the

5

Click

6

Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click

7

Click the

8

Click

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your operating
system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver (see "Using Microsoft
Windows XP System Restore" on page 28).

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the

Drivers Utilities CD to load any required drivers, including the drivers required if your computer has a RAID controller.

Start

button and click

Pick a Category

System

.

System Properties

Device Manager

Drivers

tab.

Roll Back Driver

Control Pane

, click

Performance and Maintenance

window, click the

l.

Hardware

.

.

tab.

.

Properties

.

Reinstalling Windows XP

NOTICE: You must use Windows XP Service Pack 1 or later when you reinstall Windows XP.

NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For conventional

hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.

To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:

•Dell

•Dell

Operating System

CD

Drivers and Utilities

CD

To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.

The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you
must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.

NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files

and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell
technical support representative instructs you to do so.

NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your computer

before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.

30 Quick Reference Guide

Booting From the Operating System CD

1

Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.

2

Insert the

3

Restart the computer.

4

Press <F12> immediately after the DELL logo appears.

Operating System

CD. Click

Exit

if the

Install Windows XP

message appears.

If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the
computer and try again.

5

Press the arrow keys to select

6

When the

Windows XP Setup

1

When the

2

Read the information on the

Press any key to boot from CD

Windows XP Setup

CD-ROM

, and press <Enter>.

message appears, press any key.

screen appears, press <Enter> to select

Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement

To set up Windows now

screen, and press <F8> to

accept the license agreement.

3

If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current Windows XP

r

data, type

4

If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.

5

Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and follow the instructions on the

to select the repair option, and remove the CD.

screen.

The

Windows XP Setup

screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the

devices. The computer automatically restarts multiple times.

.

NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of your

computer.

NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot from

the CD

6

When the
click

7

Enter your name and organization (optional) in the

8

At the
accept the one provided) and a password, and click

9

If the

10

Enter the date, time, and time zone in the

11

If the

.

Regional and Language Options

Next

.

screen appears, select the settings for your location and

Computer Name and Administrator Password

Modem Dialing Information

screen appears, enter the requested information and click

Date and Time Settings

Networking Settings

screen appears, click

Personalize Your Software

screen, and click

window, enter a name for your computer (or

Next

.

Typical

and click

window, and click

Next

.

Quick Reference Guide 31

Next

Next

.

Next

.

.

12

If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional and you are prompted to provide further information
regarding your network configuration, enter your selections. If you are unsure of your settings, accept
the default selections.

Windows XP installs the operating system components and configures the computer. The computer
automatically restarts.

NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot from

the CD.

When the

13

14

When the
click

15

When the

16

When the

17

Click

18

Click

19

Reinstall the appropriate drivers with the

20

Reinstall your virus protection software.

21

Reinstall your programs.

NOTE: To reinstall and activate your Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite programs, you need the Product

Key number located on the back of the Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite CD sleeve.

Welcome to Microsoft

screen appears, click

Next

.

How will this computer connect to the Internet?

Skip

.

Ready to register with Microsoft?

Who will use this computer?

Next

.

Finish

to complete the setup, and remove the CD.

screen appears, select

No, not at this time

screen appears, you can enter up to five users.

Drivers and Utilities

CD.

message appears,

and click

Microsoft® Windows Vista™

Users familiar with previous versions of Microsoft® Windows® will notice some differences in the
Microsoft Windows Vista features and user interface.

Next

.

NOTE: For complete documentation of Windows Vista, refer to the Microsoft Windows Vista documentation.

The Windows Vista Help and Support provides online documentation. Click the Start button and select
Help and Support to access this information. Use the Search text box to search for a topic.

NOTE: Different versions of the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system provide different features and have

different system requirements. Your hardware configuration may also determine the Windows Vista features
available to you. For more information, see the Microsoft Windows Vista documentation for specific details and
system requirements.

NOTE: A variety of documentation is provided with your computer system. You may notice that some

documentation references Windows XP. In general, documentation referencing Windows XP is applicable to your
Windows Vista system. In some cases, the names of menu options or other screen elements are different in
Windows Vista. For more information, see Getting Started Guide for Microsoft® Windows Vista™ on
support.dell.com.

32 Quick Reference Guide

Upgrading to Microsoft Windows Vista

NOTE: The version of Microsoft Windows Vista installed on your computer is determined by the product key

associated with the upgrade. Your product key is located on the back of the Windows Vista Install DVD package.

During the Windows Vista upgrade process, you will:

• Use the Dell Windows Vista Upgrade Assistant DVD to check your system for compatibility and
perform any required updates to your Dell-installed applications and drivers.

• Use the Windows Vista Install DVD to upgrade to Windows Vista.

NOTE: The upgrade procedures in this booklet do not apply to the Windows Vista 64-bit operating system. If you

are upgrading to the Windows Vista 64-bit operating system, a clean install is required.

Before You Begin

NOTICE: Ensure that you have backed up any important data before performing the Windows Vista upgrade procedure.

Before setting up Windows Vista on your Dell computer, ensure that you have the following:

• Dell Windows Vista Upgrade Assistant DVD

• Microsoft Windows Vista Install DVD

• Windows Vista Certificate of Authenticity (COA)

• DVD drive

• At least 512 MB of RAM (system memory)

• 15 GB of free hard drive space

• An active Internet connection

• A copy of the

Dell™ Systems Express Upgrade to Windows® Vista™

document

NOTE: An active Internet connection is required in order to perform updates, but is not required in order to

complete the upgrade to Windows Vista.

The

Dell Windows Vista Upgrade Assistant

checks Dell factory-installed software for Windows Vista
compatibility. If you have installed any additional third-party software, it is recommended that you contact
the software manufacturer for Windows Vista compatibility questions and updates before you begin the
Windows Vista upgrade.

NOTE: Third-party software that is not compatible with Windows Vista may have to be removed prior to upgrading

to the Windows Vista operating system. Ensure that you have a backup copy of your third-party software before
you begin the Windows Vista upgrade.

Quick Reference Guide 33

For information on how to back up your data, or to find Windows Vista compatible drivers/updates for your
Dell-installed applications:

1

Go to

support.dell.com

2

Enter your Service Tag or product model, and then click

3

Select your operating system and language, and then click
topics relevant to the information you are looking for

The support.dell.com user interface may vary depending on your selections.

, select your country/region, and then click

Go.

Find Downloads

.

Drivers and Downloads

, or search by keyword for

.

Using the Drivers and Utilities CD

To use the Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) while you are running the Windows operating system.

NOTE: To access device drivers and user documentation, you must use the Drivers and Utilities CD while you are

running Windows.

1

Turn on the computer and allow it to boot to the Windows desktop.

2

Insert the

If you are using the

Installation

installation.

3

Click OK to continue.

To complete the installation, respond to the prompts offered by the installation program.

Drivers and Utilities

Drivers and Utilities

window opens to inform you that the

CD into the CD drive.

CD for the first time on this computer, the

Drivers and Utilities

ResourceCD

CD is about to begin

4

Click

Next

at the

Select the appropriate

Welcome Dell System Owner

System Model, Operating System, Device Type,

screen.

and

To pi c

.

Drivers for Your Computer

To display a list of device drivers for your computer:

1

Click

My Drivers

Drivers and Utilities

The
then a list of device drivers for your system configuration is displayed on the screen.

2

Click the appropriate driver and follow the instructions to download the driver to your computer.

To view all available drivers for your computer, click Drivers from the Topic drop-down menu.

34 Quick Reference Guide

in the

To pi c

drop-down menu.

CD (optional) scans your computer’s hardware and operating system, and

Index

B

beep codes, 27

C

CDs

operating system, 6

conflicts

software and hardware

incompatibilities, 28

cover

removing, 13

D

Dell Diagnostics, 21

Dell support site, 7

diagnostics

beep codes, 27
Dell Diagnostics, 21

documentation

End User License

Agreement, 6
ergonomics, 6
online, 7
Product Information Guide, 6
regulatory, 6
safety, 6
User’s Guide, 5
warranty, 6

drivers

list of, 34

Drivers and Utilities CD, 5

E

End User License

Agreement, 6

ergonomics information, 6

error messages

beep codes, 27
diagnostic lights, 25
system lights, 24

H

hardware

beep codes, 27
conflicts, 28
Dell Diagnostics, 21

Hardware Troubleshooter, 28

Help and Support Center, 6

help file

Windows Help and Support

Center, 6

I

installing parts

before you begin, 13

L

labels

Microsoft Windows, 7
Service Tag, 7

lights

diagnostic, 25
system, 24

M

motherboard. See system

board

O

operating system

reinstalling, 6
reinstalling Windows XP, 30

Operating System CD, 6

P

power light

diagnosing problems with, 24

problems. See troubleshooting

Product Information Guide, 6

IRQ conflicts, 28

Index 35

R

U

regulatory information, 6

reinstalling

Windows XP, 30

S

safety instructions, 6

Service Tag, 7

software

conflicts, 28

support website, 7

system board, 17

System Restore, 28

T

troubleshooting

beep codes, 27
conflicts, 28
Dell Diagnostics, 21
diagnostic lights, 25
Hardware Troubleshooter, 28
Help and Support Center, 6
restore computer to previous

operating state, 28

system lights, 24

User’s Guide, 5

W

warranty information, 6

Windows XP

Hardware Troubleshooter, 28
Help and Support Center, 6
reinstalling, 6, 30
setup, 31
System Restore, 28

36 Index