Dell W6987 User Manual
Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L
Quick Reference Guide
Models MTC2 and DHS
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid
the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows®
operating systems are not applicable.
The
Drivers and Utilities
and may not ship with all computers.
CD (ResourceCD), operating system media, and
Quick Reference Guides
are optional
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2004 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.; Microsoft and Windows 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.
Models MTC2 and DHS
September 2004 P/N W6987 Rev. A00
Contents
Finding Information for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About Your Small Desktop Computer
Front and Back Views
Inside Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand
About Your Mini-Tower Computer
Front and Back Views
Inside Your Computer
Setting Up Your Computer
Small Desktop Computer
Mini-tower Computer
Completed Setup
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Small Desktop Computer
Mini-Tower Computer
Solving Problems
Dell Diagnostics
System Lights
Diagnostic Lights
Beep Codes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
®
Using Microsoft
Reinstalling Microsoft
Windows® XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
®
Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . 24
Using the Drivers and Utilities CD
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Contents 3
4 Contents
Finding Information for 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)
• OS updates and patches
• Warranty information
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD)
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers, run the
Dell Diagnostics, or access your documentation.
NOTE: The latest drivers and documentation updates can
be found at support.dell.com.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not
ship with all computers.
Desktop System Software
Located on the Drivers and Utilities CD and the Dell
Support website at support.dell.com.
Product Information Guide
Readme files may be
included on your CD to
provide last-minute
updates about technical
changes to your
computer or advanced
technical-reference
material for technicians
or experienced users.
• How to remove and replace parts
• Technical specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
Dell™ OptiPlex™ User’s Guide
®
Microsoft
1
Click the
2
Click
The User’s Guide is also available on the
Utilities
Windows® XP Help and Support Center
Start
button and click
User’s and system guides
CD
.
Quick Reference Guide 5
Help and Support.
and click
User’s guides
Drivers and
.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
• Latest drivers for my computer
• Answers to technical service and support questions
• Online discussions with other users and technical
support
• Documentation for my computer
• Service call status and support history
• Top technical issues for my computer
• Frequently asked questions
• File downloads
• Details on my computer configuration
• Service contract for my computer
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License
These labels are located on your computer.
• Use the Service Tag to
• Enter the Express
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support
site.
The Dell Support website provides several online tools,
including:
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles
• Community — Online discussion with other Dell
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such
• Customer Care — Contact information, order status,
• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates
• Reference — Computer documentation, product
Dell Premier Support Website — premiersupport.dell.com
The Dell Premier Support website is customized for
corporate, government, and education customers. This
website may not be available in all regions.
identify your
computer when you
support.dell.com
use
or contact technical
support.
Service Code to direct your call when contacting
technical support. The Express Service Code is not
available in all countries.
from technicians, and online courses
customers
as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system
warranty, and repair information
specifications, and white papers
6 Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• How to use Windows XP
• Documentation for my computer
• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)
Windows Help and Support Center
1
Click the
2
Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and
click the arrow icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
• How to reinstall my operating system
Operating System CD
The operating system is already installed on your
computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the
Operating System CD. See your OptiPlex User’s Guide for
instructions.
NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating
system you ordered.
NOTE: The operating system media are optional and may
not ship with all computers.
• Regulatory Model Information and Chassis Type
DHS—Small desktop chassis
MTC2
—
Start
button and click
Mini-tower chassis
Help and Support
.
After you reinstall your
operating system, use the
Drivers and Utilities CD
to reinstall drivers for the
devices that came with
your computer.
Your operating system
product key
label is
located on your
computer.
Quick Reference Guide 7
About Your Small Desktop Computer
Front and Back Views
service tag
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front panel door
headphone connector
USB 2.0 connectors (2)
CD/DVD drive
eject button
Microsoft
Windows
Product Key
CD/DVD-drive
eject button
front panel door
power light
parallel
connector
serial
connector
video
connector
power button
link integrity light
mouse
connector
diagnostic lights
floppy-drive eject button
floppy-drive activity light
hard-drive activity light
network adapter connector
network activity light
line-in connector
optional card
slots (2)
A B C D
low-profile PCI card slot
line-out connector
microphone connector
USB 2.0 connectors (4)
power
connector
8 Quick Reference Guide
Inside Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
opening the cover.
NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do not accidently disconnect
cables from the system board.
CD/DVD drive
floppy drive
hard drive
system board
heat sink and
blower assembly
optional internal
speaker
padlock ring
low-profile
PCI card slot
power supply
optional card cage
NOTE: Your computer may have a metal bracket
instead of a card cage
Quick Reference Guide 9
Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this
section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
NOTE: Place your computer on a soft surface to prevent
scratching the top cover.
Your computer can be used in either a vertical or
horizontal position.
To use the computer in a vertical position, you must
attach the computer stand:
1
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Place the computer on its right side so that the drive
bays are at the bottom and fit the stand onto what
was the left side of the computer:
a
Position the stand as shown in the following
figure by aligning the large round hole in the
stand with the securing button on the side of the
cover.
b
Align the captive screw in the stand with the
screw hole in the cover, and tighten the
thumbscrew.
2
Rotate the computer so that the stand is at the
bottom and the drives are at the top.
10 Quick Reference Guide
About Your Mini-Tower Computer
Front and Back Views
service tag
CD or DVD drive activity light
CD or DVD eject button
second drive bay
floppy drive light
power light
power button
USB 2.0 connectors (2)
power connector
voltage selection switch
serial connector
video connector
keyboard connector
line-out connector
microphone connector
floppy drive eject button
hard-drive activity light
headphone connector
parallel connector
diagnostic lights (4)
mouse connector
line-in connector
cover latch
USB 2.0 connectors (4)
PCI card slots (3)
network adapter connector
security cable slot
Quick Reference Guide 11
Inside Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
opening the cover.
NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do not accidently disconnect
cables from the system board.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
CD or DVD drive bay
secondary CD or DVD drive bay
floppy drive bay
secondary hard drive bay
primary hard drive bay
power supply
system board
12 Quick Reference Guide
Setting Up Your Computer
CAUTION: Before performing any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
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.
You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer. See the appropriate illustrations that
follow the instructions.
1
Connect the keyboard and mouse.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to operate a PS/2 mouse and a USB mouse simultaneously.
NOTE: If you have a USB-compliant mouse or keyboard, use the USB connectors on the back of your
computer.
2
Connect the modem or network cable.
Insert the network cable, not the phone line, into the network connector. If you have an
optional modem, connect the phone line to the modem.
NOTICE: Do not connect a modem cable to the network adapter. Voltage from telephone
communications can cause damage to the network adapter.
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 insert the other ends of the
power cables to electrical outlets.
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.
NOTICE: 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.
NOTE: Before you install any devices or software that did not ship with your computer, read the
documentation that came with the software or device, or contact the vendor to verify that the software or
device is compatible with your computer and operating system.
Quick Reference Guide 13
Small Desktop Computer
Setup Without Cards
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Setup With Cards
monitor
keyboard
mouse
D
C
B
A
speakers
network
USB
14 Quick Reference Guide
network
Mini-tower Computer
Setup Without Cards
Setup With Cards
monitor
keyboard
mouse
speakers
headphones
network
USB
speakers
telephony/
modem
Quick Reference Guide 15
Completed Setup
Small Desktop Computer
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Mini-Tower Computer
Microsoft Windows Product Key
power
Microsoft Windows Product Key
16 Quick Reference Guide
power
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.
See "Finding Information for Your Computer" on page 5 for an example of the Express Service
Code and Service Tag.
Express Service Code:___________________________
Service Tag:___________________________
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" of your
User’s Guide
online
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
Enter system setup, 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
(also known as the ResourceCD).
.
and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
Drivers and Utilities
CD
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 your Drivers and Utilities CD.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft
3
When the boot device list appears, highlight
4
When the Dell Diagnostics
®
Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
Main Menu
Boot to Utility Partition
appears, select the test you want to run.
and press <Enter>.
Quick Reference Guide 17
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Optional Drivers and Utilities CD
1
Insert the
2
Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer
boots according to the devices specified in system setup.
When the boot device list appears, highlight
3
4
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Select the
5
Select the
6
Ty p e 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.
7
Ty p e 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.
8
Select
Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics
select the version appropriate for your computer.
9
When the Dell Diagnostics
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the
option you want.
Drivers and Utilities
CD.
IDE CD-ROM Device
Boot from CD-ROM
Main Menu
IDE CD-ROM Device
and press <Enter>.
option from the CD boot menu.
option from the menu that appears.
from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed,
appears, select the test you want to run.
Main Menu
screen appears, click the button for the
Option Function
Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and
Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more
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
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.
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.
18 Quick Reference Guide
requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the
possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
and requires you to answer questions periodically.
based on the symptom of the problem you are having.
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.
Ta b 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 Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.
4
When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the
Utilities
5
Close the test screen to return to the
restart the computer, close the
CD, remove the CD.
Main Menu
Main Menu
screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and
screen.
Drivers and
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 the suspended
state (Microsoft
and Windows XP).
Blinks green several
times and then
turns off
Solid yellow The Dell Diagnostics is running a
A configuration error exists. Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 20 to see
test, or a device on the system board
may be faulty or incorrectly installed.
®
Windows® 2000
No corrective action is required.
Press the power button, move the mouse, or
press a key on the keyboard to wake the
computer.
if the specific problem is identified.
If the Dell Diagnostics is running, allow the
testing to complete.
Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 20 to see
if the specific problem is identified.
If the computer does not boot, contact Dell
for technical assistance.
Quick Reference Guide 19
Power Light Problem Description Suggested Resolution
Blinking yellow A power supply or system board
Solid green and a
beep code during
POST
Solid green power
light, no beep code
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and no video during
POST
Solid green power
light and no beep
code but the
computer locks up
during POST
Diagnostic Lights
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on
the back panel. The lights can be yellow 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. If the computer malfunctions during the
POST process, the pattern displayed on the lights may help identify where in the process the
computer halted.
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.
Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 20 to see
if the specific problem is identified. See
"Power Problems" in your online User’s
Guide.
See "Beep Codes" on page 22 for instructions
on diagnosing the beep code. Also, check
"Diagnostic Lights" on page 20 to see if the
specific problem is identified.
Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 20 to see
if the specific problem is identified.
Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 20 to see
if the specific problem is identified. If the
problem is not identified, contact Dell for
technical assistance.
Light
Pattern
off
off
off
off
Problem Description Suggested Resolution
The computer is in a normal off
condition or a possible pre-BIOS
failure has occurred.
20 Quick Reference Guide
• Verify that the computer is plugged into a working
electrical outlet and that you have pressed the power
button.
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