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 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.
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore
Using Last Known Good Configuration
Dell Diagnostics
Before You Start Testing
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 (see page 28), or access your device
documentation.
NOTE: The latest drivers and documentation updates
can be found at support.dell.com.
System Information Label
Located on the inside cover of your computer.
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.
Quick Reference Guide5
What Are You Looking For?Find it Here
• Warranty information
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
• How to remove and replace parts
• Technical specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
Dell Precision User’s Guide
Microsoft
1
2
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License
These labels are located on your computer.
• Use the Service Tag
• Enter the Express
®
Windows® XP Help and Support Center
Click the
Click
Start
button and click
User’s and system guides
Help and Support.
and click
User’s guides
to 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.
.
6Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For?Find it Here
• Latest drivers for my computer
• Answers to technical service and support questions
• Online discussions with other users and technical
support
• Documentation for my computer
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
from technicians, and online courses
• Community — Online discussion with other Dell
customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such
as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information, order status,
warranty, and repair information
• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates
• Reference — Computer documentation, product
specifications, and white papers
• Service call status and support history
• Top technical issues for my computer
• Frequently asked questions
• File downloads
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.
• Details on my computer configuration
• Service contract for my computer
• 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 use Linux
• E-mail discussions with Dell Precision and Linux users
• Additional information regarding Linux and my Dell
Precision computer
The operating system is already installed on your
computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the
Operating System CD. See your Precision User’s Guide
for instructions.
NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating
system you ordered.
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.
8Quick Reference Guide
Setting Up Your Mini-Tower Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer.
Connect the keyboard and the mouse.
1
Connect the modem or the network cable.
2
NOTICE: Do not connect a modem cable to the
network adapter. Voltage from telephone
communications can damage the network adapter.
NOTE: If your computer has a network card installed,
connect the network cable to the card.
Quick Reference Guide9
Connect the monitor.
3
Depending on your graphics
card, you can connect your
monitor in various ways.
NOTE: You may need to use
the provided adapter or
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
cable to connect your
monitor to the computer.
10Quick Reference Guide
For single- and dual-monitor capable cards with a single connector
VGA Adapter
VGA
Use the VGA adapter when you have a single monitor
graphics card and you want to connect your computer
to a VGA monitor.
Dual VGA Y Cable Adapter
Dual DVI Y Cable Adapter
VGA
VGA
Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a
single connector and you want to connect your computer
to one or two VGA monitors.
Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a
single connector and you want to connect your computer
to one or two DVI monitors.
DVI
DVI
The dual-monitor cable is color coded; the blue connector is for the primary monitor, and the black
connector is for the secondary monitor. To enable dual-monitor support, both monitors must be
attached to the computer when it starts.
Quick Reference Guide11
For dual-monitor capable cards with 1 DVI and 1 VGA connector
Single DVI/Single VGA
DVI
VGA
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Use the appropriate connector(s) when you want
to connect your computer to one or two monitors.
For dual-monitor capable cards with 2 DVI connectors
Dual DVI
Dual DVI With One VGA Adapter
Dual VGA With VGA Adapter
VGA
VGA
Use the VGA adapter when you want to connect
your computer to two VGA monitors.
Dual DVI With Two VGA Adapters
DVI
DVI
Use the DVI connectors to connect
your computer to one or two DVI
monitors.
12Quick Reference Guide
DVI
VGA
Use the VGA adapter to connect a
VGA monitor to one of the DVI
connector.s on your computer
VGA
VGA
Use two VGA adapters to connect two
VGA monitors to the DVI connectors
on your computer.
Connect the
4
speakers.
NOTE: If your
computer has an audio
card installed, connect
the speakers to the
card.
Connect the power
5
cables and turn on
the computer and
monitor.
Quick Reference Guide13
Install additional software or devices.
6
Before you install any devices or software that did not come with your computer, read the
documentation that came with the software or device or contact the vendor to verify that
the software or device is compatible with your computer and operating system.
Congratulations! You have completed the setup for your mini-tower computer.
Setting Up Your Desktop Computer
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer.
Connect the keyboard and the mouse.
1
NOTICE: Do not connect a
modem cable to the network
adapter. Voltage from
telephone communications
can damage the network
adapter.
14Quick Reference Guide
Connect the modem
2
or the network cable.
NOTE: If your computer
has a network card
installed, connect the
network cable to the card.
Connect the monitor.
3
Depending on your graphics card, you
can connect your monitor in various
ways.
NOTE: You may need to use the
provided adapter or cable to connect
your monitor to the computer.
Quick Reference Guide15
For single- and dual-monitor capable cards with a single connector
VGA Adapter
VGA
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Use the VGA adapter when you have a single monitor
graphics card and you want to connect your computer
to a VGA monitor.
Dual VGA Y Cable Adapter
Dual DVI Y Cable Adapter
VGA
VGA
Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a
single connector and you want to connect your computer
to one or two VGA monitors.
The dual-monitor cable is color coded; the blue connector is for the primary monitor, and the black
connector is for the secondary monitor. To enable dual-monitor support, both monitors must be
attached to the computer when it starts.
16Quick Reference Guide
DVI
DVI
Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a
single connector and you want to connect your computer
to one or two DVI monitors.
For dual-monitor capable cards with 1 DVI and 1 VGA connector
Single DVI/Single VGA
DVI
VGA
Dual VGA With VGA Adapter
VGA
VGA
Use the appropriate connector(s) when you want
to connect your computer to one or two monitors.
For dual-monitor capable cards with 2 DVI connectors
Dual DVI
DVI
DVI
Use the DVI connector(s) to connect
your computer to one or two DVI
monitors.
Dual DVI With One VGA Adapter
DVI
Use the VGA adapter to connect
a VGA monitor to one of the DVI
connectors on your computer.
Use the VGA adapter when you want to connect
your computer to two VGA monitors.
Dual DVI With Two VGA Adapters
VGA
VGA
VGA
Use two VGA adapters to connect
two VGA monitors to the DVI
connectors on your computer.
Quick Reference Guide17
Connect the speakers.
4
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
NOTE: If your computer has an audio card installed, connect the speakers to the card.
Connect the power cables
and turn on the computer
5
and monitor.
Your desktop computer has an
optional front IEEE 1394
connector. This connector is only
available if you purchased an addin IEEE 1394 card. To purchase a
card, contact Dell. For more
information on the add-in card,
see your
User’s Guide
.
Install additional software or devices.
6
Before you install any devices or software that did not come with your computer, read the
documentation that came with the software or device or contact the vendor to verify that
the software or device is compatible with your computer and operating system.
Congratulations! You have completed the setup for your desktop computer.
18Quick Reference Guide
Locating Your User’s Guide
Your
Dell Precision™ Workstation 370 User’s Guide
your computer such as:
•Technical specifications
•Front and back views of your computer, including all of the available connectors
•Inside views of your computer, including a detailed graphic of the system board
and the connectors
•Instructions for cleaning your computer
•Information on software features, such as LegacySelect Technology control, using a password,
and system setup options
•Tips and information for using the Microsoft Windows XP operating system
•Instructions for removing and installing parts, including memory, cards, drives,
the microprocessor, and the battery
•Information for troubleshooting various computer problems
•Instructions for using the Dell Diagnostics and reinstalling drivers
•Information on how to contact Dell
You can access the
support.dell.com
at
To access the User’s Guide from your hard drive:
Click the
Start
User’s Guide
.
button and click
from your hard drive or the Dell Support website
Help and Support
contains additional information about
.
To access your User’s Guide from the Dell Support Site:
1
Go to
support.dell.com
2
Follow the prompts on the website that ask you for information specific to your computer.
3
At the Dell Support website home page, click
and then select your Dell Precision computer.
.
Reference
, click
User’s Guides
Quick Reference Guide19
, click
Systems
,
Opening Your Mini-Tower Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet
before opening the cover.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn
off your computer.
Shut down the operating system:
1
a
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
2
3
4
5
6
then click
b
In the
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
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.
If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the
padlock.
NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top
space.
Lay the computer on its side as shown in the following illustration.
Open the cover:
a
Facing the back of the computer, press the release button on the right side of the
computer with one hand while pulling up on the top of the cover with the other hand.
b
Press the release button on the left side of the computer with one hand while pulling up
on the top of the cover with the other hand.
Hold the bottom of the computer with one hand, and then pull open the cover with the other
hand.
Turn Off Computer
Turn off computer
.
window, click
Turn off
Start
button, and
.
20Quick Reference Guide
release button
security cable slot
padlock ring
release button
Quick Reference Guide21
CD/DVD drive
card fan
power supply
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
processor
airflow shroud
and fan
security cable slot
The Card Cooling Fan
NOTICE: PCI Express graphics cards that run higher than 75 watts (W) require an additional cooling fan
installed. Otherwise, your card could overheat and damage your computer.
If you ordered your computer with a graphics card that requires the fan, the fan is included. If a
card fan is not present in your computer and you are installing a graphics card that runs higher than
75 W, contact Dell to purchase a card fan.
If the computer detects that you have installed a card that requires a fan, an error message appears.
For Dell contact information, see your
Contact Us
.
padlock ring
floppy drive
(optional)
User's Guide
or go to
system board
support.dell.com
hard drive
and click
22Quick Reference Guide
Opening Your Desktop Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity
from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by
touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn
off your computer.
Shut down the operating system:
1
a
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the
click
b
Turn Off Computer
In the
Turn off computer
.
window, click
Turn off
.
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.
3
Slide the cover release latch to the left.
4
Raise the cover, and pivot it toward the front of the computer.
Start
button, and then
cover latch release
security
cable slot
padlock ring
Quick Reference Guide23
power supply
s
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
ecurity
cable slot
processor airflow
shroud and fan
CD/DVD drive
floppy drive (optional)
hard drive
padlock ring
Caring for Your Computer
To help maintain your computer, follow these suggestions:
•To avoid losing or corrupting data, never turn off your computer when the hard drive light is
on.
•Schedule regular virus scans using virus software.
24Quick Reference Guide
•Manage hard drive space by periodically deleting unnecessary files and defragmenting
the drive.
•Back up files on a regular basis.
•Periodically clean your monitor screen, mouse, and keyboard (see your
User’s Guide
for more
information).
Solving Problems
Troubleshooting Tips
Follow the following tips when you troubleshoot your computer:
•If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures
and ensure that the part is correctly installed.
•If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.
•If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. The message may
help technical support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).
•If an error message occurs in a program, see the program’s documentation.
•If the recommended action in the troubleshooting section is to see a section in your
Guide
, go to
support.dell.com (on another computer if necessary) to access your
Guide.
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. In the
Microsoft
incompatibilities.
Windows XP
To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:
1
2
3
4
®
Windows® 2000 operating system, you can also use Device Manager to resolve
Click the
Ty p e
Start
button and click
Help and Support
hardware troubleshooter
in the
.
Search
field and click the arrow to start
the search.
Click
Hardware Troubleshooter
In the
Hardware Troubleshooter
on my computer
, and click
Next
in the
Search Results
list, click
.
list.
I need to resolve a hardware conflict
User’s
User’s
Windows 2000
To resolve incompatibilities using Device Manager:
1
Click the
2
In the
3
Click the
4
Click
5
Click
Start
button, point to
Control Panel
Hardware
tab.
Device Manager
View
and click
Resources by connection
Settings
, and then click
window, double-click
.
System
Control Panel
.
.
.
Quick Reference Guide25
6
Double-click
Incorrectly configured devices are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (
the device has been disabled.
7
Double-click any device marked with an exclamation point to display the
The
Device status
reconfigured.
8
Reconfigure the devices or remove the devices from the Device Manager. See the
documentation that came with the device for information on configuring the device.
To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:
1
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Click the
2
Click
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
troubleshooters
3
In the
Hardware Troubleshooter
computer
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 (see "Finding Information and Assistance"
on page 5) for information about using System Restore.
Interrupt request (IRQ)
area in the
Start
button and click
, and then click
and click
Next
.
.
Properties
Help
.
Hardware
list, click
!
) or a red X if
Properties
window.
window reports the cards or devices that need to be
on the
Contents
tab, click
Windows 2000
.
I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my
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.
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.
Click the
1
Start
System Restore
Start
System Restore
2
Ensure that
26Quick Reference Guide
button and click
Help and Support
.
.
button, point to
All Programs→
Accessories→
.
Restore my computer to an earlier time
System Tools
is selected and click
, and then click
Next
.
3
Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.
The
Select a Restore Point
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
.
Restoration Complete
The
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.
Click the
1
System Restore
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
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 see if 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 Guide27
Using Last Known Good Configuration
1
Restart your computer and press <F8> when the message Please select the
operating system to start
2
Highlight Last Known Good Setting, press <Enter>, press <l>, and then select
your operating system when prompted.
Other Options to Help Resolve Additional Device or Software Conflicts
NOTICE: The following processes erase all of the information on your hard drive.
•Reinstall your operating system using the operating system installation guide and operating
system CD.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
During the operating system reinstallation, you can select to delete the existing partitions
and reformat your hard drive.
•Reinstall all drivers, beginning with the chipset, using the
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"
on page 25 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
appears.
Drivers and Utilities
CD
.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers. Using this program with other computers
can cause incorrect computer responses or result in error messages.
The Dell Diagnostics allow you to:
•Perform quick checks or extensive tests on one or all devices
•Choose how many times a test is run
•Display or print test results or save them in a file
•Suspend testing if an error is detected or terminate testing if a certain number of errors occur
•Access online
•Read status messages that tell you whether tests completed successfully
•Receive error messages if problems are detected
28Quick Reference Guide
Help
screens that describe the tests and how to run them
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,
see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD" on page 29.
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. For more
information on shutting down your computer, see your
3
When the boot device list appears, highlight
4
When the Dell Diagnostics
information on the tests, see your
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD
1
Insert the
2
Shut down and restart the computer. For more information on shutting down your computer,
see your
3
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
Drivers and Utilities
User’s Guide.
Main Menu
User’s Guide.
CD.
Boot to Utility Partition
appears, select the test you want to run. For more
User’s Guide.
and press <Enter>.
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. For more information
on shutting down your computer, see your
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
4
5
Select the
6
Select the
7
Ty p e 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.
8
Ty p e 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.
9
Select
IDE CD-ROM Device
Boot from CD-ROM
option from the CD boot menu.
option from the menu that appears.
Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics
User’s Guide.
IDE CD-ROM Device
and press <Enter>.
from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed,
select the version appropriate for your computer.
10
When the Dell Diagnostics
information on the tests, see your
Main Menu
User’s Guide.
appears, select the test you want to run. For more
Quick Reference Guide29
Before You Start Testing
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
in the Product Information Guide.
•Turn on your printer if one is attached.
•Enter system setup, review your computer’s configuration information, and enable all of your
computer’s components and devices, such as connectors.
Beep Codes
Your computer might emit a series of beeps that can identify a problem. One possible series
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
(code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This series tell you
that the computer encountered a memory problem.
If a beep code is emitted, write it down and look it up in the following table.
CodeCause
1-1-2Microprocessor register failure
1-1-3NVRAM read/write failure
1-1-4ROM BIOS checksum failure
1-2-1Programmable interval timer failure
1-2-2DMA initialization failure
1-2-3DMA page register read/write failure
1-3Video Memory Test failure
1-3-1 through 2-4-4Memory not being properly identified or used
3-1-1Slave DMA register failure
3-1-2Master DMA register failure
3-1-3Master interrupt mask register failure
3-1-4Slave interrupt mask register failure
3-2-2Interrupt vector loading failure
3-2-4Keyboard Controller Test failure
3-3-1NVRAM power loss
3-3-2Invalid NVRAM configuration
3-3-4Video Memory Test failure
3-4-1Screen initialization failure
3-4-2Screen retrace failure
3-4-3Search for video ROM failure
30Quick Reference Guide
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