Dell X2956 User Manual

Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280

Quick Reference Guide

Model DCTR

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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.

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, OptiPlex, and the DELL logo 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.

Model DCTR

April 2004

P/N X2956

Rev. A00

Contents

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	5
About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	8
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	8
Side View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	8
Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	9
Cable Cover and Power Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	9
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	10
Determining Placement and Orientation of the Computer . . . . . . . .	10
Installing a Device in the Module Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	11
Connecting External Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	12
Installing a Hard Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	15
Attaching the Optional Cable Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	16
Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	16
Removing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	16
Inside View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	17
Replacing the Computer Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	18
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	18
Dell Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
Power Supply Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22
System Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22
Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23
Beep Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . .	27
Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
Using the Drivers and Utilities CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	32
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33

Contents 3

4 Contents

Finding Information

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
• A diagnostic program for my computer	Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD)
• Drivers for my computer	Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
• My computer documentation	computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers, run the
• My device documentation	Dell Diagnostics, or access your documentation.
• Desktop System Software (DSS)	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.
	NOTE: The latest drivers
	and documentation
	updates can be found at support.dell.com.
• OS updates and patches	Desktop System Software (DSS)
	Located on the Drivers and Utilities CD and at
	support.dell.com.
• Warranty information	Dell™ Product Information Guide
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement

	NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at
	support.dell.com.
• How to remove and replace parts	Dell OptiPlex™ User’s Guide
• Technical specifications	Microsoft® Windows® XP Help and Support Center
• How to configure system settings	1	Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems	2	Click User’s and system guides and click User’s guides.

The User’s Guide is also available on the Drivers and

Utilities CD.

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What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
• Service Tag and Express Service Code	Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License
• Microsoft Windows License Label	These labels are located on your computer.
	• Use the Service Tag to
	identify your
	computer when you
	use support.dell.com
	or contact technical
	support.
	• Enter the Express
	Service Code to direct your call when contacting
	technical support. The Express Service Code is not
	available in all countries.
• Latest drivers for my computer	Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
• Answers to technical service and support questions	NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support
• Online discussions with other users and technical	site.
support	The Dell Support website provides several online tools,
• Documentation for my computer	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	Dell Premier Support Website — premiersupport.dell.com
• Top technical issues for my computer	The Dell Premier Support website is customized for
• Frequently asked questions	corporate, government, and education customers. This
• File downloads	website may not be available in all regions.
• Details on my computer configuration
• Service contract for my computer

6 Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
• How to use Windows XP	Windows Help and Support Center
• Documentation for my computer	1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)	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.
	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 is located on
	your Windows License
	label attached to your
	computer.
	NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating
	system you ordered.
• Regulatory Model Number	DCTR
• Chassis Type	Ultra-Small Form-Factor (USFF) chassis

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About Your Computer

NOTE: If you want to orient your computer under a desk top or on a wall surface, use the optional wallmount bracket. To order the bracket, contact Dell. For information on contacting Dell, see your online

User’s Guide.

NOTE: To ensure proper ventilation, do not block the cooling vents.

Front View

microphone connector

power light

USB connectors (2)

power button

headphone connector	module bay	vents (do not block)
hard-drive access light

Side View

vents (do not block)

mounting holes (2)

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Back View

	parallel	link integrity light
cover release knob	connector	network adapter

network activity light

line-out connector

line-in connector

vents (do not block) diagnostic lights

power connector

USB connectors (5)

serial connector

video connector

Cable Cover and Power Adapter

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Setting Up Your Computer

NOTICE: When setting up your computer, secure all cables toward the back of your work area to prevent the cables from being pulled, tangled, or stepped on.

NOTICE: To prevent the computer from overheating and shutting down, do not place the computer in a poorly ventilated area.

NOTE: If you have ordered a computer without a hard drive, you can install a drive by using the drive rails that are included inside your computer (see "Installing a Hard Drive" on page 15).

Determining Placement and Orientation of the Computer

NOTICE: Do not place your monitor on top of the computer. Use a monitor stand.

NOTICE: Do not position your computer upside down.

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NOTICE: In a high-vibration environment or when installing the computer under a surface or on a wall, use the optional wall-mount bracket. To order the bracket, contact Dell. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.

NOTE: To ensure proper ventilation, place the computer at least 5 cm (2 inches) from a vertical surface. Do not place the computer in an enclosed environment without ventilation.

Installing a Device in the Module Bay

You can install a Dell™ portable device such as a floppy drive, CD/DVD drive, or second hard drive in the module bay. Your Dell computer ships with either a CD/DVD drive or an airbay (filler blank) installed in the module bay.

As a security feature, your computer is equipped with a module locking switch to secure a device in the module bay. To access the switch, remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 16).

For added security, you may also secure a device in the module bay by using the device screw that ships with your computer (packaged separately).

module locking switch

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device screw

Connecting External Devices

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

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

1Use the USB connectors on the back of your computer to connect the keyboard and mouse.

2Connect the modem or network cable.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network wall jack, and then in to the computer.

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.

3Connect 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.

12 Quick Reference Guide

5Connect power cables to the computer, monitor, and devices and insert the other ends of the power cables to electrical outlets.

6Press the power buttons to turn on the computer and monitor.

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.

NOTE: Your computer may vary slightly from the following setup figures.

network connector

USB connector

13

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Connecting a DVI Monitor

If you have a DVI-compatible monitor, plug the cable from your monitor in to the white DVI display-connector on the computer back panel.

Connecting a VGA Monitor

If you have a VGA-compatible monitor, use the adapter cable to connect the cable from your monitor to the white DVI display-connector on the computer back panel.

14 Quick Reference Guide

Connecting Two Monitors

Use the adapter cable to connect both a VGA monitor and a DVI monitor to the white DVI displayconnector on the computer back panel.

Installing a Hard Drive

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

Product Information Guide.

1If you are installing a new drive, attach the drive rails—located inside the cover—to the new drive.

2Attach the data and power cables to the hard drive connectors, being careful not to bend any of the pins.

3Slide the hard drive into the bracket.

Connecting the AC Adapter

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

Product Information Guide.

1Connect the power adapter to the connector on the back of the computer. In order for the connection to be secure, verify that the latch engages completely. (An audible click will be heard or felt.)

2Connect a power cable to the

power adapter.

3 If your computer power-cable connector has a grounding wire, and you decide to connect it, continue with step 4. If you decide otherwise, go to step 5.

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CAUTION: If your power cord or adapter provides a green ground wire for connection to an electrical outlet, do not permit contact between the green ground wire and power leads because electrical shock, fire, or damage to your computer can occur (see the following figure).

4 Connect the metal ground connector to the grounding source on the outlet (see the following figure):

a Loosen the grounding source.

bSlide the metal ground connector behind the grounding source, and then tighten the grounding source.

5 Connect the AC power cable to the outlet.

	grounding
Attaching the Optional Cable Cover	source

1 Ensure that all external device cables are

threaded through the hole in the cable metal ground connector cover and connected to the computer back

panel.

2Hold the bottom of the cable cover and align the four tabs with the four slots on the computer back panel.

3	Insert the tabs into the slots and slide the	cable cover
	cable cover toward the diagnostic lights (see	(optional)
	the figure) until the cable cover is securely
	positioned.
4	Install a security device in the security cable
	slot (optional).

Inside Your Computer

	security
Removing the Computer Cover	cable slot

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 power adapter before removing the cover.

16 Quick Reference 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 chassis.

1Remove the computer cover.

a Rotate the cover release knob in a clockwise direction, as shown in the figure.

b Slide the computer cover forward 1 cm (0.5 inch), or until it stops, and then raise the cover.

Inside View

processor heat-sink fan shroud

chassis intrusion switch

security cable slot

cover release knob

speaker (optional)

memory modules (2)

hard drive

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Replacing the Computer Cover

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

1 Replace the cover:

aLower and align the cover with the metal computer frame.

b Slide the cover until you hear or feel it click into place.

2 Connect your computer to its power adapter and connect devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

If the chassis intrusion detector is set to On, the following message appears on the screen after the next computer start-up:

ALERT! Cover was previously removed.

3Clear the chassis intrusion status by entering system setup and selecting Clear under the Intrusion Status option. For information on the chassis intrusion detector, see your online

User’s Guide.

NOTE: If an admin password has been assigned by someone else, contact your network administrator for information on resetting the chassis intrusion detector.

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" on page 5 for an example of the express service code and Service Tag.

Express Service Code:___________________________

Service Tag:___________________________

18 Quick Reference Guide

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 "Setting Up Your Computer" on page 10 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

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 is displayed in system setup and is active. For information on system setup, see your online User’s Guide.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive (see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive" on page 19) or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD —see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD" on page 19).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

1Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2When 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 19.

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 information on shutting down your computer, see your online User’s Guide.

3When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.

4When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run (see page 20).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD

1Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.

2Shut 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.

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	m	3	When the boot device list appears, highlight Onboard or USB CD-ROM and press
	. c o		<Enter>.
	d e l l	4	Select Onboard or USB CD-ROM Device from the CD boot menu.
	o r t .	5	Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears.
	p p	6	Type 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.
	s u
		7 Type 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.
	|
	o m	8	Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed,
	l l . c
			select the version appropriate for your computer.
	. d e	9	When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run (see
	w w		page 20).
	w

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

1After 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 1 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.

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.

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Tab	Function
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.

4When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD, remove the CD.

5Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.

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Power Supply Light

Light	PSU State	Description	Troubleshooting
State
Off	No AC, or a fault	Indicates that the power supply is not receiving power	Ensure that the electrical outlet is
	condition occurred	from an electrical outlet, OR that the power supply	working by testing it with another
		shut down due to a fault condition.	device, such as a lamp.
			Verify that the AC power cable
			connection is properly seated in the
			power supply. If necessary, reseat the
			AC cable connection at the power
			supply.
			Disconnect the AC power cable
			from the power supply and the DC
			cable from the computer for at least
			10 seconds. Reattach the AC power
			cable to the power supply. The light
			on the power supply should turn
			yellow. Reattach the DC cable to the
			computer. The light on the power
			supply should turn green.
Yellow	AC present/no load	Indicates that the power supply is attached to working	Verify that the power supply is
		electrical outlet but not connected to the computer.	completely plugged in to the
			computer and the retention latch is
			engaged. Reseat the connection if
			necessary.
Green	AC present/power to	Indicates that the power supply is receiving power	Check the power button light and
	load	from the electrical outlet and is properly connected to	see "System Lights" on page 22.
		the computer.

System Lights

Your power button light and hard-drive light may indicate a computer problem.

Power Light	Problem Description	Suggested Resolution
Solid green power	An integrated system board device may	Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see if the
light and no beep	be faulty.	specific problem is identified. If the problem is not
code but the		identified, contact Dell for technical assistance.
computer locks up
during POST

22 Quick Reference Guide

Power Light

Problem Description

Suggested Resolution

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

The monitor may be faulty or incorrectly installed.

Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see if the specific problem is identified.

Solid green and a A problem was detected while the BIOS beep code during was executing.

POST

See "Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics" on page 27 for instructions on diagnosing the beep code. Also, check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified.

Solid yellow	The Dell Diagnostics is running a test,	If the Dell Diagnostics is running, allow the testing
	or a device on the system board may be	to complete.
	faulty or incorrectly installed.	Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see
		if the specific problem is identified.
		If the computer does not boot, contact Dell for
		technical assistance.
Blinks green several	A configuration error exists.	Check "Diagnostic Lights" on page 23 to see
times and then turns		if the specific problem is identified.
off
Blinking green	The computer is in the suspended state	Press the power button to wake the computer.
	(Microsoft® Windows® 2000 and
	Windows XP).

Solid green	Power is on, and the computer is
	operating normally.

No corrective action is required.

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 (see page 9). 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.

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Light	Problem Description	Suggested Resolution
Pattern
off	The computer is in a normal off	Plug the computer into a working electrical
off	condition or a possible pre-BIOS failure	outlet and press the power button.
off	has occurred.
off
green	A possible BIOS failure has occurred; the	Run the BIOS Recovery utility, wait for recovery
yellow	computer is in the recovery mode.	completion, and then restart the computer.
yellow
yellow
yellow	A possible processor failure has occurred. Reinstall the processor and restart the computer.
green		For information on reinstalling the processor,
yellow		see your online User’s Guide.
yellow

green	Memory modules are detected, but a	• If you have one memory module installed,
green	memory failure has occurred.	reinstall it and restart the computer. For
yellow		information on reinstalling the memory
yellow		module, see your online User’s Guide.
		• If you have two memory modules installed,
		remove the modules, reinstall one module,
		and then restart the computer. If the computer
		starts normally, reinstall an additional module.
		• If available, install properly working memory
		of the same type into your computer.
		• If the problem persists, contact Dell.
yellow	A possible floppy or hard drive failure has	Reseat all power and data cables and restart
green	occurred.	the computer.
green
yellow

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Light	Problem Description	Suggested Resolution
Pattern
green	A possible USB failure has occurred.	Reinstall all USB devices, check cable
green		connections, and then restart the computer.
green
yellow

yellow	No memory modules are detected.	• If you have one memory module installed,
yellow		reinstall it and restart the computer. For
yellow		information on reinstalling the memory
green		module, see your online User’s Guide.
		• If you have two memory modules installed,
		remove the modules, reinstall one module,
		and then restart the computer. If the computer
		starts normally, reinstall an additional module.
		• If available, install properly working memory
		of the same type into your computer.
		• If the problem persists, contact Dell.
yellow	Memory modules are detected, but a	• Ensure that no special memory module/memory
green	memory configuration or compatibility	connector placement requirements exist. For
yellow	error exists.	information on memory modules, see your
green		online User’s Guide.
		• Verify that the memory modules that you are
		installing are compatible with your computer.
		• If the problem persists, contact Dell.
yellow	An error occurred prior to boot.	• Ensure that the cables are properly connected
green		to the system board from the hard drive, CD
green		drive, and DVD drive.
green		• Check the computer message that appears
		on your monitor screen.
		• If the problem persists, contact Dell.
green	The computer is in a normal operating	None.
green	condition after POST.
green
green

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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:

1Write down the beep code.

2See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 19 to identify a more serious cause.

3Contact Dell for technical assistance.

Code	Cause	Code	Cause
1-1-2	Microprocessor register failure	3-3-4	Video Memory Test failure
1-1-3	NVRAM read/write failure	3-4-1	Screen initialization failure
1-1-4	ROM BIOS checksum failure	3-4-2	Screen retrace failure
1-2-1	Programmable interval timer failure	3-4-3	Search for video ROM failure
1-2-2	DMA initialization failure	4-2-1	No timer tick
1-2-3	DMA page register read/write failure	4-2-2	Shutdown failure
1-3	Video Memory Test failure	4-2-3	Gate A20 failure
1-3-1 through	Memory not being properly identified or used	4-2-4	Unexpected interrupt in protected
2-4-4			mode
3-1-1	Slave DMA register failure	4-3-1	Memory failure above address
			0FFFFh
3-1-2	Master DMA register failure	4-3-3	Timer-chip counter 2 failure
3-1-3	Master interrupt mask register failure	4-3-4	Time-of-day clock stopped
3-1-4	Slave interrupt mask register failure	4-4-1	Serial or parallel port test failure
3-2-2	Interrupt vector loading failure	4-4-2	Failure to decompress code to
			shadowed memory
3-2-4	Keyboard Controller Test failure	4-4-3	Math-coprocessor test failure
3-3-1	NVRAM power loss	4-4-4	Cache test failure
3-3-2	Invalid NVRAM configuration

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Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics

The Dell IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics is a utility that tests the hard drive to troubleshoot or confirm a hard drive failure.

1Turn on your computer (if your computer is already on, restart it).

2When F2 = Setup appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <Ctrl><Alt><D>.

3Follow the instructions on the screen.

If a failure is reported, see "Hard Drive Problems" in your User’s 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® Windows® 2000 operating system, you can also use Device Manager to resolve incompatibilities.

Windows XP

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

1Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.

3Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.

4In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and click Next.

Windows 2000

To resolve incompatibilities using Device Manager:

1Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

2In the Control Panel window, double-click System.

3Click the Hardware tab.

4Click Device Manager.

5Click View and click Resources by connection.

6Double-click Interrupt request (IRQ).

Incorrectly configured devices are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) or a red X if the device has been disabled.

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7Double-click any device marked with an exclamation point to display the Properties window.

The Device status area in the Properties window reports the cards or devices that need to be reconfigured.

8Reconfigure 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:

1Click the Start button and click Help.

2Click Troubleshooting and Maintenance on the Contents tab, click Windows 2000 troubleshooters, and then click Hardware.

3In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer and click Next.

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.

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

Creating a Restore Point

1Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2Click System Restore.

3Follow 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.

1Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then click System Restore.

2Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.

3Click 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.

4Select 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.

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5Click Next.

The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts.

6After 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.

1Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then click System Restore.

2Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.

3Click Next.

The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.

4After 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:

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2Click System.

3Click the System Restore tab.

4Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

Before You Begin

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

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.

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To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:

•Dell™ Operating System CD

•Dell Drivers and Utilities CD

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the Drivers and Utilities CD to load any required drivers, including the drivers required if your computer has a RAID controller.

Reinstalling Windows XP

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

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.

Booting From the Operating System CD

1Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.

2Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if Install Windows XP message appears.

3Restart the computer.

4Press <F12> immediately after the DELL™ logo appears.

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

5Press the arrow keys to select CD-ROM, and press <Enter>.

6When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.

Windows XP Setup

1When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to select To set up Windows now.

2Read the information on the Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement screen, and press <F8> to accept the license agreement.

3If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current Windows XP data, type r to select the repair option, and remove the CD.

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