Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, XPS, and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, and SpeedStep are registered trademarks
of Intel Corporation; 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.
Front View of the ComputerBack View of the Computer
Front View of the Computer
1cover latch
release
2CD or DVD
activity
light
3CD or DVD
eject
button
4Floppy
drive bay
5FlexBayCan contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader.
6IEEE 1394Use the optional IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as
Use this latch to remove the cover. See "Removing the Computer Cover."
The drive light is on when the computer reads data from the CD or DVD drive.
Press to eject a disc from the CD or DVD drive.
Can contain an optional floppy drive.
About Your Computer: Dell XPS 400 Service Manual
connector
digital video cameras and external storage devices.
(optional)
7ventsFor adequate cooling, do not block any of the vents.
NOTICE: Do not use the vents as handles; doing so may result in damage to
your computer. Also, ensure that there is a minimum of two inches of space
between all vents and any object near these vents.
8USB 2.0
connectors
(2)
9power
button
10 hard-drive
activity
light
11 diagnostic
lights (4)
12 headphone
connector
13 microphone
connector
14 Service
Tag
Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such
as joysticks or cameras. It is recommended that you use the back USB
connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers,
keyboards, and mice, or for bootable USB devices, which may not function
properly if attached to the front connectors.
Press to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the
computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.
The hard drive activity light is on when the computer reads data from or
writes data to the hard drive. The light might also be on when a device such
as a CD player is operating.
Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the
diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights
Use the headphone connector to attach headphones.
Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for
voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
Used to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or
call technical support.
Line-in connector — Use the blue line-in connector to attach a
record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.
Line-out connector — Use the green line-out connector to attach
headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers.
Microphone connector — Use the pink microphone connector to attach a
personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or
telephony program.
Surround connector — Use the black surround connector to attach
multichannel-capable speakers.
Center/subwoofer (Center/LFE) connector — Use the yellow subwoofer
connector to attach multiple speakers.
To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of
a network cable to either a network port or your network or broadband device.
Connect the other end of the network cable to the network connector on 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.
Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such
as printers, keyboards, and mice, or for bootable USB devices which may not
function properly if attached to the front connectors (see "System Setup
more information on booting to a USB device)
" for
It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you
connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras.
Getting StartedRecommended ToolsTurning Off Your ComputerBefore Working Inside Your Computer
Getting Started
This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each
procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:
You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" and "Before Working Inside Your Computer."
You have read the safety information in your Dell™ Product Information Guide.
A component can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
Small flat-blade screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Long Phillips screwdriver
Flash BIOS update program floppy disk or CD
Turning Off Your Computer
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 Start button, and then click Turn Off
Computer.
b. 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, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.
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.
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.
NOTICE: 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 port or device.
2. Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to
ground the system board.
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.
Removing the Computer Cover: Dell XPS 400 Service Manual
Back to Contents Page
Removing the Computer Cover
Dell™ XPS™ 400 Service Manual
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.
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.
1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin
2. If you have installed a security cable, remove it from the security cable slot.
NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the removed cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space.
NOTICE: Ensure that you are working on a level, protected surface to avoid scratching either the computer or the
surface on which it is resting.
3. Lay your computer on its side with the computer cover facing up.
4. Pull back the cover latch release on the top panel.
."
5. Locate the three hinge tabs on the bottom edge of the computer.
Advanced Troubleshooting: Dell XPS 400 Service Manual
Back to Contents Page
Advanced Troubleshooting
Dell™ XPS™ 400 Service Manual
Power LightsDiagnostic LightsBeep Codes
Power Lights
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
The power button light located on the front of the computer illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:
If the power light is green and the computer is not responding.
Ensure the display is connected and powered on.
If the display is connected and powered on, see "Diagnostic Lights".
If the power light is blinking green, the computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse,
or press the power button to resume normal operation.
If the power light is off, the computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.
Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.
If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and
that the power strip is turned on. Also bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension
cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.
Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board.
If the power light is blinking amber, the computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might
exist.
Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location (if applicable).
If the power light is steady amber, a device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.
Remove and then reinstall the memory modules.
Remove and then reinstall any cards.
Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable.
Ensure that all power cables are securely connected to the system board.
Diagnostic Lights
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Advanced Troubleshooting: Dell XPS 400 Service Manual
To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "1," "2," "3," and "4" on the front panel (see
"Front View of the Computer"). When the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts, all four lights
display solid green. If the computer malfunctions, the color and sequence of the lights identify the problem.
Light Pattern Problem DescriptionSuggested 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
system successfully
boots to the operating
system.
A possible processor
failure has occurred.
Memory modules are
detected, but a
memory failure has
occurred.
A possible graphics
card failure has
occurred.
Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet. Also see "Power Lights
Reinstall the processor and restart the computer.
If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules,
reinstall one module (see "Memory
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 (see "Memory
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card (see "Cards"),
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, contact Dell.
").
"), and then restart the computer. If
."
A possible floppy drive
or hard drive failure
has occurred.
A possible USB failure
has occurred.
No memory modules
are detected.
Memory modules are
detected, but a
memory configuration
or compatibility error
exists.
A possible expansion
card failure has
occurred.
Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.
Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the
computer.
If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules,
reinstall one module (see "Memory
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 (see "Memory
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement
requirements exist (see "Memory
Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible
with your computer (see "Memory
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
1. Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not a graphics card)
and restarting the computer (see "Cards
2. If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a
different card, and then restart the computer.
3. Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally,
troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource
conflicts (see "Cards