Dell XPS 600 User Manual

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Page 1

Dell™ XPS 600

Owner’s Manual

Model WHL

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Page 2

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.

____________________

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, and

PowerApp are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are re gistered 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 WHL

November 2005 P/N HC098 Rev. A03

Page 3

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Opening the Drive Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Changing the Front-Panel Light Color

Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)

Connecting Monitors

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connecting a Monitor to a PCI Express Graphics Card Dual Configuration

Connecting Two Monitors Connecting a TV

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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

Changing the Display Settings to Support Two Monitors

About Serial ATA Drives

About Your RAID Configuration

RAID Level 0 Configuration RAID Level 1 Configuration Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Creating an Array using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility Using Nvidia MediaShield

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Playing CDs and DVDs

Playing a CD or DVD Adjusting the Volume Adjusting the Picture

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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

. . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . 23

Copying CDs and DVDs

How to Copy a CD or DVD Using Blank CDs and DVDs Helpful Tips

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Network Setup Wizard

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Contents 3

Page 4

Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Overview Standby Mode Hibernate Mode Power Options Properties

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

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

2 Optimizing Performance

Hyper-Threading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

PCI Express Cards

NVIDIA SLI Dual Graphics Technology

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

3 Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Battery Problems

Drive Problems

CD and DVD drive problems Hard drive problems

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

Keyboard Problems

Lockups and Software Problems

The computer does not start up The computer stops responding A program stops responding A program crashes repeatedly A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system A solid blue screen appears Other software problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

4 Contents

Memory Problems

Mouse Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Page 5

Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Power Problems

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

Sound and Speaker Problems

No sound from speakers No sound from headphones

Video and Monitor Problems

If the screen is blank If the screen is difficult to read If 3-D image quality is poor

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

4 Advanced Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Dell Diagnostics

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

Drivers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers

Using Microsoft

Creating a Restore Point Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State Undoing the Last System Restore

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Windows® XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

. . . . . . . . . . . 63

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Reinstalling Microsoft

Before You Begin Reinstalling Windows XP

Windows® XP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Contents 5

Page 6

5 Removing and Installing Parts

Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Front and Back View of the Computer

Front View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Front View (Doors Open) Back View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Opening the Computer Cover

Inside View of Your Computer

System Board Components

Memory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Addressing Memory Configurations Installing Memory Removing Memory

Cards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card from a Dual Configuration Installing PCI Express Graphics Cards in a Dual Configuration Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards Installing PCI and PCI Express Cards Network Adapter and Sound Card Settings

Drives

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

General Installation Guidelines Connecting Drive Cables

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

. . . . . . 86

. . . . 84

6 Contents

Hard Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Removing a Hard Drive Installing a Hard Drive

Floppy Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Removing a Floppy Drive Installing a Floppy Drive

Media Card Reader

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Removing a Media Card Reader Installing a Media Card Reader

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Page 7

CD/DVD Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Removing a CD/DVD Drive Installing a CD/DVD Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Processor Airflow Shroud

Removing the Processor Airflow Shroud Installing the Processor Airflow Shroud

Processor

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Removing the Processor Installing the Processor

Front Panel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Removing the Front Panel Replacing the Front Panel

Drive Door

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Removing the Drive Door Replacing the Drive Door

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Battery

Replacing the Battery

Closing the Computer Cover

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

6 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

System Setup

Overview Entering System Setup System Setup Options Boot Sequence

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Clearing Forgotten Passwords

Clearing CMOS Settings

Cleaning Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor Mouse

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Floppy Drive CDs and DVDs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Contents 7

Page 8

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

. . . . . . . . . 140

. . . . . . . . . . . 141

FCC Notices (U.S. Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Class A

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Class B FCC Identification Information

Contacting Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

8 Contents

Page 9

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or

media may not be available in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• My device documentation

• Desktop System Software (DSS)

• How to set up my computer

• Basic troubleshooting information

• How to run the Dell Diagnostics

• How to set up a printer

• Additional information about setting up my computer

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

• How to remove and install parts

• Specifications

• How to contact Dell

Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers or to run the Dell Diagnostics.

Readme files may be included on your CD to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technicalreference material for technicians or experienced users.

NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at

support.dell.com.

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not

ship with your computer.

Owner’s Manual

NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at

support.dell.com.

Finding Information 9

Page 10

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. and Canada)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

• How to set up my computer

Dell™ Product Information Guide

Setup Diagram

10 Finding Information

Page 11

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License

These labels are located on your computer.

• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use

support.dell.com

contact technical support.

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

Finding Information 11

Page 12

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

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

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such

Dell™ Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support

site.

NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers

can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website at premier.support. dell.com.

as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and order status, warranty, and repair information

• Service and support — Service call status and support history, service contract, and online discussions with

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

technical support

• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers

• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates

• Desktop System Software (DSS)— If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel

Pentiu m® M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. The software automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.

To download Desktop System Software:

Go to

support.dell.com

Enter your Service Tag or product model.

In the

Download Category

Select the operating system and operating system language for your computer, and click

Under

Select a Device Configuration Utilities System Software

• How to use Windows XP

and click

Downloads

drop-down menu, click

Submit.

, scroll to

, then click

System and

Dell Desktop

All

Windows Help and Support Center

Click the

Start

button, then click

Help and Support

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.

Click the topic that describes your problem. Follow the instructions on the screen.

12 Finding Information

Page 13

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• 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 "Reinstalling Windows XP" on page 65.

After you reinstall your operating system, use the ResourceCD to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.

NOTE: The color of your CD

varies based on the operating system you ordered.

Finding Information 13

Page 14

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

14 Finding Information

Page 15

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Opening the Drive Door

Changing the Front-Panel Light Color

You can use this exclusive Dell™ XPS feature either to change the color of the front-panel light that illuminates the Dell name and displays around the badge on the front of your computer, or to turn off the front-panel light entirely.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15

Page 16

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.

front-panel light

badge

You can choose from several color choices:

•Off

•Ruby

•Emerald

•Sapphire (default)

•Amber

•Amethyst

•Topaz

•Diamond

NOTE: The front-panel light is not for diagnostic purposes.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69.

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

Enter system setup by pressing <F2>. (See "Entering System Setup" on page 131 for details about entering system setup).

Select the

Select

Press the left- and right- arrow keys to scroll through the color options. The front-panel light

Onboard Devices

Front LED Color

color changes as you scroll through the options.

Select the color you want, and press <Enter>.

Press <Esc>, and press

16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

option.

, and press <Enter>.

Save and Exit

to save the new front-panel light color setting.

Page 17

Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)

Use the media card reader to transfer data directly to your computer.

The media card reader supports the following memory types:

• xD-Picture card

• SmartMedia (SMC)

• CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II)

• MicroDrive card

• SecureDigital card (SD)

• MultiMediaCard (MMC)

• Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro)

For information on installing a media card reader, see "Installing a Media Card Reader" on page 106.

xD-Picture card and SmartMedia (SMC)

CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II) and MicroDrive card

Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro)

SecureDigital card (SD)/ MultiMediaCard (MMC)

To use the media card reader:

Check the media or card to determine the proper orientation for insertion.

Slide the media or card into the appropriate slot until it is completely seated in the connector.

If you encounter resistance, do not force the media or card. Check the card orientation and try again.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17

Page 18

Connecting Monitors

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: Dependent upon options selected when you purchased your computer, your video card may have

either two DVI ports or one DVI port and one VGA port.

Connecting a Monitor to a PCI Express Graphics Card Dual Configuration

If you are using PCI Express graphics cards in a dual configuration, only a single monitor is supported. Connect the monitor to the primary video card or the monitor will not function.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

primary video card

Connecting Two Monitors

NOTE: Your graphics card and configuration must support dual monitors for you to connect and enable

two monitors using the instructions in this section.

The graphics card that came with your computer has an S-video port and either two DVI ports and a DVI-to-VGA adapter, or one DVI port and one VGA port.

To connect a monitor by attaching the DVI or VGA connector of the monitor directly to the DVI or the (optional) VGA port on your computer, see "Connecting Two Monitors (Without an Adapter)" on page 19. If you purchased a graphics card that has two DVI ports instead of a VGA port and need to use a VGA monitor, see "Connecting Two Monitors (With the Use of an Adapter)" on page 20.

18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Page 19

Connecting Two Monitors (Without an Adapter)

NOTE: Dependent upon options selected when you purchased your computer, your video card may have

either two DVI ports or one DVI port and one VGA port.

Follow these instructions if you are connecting two monitors with DVI connectors to the two optional DVI ports on your computer, or if you are connecting one monitor with a DVI connector and one VGA monitor to the DVI and optional VGA ports on your computer.

If you have a monitor with a VGA connector, but your computer has two DVI ports, follow the instructions in "Connecting Two Monitors (With the Use of an Adapter)" on page 20.

NOTE: If you are using PCI Express graphics cards in a dual configuration, only a single monitor is

supported.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69.

Connect each of the monitors to a the appropriate connector on the back of the computer.

If your monitor has a DVI connector, use the white DVI port on your computer.

If your monitor has a VGA connector, use the (optional) blue VGA port on your computer.

Change the display settings to support both monitors (see "Changing the Display Settings to Support Two Monitors" on page 20).

DVI (white) connector

TV-OUT connector

VGA (blue) connector (optional)

DVI-to-VGA adapter

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19

Page 20

Connecting Two Monitors (With the Use of an Adapter)

Follow these instructions if you purchased a graphics card that has two DVI ports instead of a VGA port and need to use a VGA monitor.

NOTE: If you are using PCI Express graphics cards in a dual configuration, only a single monitor is

supported.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69.

Attach the DVI connector on the appropriate monitor to the white DVI port on the back of the computer.

NOTE: Your graphics card must support a VGA monitor being connected to the DVI port.

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Connect the DVI-to-VGA adapter to the VGA connector on the other monitor, then connect the adapter to the white DVI port on the back of the computer.

Change the display settings to support both monitors (see "Changing the Display Settings to Support Two Monitors" on page 20).

Connecting a TV

NOTE: If you are connecting a TV, you may connect only one monitor (VGA or DVI) in addition to the TV.

NOTE: See the documentation that came with your TV to ensure that you properly configure and connect

the TV.

To connect a TV to your computer, you must purchase an S-video cable, which is available at most consumer electronics stores. An S-video cable is not included with your computer.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69.

Connect one end of the S-video cable to the TV-OUT connector on the back of the computer.

Connect the other end of the S-video cable to the S-video input connector on your TV.

Connect one VGA or DVI monitor as described in the preceding subsection, "Connecting Two Monitors (Without an Adapter)" on page 19.

Changing the Display Settings to Support Two Monitors

After you connect the monitors, turn on the computer.

The Microsoft

Enable clone mode or extended desktop mode in the display settings.

• In clone mode, both monitors display the same image.

• In extended desktop mode, you can drag objects from one screen to the other, effectively doubling the amount of viewable work space.

For information on changing the display settings for your graphics card, see the user’s guide in the Help and Support Center (click the

system guides

20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor.

, click

Device guides

Start

button, click

Help and Support

, click

, and then click the guide for your graphics card).

User and

Page 21

About Serial ATA Drives

Your computer supports up to three serial ATA hard drives. Serial ATA drives provide the following benefits by transferring data using serial technology and flexible cables that are thinner and longer than IDE cables:

• Improved cable routing facilitates more efficient airflow inside the chassis.

• Compact cable connectors save space on the system board and on the hard drive. Combined with the improved cable routing, this allows a more efficient utilization of space inside the chassis.

See "Hard Drive" on page 97 for information on serial ATA drive connections.

About Your RAID Configuration

NOTICE: If you might ever decide to migrate to a RAID array, before loading the operating system onto a

hard drive, set up that drive as a single drive RAID 0 array. See "Creating an Array using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility" on page 23 for instructions.

This section provides an overview of the RAID configuration that you might have selected when you purchased your computer. Dell offers either a RAID level 0 configuration or a RAID level 1 configuration on your Dell™ XPS computer. A RAID level 0 configuration is recommended for high-performance gaming, and a RAID level 1 configuration is recommended for the data integrity requirements of digital photography and audio.

NOTE: RAID levels do not represent a hierarchy. A RAID level 1 configuration is not inherently better or

worse than a RAID level 0 configuration.

The drives in an array should be the same size in order to ensure that the larger drive does not contain unallocated (and therefore unusable) space.

RAID Level 0 Configuration

A RAID level 0 configuration uses a storage technique known as "data striping" to provide a high data access rate. Data striping is a method of writing consecutive segments, or stripes, of data sequentially across the physical drives to create a large virtual drive. Data striping allows one of the drives to read data while the other drive is searching for and reading the next block.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21

Page 22

serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 0

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Another advantage of a RAID level 0 configuration is that it utilizes the full capacities of the drives. For example, if you have two 120-GB drives installed, you have 240 GB on which to store data.

NOTICE: Because RAID level 0 configurations provide no data redundancy, if one drive fails, then the

data on the other drive is also inaccessible. Therefore, ensure that you perform regular backups when you use a RAID level 0 configuration.

RAID Level 1 Configuration

RAID level 1 uses a data-redundancy storage technique known as "mirroring." When data is written to the primary drive, it is then duplicated, or mirrored, on the other drive. A RAID level 1 configuration sacrifices high data-access rates for its data redundancy advantages.

segment 1

segment 3

segment 5

hard drive 1

serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 1

segment 2

segment 4

segment 6

hard drive 2

segment 1

segment 2

segment 3

segment 4

segment 5

segment 6

hard drive 1

22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

segment 1 duplicated

segment 2 duplicated

segment 3 duplicated

segment 4 duplicated

segment 5 duplicated

segment 6 duplicated

hard drive 2

Page 23

If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the surviving drive. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data from the surviving drive. Also, because data is duplicated on both drives, a RAID level 1 configuration using two 120-GB hard drives collectively has a maximum of 120 GB on which to store data.

Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID

NOTICE: If you might ever decide to migrate to a RAID array, before loading the operating system onto a

hard drive, set up that drive as a single drive RAID 0 array. See "Creating an Array using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility" on page 23 for instructions.

At some point you may want to configure your computer for RAID if you did not select a RAID configuration when you purchased your computer. You must have at least two hard drives installed in your computer to set up a RAID configuration. For instructions on how to install a hard drive, see "Installing a Hard Drive" on page 98.

You can use one of two methods to configure RAID hard drive volumes. One method uses the Nvidia MediaShield ROM utility and is performed before you install the operating system onto the hard drive. The second method uses Nvidia MediaShield, and this method is performed after you have installed the operating system with the Nvidia RAID drivers.

Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before starting any of the RAID configuration procedures in this document.

Setting Your Hard Drives to RAID-Enabled Mode

Enter system setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 131).

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the applicable SATA drive, and press <Enter>.

Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight press <Esc>.

Drives

, and press <Enter>.

RAID On

, press <Enter>, and then

NOTE: For more information about RAID options, see "System Setup Options" on page 132.

Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight

Save/Exit

, and press <Enter> to exit system

setup and resume the boot process. Repeat the process as necessary for each SATA hard drive.

Creating an Array using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility

NOTICE: You will lose any data on your hard drives when you create a RAID configuration using the

following procedure. Back up data you want to keep before continuing.

NOTICE: If you might ever decide to migrate to a RAID array, before loading the operating system onto a

hard drive, set up that drive as a single drive RAID 0 array. See "Creating an Array using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility" on page 23 for instructions.

NOTE: Use the following procedure only if you are reinstalling your operating system. Do not use the

following procedure to migrate an existing storage configuration to a RAID configuration.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23

Page 24

Although any size drives may be used to create a RAID configuration, ideally the drives should be of equal size. In a RAID level 0 configuration, the size of the configuration will be the size of the smaller drive multiplied by the number (two) of drives in the configuration. In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the configuration will be the smaller of the two drives used.

Enable RAID on your hard drives (see "Setting Your Hard Drives to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 23).

Press <Ctrl-n> when prompted to enter the RAID BIOS.

NOTICE: If you do not press <Ctrl-n> before the window closes, restart your computer and wait for

the prompt to appear again.

The

Define a New Array

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Press <Tab> to navigate to the

To create a RAID 0 configuration, use the arrow keys to select

window appears.

RAID Mode

field.

Striping

To create a RAID 1 configuration, use the arrow keys to select

Press <Tab> to navigate to the

Use the right- and left-arrow keys to select the hard drive or drives to include in your RAID array; move the listed hard drives from the

NOTE: Your computer supports a maximum of two drives per RAID1 array and three per RAID0

array.

After assigning hard drives to an array, press <F9>.

NOTICE: You will lose all data on the selected drives in the next step.

Press <Y> to clear all data from the selected drives.

Array Detail

The

To specify the array as bootable, use the arrow keys to select the array and press <B>.

To review the details of the array that you set up, use the arrow keys to highlight the array in the

Array Detail

window appears.

window and press <Enter>.

Free Disks

field.

Free Disks

field to the

Mirroring

Array Disks

field.

To delete an array, navigate to the array using the arrow keys and press <D>.

Press <Enter> to return to the previous screen.

Press <Ctrl><X> to exit the RAID BIOS.

Using Nvidia MediaShield

Nvidia MediaShield

have one hard drive with the operating system installed on it, and you want to add a second hard drive and reconfigure both drives into a RAID volume without losing the existing operating system and any data, you need to use the morphing option (see "Morphing from a Single Drive RAID 0 Configuration to a Dual Drive RAID Configuration" on page 26).

allows you to create, view, and manage RAID configurations. If you already

24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Page 25

Create a RAID level 0 volume or RAID level 1 volume only when you are adding two new drives to an existing single-drive computer configured as a single-drive level 0 RAID array, and you want to configure the two new drives into a RAID array.

Although any size drives may be used to create a RAID configuration using Nvidia MediaShield, ideally the drives should be of equal size. In a RAID level 0 configuration, the size of the configuration will be the size of the smallest drive multiplied by the number (two) of drives in the configuration. In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the configuration will be the smaller of the two drives used.

Creating a RAID Array

NOTICE: You will lose any data on your hard drives when you create a RAID configuration using the

following procedure. Back up data you want to keep before continuing.

NOTE: Do not use the following procedure to migrate an existing storage configuration to RAID level 0

configuration.

Enable RAID on your hard drives (see "Setting Your Hard Drives to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 23).

After rebooting your computer, launch Nvidia MediaShield.

Click

Create Array

Create Array Wizard

The

Use the drop-down box to select

Click

Click to select the drives that will make up the RAID configuration.

in the

System Tasks

appears.

pane.

Striping

(for RAID 0) or

Mirroring

(for RAID 1).

NOTE: Your computer supports a maximum of two drives per RAID1 array and three per RAID0

array.

Select desired options.

NOTICE: The Clear System Data option will delete all data on the selected drive.

Click

Finish

to create the RAID configuration.

The array and any other installed hard drives should be visible in the NVRAID management utility window.

Deleting a RAID Array

NOTE: While this procedure deletes the RAID 1 volume, it also splits the RAID 1 volume into two non-

RAID hard drives with a partition, and leaves any existing data files intact. Deleting a RAID 0 volume, however, destroys all data on the volume.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25

Page 26

NOTE: If your computer currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume, your computer will

become unbootable.

Launch Nvidia MediaShield.

Click to select an array.

Click

Delete Array

Delete Array Wizard

The

Click

A confirmation screen will appear with the name and size of the array that you have marked for deletion.

Click

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Finish

Any other arrays and installed hard drives should be visible in the NVRAID management utility window.

Morphing from a Single Drive RAID 0 Configuration to a Dual Drive RAID Configuration

Follow this procedure if you have added a new hard drive to your computer and want to reconfigure it and your old hard drive into a RAID level 1 configuration without losing any data.

Launch Nvidia MediaShield.

NOTE: Select your pre-existing hard drive as your source drive (it should be the hard drive containing the

data or operating system files that you want to keep on the RAID volume).

Click to select an array.

Click

Convert Array

The

Convert Array Wizard

in the

System Tasks

pane.

appears.

to delete the RAID configuration.

in the

System Tasks

pane.

appears.

Click

Select

Mirroring

Click

NOTICE: In the following step, you will lose all data contained on the target member drive.

Select the new hard drive by clicking the checkbox beside it.

Click

Finish

Rebuilding a Degraded RAID Level 1 Configuration

Striping

If your computer has reported a degraded RAID level 1 volume, you can manually rebuild the computer’s redundancy mirror to a new hard drive by performing the following steps:

Launch Nvidia MediaShield.

Click

Mirroring

in the management utility window.

26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

from the drop-down menu.

Page 27

Select

Rebuild Array

The

Rebuild Array Wizard

Click

Click to select the hard drive that you want to rebuild.

Click

Finish

You can use your computer while the computer is rebuilding the RAID level 1 volume.

in the

appears.

System Tasks

pane.

Transferring Information to a New Computer

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Files and Settings Transfer wizard to move data from the source computer to the new computer. You can move data such as:

•E-mails

• Toolbar settings

• Window sizes

• Internet bookmarks

You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial connection, or you can store it on a removable medium, such as a writable CD or floppy disk.

To prepare the new computer for the file transfer:

Click the

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

When the

On the

Windows XP CD

When the

Do not

To copy data from the old computer:

On the old computer, insert the Windows XP

On the

Under

On the

Start

button, point to

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

and click

Now go to your old computer

click

at this time.

Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP

What do you want to do?

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools

screen, click

screen appears, go to your old or source computer.

, click

Transfer files and settings

screen, click

screen, click the transfer method you prefer.

welcome screen appears, click

New Computer

Operating System

screen, click

welcome screen, click

Old Computer

and click

I will use the wizard from the

CD.

Perform additional tasks

and click

, and then click

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27

Page 28

On the

After the information has been copied, the

Click

To transfer data to the new computer:

On the

On the your settings and files and click

The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer.

What do you want to transfer?

Finish

Now go to your old computer

Where are the files and settings?

screen, select the items you want to transfer and click

Completing the Collection Phase

screen on the new computer, click

screen, select the method you chose for transferring

screen appears.

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When all of the settings and files have been applied, the

Click

Finished

Playing CDs and DVDs

Playing a CD or DVD

NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed when

you are not using the drive.

NOTICE: Do not move the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs.

Press the eject button on the front of the drive.

Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray.

and restart the new computer.

Finished

screen appears.

Press the eject button or gently push in the tray.

To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came with your computer.

28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Page 29

NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs.

A CD player includes the following basic buttons:

Play

Move backward within the current track

Pau se

Move forward within the current track

Stop

Go to the previous track

Eject

Go to the next track

A DVD player includes the following basic buttons:

Stop

Restart the current chapter

Play

Fast forward

Pau se

Fast reverse

Advance a single frame while in pause mode

Go to the next title or chapter

Continuously play the current title or chapter

Go to the previous title or chapter

Eject

For more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click Help on the CD or DVD player (if available).

Adjusting the Volume

NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing.

Click the

Volume Control

In the slide it up or down to increase or decrease the volume.

For more information on volume control options, click Help in the Volume Control window.

Start

button, point to

Volume Control

All Programs→ Accessories→ Entertainment

window, click and drag the bar in the

, and then click

Volume Control

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 29

column and

Page 30

Adjusting the Picture

If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth are using too much memory and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display properties.

Click the

Under

Pick a category

Under

Pick a task...

In the

Display Properties

setting to

Click the drop-down menu under

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Click OK.

Copying CDs and DVDs

NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copyright laws when creating CDs or DVDs.

This section applies only to computers that have a CD-RW, DVD+/-RW, or CD-RW/DVD (combo) drive.

NOTE: The types of CD or DVD drives offered by Dell™ may vary by country.

The following instructions explain how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD. You can also use Sonic DigitalMedia for other purposes, such as creating music CDs from audio files stored on your computer or backing up important data. For help, open Sonic DigitalMedia and then click the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of the window.

Start

button and click

, click

window, click and drag the bar in

800 by 600 pixels

Control Panel

Appearance and Themes

Change the screen resolution

Color quality

, and then click

Screen resolution

Medium (16 bit)

to change the

How to Copy a CD or DVD

NOTE: CD-RW/DVD combo drives cannot write to DVD media. If you have a CD-RW/DVD combo drive

and you experience recording problems, check for available software patches on the Sonic support website at www.sonic.com.

The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell computers can write to and read DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW and DVD+R DL (dual layer) media, but cannot write to and may not read DVD-RAM or DVD-R DL media.

NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using Sonic

DigitalMedia.

Click the click

Under the

30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Copy

Start

button, point to

Copy

tab, click

All Programs→

Disc Copy

Sonic→ DigitalMedia Projects

, and then

Page 31

To copy the CD or DVD:

•

If you have one CD or DVD drive

button. The computer reads your source CD or DVD and copies the data to a

Copy

temporary folder on your computer hard drive.

When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the drive and click

, ensure that the settings are correct and click the

Disc

If you have two CD or DVD drives

•

source CD or DVD and click the

, select the drive into which you have inserted your

Disc Copy

button. The computer copies the data from

the source CD or DVD to the blank CD or DVD.

Once you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you have created automatically ejects.

Using Blank CDs and DVDs

CD-RW drives can write to CD recording media only (including high-speed CD-RW) while DVD-writable drives can write to both CD and DVD recording media.

Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs to write to CDs or to erase, rewrite, or update data on CDs.

Blank DVD+/-Rs can be used to permanently store large amounts of information. After you create a DVD+/-R disc, you may not be able to write to that disc again if the disc is "finalized" or "closed" during the final stage of the disc creation process. Use blank DVD+/-RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on that disc later.

CD-Writable Drives

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

C D- RW Ye s Ye s Ye s

DVD-Writable Drives

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

C D- RW Ye s Ye s Ye s

DVD+R Yes Yes No

DVD-R Yes Yes No

DV D +R W Yes Ye s Ye s

DV D -R W Ye s Ye s Ye s

DVD+R DL Yes Yes No

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 31

Page 32

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

DVD-R DL Maybe No No

DVD-RAM Maybe No No

Helpful Tips

• Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after you start Sonic DigitalMedia and open a DigitalMedia project.

• Use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs do not play in most home or car stereos.

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• You cannot create audio DVDs with Sonic DigitalMedia.

• Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software installed.

• Commercially available DVD players used in home theater systems may not support all available DVD formats. For a list of formats supported by your DVD player, see the documentation provided with your DVD player or contact the manufacturer.

• Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a blank 650-MB CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1–2 MB of the blank space to finalize the recording.

• Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD recording until you are familiar with CD recording techniques. If you make a mistake, you can erase the data on the CD-RW and try again. You can also use blank CD-RWs to test music file projects before you record the project permanently to a blank CD-R.

• See the Sonic website at

www.sonic.com

for additional information.

Network Setup Wizard

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a home or small office.

Click the click

On the welcome screen, click

Click

NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the

integrated firewall provided with Windows XP SP1.

Complete the checklist and required preparations.

Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.

32 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Start

button, point to

Network Setup Wizard

Checklist for creating a network

All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications

, and then

Page 33

Power Management

Overview

The Microsoft® Windows® XP power management features can reduce the amount of electricity your computer uses when it is on and you are not using it. You can reduce power to just the monitor or the hard drive, or you can use standby mode or hibernate mode to reduce power to the entire computer. When the computer exits from a power conservation mode, the Windows desktop is restored to the state it was in before it entered the mode.

NOTE: Windows XP Professional includes security and networking features not available in

Windows XP Home Edition. When a Windows XP Professional computer is connected to a network, different options related to security and networking appear in certain windows.

NOTE: Depending on your operating system, the procedures to activate the standby and hibernate

modes may be different.

Standby Mode

Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a time-out. When the computer exits from standby mode, it returns to the operating state it was in before it entered standby mode.

To set standby mode to automatically activate after a defined period of inactivity:

Click the

Under

To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click the Start button, click Turn Off Computer, and then click Stand by.

To exit from standby mode, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.

Start

button and click

Pick a category

or pick a Control Panel icon

, click

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

, click

Power Options

NOTICE: If your computer loses power while in standby mode, it may lose data.

Hibernate Mode

Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits from hibernate mode, the desktop is restored to the state it was in

To activate hibernate mode:

Click the

Under

Define your hibernate settings on the

Start

button and click

Pick a category

or pick a Control Panel icon

, click

Performance and Maintenance

before it entered hibernate mode.

Control Panel

, click

Power Schemes

Power Options

tab,

Advanced

tab, and

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 33

Hibernate

tab.

Page 34

To exit from hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit from hibernate mode. Pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse does not bring the computer out of hibernation, because the keyboard and the mouse do not function when the computer is in hibernate mode.

Because hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to store the contents of the computer memory, Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file before shipping the computer to you. If the computer’s hard drive becomes corrupted, Windows XP recreates the hibernate file automatically.

Power Options Properties

Define your standby mode settings, hibernate mode settings, and other power settings in the

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Power Options Properties window.

Click the

Under

Pick a category

Under

or pick a Control Panel icon

Define your power settings on the

Power Schemes Tab

Each standard power setting is called a scheme. If you want to select one of the standard Windows schemes installed on your computer, choose a scheme from the Power schemes drop- down menu. The settings for each scheme appear in the fields below the scheme name. Each scheme has different settings for starting standby mode or hibernate mode, turning off the monitor, and turning off the hard drive.

The Power schemes drop-down menu displays the following schemes:

•

Always On

•

Home/Office Desk

minimal power conservation.

•

Portable/Laptop

Presentation

• conservation).

•

Minimal Power Management

conservation.

•

Max Battery

batteries for extended periods of time.

To access the Power Options Properties window:

Start

button and click

, click

Control Panel

Performance and Maintenance

, click

Power Schemes

Power Options

tab,

Advanced

tab, and

Hibernate

(default) — If you want to use your computer with no power conservation.

— If you use your computer as a home or office computer and you require

— If your computer is a portable computer that you use for traveling.

— If you want your computer to run without interruption (using no power

— If you want your computer to run with minimal power

— If your computer is a portable computer and you run your computer from

tab.

34 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Page 35

If you want to change the default settings for a scheme, click the drop-down menu in the Tu r n off monitor, Turn off hard disks, System stand by, or System hibernates field, and then select a

time-out from the displayed list. Changing the time-out for a scheme field permanently changes the default settings for that scheme, unless you click Save As and enter a new name for the changed scheme.

NOTICE: If you set the hard drive to time-out before the monitor does, your computer may appear to be

locked up. To recover, press any key on the keyboard or click the mouse. To avoid this problem, always set the monitor to time-out before the hard drive.

Advanced Tab

The Advanced tab allows you to:

• Place the power options icon in the Windows taskbar for quick access.

• Set the computer to prompt you for your Windows password before the computer exits from standby mode or hibernate mode.

• Program the power button to activate standby mode, activate hibernate mode, or turn off the computer.

To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding drop-down menu and click OK.

Hibernate Tab

The Hibernate tab allows you to enable hibernate mode. If you want to use the hibernate settings you defined on the Power Schemes tab, click the Enable hibernate support check box on the Hibernate tab.

For more information on power management options:

Click the

In the

Start

button and click

Help and Support

window, click

Performance and maintenance

window, click

Conserving power on your computer

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 35

Page 36

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36 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Page 37

Optimizing Performance

Hyper-Threading

Hyper-Threading is an Intel® technology that can enhance overall computer performance by allowing one physical processor to function as two logical processors, capable of performing certain tasks simultaneously. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later operating system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of Hyper-Threading technology. While many programs can benefit from HyperThreading, some programs have not been optimized for Hyper-Threading and may require an update from the software manufacturer. Contact the software manufacturer for updates and information about using Hyper-Threading with your software.

To determine if your computer is using Hyper-Threading technology:

Click the

Click

In the is enabled, the processor is listed twice.

You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through system setup. For more information on accessing system setup, see "System Setup" on page 131. For more information on HyperThreading, search the Knowledge Base on the Dell website at support.dell.com.

Start

button, right-click

Hardware

Device Manager

and click

My Computer

Device Manager

window, click the plus (+) sign next to

, and then click

Processors

PCI Express Cards

Properties

. If Hyper-Threading

Windows® XP

PCI Express is the next generation technology for graphics cards and PCI cards. The PCI Express x16 slot is used in place of the AGP graphics card slot. The dimensions of PCI Express card slots are different from those of the PCI card slots, and the cards are not interchangeable (you cannot install a PCI card in a PCI Express card slot, or a PCI Express card in a PCI card slot).

Some benefits of PCI Express technology include:

• Greater available bandwidth — PCI Express bus bandwidth is 250 MB/s in each direction per lane simultaneously, while PCI bus bandwidth is 133 MB/s in one direction at a time.

• Prioritization of service — Multiple PCI cards installed in a computer all share a common bus, but each PCI Express card operates on its own channel. Activities such as video conferencing and web camera functions can be automatically prioritized through the device software to reduce latency.

Optimizing Performance 37

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NVIDIA SLI Dual Graphics Technology

With NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) dual-graphics technology, an optional second PCI Express graphics card will significantly increase graphics performance on your computer. Benefits of this technology can be seen in the improved portrayal of the 3-D graphics used in gaming and design applications.

Each graphics card includes a GPU (graphics processing unit). The two GPUs dynamically share their workload to provide the best possible performance. For a given application, the SLI software selects the optimum rendering (processing) mode. The two most basic modes are split frame rendering and alternate frame rendering. In split frame rendering, the GPUs divide the work; each GPU renders part of every frame that displays. In the alternate frame rendering

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mode, each GPU alternately renders the full-screen image.

For more information, see the documentation that came with your graphics card.

38 Optimizing Performance

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Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips

Follow these 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. This 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.

Battery Problems

CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the

battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

REPLACE THE BATTERY — If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on

the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 124). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 142).

Drive Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

Solving Problems 39

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ENSURE THAT MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE — Click the Start button and click My Computer. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.

TEST THE DRIVE —

• Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective.

• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.

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CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK —

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities"

on page 64.

RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 58.

CD and DVD drive problems

NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a

defect in the drive or the CD or DVD.

NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all

DVD drives.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL —

• Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.

• Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up.

• Ensure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked.

CHECK THE SPEAKERS AND SUBWOOFER — See "Sound and Speaker Problems" on page 51.

See "Cleaning Your Computer" on page 139.

40 Solving Problems

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Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive

CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS — The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the CD/DVD-RW.

TURN OFF STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A CD/DVD-RW DISC — See "Standby Mode" on page 33 or search for the keyword standby in Windows Help and Support Center. for information on power management modes. For information on accessing window Help, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 12.

Hard drive problems

RUN CHECK DISK —

Click the

Right-click

Click

Click the

Under

Click

Start

button and click

Local Disk C:

Properties

Error-checking Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors Start

Tools

tab.

, click

My Computer

Check Now

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

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

located in the

NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is

connected to a digital telephone network.

CHECK THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK® EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS — If you cannot open your e-mail attachments:

In Outlook Express, click

Click

Do not allow attachments

Product Information Guide.

To ol s

, click

Options

to remove the checkmark.

, and then click

Security

Solving Problems 41

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CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION —

HECK THE TELEPHONE JACK —

ONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK — SE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE —

• Verify that the telephone line is connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label or a connector-shaped icon next to it.)

• Ensure that you hear a click when you insert the telephone line connector into the modem.

• Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.

• If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the telephone to connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack. If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.

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RUN THE MODEM HELPER DIAGNOSTICS — Click the Start button, point to All Programs, and then click Modem Helper. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is not available on all computers.)

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —

Click the

Click

Printers and Other Hardware

Click

Phone and Modem Options

Click the

Click the COM port for your modem.

Click

Properties

communicating with Windows. If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.

Start

button and click

Modems

tab.

, click the

Control Panel

Diagnostics

tab, and then click

Query Modem

to verify that the modem is

ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET — Ensure that you have subscribed to an Internet provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact your Internet service provider.

Error Messages

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.

42 Solving Problems

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A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not use these characters in filenames.

A REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUND — The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program:

Click the

Select the program you want to remove.

Click the

See the program documentation for installation instructions.

drive letter :\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY — The drive cannot read the disk. Insert a disk into the drive and try again.

INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA — Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.

NON-SYSTEM DISK ERROR — Remove the floppy disk from the drive and restart your computer.

NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. CLOSE SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN — Close all

windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you might have to restart your computer to restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first.

OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND — Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 142).

Start

button, click

Change or Remove Program

Control Panel

, and then click

icon.

Add or Remove Programs

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

ENSURE THAT THE CABLE FOR THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS PROPERLY INSERTED INTO THE DEVICE AND

INTO THE CONNECTOR ON THE COMPUTER

ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS ENABLED WITHIN SYSTEM SETUP — See "System Setup Options" on page 132.

Solving Problems 43

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ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —

Click the

Click If your IEEE 1394 device is listed, Windows recognizes the device.

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A DELL IEEE 1394 DEVICE — Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 142).

F YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH AN IEEE 1394 DEVICE NOT PROVIDED BY DELL — Contact the

IEEE 1394 device manufacturer.

Start

button and click

Printers and Other Hardware

Control Panel

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Keyboard Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE —

• Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to the computer.

• Shut down the computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 69), reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer, and then restart the computer.

• Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent pins.

• Remove keyboard extension cables and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.

TEST THE KEYBOARD — Connect a properly working keyboard to the computer, and try using the keyboard.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 64.

Lockups and Software Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

44 Solving Problems

Page 45

The computer does not start up

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 55.

ENSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL

OUTLET

The computer stops responding

NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.

TURN THE COMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or

moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer.

A program stops responding

END THE PROGRAM —

Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.

Click

Applications

Click the program that is no longer responding.

Click

End Task

A program crashes repeatedly

NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.

CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

Solving Problems 45

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A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system

RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —

The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments.

Click the

Wizard

In the welcome screen, click

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Start

button, point to

All Programs→ Accessories

, and then click

Program Compatibility

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A solid blue screen appears

TURN THE COMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer.

Memory Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

IF YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE —

• Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the problem.

• See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional memory (see "Minimum memory" on page 127).

• Reseat the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 79) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 58).

IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS —

• Reseat the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 79) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see "Installing Memory" on page 80).

• Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For more information about the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 127.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 58).

Mouse Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

CHECK THE MOUSE CABLE —

Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent pins.

Remove mouse extension cables, if used, and connect the mouse directly to the computer.

Shut down the computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 69), reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer, and then restart the computer.

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RESTART THE COMPUTER —

Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the

Ty p e u, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight

After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.

Start the computer.

TEST THE MOUSE — Connect a properly working mouse to the computer, and try using the mouse.

CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS —

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Click the

Click

Mouse

Try adjusting the settings.

REINSTALL THE MOUSE DRIVER — See "Reinstalling Drivers" on page 61.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities"

on page 64.

Network Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

Start

button, click

Control Panel

Start

menu.

Shut down

, and then click

Turn O ff

Printers and Other Hardware

, and then press <Enter>.

CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR — Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack.

CHECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF THE COMPUTER — If the link integrity light is off, that indicates no network communication exists. Replace the network cable. For a description of network lights, see "Connectors" on page 129.

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND LOG ON TO THE NETWORK AGAIN

CHECK YOUR NETWORK SETTINGS — Contact your network administrator or the person who set up

your network to verify that your network settings are correct and that the network is functioning.

48 Solving Problems

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RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 64.

Power Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS GREEN AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT RESPONDING — See "Diagnostic Lights"

on page 55.

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 (see "System Board Components" on page 78).

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.

• Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the system board power connector (POWER12V) (see "System Board Components" on page 78).

• Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 79).

• Remove and then reinstall any cards (see "Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards" on page 89).

• Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see "Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards" on page 89).

Solving Problems 49

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ELIMINATE INTERFERENCE — Some possible causes of interference are:

• Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables

• Too many devices on a power strip

• Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet

Printer Problems

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

in the Product Information Guide.

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NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer’s manufacturer.

CHECK THE PRINTER DOCUMENTATION — See the printer documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.

ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON

CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS —

• See the printer documentation for cable connection information.

• Ensure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

VERIFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —

Click the

Click

View installed printers or fax printers

If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.

Click

Properties

port(s):

setting is

REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER — See the printer documentation for instructions.

50 Solving Problems

Start

button, click

setting is

USB

Control Panel

and click the

LPT1 (Printer Port)

Ports

, and then click

tab. For a parallel printer, ensure that the

. For a USB printer, ensure that the

Printers and Other Hardware

Print to the following port(s):

Print to the following

Page 51

Scanner Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, contact the scanner’s manufacturer.

CHECK THE SCANNER DOCUMENTATION — See the scanner documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.

UNLOCK THE SCANNER — Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a locking tab or button.

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND TRY THE SCANNER AGAIN

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS —

• See the scanner documentation for cable connection information.

• Ensure that the scanner cables are securely connected to the scanner and the computer.

VERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT WINDOWS —

Click the

Click If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.

Start

button, click

Scanners and Cameras

Control Panel

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

REINSTALL THE SCANNER DRIVER — See the scanner documentation for instructions.

Sound and Speaker Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

No sound from speakers

NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been

listening to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume down or off.

CHECK THE SPEAKER CABLE CONNECTIONS — Ensure that the speakers are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If you purchased a sound card, ensure that the speakers are connected to the card.

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ENSURE THAT THE SUBWOOFER AND THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED ON — See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate distortion.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

DISCONNECT HEADPHONES FROM THE HEADPHONE CONNECTOR — Sound from the speakers is automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer’s front-panel headphone connector.

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TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.

RUN THE SPEAKER DIAGNOSTICS

REINSTALL THE SOUND DRIVER — See "Drivers" on page 60.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities"

on page 64.

No sound from headphones

CHECK THE HEADPHONE CABLE CONNECTION — Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted into the headphone connector (see "Front View (Doors Open)" on page 72).

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

52 Solving Problems

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Video and Monitor Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

If the screen is blank

NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.

CHECK THE MONITOR CABLE CONNECTION —

• If you have the optional second PCI-Express graphics card, ensure that the monitor cable is connected to the correct card.

• If you have the optional DVI adapter, ensure that it is correctly attached to the graphics card.

• Ensure that the monitor cable is connected as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.

• If you are using a extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is defective.

• Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.

• Check the connector for bent or broken pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have missing pins.)

CHECK THE MONITOR POWER LIGHT — If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that the monitor is turned on. If the power light is lit or blinking, the monitor has power. If the power light is blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 55.

If the screen is difficult to read

CHECK THE MONITOR SETTINGS — See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test.

MOVE THE SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE MONITOR — If your speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor.

MOVE THE MONITOR AWAY FROM EXTERNAL POWER SOURCES — Fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, and other electrical devices can cause the screen image to appear "shaky." Turn off nearby devices to check for interference.

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ROTATE THE MONITOR TO ELIMINATE SUNLIGHT GLARE AND POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE

ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —

Click the

Click

Try different settings for

Start

Display

button, click

and click the

Screen resolution

Control Panel

Settings

tab.

, and then click

and

Color quality.

Appearance and Themes

If 3-D image quality is poor

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CHECK THE GRAPHICS CARD POWER CABLE CONNECTION — Ensure that the power cable for each graphics card is correctly attached to the card.

CHECK THE MONITOR SETTINGS — See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test.

54 Solving Problems

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Advanced Troubleshooting

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 "1," "2," "3," and "4" on the front panel (see "Front View (Doors Open)" on page 72). 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 Description Suggested Resolution

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

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

A possible processor failure has occurred. Reinstall the processor (see "Processor" on

Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet. Also see "Power Problems" on page 49.

page 113) and restart the computer.

Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.

• If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module (see "Installing Memory" on page 80), and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module. Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.

• If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see "Installing Memory" on page 80).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

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Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

A possible graphics card failure has occurred.

A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has

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occurred.

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

• If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card (see "Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards" on page 89), 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 (see

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.

connections, and then restart the computer.

No memory modules are detected.

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

• If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see "Installing Memory" on page 80).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

• Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see "Memory" on page 79).

• Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer (see "Memory" on page 79).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

56 Advanced Troubleshooting

Page 57

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

A possible expansion card failure has occurred. 1

Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer (see "Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards" on page 89).

If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a different card, and then restart the computer.

Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 64).

If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

Another failure has occurred.

• Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive (see "System Board Components" on page 78).

• If there is an error message on your screen identifying a problem with a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive), check the device to make sure it is functioning properly.

• The operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive); check system setup (see "System Setup" on page 131) to make sure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

The computer is in a normal operating

None.

condition after POST.

Advanced Troubleshooting 57

Page 58

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 39 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

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

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 58) or

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from the Dell ResourceCD.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

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 ResourceCD

page 58).

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Computer" on page 69) and try again.

When the boot device list appears, highlight

When the Dell Diagnostics Diagnostics Main Menu" on page 59).

(see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the ResourceCD" on

Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer (see "Turning Off Your

Main Menu

Boot to Utility Partition

appears, select the test you want to run (see "Dell

and press <Enter>.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the ResourceCD

Insert the ResourceCD.

Shut down and restart the computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 69).

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 (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 69) 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

Select the

IDE CD-ROM Device

Boot from CD-ROM

58 Advanced Troubleshooting

IDE CD-ROM Device

option from the CD boot menu.

option from the menu that appears.

and press <Enter>.

Page 59

Ty p e 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.

Ty p e 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.

Select

Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics

from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed,

select the version appropriate for your computer.

When the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

appears, select the test you want to run (see "Dell

Diagnostics Main Menu" on page 59).

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the

Main Menu

screen appears, click the button for the

option you want.

Option Function

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

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

Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes

an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.

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

to run.

Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you

to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.

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 (see

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.

If you run a test from the

Custom Test

Symptom Tree

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

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.

Advanced Troubleshooting 59

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Tab Function

Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

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Parameters Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.

When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the ResourceCD remove the CD.

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

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.

the test.

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.

Main Menu

screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and

screen.

NOTICE: The Dell ResourceCD may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your computer.

Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:

• Upgrade your operating system.

• Reinstall your operating system.

• Connect or install a new device.

Identifying Drivers

If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.

60 Advanced Troubleshooting

Page 61

Windows XP

Click the

Under

Click

In the

Click

Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on

Start

button and click

Pick a Category

System

System Properties

Device Manager

Control Panel

, click

Performance and Maintenance

window, click the

Hardware

tab.

the device icon.

If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver (see "Drivers" on page 60).

Reinstalling Drivers

NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Dell ResourceCD provide approved

drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback

If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.

Click the

Under

Click

In the

Click

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

Click the

Click

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.

Start

button and click

Pick a Category

System

System Properties

Device Manager

Drivers

tab.

Roll Back Driver

Control Panel

, click

Performance and Maintenance

window, click the

Hardware

tab.

Properties

Using the ResourceCD

If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the ResourceCD.

With the Windows desktop displayed, insert the ResourceCD.

If this is your first time to use the ResourceCD, go to step 2. If not, go to step 5.

When the ResourceCD installation program starts, follow the prompts on the screen.

Advanced Troubleshooting 61

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When the

Finish

click

When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the ResourceCD.

At the

Welcome Dell System Owner

NOTE: The ResourceCD displays drivers only for hardware that came installed in your computer. If you

installed additional hardware, the drivers for the new hardware might not be displayed by the ResourceCD. If those drivers are not displayed, exit the ResourceCD program. For drivers information, see the documentation that came with the device.

A message stating that the ResourceCD is detecting hardware in your computer appears.

The drivers that are used by your computer are automatically displayed in the

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My Drivers—The ResourceCD has identified these components in your system

Click the driver that you want to reinstall and follow the instructions on the screen.

If a particular driver is not listed, then that driver is not required by your operating system.

Manually Reinstalling Drivers

After extracting the driver files to your hard drive as described in the previous section, click the

Start

Click

Properties

Click the

Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver.

Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.

Click the

Click

Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)

Click

Browse

When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click

Click

Finish

InstallShield Wizard Complete

window appears, remove the ResourceCD and

to restart the computer.

button and right-click

screen, click

My Computer

Hardware

Driver

tab and click

Device Manager

Update Driver

and click

and browse to the location to which you previously extracted the driver files.

and restart your computer.

window.

Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Windows Help and Support Center for information on using System Restore. To access help, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 12.

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

recover them.

62 Advanced Troubleshooting

Page 63

Creating a Restore Point

Click the

Click

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Start

button and click

System Restore

Help and Support

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see "Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback" on page 61) to resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.

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

System Restore

Ensure that

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

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

Select a restore point and click

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.

Start

button, point to

Restore my computer to an earlier time

Select a Restore Point

All Programs→

Accessories→

System Tools

is selected and click

, and then click

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

Click

Restoration Complete

The

screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and

then the computer restarts.

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

System Restore

Click

Start

button, point to

Undo my last restoration

All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools

and click

Advanced Troubleshooting 63

, and then click

Page 64

Click

The

System Restore

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:

Click the

Click

Performance and Maintenance

Click

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System

Click the

Ensure that

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.

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

Click the

Ty p e

hardware troubleshooter

Click

Hardware Troubleshooter

In the

Hardware Troubleshooter

computer

screen appears and the computer restarts.

Start

button and click

System Restore

Turn off System Restore

Start

button and click

, and click

tab.

Control Panel

is unchecked.

Help and Support

in the

Search Results

list, click

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my

field and click the arrow to start the search.

list.

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

NOTICE: You must use Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later when you reinstall Windows XP.

NOTICE: If, after installing the operating system, you may ever wish to use a specific hard drive in an

array, you must create a single drive RAID 0 array when installing the operating system. See "Creating an Array using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility" on page 23 for instructions.

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 (see "Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback" on page 61). If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see "Using Microsoft page 62) to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver.

64 Advanced Troubleshooting

Windows® XP System Restore" on

Page 65

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

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

To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:

•Dell™

Operating System

•Dell ResourceCD

NOTE: The ResourceCD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the

ResourceCD to load any required drivers.

Reinstalling 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

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

Insert the

Restart the computer.

Press <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.

Operating System

CD. Click

Exit

Install Windows XP

message appears.

Press the arrow keys to select

When the

Windows XP Setup

When the

Windows now

Read the information on the

Press any key to boot from CD

Windows XP Setup

CD-ROM

, and press <Enter>.

message appears, press any key.

screen appears, press <Enter> to select

Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement

To set up

screen, and press

<F8> to accept the license agreement.

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

Windows XP data, type

to select the repair option, and remove the CD.

Advanced Troubleshooting 65

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

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

The

Windows XP Setup

install the devices. The computer automatically restarts multiple times.

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

your computer.

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

from the CD.

When the

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location and click

Enter your name and organization (optional) in the click

If you are reinstalling Windows XP Home Edition

window, enter a name for your computer (or accept the name provided) and click

If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional

Password

password, and click

If the

Modem Dialing Information

Enter the date, time, and time zone in the

If the

Networking Settings

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

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

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

Regional and Language Options

screen appears, select the settings for your

Personalize Your Software

screen, and

, at the

What's your computer's name

, at the

Computer Name and Administrator

window, enter a name for your computer (or accept the one provided) and a

screen appears, enter the requested information and click

Date and Time Settings

screen appears, click

Typical

and click

window, and click

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

from the CD.

When the

When the click

When the

Click

Welcome to Microsoft

How will this computer connect to the Internet?

Skip

Ready to register with Microsoft?

Who will use this computer?

66 Advanced Troubleshooting

screen appears, click

message appears,

screen appears, select

No, not at this time

screen appears, you can enter up to five users.

and

Page 67

Click

Finish

to complete the setup, and remove the CD.

Reinstall the appropriate drivers with the ResourceCD (see "Reinstalling Drivers" on page 61).

Reinstall your virus protection software.

Reinstall your programs.

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

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

Advanced Troubleshooting 67

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68 Advanced Troubleshooting

Page 69

Removing and Installing Parts

Before You Begin

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" on page 69 and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" on page 70.

• You have read the safety information in your Dell™

• 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

• BIOS updates available on

support.dell.com

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.

Shut down the operating system:

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

Turn Off Computer

In the

Turn off computer

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, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.

window, click

Turn off

Product Information Guide.

Start

button, and then

Removing and Installing Parts 69

Page 70

Before Working Inside Your Computer

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

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

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.

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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.

Turn off your computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 69).

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

from the network port or device.

Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

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

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

before opening the cover.

Open the computer cover (see "Opening the Computer Cover" on page 76).

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.

70 Removing and Installing Parts

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Front and Back View of the Computer

Front View

hard-drive activity light The hard-drive 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 your CD player is operating.

power button

drive door Open the drive door to access the floppy and CD/DVD drives.

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.

NOTE: The drive door is removable; if you remove it or accidentally knock it off its

hinges, it snaps back in place. For instructions on how to reattach the door, see "Replacing the Drive Door" on page 122.

front-panel door

Open the front-panel door to use the front-panel connectors.

Removing and Installing Parts 71

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Front View (Doors Open)

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headphone connector

microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or

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

IEEE 1394 connector Attach high-speed serial multimedia devices, such as digital video cameras.

diagnostic lights (4) Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic

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

musical input into a sound or telephony program.

or cameras.

It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards

may not function properly if attached to the front connectors

code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 55.

, or for bootable USB devices, which

72 Removing and Installing Parts

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Back View

processor fans (2) For optimal cooling, two processor fans are provided. Do not block the vents.

2 cover latch release To open the computer, lay the computer on its side with the cover latch release at the top

and then push the latch to the left. See "Opening the Computer Cover" on page 76.

3 security cable slot Use a security cable with the slot to help secure your computer.

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

5 power connector Insert the power cable.

power supply fans For optimal cooling, two power supply fans are provided. Do not block the vents.

card slots (6)

Access connectors for optional video, audio, modem, or other PCI cards (three slots) and PCI Express cards (two x16 slots and one x1 slot).

NOTE: If a graphics card is installed in each of the PCI Express x16 card slots in the dual-

graphics configuration, the PCI Express x1 card slot is not available for use.

back panel connectors Plug USB, audio, and other devices into the appropriate connector.

Removing and Installing Parts 73

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mouse connector Plug a standard mouse into the green mouse connector. Turn off the computer and any

surround connector Use the black surround connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers.

line-out connector Use the green line-out connector (available on computers with integrated sound) to attach

line-in connector / sidesurround

link integrity light • Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer.

network adapter connector

1 3 4

10111213

attached devices before you connect a mouse to the computer. If you have a USB mouse, plug it into a USB connector.

headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers.

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

Use the blue and silver connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR, or to provide enhanced surround audio for computers with 7.1 speakers.

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

• Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer.

• Yellow — A good network connection exists between a 1000-Mbps network and the computer.

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

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

56872

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

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

74 Removing and Installing Parts

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network activity light Flashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting or receiving network data. A high

volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.

USB 2.0 connectors (6)

microphone connector Use the pink connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical

center/subwoofer connector

IEEE 1394 connector Attach high-speed serial multimedia devices, such as digital video cameras.

keyboard connector If you have a standard keyboard, plug it into the purple keyboard connector. If you have a

serial connector

Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras.

input into a sound or telephony program.

On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.

Use the yellow connector to attach a speaker to a Low Frequency Effects (LFE) audio channel.

USB keyboard, plug it into a USB connector.

Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port.

Removing and Installing Parts 75

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Opening the Computer Cover

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 chassis.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69.

Lay the computer on its side so that the arrow on the bottom of the computer points up.

NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to accommodate the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of

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desk top space.

Slide the cover release latch toward the top of the computer.

Raise the cover, and pivot it toward the front of the computer.

cover release latch

security cable slot

76 Removing and Installing Parts

padlock ring

Page 77

Inside View of Your Computer

floppy drive

hard drive shroud

processor airflow shroud

processor fan

CD/DVD drive

power supply fans (2)

PCI card shroud and fan

system board

power supply

Removing and Installing Parts 77

Page 78

System Board Components

floppy-drive connector (FLOPPY)

password jumper (PASSWORD)

main power connector (POWER)

memory module connectors (2, 4)

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memory module connectors (1, 3)

processor and heat-sink connector

power connector (POWER12V)

CPU fan connectors (2)

optical drive connector (IDE)

internal speaker (SPKR)

battery (BATT)

front-panel connector (FRNT PNL)

serial ATA connectors (SATA0 - SATA3)

card fan connector (FAN CCAG)

CMOS jumper (RTCRST)

front-panel light connector (LED)

internal USB connector (USB)

USB FlexBay connector (FLEXBAY)

card fan connector (FAN SYS)

1394 connector (1394)

front-panel audio (FP_AUD)

PCI Express x16 card connector

78 Removing and Installing Parts

PCI Express x1 card connector

PCI Express x16 card connector

PCI card connectors (PCI SLOT 4, PCI SLOT 5, PCI SLOT 6)

Page 79

Memory

You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board.

Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For additional information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 127.

DDR2 Memory Overview

• DDR2 memory modules should be installed in DDR2 memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. See the label on the upper-right or upperleft corner of the module to determine the module’s capacity.

NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.

The recommended memory configurations are:

– A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2

pairs of matched memory size and speed

. If the

– A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 and another

matched pair installed in DIMM connectors 3 and 4

NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules.

• If you install mixed pairs of PC2-4300 (DDR2 533-MHz) and PC2-5300 (DDR2 667-MHz) memory, the modules function at the speed of the slowest module installed.

• Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM connector 1, the connector closest to the processor, before you install modules in the other connectors.

Removing and Installing Parts 79

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NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade,

keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 or DIMM connectors 3 and 4.

NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.

Addressing Memory Configurations

If you are using a 32-bit operating system such as Microsoft® Windows® XP, your computer will support a maximum of 2 GB of memory. If you are using a 64-bit operating system, your computer will support a maximum of 8 GB (2-GB DIMMs in each of the four slots) of memory.

Installing Memory

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: 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.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69.

Lay the computer on its side so that the system board is on the bottom of the inside of the computer.

Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.

matched pair of memory modules in DIMM connectors 3 and 4 (black securing clips)

matched pair of modules in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 (white securing clips)

80 Removing and Installing Parts

Page 81

memory connector closest to processor

securing clips (2)

connector

Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector.

notch

memory module

cutouts (2)

crossbar

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the connector

while you apply equal force to each end of the module.

Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position.

If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.

Removing and Installing Parts 81

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Close the computer cover.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it

into the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

When the message appears stating that memory size has changed, press <F1> to continue.

Log on to your computer.

Right-click the

Click the

To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of memory (RAM) listed.

My Computer

General

tab.

icon on your Windows desktop and click

Properties

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Removing Memory

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: 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.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69.

Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.

Grasp the module and pull up.

If the module is difficult to remove, gently ease the module back and forth to remove it from the connector.

Cards

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

Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: 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.

Your Dell™ computer provides the following slots for PCI and PCI Express cards:

• Three PCI card slots

• Two PCI Express x16 card slots (can be used in a dual-graphics configuration)

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NOTE: If a graphics card is installed in each of the PCI Express x16 card slots in the dual-graphics

configuration, the PCI Express x1 card slot is not accessible for use.

• One PCI Express x1 card slot

PCI card

PCI Express x16 card

PCI Express x16 card slot

PCI Express x1 card

PCI Express x1 card slot

Removing and Installing Parts 83

Page 84

Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card from a Dual Configuration

NOTE: This section regards dual configurations of PCI Express graphics cards only. For removal of any

other type of PCI or PCI Express cards, see "Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards" on page 89.

Follow the procedures in ""Before You Begin" on page 69.

Gently securing both graphics cards with one hand, remove the graphics card bridge with your other hand by pulling it up and away from the computer. Set it aside.

graphics card bridge

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Disconnect the power cable connected to the card.

Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.

power connectors (2)

dual-PCI Express graphics cards

lever retention arm

84 Removing and Installing Parts

edge connector

card connector

Page 85

Pull the securing tab (if present), grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

PCI Express x16 card

securing tab

PCI Express x16 card slot

If you are replacing the card, see "Installing PCI Express Graphics Cards in a Dual Configuration" on page 86.

If you are not replacing the card, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.

NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification

of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.

NOTE: The graphics card bridge is unnecessary in a single card configuration.

Before you lower the retention arm, ensure that:

• The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.

• The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent

the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

Press the retention arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

retention arm

alignment bar

alignment guide

filler bracket

Removing and Installing Parts 85

Page 86

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug

the cable into the computer.

Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

Installing PCI Express Graphics Cards in a Dual Configuration

NOTE: This section regards dual configurations of PCI Express graphics cards only. For installation of

any other type of PCI or PCI Express cards, see "Installing PCI and PCI Express Cards" on page 91.

The PCI Express x1 card slot is not available for use if a graphics card is installed in each of the PCI Express x16 card slots in the dual-graphics configuration. If you are upgrading from a a single graphics to a dual-graphics configuration, you will need to remove any card installed in

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the PCI Express x1 card slot. See "System Board Components" on page 78 to locate the PCI Express x1 card slot. To remove a PCI Express card, see "Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards" on page 89.

NOTICE: For information about upgrading your system to use NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) dual-

graphics technology, see the Dell website at support.dell.com.

To learn more about NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) dual-graphics technology, see "NVIDIA SLI Dual Graphics Technology" on page 38.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69.

Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.

retention arm

lever

filler bracket

If you are upgrading to a dual-graphics configuration, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening.

86 Removing and Installing Parts

PCI card

edge connector

card connector

Page 87

If you are upgrading to a dual-graphics configuration and have a card installed in the PCI Express x1 card slot, remove the card. See "Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards" on page 89.

Prepare the card for installation.

See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer.

Position the card so that it is aligned with the slot and the securing tab (if present) is aligned with the securing slot.

PCI Express x16 card

securing tab

PCI Express x16 card slot

NOTICE: Ensure that you release the securing tab to seat the card. If the card is not installed correctly,

you may damage the system board.

Gently pull the securing tab (if present) and place the card in the connector. Press down firmly and ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.

Removing and Installing Parts 87

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not fully seated card

fully seated card

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lignment guide

alignment bar

Before you lower the retention arm, ensure that:

• The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.

• The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent

the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

Press the retention arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

bracket within slot

bracket caught outside of slot

alignment guide

filler bracket

88 Removing and Installing Parts

retention arm

alignment bar

Page 89

NOTICE: An incorrectly attached graphics power cable may result in degraded graphics performance.

Connect the power cable to the power connector on the card.

For information about the card cable connections, see the documentation that came with the card.

graphics card bridge

power connectors (2)

dual-PCI Express graphics cards

Replace the graphics card bridge, pressing firmly so that it completely covers the connector tabs.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug

the cable into the computer.

Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards

NOTICE: If you have the optional dual-graphics configuration, see "Removing a PCI Express Graphics

Card from a Dual Configuration" on page 84 to remove or replace a graphics card.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69.

Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.

Removing and Installing Parts 89

Page 90

retention arm

filler bracket

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Remove the card:

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.

Pull the securing tab (if present), grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

lever

PCI card

edge connector

card connector

PCI Express x16 card

securing tab

PCI Express x16 card slot

If you are replacing the card, see "Installing PCI and PCI Express Cards" on page 91.

If you are not replacing the card, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.

NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification

of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.

Before you lower the retention arm, ensure that:

• The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.

• The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.

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NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent

the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

Press the retention arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

retention arm

alignment bar

alignment guide

filler bracket

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug

the cable into the computer.

Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

If you removed a sound card or a network adapter, see "Network Adapter and Sound Card Settings" on page 94.

Uninstall the driver for the card that you removed.

Installing PCI and PCI Express Cards

NOTICE: If you have or are upgrading to the optional dual-graphics configuration, see "Installing PCI

Express Graphics Cards in a Dual Configuration" on page 86 to install a graphics card.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69.

Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.

Removing and Installing Parts 91

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retention arm

filler bracket

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If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening.

Prepare the card for installation.

See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer.

CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a

network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any cards.

Position the card so that it is aligned with the slot and (if present) the securing tab is aligned with the securing slot.

lever

PCI card

edge connector

card connector

PCI Express x16 card

PCI Express x16 card slot

NOTICE: Ensure that you release the securing tab to seat the card. If the card is not installed correctly,

you may damage the system board.

92 Removing and Installing Parts

securing tab

Page 93

Gently pull the securing tab (if present) and place the card in the connector. Press down firmly and ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.

If the card is full-length, insert the end of the card into the card guide bracket as you lower the card toward its connector on the system board. Insert the card firmly into the card connector on the system board.

not fully seated card

fully seated card

lignment guide

alignment bar

Before you lower the retention arm, ensure that:

bracket within slot

bracket caught outside of slot

• The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.

• The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent

the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

Press the retention arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

Removing and Installing Parts 93

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Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

See the documentation for the card for information about the card cable connections.

NOTICE: To connect a

network cable, first plug the cable into the network port

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or device and then plug the cable into the computer.

Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

If you installed a sound card or a network adapter, see "Network Adapter and Sound Card Settings" on page 94.

Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.

Network Adapter and Sound Card Settings

If you installed a sound card:

Enter system setup, select

Connect external audio devices to the sound card connectors. Do not connect external audio devices to the microphone, speaker/headphone, or line-in connectors on the back panel.

If you removed a sound card:

Enter system setup, select

Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer.

If you installed an add-in network adapter and want to disable the integrated network adapter:

Enter system setup, select

Connect the network cable to the add-in network adapter connectors. Do not connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel.

If you removed an add-in network connector:

Enter system setup, select

Connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel of the computer.

alignment bar

alignment guide

filler bracket

Integrated Audio Controller

Integrated NIC Controller,

Integrated NIC Controller

, and then change the setting to On.

retention arm

, and then change the setting to

, and then change the setting to On.

and then change the setting to

Off

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Drives

Your computer supports a combination of these devices:

• Up to three hard drives

• Optional floppy drive

• Up to two CD or DVD drives

• Optional media card reader

floppy drive

CD/DVD drive

media card reader (optional)

CD/DVD drive (optional)

hard drive(s)

General Installation Guidelines

Connect serial ATA hard drives to the SATA0 - SATA3 connectors on the system board. Connect CD/DVD drives to the IDE connector.

When you connect two IDE devices to a single IDE interface cable and configure them for the cable select setting, the device attached to the last connector on the interface cable is the primary or the boot device (drive 0), and the device attached to the middle connector on the interface cable is the secondary device (drive 1). See the drive documentation in your upgrade kit for information on configuring devices for the cable select setting.

Removing and Installing Parts 95

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Connecting Drive Cables

When you install a drive, you connect two cables—a DC power cable and a data cable—to the back of the drive and to the system board. Some drives may also have an audio connector; one end of the audio cable attaches to the drive connector and the other end attaches to the system board.

Drive Interface Connectors

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Power Cable Connector

Most interface connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin on one connector matches a tab or a filled-in hole on the other connector.

When you connect an IDE cable, ensure that you align the colored stripe with the pin 1 connector. When you disconnect an IDE cable, grasp the colored pull tab and pull until the connector detaches.

When connecting and disconnecting a serial ATA cable, hold the cable by the connector at each end.

NOTE: The system board serial ATA connector may have an

attached cover or shroud.

power input connector

96 Removing and Installing Parts

power cable

Page 97

Hard Drive

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a

surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.

If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before you remove the hard drive.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69.

Removing a Hard Drive

Press the top shroud tabs towards each other and tilt the shroud back.

Lift the shroud away from the hard drive.

Removing and Installing Parts 97

Page 98

Disconnect the power and hard-drive cables from the drive and from the system board.

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Press the tabs on each side of the drive towards each other and slide the drive up and out.

Installing a Hard Drive

Unpack the new hard drive, and prepare it for installation.

Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.

If you are adding a second hard drive, remove the bracket rails from the inside of the harddrive bay by gently pulling the rails up and out of the bay.

If you are replacing a hard drive and the new drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive.

Attach the bracket rails to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket rails and then inserting and tightening all four screws (two screws on each rail).

Ensure that the rail tabs are positioned at the back of the hard drive.

hard-drive cable

power cable

tabs (2)

hard drive

system board connector

NOTICE: Do not install any drive into the lower hard-drive bay until you have removed the green drive

rails from the inside of the hard-drive bay.

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drive

bracket rails (2)

screws (4)

If you are adding a second hard drive, remove the first hard drive from the upper bay and install it in the lower bay:

Disconnect the power and the hard-drive cables from the back of the first hard drive.

Press in the two rail tabs and pull the first hard drive out of the upper bay.

Gently slide the first hard drive into the lower bay until it clicks into place.

Reconnect the power and hard-drive cables to the back of the first hard drive.

Install the hard drive into the computer by gently sliding the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position.

NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive in the lower bay, place the drive in the bay so that the power

connector is on the left-hand side (opposite of the top hard drive)

hard-drive cable

power cable

tabs (2)

hard drive

system board connector

Removing and Installing Parts 99

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Connect a power cable to the drive.

Connect the hard-drive cable to the drive and to the system board (see "System Board Components" on page 78).

Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.

NOTICE: When replacing the hard-drive shroud, ensure that all the cables are properly routed.

Insert the bottom tabs of the shroud into the slot on the drive cage and rotate the shroud up.

Press the top shroud tabs towards each other and insert them into the corresponding slot on the chassis.

Gently press on the shroud to ensure that it is secure.

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Close the computer cover (see "Closing the Computer Cover" on page 125).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it

into the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

100 Removing and Installing Parts