Dell XPS GEN 3 User Manual

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Dell™ Dimension™ XPS Gen 3

serial port

parallel port

keyboard connector

USB 2.0 connectors (6)

VGA video connector

PCI card (4), PCI Express x1 card (1), PCI Express x16 card (1) slots

fans (2)

headphone connector

microphone connector

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

IEEE 1394 connector

fans (2)

diagnostic lights

mouse connector

cover latch release

network adapter connector

TV-OUT connector

DVI video connector

sound card connectors

security cable slot

padlock ring

modem connector

power connector

Model WHL

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Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the

problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the

Dell Dimension Help

file. To access the help file, see

page 10.

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, PowerApp,

DellNet, PowerConnect, and Axim are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model WHL

May 2004 P/N J3186 Rev. A00

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Contents

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

1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Opening the Drive Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Changing the Backlight Color

Connecting Two Monitors

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

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

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

Connecting One Monitor With a VGA connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector

Connecting a TV Changing the Display Settings

About Serial ATA Drives

About Your RAID Configuration

RAID Level 0 RAID Level 1

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

Configuring Your Computer for RAID

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R) Option ROM Utility Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R) Application Accelerator

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Copying CDs and DVDs

How to Copy a CD or DVD

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Using Blank CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVD+Rs, and DVD+RWs Helpful Tips

Network Setup Wizard

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

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

. . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . 21

. . . . . . . . . 27

2 Optimizing Performance

Hyper-Threading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Overclocking

PCI Express Cards

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

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

Contents 3

3 Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system A solid blue screen appears Other software problems

Memory Problems

Mouse Problems

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

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

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

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

. . . . . 37

4 Contents

Network Problems

Power Problems

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

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

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

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

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

Sound and Speaker Problems

No sound from speakers No sound from headphones

Video and Monitor Problems

If the screen is blank

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

If the screen is difficult to read

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

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

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

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

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

4 Advanced Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Dell Diagnostics

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

Drivers

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

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

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Reinstalling Microsoft

Before You Begin Reinstalling Windows XP

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

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

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

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

Windows® XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

. . . . . . . . . . 56

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

. . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Windows® XP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

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

5 Removing and Installing Parts

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Front and Back View of the Computer

Front View Front View (Doors Open) Back View

Opening the Computer Cover

Inside View of Your Computer

System Board Components

Memory

Installing Memory Removing Memory

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

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

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

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

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

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

Contents 5

Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

PCI Cards PCI Express Cards

Drives

General Installation Guidelines Connecting Drive Cables

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Hard Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Removing a Hard Drive Installing a Hard Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Adding a Second Hard Drive

Floppy Drive

CD/DVD Drive

Processor Airflow Shroud

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

Removing a Floppy Drive Installing a Floppy Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

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

Removing the Processor Airflow Shroud Installing the Processor Airflow Shroud

Processor

Front Panel

Drive Door

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

Removing the Processor Installing the Processor

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Removing the Front Panel Replacing the Front Panel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Removing the Drive Door Replacing the Drive Door

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

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

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

6 Contents

Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Replacing the Battery

Closing the Computer Cover

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

6 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

System Setup

Overview Entering System Setup System Setup Options Boot Sequence

Clearing Forgotten Passwords

Clearing CMOS Settings

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

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

Contacting Dell

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

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

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

. . . . . . . . 121

. . . . . . . . . 121

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

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Contents 7

8 Contents

Finding Information

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• How to access tutorials and other how to information

• How to get a copy of my invoice

• How to extend my warranty

• How to access Dell Support on my Microsoft Windows

• Additional documentation, tools, troubleshooting information, and links to online support resources

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• My computer documentation

• My device documentation

desktop (U.S. only)

Dell Solution Center

ResourceCD

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see page 54), run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 50), or access your documentation.

On your Windows desktop

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

• Additional information about setting up my computer

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

• How to remove and install parts

• Technical specifications

• How to contact Dell

Dimension Owner’s Manual

NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at

support.dell.com.

Finding Information 9

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• Warranty information

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

• How to set up my computer

Setup Diagram

• Tips on using Microsoft® Windows

• How to play CDs and DVDs

• How to use standby mode and hibernate mode

• How to change my display resolution

• How to clean my computer

10 Finding Information

The Dell Dimension Help file

Click the

Click

Start

button and click

User and system guides Dell Dimension Help

Help and Support

and click

User’s guides

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.

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting technical support. The Express Service Code is not available in all countries.

• Latest drivers for my computer

• Answers to technical service and support questions

• Online discussions with other users and technical support

• Documentation for my computer

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support

site.

The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:

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

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

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

• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates

• Reference — Computer documentation, product specifications, and white papers

• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer

• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)

Windows Help and Support Center

Click the

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.

Start

button and click

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

support.dell.com

or contact technical support.

Help and Support

Finding Information 11

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 Microsoft Windows

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XP" on page 57.

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.

12 Finding Information

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Opening the Drive Door

Changing the Backlight Color

You can use this exclusive Dell™ Dimension™ XPS Gen 3 feature either to change the color of the backlight that illuminates the Dell name and displays around the badge on the front of your computer, or to turn off the backlight entirely.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 13

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There are several color choices:

• Ruby

•Emerald

• Sapphire (default)

•Amber

• Amethyst

•Topaz

• Diamond

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

backlight

badge

NOTE: The backlight is not for diagnostic purposes.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 61.

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

Enter system setup (see page 114).

Scroll through the color options using the up- and down-arrow keys, select press <Enter>.

14 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

System

, and then

Click

Front LED Color

Press the left- and right- arrow keys to scroll through the color options. The backlight color

, and press <Enter>.

changes as you scroll through the options.

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

Press <Esc>, and press

Save and Exit

to save the new backlight color setting.

Connecting Two Monitors

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: If you are connecting two monitors that have VGA connectors, you must have the optional DVI

adapter. If you are connecting two flat-panel monitors, at least one of them must have a VGA connector. 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.

If you purchased a graphics card that supports dual monitors, follow these instructions to connect and enable your monitors. The instructions tell you how to connect either two monitors (each with a VGA connector), one monitor with a VGA connector and one monitor with a DVI connector, or aTV.

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 61.

NOTE: If your computer has integrated video, do not connect either monitor to the integrated video

connector. If the integrated video connector is covered by a cap, do not remove the cap to connect the monitor or the monitor will not function.

Connect one of the monitors to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the computer.

Connect the other monitor to the optional DVI adapter and connect the DVI adapter to the DVI (white) connector on the back of the computer.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15

optional DVI adapter

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Connecting One Monitor With a VGA connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 61.

Connect the VGA connector on the monitor to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the computer.

Connect the DVI connector on the other monitor to the DVI (white) connector on the back of the computer.

DVI (white) connector

TV-OUT connector

VGA (blue) connector

Connecting a TV

NOTE: 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 61.

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 the VGA or DVI monitor as described above on page 16.

16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Changing the Display Settings

After you connect the monitor(s) or TV, 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

Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor.

Start

, click

Device guides

button, click

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

Help and Support

, click

User and

About Serial ATA Drives

Your Dell™ Dimension™ XPS 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 84 for information on serial ATA drive connections.

About Your RAID Configuration

This section provides an overview of the RAID configuration that you might have selected when you purchased your computer. Although several RAID configurations are available, Dell offers either RAID level 0 or RAID level 1 for its Dimension computers. 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.

The Intel RAID controller on your computer can only create a RAID volume using two physical drives. If a third drive is present, then that drive cannot be made part of a RAID volume using the Intel RAID configuration program, although it can be used as a spare drive in a RAID 1 configuration (see "Creating a Spare Hard Drive" on page 24). However, if four drives are present in your computer, then each pair of drives can be made into RAID level 0 or RAID level 1 volumes. The drives should be the same size in order to ensure that the larger drive does not contain unallocated (and therefore unusable) space.

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.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17

RAID Level 0

RAID level 0 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.

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serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 0

segment 1

segment 3

segment 5

hard drive 1

segment 2

segment 4

segment 6

hard drive 2

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 provides 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

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.

18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 1

segment 1

segment 2

segment 3

segment 4

segment 5

segment 6

hard drive 1

segment 1 duplicated

segment 2 duplicated

segment 3 duplicated

segment 4 duplicated

segment 5 duplicated

segment 6 duplicated

hard drive 2

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, two 120-GB RAID level 1 drives collectively have a maximum of 120-GB on which to store data.

Configuring Your Computer for RAID

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 page 85.

You can use one of two methods to configure RAID hard drive volumes. One method uses the Intel(R) Option ROM utility, and is performed hard drive. The second method uses the Intel Application Accelerator, or Intel Storage Utility, and this method is performed

after

you have installed the operating system and the Intel Storage Utility. Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before starting any of the RAID configuration procedures in this document.

before

you install the operating system onto the

Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode

Enter system setup (see page 114).

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

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

Drives

, and press <Enter>.

Drive Controller

RAID On

, press <Enter>, and then press

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19

, and press <Enter>.

Use the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight setup and resume the boot process.

Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R) Option ROM Utility

NOTE: Although any size drives may be used to create a RAID configuration using the Intel Option ROM

utility, ideally the drives should be of equal size. In a RAID level 0 configuration, the size of the array will be the size of the smallest disk multiplied by the number (two) of disks in the array. In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the array will be the smaller of the two disks used.

Creating a RAID Level 0 Configuration

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

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

NOTE: The following procedure should only be used if you are reinstalling your operating system. The

following procedure should not be used to migrate an existing storage configuration to RAID 0.

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 19).

Press <Ctrl><i> when you are prompted to enter the Intel(R) RAID Option ROM utility.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default, and press <Enter>.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

If there are more than two hard disks available, use the up- and down-arrow keys and space bar to select the two disks you want to use to make up your array, and then press <Enter>.

Save/Exit

, and press <Enter> to exit system

Create RAID Volume

RAID0(Stripe)

, and press <Enter>.

NOTE: Select the strip size closest to the size of the average file you want to store on the RAID volume. If

you do not know the average file size, choose 128 as your strip size.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to change the strip size, and press <Enter>.

Select the desired capacity for the volume, and press <Enter>. The default value is the maximum available size.

Press <Enter> to create the volume.

Press <y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.

Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main Intel Option ROM screen.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

Install the operating system (see "Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP" on page 57).

Creating a RAID Level 1 Configuration

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 19).

Press <Ctrl><i> when you are prompted to enter Intel RAID Option ROM.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Exit

, and press <Enter>.

Create RAID Volume

, and press <Enter>.

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default, and press <Enter>.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

If there are more than two hard disks available, use the up- and down-arrow keys and space bar

RAID1(Mirror)

, and press <Enter>.

to select the two disks you want to use to make up your array, and then press <Enter>.

Select the desired capacity for the volume, and press <Enter>. The default value is the maximum available size.

Press <Enter> to create the volume.

Press <y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.

Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main Intel Option ROM screen.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select

Install the operating system (see "Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP" on page 57).

Deleting a RAID Volume

NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.

NOTE: If your computer currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume in the Intel RAID Option

ROM, your computer will become unbootable.

Press <Ctrl><i> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the RAID volume you want to delete, and press

Exit

, and press <Enter>.

Delete RAID Volume

, and press <Enter>.

<Delete>.

Press <y> to confirm the deletion of the RAID volume.

Press <Esc> to exit the Intel Option ROM utility.

Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R) Application Accelerator

If you already 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 migrating option (see "Migrating to a RAID 0 Volume" on page 23 or "Migrating to a RAID 1 Volume" on page 24). Create a RAID 0 Volume or RAID 1 Volume only when:

• You are adding two new drives to an existing single-drive computer (and the operating system is on the single drive), and you want to configure the two new drives into a RAID volume.

• You already have a two-hard drive computer configured into an array, but you still have some space left on the array that you want to designate as a second RAID volume.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21

Creating a RAID 0 Volume

NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 19).

Click

Start

Accelerator

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled

mode (see page 19).

On the

Wizard, and then click

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On the RAID 0 volume, and then click the right arrow. Click a second hard drive until two drives appear in the

In the

Specify Volume Size

Click

Finish

Creating a RAID 1 Volume

NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 19).

Click the

Application Accelerator

and point to

Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel Application

to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.

Actions

Select Volume Location

menu, select

Selected

window, and then click

Create RAID Volume

screen, click the first hard drive you want to include in your

window, click the

to create the volume, or click

Start

button and point to

Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel

to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.

to launch the Create RAID Volume

Volume Size

Back

to make changes.

desired, and then click

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled

mode (see page 19).

On the

Actions

menu, select

Wizard.

Click

at the first screen.

Confirm the volume name, select

On the

Select Volume Location

your RAID 0 volume, and then click the right arrow. Click a second hard drive until two drives appear in the

In the

Click

Finish

Follow Microsoft Windows procedures for creating a partition on the new RAID volume.

Selected

Specify Volume Size

to create the volume, or click

22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Create RAID Volume

RAID 1

as the RAID level, and then click

screen, click the first hard drive you want to use to create

window, and then click

window, select the

Back

to launch the Create RAID Volume

Volume Size

desired and click

to make changes.

to continue.

Deleting a RAID Volume

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.

Click the

Application Accelerator

Right-click the

Volum e

On the

Highlight the RAID volume you want to delete in the button to move the highlighted RAID volume into the

Click

Migrating to a RAID 0 Volume

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 19).

Click the

Application Accelerator

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled

mode (see page 19).

On the

Start

button and point to

to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.

Volu me

icon of the RAID volume you want to delete, and select

Delete RAID Volume Wizard

Finish

to delete the volume.

Start

button and point to

to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.

Actions

menu, select

Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard Drive to

Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel

Delete

screen, click

Available

Selected

box, click the right-arrow

box, and then click

All Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel

Migration Wizard.

Click

on the Migration Wizard screen.

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default.

From the drop-down box, select

RAID 0

as the RAID level

launch the

NOTE: Select the strip size closest to the size of the average file you want to store on the RAID volume. If

you do not know the average file size, choose 128 as your strip size.

Select the appropriate strip size from the drop-down box, and then click

NOTE: Select the hard drive that you want to use as your source hard drive (it should be the hard drive

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

On the migrate, and click

On the drive to span the stripe array, and click

On the

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

Select Source Hard Drive

screen, double-click the hard drive from which you want to

Select Member Hard Drive

Specify Volume Size

screen, select the

screen, double-click the hard drive to select the member

Volume Size

you want, and click

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23

Click

Finish

normally during the migration process.

Migrating to a RAID 1 Volume

Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 19).

Click the

Application Accelerator

NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled

mode (see page 19).

On the

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Migration Wizard.

Click

Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default.

From the drop-down box, select

NOTE: Select the hard drive that you want to use as your source hard drive (it should be the hard drive

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

On the

migrate, and click

On the drive that you want to act as the mirror in the array, and click

On the

to start migrating, or click

Start

button and point to

Back

All Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel

to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.

Actions

menu, click

Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard Drive

on the first Migration Wizard screen.

RAID 1

Select Source Hard Drive

Select Member Hard Drive

Specify Volume Size

screen, double-click the hard drive from which you want to

screen, double-click the hard drive to select the member

screen, select the volume size you want, and click

to make changes. You can use your computer

to launch the

as the RAID level

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

Click

Finish

to start migrating, or click

normally during migration process.

Creating a Spare Hard Drive

A spare hard drive may be created with a RAID 1 array. The spare hard drive will not be recognized by the operating system, but you will be able to see the spare drive from within Disk Manager or the Intel Option ROM Utility. When a member of the RAID 1 array is broken, the computer automatically rebuilds the mirror array using the spare hard drive as the broken member’s replacement.

To Mark a Drive as a Spare Hard Drive:

Click the

Start

button and point to

Application Accelerator

Right-click the hard drive you want to mark as a spare hard drive.

Click

Mark as Spare

24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Back

to make changes. You can use your computer

Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel

to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.

To Remove Spare Marking From a Spare Hard Drive:

Right-click the spare hard drive icon.

Click

Reset Hard Drive to Non-RAID

Rebuilding a Degraded RAID 1 Volume

If your computer does not have a spare hard drive, and the computer has reported a degraded RAID 1 volume, you can manually rebuild the computer’s redundancy mirror to a new hard drive by performing the following steps:

Click the

Application Accelerator

Right-click the available hard drive to which you want to rebuild the RAID 1 volume, and click

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

Start

button and point to

to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.

Rebuild to this Disk

Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel

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

Start

button, point to

All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools

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.

screen, click

screen appears, go to your old or source computer.

Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP

welcome screen appears, click

New Computer

and click

I will use the wizard from the

Operating System

screen, click

CD.

Perform additional tasks

, and then click

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25

Under

What do you want to do?

On the

After the information has been copied, the

Click

Finish

To transfer data to the new computer:

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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.

, click

Transfer files and settings

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

What do you want to transfer?

screen, click

screen, click the transfer method you prefer.

screen, select the items you want to transfer and click

Now go to your old computer

screen on the new computer, click

Where are the files and settings?

welcome screen, click

Old Computer

Completing the Collection Phase

and click

screen appears.

screen, select the method you chose for transferring

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

Click

Finished

and restart the new computer.

Finished

screen appears.

Copying CDs and DVDs

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

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

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

The following instructions show how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD. You can also use Sonic RecordNow for other purposes, including creating CDs from audio files on your computer and creating MP3 CDs. For instructions, see the Sonic RecordNow documentation that came with your computer. Open Sonic RecordNow, click the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of the window, and then click

How to Copy a CD or DVD

NOTE: If you have a DVD/CD-RW combo drive and you experience recording problems, check for

available software patches at the Sonic support website at support.sonic.com.

Currently, five DVD-writable disc formats available: DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM. The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell DVD+RW media, and can read DVD-R and DVD-RW media. However, DVD-writable drives do not write to and may not read DVD-RAM media. In addition, chimerically available DVD players for home theater systems might not read all five formats.

RecordNow Help

RecordNow Tutorial

™

computers will write to DVD+R and

26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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

RecordNow.

Click the

Click either the audio tab or the data tab, depending on the kind of CD or DVD you are

Start

button, point to

All Programs→

Sonic→ RecordNow!→ RecordNow!

planning to copy.

Click

Exact Copy

To copy the CD or DVD:

•

If you have one CD or DVD drive

, ensure that the settings are correct and click computer reads your source CD or DVD and copies it to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive.

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

Copy

. The

If you have two CD or DVD drives

• source CD or DVD and click

, select the drive into which you have inserted your

Copy

. The computer copies the data on the 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 CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVD+Rs, and DVD+RWs

Your CD-RW drive can write to two different types of recording media—CD-Rs and CD-RWs (including High-Speed CD-RWs). 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.

Your DVD writable drive can write to four different types of recording media—CD-Rs, CD-RWs (including High-Speed CD-RWs), DVD+Rs, and DVD+RWs. 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 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 when you will need to erase, rewrite, or update the information on that disc later.

Helpful Tips

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

• You must 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.

• You cannot create audio DVDs with Sonic RecordNow.

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

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27

• 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 650-MB blank CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1 or 2 MB of the blank CD 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 support website at

support.sonic.com

for additional information.

Network Setup Wizard

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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

Network Setup Wizard

On the welcome screen, click

Click

Checklist for creating a network

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.

Start

button, point to

All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications

, and then click

28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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 (SP1) or later operating system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of Hyper-Threading technology. While many programs can benefit from Hyper-Threading, 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 page 113. For more information on Hyper-Threading, search the Knowledge Base on the Dell Support website at

Start

button, right-click

Hardware

Device Manager

and click

My Computer

Device Manager

window, click the plus (+) sign next to

, and then click

support.dell.com.

Overclocking

Windows® XP Service Pack 1

Properties

Processors

. If Hyper-Threading

Dell locks the processor multiplier options in system setup to prevent processor overclocking. The first and most important reason for preventing overclocking is that Dell’s performance labs vigorously test and fine-tune Dell computers at the system level in an attempt to attain the best possible overall performance. Any performance modification that is not implemented in the labs could cause performance degradation. When you receive your computer in the configuration that you ordered, it is already primed for high performance.

The second reason is that an overclocked processor, in general, creates excessive heat and electrical fields that can cause heat fatigue failures within the processor, thus possibly shortening its expected life span. Even slight overclocking can cause a computer to become unstable and lock up.

There are several after-market "performance-modification" products available through various sources, but Dell discourages and does not support the use of those products on its computers.

Optimizing Performance 29

PCI Express Cards

PCI Express is the next generation technology for graphics cards and PCI cards. The dimensions of PCI Express card slots are different from PCXI 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). The PCI Express x16 card slot replaces the AGP graphics card slot.

Some benefits of PCI Express technology include:

• Greater available bandwidth — PCI Express bus bandwidth is 250 MB/s in each direction 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

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conferencing and web camera functions can be automatically prioritized through the device software to reduce latency.

30 Optimizing Performance

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 page 107). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see page 121).

Drive Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

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.

Solving Problems 31

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.

CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK — See "The Dell Dimension Help file" on page 10.

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 57.

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RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See page 50.

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 42.

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 "The Dell Dimension Help file" on page 10 or search for the keyword standby in "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 11 for information on power management modes.

32 Solving Problems

Hard drive problems

RUN CHECK DISK —

Click the

Right-click

Click

Click the

Under

Click

Start

button and click

Local Disk C:

Properties

Tools

tab.

Error-checking

, click

My Computer

Check Now

Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors Start

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

CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION — C

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.

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.)

Solving Problems 33

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —

Click the

Click

Click the

Click the COM port for your modem.

Click

Start

button and click

Control Panel Printers and Other Hardware Phone and Modem Options

Modems

Properties

tab.

, click the

Diagnostics

tab, and then click

Query Modem

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

to verify that the modem is

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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.

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.

Start

button, click

Control Panel

Change or Remove Program

, and then click

icon.

Add or Remove Programs

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.

34 Solving Problems

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 page 121).

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 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 page 121).

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

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 page 61), 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.

Solving Problems 35

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

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 57.

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.

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The computer does not start up

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See page 47.

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

LECTRICAL 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

36 Solving Problems

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. —

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system

RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —

The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so it runs in an environment similar to nonWindows 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

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.

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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 page 109).

• Reseat the memory modules (see page 70) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 50).

IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS —

• Reseat the memory modules (see page 70) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see page 71).

• Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For more information about the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 109.

• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 50).

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 page 61), reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer, and then restart the computer.

38 Solving Problems

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 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 —

Click the

Click

Try adjusting the settings.

REINSTALL THE MOUSE DRIVER — See page 54.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 57.

Start

Mouse

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Start

menu.

Shut down

Printers and Other Hardware

Turn Off

, and then press <Enter>.

Network Problems

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

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 111.

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.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 57.

Solving Problems 39

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 47.

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.

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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 page 69).

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING — 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).

• Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the system board (see page 69).

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS STEADY AMBER — A device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.

• Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see page 70).

• Remove and then reinstall any cards (see page 73).

• Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see page 78).

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

40 Solving Problems

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

Click

port(s):

setting is

Start

button, click

View installed printers or fax printers

Properties

setting is

and click the

LPT1 (Printer Port)

USB

Control Panel

Ports

tab. For a parallel printer, ensure that the

. For a USB printer, ensure that the

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

Print to the following

Print to the following port(s):

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

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.

Solving Problems 41

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 —

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Click the

Click

Scanners and Cameras

If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.

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

Start

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

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.

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 lowerright corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

42 Solving Problems

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.

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 page 53.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 57.

No sound from headphones

CHECK THE HEADPHONE CABLE CONNECTION — Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted into the headphone connector (see page 64).

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.

Solving Problems 43

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 —

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

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• If you are using a graphics 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 page 47.

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.

ROTATE THE MONITOR TO ELIMINATE SUNLIGHT GLARE AND POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE

44 Solving Problems

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

Appearance and Themes

Color quality.

Solving Problems 45

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

46 Solving Problems

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 "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the back panel (see page 65). The lights can be yellow or green. 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

ABCD

= yellow

= green

= off

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

A possible processor failure has occurred. Reinstall the processor (see page 97)

Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet and press the power button.

and restart the computer.

Advanced Troubleshooting 47

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

ABCD

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ABCD

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

A possible graphics card failure has occurred.

A possible floppy or hard drive failure has occurred.

• If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module (see page 71), 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 page 71).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 121).

• If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card (see page 81), 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 or the computer has integrated graphics, contact Dell (see page 121).

Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.

ABCD

= yellow

= green

= off

48 Advanced Troubleshooting

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

connections, and then restart the computer.

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

No memory modules are detected.

ABCD

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

ABCD

A possible expansion card failure has occurred.

ABCD

• If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see page 71).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 121).

• Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see page 70).

• Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer (see page 70).

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 121).

Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer (see page 74).

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 page 57).

If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 121).

= yellow

= green

= off

Advanced Troubleshooting 49

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

ABCD

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ABCD

= yellow

= green

= off

Another failure has occurred.

The computer is in a normal operating condition after POST.

• Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive (see page 69).

• 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 page 113) to make sure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.

• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 121).

None.

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" (see page 31) 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 page 50) or from the

ResourceCD

50 Advanced Troubleshooting

Dell Dimension

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

(see page 51).

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft

When the boot device list appears, highlight

When the Dell Diagnostics

Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer (see page 61) and try again.

Main Menu

Boot to Utility Partition

appears, select the test you want to run (see

and press <Enter>

page 52).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the ResourceCD

Insert the ResourceCD.

Shut down and restart the computer (see page 61).

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 page 61) 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

Ty p e 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.

Ty p e 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.

Select

IDE CD-ROM Device

Boot from CD-ROM

option from the CD boot menu.

option from the menu that appears.

Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics

IDE CD-ROM Device

and press <Enter>.

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

page 52).

Advanced Troubleshooting 51

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the option you want.

Option Function

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

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

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

Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you

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 page 121).

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

described in the following table for more information.

Main Menu

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

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

run.

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

Custom Test

Symptom Tree

screen appears, click the button for the

option, click the applicable tab

Tab Function

Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions

Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the

Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running

52 Advanced Troubleshooting

encountered.

problem description.

the test.

Ta b Function

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.

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

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

Main Menu

screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and

screen.

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.

NOTICE: The Dell Dimension 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.

Advanced Troubleshooting 53

Windows XP

Click the

Under

Pick a Category

Click

System

In the

System Properties

Click

Device Manager

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

If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or

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install a new driver (see page 53).

Reinstalling Drivers

NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Dell Dimension 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

Pick a Category

Click

System

In the

System Properties

Click

Device Manager

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

Click the

Click

Roll Back Driver

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

Start

button and click

Drivers

tab.

Control Panel

, click

Performance and Maintenance

window, click the

Hardware

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.

54 Advanced Troubleshooting

When the click

When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the ResourceCD.

At the

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.

InstallShield Wizard Complete

Finish

to restart the computer.

Welcome Dell System Owner

window appears, remove the ResourceCD and

screen, click

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

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.

window.

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

button and right-click

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

Hardware

Driver

tab and click

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

and restart your computer.

My Computer

Device Manager

Update Driver

and click

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 page 11.

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

recover them.

Advanced Troubleshooting 55

Creating a Restore Point

Click the

Click

System Restore

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see page 54) 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

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restoration is complete.

Click the

System Restore

Ensure that

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

The

Select a Restore Point

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 and click

Help and Support

Start

button, point to

All Programs→

Restore my computer to an earlier time

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

Accessories→

System Tools

is selected and click

, and then click

Click

The

Restoration Complete

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

56 Advanced Troubleshooting

Start

Undo my last restoration

screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and

button, point to

All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools

and click

, and then click

Click

The

System Restore

After the computer restarts, click OK.

Enabling System Restore

screen appears and the computer restarts.

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

Click the

Ensure that

Start

button and click

Control Pane l

Performance and Maintenance

System

System Restore

tab.

Turn off System Restore

is unchecked.

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

Click

In the

computer

Start

button and click

hardware troubleshooter

Hardware Troubleshooter

, and click

Help and Support

in the

list, click

in the

field and click the arrow to start the search.

Search Results

list.

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

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

Before You Begin

If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback (see page 54). If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see page 55) to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver.

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

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

Advanced Troubleshooting 57

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

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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

Press any key to boot from CD

Windows XP Setup

Windows now

Read the information on the <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

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

58 Advanced Troubleshooting

CD-ROM

, and press <Enter>.

message appears, press any key.

screen appears, press <Enter> to select

To set up

Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement

to select the repair option, and remove the CD.

screen, and press

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

Windows XP Setup

The

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

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 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

Enter the date, time, and time zone in the

If the

If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional and you are prompted to provide further

Regional and Language Options

screen appears, select the settings for your

Personalize Your Software

, at the

What's your computer's name

Computer Name and Administrator

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

Modem Dialing Information

screen appears, enter the requested information and click

Networking Settings

Date and Time Settings

screen appears, click

Typical

and click

window, and click

screen, and

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.

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?

Finish

to complete the setup, and remove the CD.

screen appears, click

screen appears, select

screen appears, you can enter up to five users.

message appears,

No, not at this time

Advanced Troubleshooting 59

and

Reinstall the appropriate drivers with the ResourceCD (see page 54).

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.

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60 Advanced Troubleshooting

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" (see page 61) and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" (see page 62).

• 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

• Flash BIOS update program floppy disk or CD

Turning Off Your Computer

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn

off your computer.

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

Tur n off

Product Information Guide.

Start

button, and then

Removing and Installing Parts 61

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 page 61).

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

from the network wall jack.

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 page 67).

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.

62 Removing and Installing Parts

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.

front-panel door

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.

Open the door to use the front-panel connectors.

NOTE: The front 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 page 105.

Removing and Installing Parts 63

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.

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.

64 Removing and Installing Parts

Back View

12 13

15 16

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

cover latch release

network adapter connector To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a

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 67.

network cable to either a network jack or to 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.

3 4

6 7 8

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

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

network or broadband jack

It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation.

Removing and Installing Parts 65

4 TV-OUT connector Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see "Connecting Two

Monitors" on page 15.

DVI video connector If your monitor has a DVI connector, plug it into the DVI connector on the computer. If

your monitor has a VGA connector, plug it into the VGA connector on the computer.

VGA video connector If your monitor has a DVI connector, plug it into the DVI connector on the computer. If

your monitor has a VGA connector, plug it into the VGA connector on the computer.

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

8 sound card connectors

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

optional modem connector

• Line-in connector — Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.

• Microphone connector — Use the pink microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

• Line-out connector — Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers.

• Surround connector — Use the black surround connector to attach multichannelcapable speakers.

•

Center/Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) connector

connector to attach your subwoofer.

If you have a modem, connect a telephone cable to the modem connector (optional).

— Use the yellow center/LFE

NOTE: For optimum performance, install a modem card only in PCI slot 2, 3, or 4.

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

power connector Insert the power cable.

serial connector (COM 1) Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port.

parallel connector Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a USB

printer, plug it into a USB connector.

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

code. For more information, see "Diagnostics Lights" on page 47.

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

USB keyboard, plug it into a USB connector.

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

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

USB 2.0 connectors (6) 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.

card slots

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

Access connectors for any installed PCI cards (four slots) and PCI Express cards (one x16 slot and one x1 slot).

66 Removing and Installing Parts

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" (see page 61).

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

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

padlock ring

Removing and Installing Parts 67

Inside View of Your Computer

floppy drive

hard drive shroud

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processor airflow shroud

processor fan

CD/DVD drive

power supply fans (2)

PCI card shroud and fan

system board

power supply

68 Removing and Installing Parts

System Board Components

hard-drive connector (PRI_IDE)

loppy-drive connector (FLOPPY)

main power connector (PWR)

auxiliary power LED (AUX_PWR)

memory module connectors (2, 4)

memory module connectors (1, 3)

processor fan (CPU FAN)

processor and heatsink connector

rear fan connector (REAR FAN1)

serial ATA connectors (SATA-0, SATA-1, SATA- 2, SATA - 3)

password jumper (PASS)

SCSI LED header (SCSI LED)

front-panel connector (FRONT PANEL)

internal speaker (SPKR)

card fan connector (PCI_FAN)

clear CMOS jumper (CMOS)

backlight connector (LED)

IEEE 1394 connector (1394)

battery socket (BATTERY)

PCI-Express x1 card connector

power connector (12V PWR)

PCI-Express x16 card connector

PCI card connectors (PCI SLOT 1, PCI SLOT 2, PCI SLOT 3, PCI SLOT 4)

Removing and Installing Parts 69

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 109.

DDR2 Memory Overview

• DDR2 memory modules should be installed in

technology

will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. See the label on the upper-right corner of the module to determine the module’s capacity.

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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, speed, and

. If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer

– 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 PC2-3200 (DDR2 400-MHz) and PC2-4200 (DDR2 533-MHz) memory, the modules function at the slowest speed 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.

70 Removing and Installing Parts

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)

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

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.

Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations

Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use four 1-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as Microsoft

Windows® XP, can only use a maximum of 4 GB of address space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is less than 4 GB. Certain components within the computer require address space in the 4-GB range. Any address space reserved for these components cannot be used by computer 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 61.

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

Removing and Installing Parts 71

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

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

memory connector closest to processor

securing clips (2)

connector

notch

memory module

cutouts (2)

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.

72 Removing and Installing Parts

crossbar

Close the computer cover.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into

the computer.

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

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 and click

Properties

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 61.

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

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.

Removing and Installing Parts 73

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

• Four PCI card slots

• One PCI Express x16 card slot

• One PCI Express x1 card slot

PCI Cards

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If you are installing or replacing a card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing a card, see "Removing a PCI Card" on page 76.

If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system.

If you are installing or replacing a PCI Express card, see "Installing a PCI Express Card" on page 78.

Installing a PCI Card

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 61.

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

retention arm

filler bracket

74 Removing and Installing Parts

lever

PCI card

edge connector

card connector

If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 5.

If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card.

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

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.

Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. 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

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.

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

Removing and Installing Parts 75

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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.

Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

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

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into

the computer.

Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then

turn them on.

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

Enter system setup (see page 113), select setting for

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

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

alignment guide

alignment bar

filler bracket

Network Interface Card

retention arm

Integrated Devices,

Off

and then change the

Removing a PCI Card

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 61.

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

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.

Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

76 Removing and Installing Parts

If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.

If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see page 121).

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.

Lower the retention arm and press it into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into

the computer.

Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn

them on.

Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.

If you removed an add-in network connector and want to enable the integrated network adapter:

Enter system setup, select

Interface Card

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

to On.

Integrated Devices

, and then change the setting for

computer.

PCI Express Cards

Your computer supports one PCI Express x16 card and one PCI Express x1 card.

Network

PCI Express x16 card

PCI Express x16 card slot

PCI Express x1 card

PCI Express x1 card slot

If you are installing or replacing a PCI Express card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing a PCI Express card, see "Removing a PCI Express Card" on page 81.

If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system.

If you are installing or replacing a PCI card, see "Installing a PCI Card" on page 74.

Removing and Installing Parts 77

Installing a PCI Express Card

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 61.

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

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tab

top of retention mechanism

lever

x16 card

filler bracket

retention arm

securing slot

securing tab

edge connector

card connector

x1 card

edge connector

card connector

78 Removing and Installing Parts

If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 5.

If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card.

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. If your card includes a retention mechanism, remove the top of the retention mechanism by pressing the tab and pulling up on the top. Gently pull the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

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.

If you are installing the card into the x16 card connector, position the card so the securing slot

is aligned with the securing tab, and gently pull the securing tab.

Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.

not fully seated card

fully seated card

bracket within slot

bracket caught outside of slot

Removing and Installing Parts 79

If you replaced a card that was already installed in the computer and you removed the top of the retention mechanism, you can reinstall the top.

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.

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

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retention arm

alignment guide

alignment bar

filler bracket

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.

Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

See the documentation that came with the card for information about the card’s cable connections.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into

the computer.

Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then

turn them on.

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

Enter system setup (see page 113), select setting to

Connect the network cable to the add-in network adapter’s connectors. Do not connect

Off

the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel.

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

80 Removing and Installing Parts

Network Controller,

and then change the

Removing a PCI Express Card

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 61.

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

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.

If your card includes a retention mechanism, remove the top of the retention mechanism by pressing the tab and pulling up on the top.

Gently pull back the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its connector.

If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.

If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see page 121).

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.

Lower the retention arm and press it into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into

the computer.

Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then

turn them on.

Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.

If you removed an add-in network connector:

Enter system setup (see page 114), select setting to

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

Network Controller

, and then change the

computer.

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

Removing and Installing Parts 81

Drives

Your computer supports a combination of these devices:

• Up to three hard drives

• One floppy drive

• Up to two CD or DVD drives

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floppy drive

CD/DVD drive(s)

hard drive(s)

General Installation Guidelines

Connect serial ATA hard drives to the system board connectors labeled SATA-0, SATA-1, SATA-2, or SATA-3. Connect CD/DVD drives to the connector labeled PRI IDE.

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.

82 Removing and Installing Parts

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

Serial ATA Connector

interface cable

interface 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.

Removing and Installing Parts 83

Power Cable Connector

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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 61.

power input connector

power cable

Removing a Hard Drive

Press in on the top shroud tabs and tilt the shroud back.

Lift the shroud away from the hard drive.

84 Removing and Installing Parts

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

hard-drive cable

power cable

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

tabs (2)

hard drive

system board connector

Installing a Hard Drive

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

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

If your replacement hard 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).

Removing and Installing Parts 85

drive

bracket rails (2)

screws (4)

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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

Connect a power cable to the drive.

Connect the hard-drive cable to the drive and to the system board (see page 69).

Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.

86 Removing and Installing Parts

NOTICE: When replacing the hard-drive shroud, ensure that all the cables are properly routed.

Insert the bottom tabs of the shroud in to the holes on the drive cage and rotate the

shroud up.

Press in on the top tabs and lock them in to place.

Gently press on the shroud to ensure it is secure.

Close the computer cover (see page 108).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack 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.

If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, insert a bootable floppy disk into drive A.

Turn on the computer.

Enter system setup (see page 114), and update the appropriate

Drive

option.

Removing and Installing Parts 87

Exit system setup, and restart the computer.

Partition and logically format your drive before you proceed to the next step.

See the documentation for your operating system for instructions.

Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 50).

If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, install your operating system on the hard drive.

Adding a Second Hard Drive

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

before opening the cover.

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.

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

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 61.

Remove the two plastic rails from the inside of the hard-drive bay by gently pulling the rails up and out of the bay.

Attach the rails to the hard drive using the two screws attached to the rails.

Ensure that the rail tabs are positioned at the back of the hard drive.

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.

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 you hear a click.

Reconnect the power and hard-drive cables to the back of the first hard drive.

Gently slide the new hard drive into the upper bay until you hear a click.

88 Removing and Installing Parts

rail tabs (2)

second hard drive in upper bay

first hard drive in lower bay

hard drive bay

Connect a power cable to the drive.

Connect the hard-drive cable to the drive and to the system board (see page 69).

Close the computer cover (see page 108).

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

the computer.

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

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

Floppy Drive

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

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

before opening the cover.

Follow the procedure in "Before You Begin" on page 61.

NOTE: If you are adding a floppy drive, see "Installing a Floppy Drive" on page 90.

Removing a Floppy Drive

Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the floppy drive.

Disconnect the other end of the data cable from the system board.

Removing and Installing Parts 89

data cable

power cable

tabs (2)

floppy drive

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Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive, slide the drive upward, and remove it from the floppy-drive bay.

Installing a Floppy Drive

If you are replacing a 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 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).

90 Removing and Installing Parts

drive

Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position.

data cable

power cable

tabs (2)

floppy drive

bracket rails (2)

screws (4)

Removing and Installing Parts 91

Attach the power and data cables to the floppy drive.

Connect the other end of the data cable to the connector labled FLOPPY on the system board (see page 69).

Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.

Close the computer cover (see page 108).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack 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

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required for drive operation.

Enter system setup (see page 113) and update the appropriate

Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 50).

CD/DVD Drive

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

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

before opening the cover.

Diskette Drive

option.

Removing a CD/DVD Drive

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 61.

Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the drive.

92 Removing and Installing Parts

power cable

tabs (2)

data cable

CD/DVD drive

Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive, and then slide the drive upward and remove it from the drive bay.

Installing a CD/DVD Drive

If you are installing a new drive, unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.

Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select setting.

Connect the new drive to the set of rails that are attached to the inside of the cover. If a set of rails is not attached inside the computer cover, call Dell (see page 121).

Removing and Installing Parts 93

If you are installing a replacement 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 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).

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Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position.

Connect the power and data cables to the drive.

If you are adding a drive that has an audio cable, connect the audio cable to the audio connector on the system board.

drive

bracket rails (2)

screws (4)

94 Removing and Installing Parts

power cable

tabs (2)

data cable

CD/DVD drive

Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.

Close the computer cover (see page 108).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack 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.

Enter system setup (see page 69) and select the appropriate

Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 50).

Drive

option.

Removing and Installing Parts 95

Processor Airflow Shroud

Removing the Processor Airflow Shroud

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, 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.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the fan power cables, do not slide the shroud too quickly.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 61.

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Press the shroud release lever towards the front of the computer.

Lift the shroud up to disengage the anchors.

Once the shroud has been disengaged from the anchors, unplug the fan cables from their connectors on the system board.

anchor tabs (3)

shroud release lever

96 Removing and Installing Parts

Installing the Processor Airflow Shroud

Attach both fan power cables to the connectors on the system board.

Align the anchor tabs with the securing slots.

Gently press the shroud until the anchor tabs snap securely into place.

Close the computer cover.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into

the computer.

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

Processor

Removing the Processor

NOTICE:

Do not perform the following steps unless you are familiar with hardware removal and replacement. Performing these steps incorrectly could damage your system board. For technical service, see

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 61.

Disconnect the cooling fan power cable from the REAR FAN1 connector (see "System Board

"Contacting Dell" on page 121.

Components" on page 69) on the system board.

Disconnect the power cable from the 12V PWR connector (see "System Board Components" on page 69) on the system board.

Lift up the airflow shroud.

Removing and Installing Parts 97

anchor tabs (3)

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CAUTION: The heat sink can get very hot during normal operation. Be sure that the heat sink has had

sufficient time to cool before you touch it.

Remove the heat sink:

Remove the retention module clips. Press the tabs toward the center of the clip and lift up.

shroud release lever

98 Removing and Installing Parts

On the retention base locate the tab opposite the power supply. Press on the retention base tab until the heat sink pops up slightly.

Press out on the second retention tab while lifting the heat sink up and out of the retention base.

NOTICE: Lay the heat sink down on its

side.

NOTICE: If you are installing a processor

upgrade kit from Dell, discard the original

heat sink. If you are not installing a

processor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink and blower when you install your new processor.

Push down and out on the socket

release lever.

Open the processor cover.

heat sink

retention tab

retention base

Removing and Installing Parts 99

processor cover

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Remove the processor from the socket.

Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new

processor.

processor

socket

release lever

Installing the Processor

NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.

Unpack the new processor.

NOTICE: You must position the processor correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the

processor and the computer when you turn on the computer.

If the release lever on the socket is not fully extended, move it to that position.

Align the pin-1 corners of the processor and socket.

100 Removing and Installing Parts

Dell XPS GEN 3 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Finding Information

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Opening the Drive Door

Changing the Backlight Color

Connecting Two Monitors

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors

Connecting One Monitor With a VGA connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector

Connecting a TV

Changing the Display Settings

About Serial ATA Drives

About Your RAID Configuration

RAID Level 0

RAID Level 1

Configuring Your Computer for RAID

Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R) Option ROM Utility

Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R) Application Accelerator

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Copying CDs and DVDs

How to Copy a CD or DVD

Using Blank CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVD+Rs, and DVD+RWs

Helpful Tips

Network Setup Wizard

Optimizing Performance

Hyper-Threading

Overclocking

PCI Express Cards

Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips

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

Memory Problems

Mouse Problems

Network Problems

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

Advanced Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Lights

Dell Diagnostics

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

Identifying Drivers

Reinstalling Drivers

Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore

Creating a Restore Point

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

Undoing the Last System Restore

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

Before You Begin

Reinstalling Windows XP

Removing and Installing Parts

Before You Begin

Recommended Tools

Turning Off Your Computer