Dell E521 Dimension Motherboard Uw457 0Uw457 Owners Manual ManualsLib Makes It Easy To Find Manuals Online!

2014-12-12

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Dell™ Dimension™ E521

Owner’s Manual
Service Tag

CD or DVD eject button
CD or DVD activity light
FlexBay for optional
floppy drive or Media
Card Reader
microphone connector
headphone connector
diagnostic lights
hard-drive activity light
power button/
power activity light
USB 2.0 connectors (2)

Model DCSM

w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

cover latch
release

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 "Glossary" on page 149.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows®
operating systems are not applicable.

____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2006 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault,
PowerApp, DellNet, Dell TravelLite, Strike Zone, and PowerConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned
by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation;
ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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 DCSM

November 2006

P/N PY349

Rev. A02

Contents
1

Finding Information

Setting Up and Using Your Computer .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Front View of the Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Back View of the Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Back Panel Connectors .
Setting Up a Printer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Printer Cable . . . .
Connecting a Printer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Connecting to the Internet .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Setting Up Your Internet Connection
Playing CDs and DVDs .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adjusting the Volume .
Adjusting the Picture .
Copying CDs and DVDs.

17
18

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21
21

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)
Connecting Two Monitors

22
22
23

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .
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27
27
27

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27
28

Setting Up a Home and Office Network .
Connecting to a Network Adapter
Network Setup Wizard . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contents

Power Management

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Standby Mode . . . . . .
Hibernate Mode . . . . . .
Power Options Properties

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RAID Level 1 Configuration . . . . . . . . .
Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID . . .
Using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility .
Using Nvidia MediaShield . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

31
32
33
34

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Solving Problems.
Troubleshooting Tips .
Battery Problems .
Drive Problems .

CD and DVD drive problems
Hard drive problems . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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 Microsoft® Windows®
operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . .
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41
42
42
42
42
43

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43
43
43

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Memory Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mouse Problems .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Media Card Reader Problems

Network Problems .

38
39

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems .
Error Messages

29
29
30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Enabling Cool ’n’ Quiet™ Technology .
About RAID Configurations

Contents

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. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Power Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Printer Problems .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Scanner Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sound and Speaker Problems .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

No sound from speakers . .
No sound from headphones
Video and Monitor Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

51
52

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Troubleshooting Tools
Diagnostic Lights.
Dell Diagnostics

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
Drivers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

What Is a Driver? . .
Identifying Drivers .
Reinstalling Drivers .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restoring Your Operating System

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore .
Using Dell PC Restore. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Operating System CD. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

60
61
63

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Removing and Installing Parts.
Before You Begin .

57
58
58

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

50
50
51

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If the screen is blank . . . . . .
If the screen is difficult to read .

Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . .
Before Working Inside Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

65
65
66

Removing the Computer Cover .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Inside View of Your Computer .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

System Board Components.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contents

Memory .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Memory Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . .
Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations
Installing Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

71
72
72
74

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PCI Cards . . . . .
PCI Express Cards
Drive Panel .

Drives .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

74
80

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86
87
88
89

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hard Drives .

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90
91
91
91

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Removing a Hard Drive . . .
Installing a Hard Drive . . .
Adding a Second Hard Drive
Floppy Drive

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92
93
95

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Removing a Floppy Drive
Installing a Floppy Drive
Media Card Reader

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Removing a Media Card Reader
Installing a Media Card Reader .
CD/DVD Drive.

97
99
101

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101
103

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104

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

105
107

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109

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Replacing the Battery . . . . . .
Replacing the Computer Cover .

Contents

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recommended Drive Cable Connections . . .
Connecting Drive Cables . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive Interface Connectors . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables.

Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Removing the Drive Panel . . . .
Removing the Drive-Panel Insert .
Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert .
Replacing the Drive Panel . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

109
110

Appendix

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

111

Specifications

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111

System Setup .

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115

Overview . . . . . . .
Entering System Setup
System Setup Options .
Boot Sequence . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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115
115
116
120

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122

Clearing CMOS Settings .

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123

Cleaning Your Computer .

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123

Clearing Forgotten Passwords.

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . .
CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

125

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125
125

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125

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125

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126

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149

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

159

FCC Notice (U.S. Only)
FCC Class B
Contacting Dell .

Glossary
Index .

123
124
124
124

. . . . . . . . .

Contents

Finding Information
NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media
may not be available in certain countries.
NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.
What Are You Looking For?

Find it Here

•
•
•
•
•
•

Dell™ Product Information Guide

Warranty information
Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
Safety instructions
Regulatory information
Ergonomics information
End User License Agreement

• How to set up my computer

Setup Diagram

Finding Information

What Are You Looking For?

Find it Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label

Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License
These labels are located on your computer.
•Use the Service Tag to
identify your computer
when you use
support.dell.com or
contact support.
•Enter the Express
Service Code to direct
your call when
contacting support.

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles
from technicians, and online courses, frequently asked
questions
• 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, service call and
order status, warranty, and repair information
• Service and support — Service call status and support
history, service contract, online discussions with
technical support
• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my
computer configuration, product specifications, and
white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software
updates

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support
site.
NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers
can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website
at premier.support.dell.com.

• Desktop System Software (DSS)— If you reinstall the To download Desktop System Software:
operating system for your computer, you should also
1 Go to support.dell.com and click Downloads.
reinstall the DSS utility. DSS provides critical updates
2 Enter your Service Tag or product model.
for your operating system and support for Dell™
3 In the Download Category drop-down menu, click All.
3.5-inch USB floppy drives, optical drives, and USB
4 Select the operating system and operating system
devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your
language for your computer, and click Submit.
Dell computer. The software automatically detects your
5
Under Select a Device, scroll to System and
computer and operating system and installs the updates
Configuration Utilities, and click Dell Desktop System
appropriate for your configuration.
Software.

Finding Information

What Are You Looking For?

Find it Here

• How to use Windows XP
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop

Windows Help and Support Center
1 Click Start→ Help and Support.
2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and
click the arrow icon.
3 Click the topic that describes your problem.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.

Finding Information

Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Front View of the Computer
1
2
3
4

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

cover latch release

Use this latch to remove the cover. See "Removing the
Computer Cover" on page 66.

location of Service Tag

Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you access
the Dell Support website or call technical support.

CD or DVD eject button

Press to eject a disk from the CD or DVD drive.

CD or DVD activity light

The drive light is on when the computer reads data from the
CD or DVD drive.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

FlexBay drive

Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media Card
Reader. For information on using the Media Card Reader, see
"Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)" on page 24.

microphone connector

Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer
microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or
telephony program.
On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is
on the card.

headphone connector

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

diagnostic lights (4)

Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem
based on the diagnostic code. For more information, see
"Diagnostic Lights" on page 53.

hard-drive activity light

The hard drive activity light is on when the computer reads
data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light might also
be on when a device such as a CD player is operating.

power button,
power light

Press the power button to turn on the computer. The light in
the center of this button indicates power state. See "Controls
and Lights" on page 113 for more information.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button
to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating
system shutdown.
11

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect
occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB
devices (see "System Setup Options" on page 116 for more
information on booting to a USB device).
It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for
devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and
keyboards.

vents

For adequate cooling, do not block any of the vents.

NOTICE: Ensure that there is a minimum of two inches of
space between all vents and any object near these vents.
NOTICE: Keep the vent area clean and dust-free to ensure
that the computer is adequately ventilated. Use only a dry
cloth to clean the vent area to avoid water damage to the
computer.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Back View of the Computer

1
2

voltage selection switch

See the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide for more
information.

power connector

Insert the power cable.

back panel connectors

Plug USB, audio, and other devices into the appropriate connector.
See "Back Panel Connectors" on page 16 for more information.

card slots

Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Back Panel Connectors
1

5
6
7

link integrity light

• Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the
computer.
• Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the
computer.
• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.

network adapter
connector

To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a
network cable to either a network port or your network or broadband device.
Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on
the back panel of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been
securely attached.
NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
On computers with a network connector card, use the connector on the card.
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.

network activity light

Flashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting or receiving network
data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a
steady "on" state.

surround connector

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

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

line-in connector

Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a
cassette player, CD player, or VCR.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

line-out connector

Use the green line-out connector (available on computers with integrated sound)
to attach headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

microphone

Use the pink connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or
musical input into a sound or telephony program.
On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.

side surround connector

Use the silver connector to provide enhanced surround audio for computers with
7.1 speakers.
On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.

center/subwoofer
connector

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

USB 2.0 connectors (4)

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.

VGA video connector

Connect the monitor’s VGA cable to the VGA connector on the computer.
On computers with a video card, use the connector on the card.

Setting Up a Printer
NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.
See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:
•

Obtain and install updated drivers.

•

Connect the printer to the computer.

•

Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.

For technical assistance, refer to the printer owner's manual or contact the printer manufacturer.

Printer Cable
Your printer connects to your computer with a USB cable. Your printer may not come with a printer
cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer. If you
purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the
computer box.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Connecting a Printer
NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.
1 Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.
2 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB
connectors fit only one way.
1

USB connector on computer

USB printer cable

USB connector on printer

3 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard window
appears, click Cancel.
4 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

Connecting to the Internet
NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.
To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider
(ISP). Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:

•

Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up connections are
considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.

•

DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone line. With a
DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your telephone on the same line simultaneously.

•

Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable TV line.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer

If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your
computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a
DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.

Setting Up Your Internet Connection
To set up an Internet connection with a provided ISP desktop shortcut:
1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2 Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.
3 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a
different ISP:
1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2 Click the Start button and click Internet Explorer.
The New Connection Wizard appears.
3 Click Connect to the Internet.
4 In the next window, click the appropriate option:
•

If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click Choose from a list of Internet service
providers (ISPs).

•

If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD,
click Set up my connection manually.

•

If you have a CD, click Use the CD I got from an ISP.

5 Click Next.
If you selected Set up my connection manually, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the instructions
on the screen to complete the setup.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.
6 Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and then click Next.
7 Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on
page 39. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might
have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Playing CDs and DVDs
NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed when you are
not using the drive.

NOTICE: Do not move the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs.
1 Press the eject button on the front of the drive.
2 Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray.

3 Press the eject button or gently push in the tray.
To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came
with your computer.
NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs.
A CD player includes the following basic buttons:
Play
Move backward within the current track
Pause
Move forward within the current track
Stop
Go to the previous track
Eject
Go to the next track

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

A DVD player includes the following basic buttons:
Stop
Restart the current chapter
Play
Fast forward
Pause
Fast reverse
Advance a single frame while in pause mode
Go to the next title or chapter
Continuously play the current title or chapter
Go to the previous title or chapter
Eject

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

Adjusting the Volume
NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing.
1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ Entertainment, and then click Volume
Control.
2 In the Volume Control window, click and drag the bar in the Volume Control column and slide it up
or down to increase or decrease the volume.
For more information on volume control options, click Help in the Volume Control window.

Adjusting the Picture
If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth are using too much memory
and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display properties:
1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2 Under Pick a category, click Appearance and Themes.
3 Under Pick a task..., click Change the screen resolution.
4 In the Display Properties window, click and drag the bar in Screen resolution to change the setting to
800 by 600 pixels.
5 Click the drop-down menu under Color quality, and then click Medium (16 bit).
6 Click OK.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Copying CDs and DVDs
NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copyright laws when creating CDs or DVDs.
This section applies only to computers that have a CD-RW, DVD+/-RW, or CD-RW/DVD (combo) drive.
NOTE: The types of CD or DVD drives offered by Dell may vary by country.
The following instructions explain how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD. You can also use Sonic
DigitalMedia for other purposes, such as creating music CDs from audio files stored on your computer or
backing up important data. For help, open Sonic DigitalMedia and then click the question mark icon in
the upper-right corner of the window.

How to Copy a CD or DVD
NOTE: CD-RW/DVD combo drives cannot write to DVD media. If you have a CD-RW/DVD combo drive and you
experience recording problems, check for available software patches on the Sonic support website at
www.sonic.com.
The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell™ computers can write to and read DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW
and DVD+R DL (dual layer) media, but cannot write to and may not read DVD-RAM or DVD-R DL
media.
NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using Sonic DigitalMedia.
1 Click Start→ All Programs→ Sonic→ DigitalMedia Projects→ Copy→ Disc Copy.
2 To copy the CD or DVD:
•

If you have one CD or DVD drive, ensure that the settings are correct and click the Disc Copy
button. The computer reads your source CD or DVD and copies the data to a temporary folder on
your computer hard drive.
When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the drive and click OK.

•

If you have two CD or DVD drives, select the drive into which you have inserted your source CD or
DVD and click the Disc Copy button. The computer copies the data from the source CD or DVD
to the blank CD or DVD.

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

Using Blank CDs and DVDs
CD-RW drives can write to CD recording media only (including high-speed CD-RW) while
DVD-writable drives can write to both CD and DVD recording media.
Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R, you cannot
write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs to
write to CDs or to erase, rewrite, or update data on CDs.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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

Read

Write

Rewritable

CD-R

Yes

CD-RW

Yes

Media Type

Read

Write

Rewritable

CD-R

Yes

CD-RW

Yes

DVD+R

Yes

DVD-R

Yes

DVD+RW

Yes

DVD-RW

Yes

DVD+R DL

Yes

DVD-Writable Drives

Helpful Tips
•

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

•

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

•

You cannot create audio DVDs with Sonic DigitalMedia.

•

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

•

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

•

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

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

•

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

•

See the Sonic website at www.sonic.com for additional information.

Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)
Use the Media Card Reader to transfer data directly to your computer.
The Media Card Reader supports the following memory types:
•

xD-Picture Card

•

SmartMedia (SMC)

•

CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II)

•

MicroDrive Card

•

SecureDigital Card (SD)

•

MultiMediaCard (MMC)

•

Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro)

For information on installing a Media Card Reader, see "Installing a Media Card Reader" on page 103.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

2
3
4

xD-Picture Card and
SmartMedia (SMC)

SecureDigital Card (SD)/
MultiMediaCard (MMC)

CompactFlash Type I and II 3
(CF I/II) and MicroDrive Card

Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro)

To use the Media Card Reader:
1 Check the media or card to determine the proper orientation for insertion.
2 Slide the media or card into the appropriate slot until it is completely seated in the connector.
If you encounter resistance, do not force the media or card. Check the card orientation and try again.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Connecting Two Monitors
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
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 a TV.
NOTICE: If you are connecting two monitors that have VGA connectors, you must have the optional DVI adapter to
connect the cable. 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.

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
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.

2 Connect one of the monitors to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the computer.
3 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.
1

2*
3*
4
*May not be present on your computer

optional DVI adapter

VGA (blue) connector

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

DVI (white) connector

TV-OUT connector

Connecting One Monitor With a VGA Connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Connect the VGA connector on the monitor to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the
computer.
3 Connect the DVI connector on the other monitor to the DVI (white) connector on the back of the
computer.

Connecting a TV
NOTE: You must purchase an S-video cable, available at most consumer electronics stores, to connect a TV to
your computer. It is not included with your computer.

1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Connect one end of the S-video cable to the optional TV-OUT connector on the back of the computer.
3 Connect the other end of the S-video cable to the S-video input connector on your TV.
4 Connect the VGA or DVI monitor.

Changing the Display Settings
1 After you connect the monitor(s) or TV, turn on the computer.
The Microsoft® Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor.
2 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 Start button, click Help and Support, click User and system
guides, click Device guides, and then click the guide for your graphics card).

Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Connecting to a Network Adapter
NOTICE: Plug the network cable into the network adapter connector on the computer. Do not plug the network
cable into the modem connector on the computer. Do not plug a network cable into a telephone wall jack.
1 Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer.
Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is secure.
2 Connect the other end of the network cable to a network device.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

network adapter connector

network cable

4
2

network device

network adapter connector on
computer

Network Setup Wizard
The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through
the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a home or small
office.
1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications, and then click
Network Setup Wizard.
2 On the welcome screen, click Next.
3 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 Service Pack.

4 Complete the checklist and required preparations.
5 Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.

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

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

NOTE: Windows XP Professional includes security and networking features not available in Windows XP Home
Edition. When a Windows XP Professional computer is connected to a network, different options related to security
and networking appear in certain windows.

Standby Mode
Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a time-out. When the
computer exits from standby mode, it returns to the operating state it was in before it entered standby
mode.
To set standby mode to automatically activate after a defined period of inactivity:
1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2 Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.
3 Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.
To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click the Start button, click Turn
Off Computer, and then click Stand by.
To exit from standby mode, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.
NOTICE: If your computer loses power while in standby mode, it may lose data.

Hibernate Mode
Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then
completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits from hibernate mode, the desktop is
restored to the state it was in before it entered hibernate mode.
To activate hibernate mode:
1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2 Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.
3 Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.
4 Define your hibernate settings on the Power Schemes tab, Advanced tab, and Hibernate tab.
To exit from hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit from
hibernate mode. Pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse does not bring the computer out of
hibernation, because the keyboard and the mouse do not function when the computer is in hibernate
mode.
Because hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to store the
contents of the computer memory, Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file before
shipping the computer to you. If the computer’s hard drive becomes corrupted, Windows XP recreates
the hibernate file automatically.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Power Options Properties
Define your standby mode settings, hibernate mode settings, and other power settings in the Power
Options Properties window. To access the Power Options Properties window:
1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2 Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.
3 Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.
4 Define your power settings on the Power Schemes tab, Advanced tab, and Hibernate tab.
Power Schemes Tab

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

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

•

Home/Office Desk — If you use your computer as a home or office computer and you require minimal
power conservation.

•

Presentation — If you want your computer to run without interruption (using no power conservation).

•

Minimal Power Management — If you want your computer to run with minimal power conservation.

•

Max Battery — If your computer is a portable computer and you run your computer from batteries for
extended periods of time.

If you want to change the default settings for a scheme, click the drop-down menu in the Turn off
monitor, Turn off hard disks, System stand by, or System hibernates field, and then select a time-out
from the displayed list. Changing the time-out for a scheme field permanently changes the default
settings for that scheme, unless you click Save As and enter a new name for the changed scheme.
NOTICE: If you set the hard drive (hard disk) to time-out before the monitor does, your computer may appear to be
locked up. To recover, press any key on the keyboard or click the mouse. To avoid this problem, always set the
monitor to time-out before the hard drive.
Advanced Tab

The Advanced tab allows you to:
•

Place the power options icon

in the Windows taskbar for quick access.

•

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

•

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

To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding drop-down menu and click OK.
30

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Hibernate Tab

The Hibernate tab allows you to enable hibernate mode. If you want to use the hibernate settings you
defined on the Power Schemes tab, click the Enable hibernate support check box on the Hibernate tab.
For more information on power management options:
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2 In the Help and Support window, click Performance and maintenance.
3 In the Performance and maintenance window, click Conserving power on your computer.

Enabling Cool ’n’ Quiet™ Technology
Cool ’n’ Quiet technology controls your computer’s processor performance automatically, dynamically
adjusting the operating frequency and voltage, according to the task at hand. When an application does
not require full performance, significant amounts of power can be saved. Performance is designed to still
be responsive, with maximum processor performance being delivered when required, and automatic
power savings when possible.
1 Run the system setup program and enable Cool ’n’ Quiet technology using the Power Management
options (see "System Setup" on page 115).
2 Click on the Start→ Settings→ Control Panel→ Power Options to access the Power Options
Properties window.
3 From the Power Schemes tab, click the Power Schemes drop-down menu and select Minimal Power
Management and then click OK.

About RAID Configurations
This section provides an overview of the RAID configuration you may have selected when you purchased
your computer. Your computer supports RAID level 1. A RAID level 1 is recommended for users that
desire a high level of data integrity.
The drives in a RAID configuration should be the same size in order to ensure that the larger drive does
not contain unallocated (and therefore unusable) space.

RAID Level 1 Configuration
RAID level 1 uses a data-redundancy storage technique known as mirroring to enhance data integrity.
When data is written to the primary drive, the data is also duplicated, or mirrored, on the second drive in
the configuration. A RAID level 1 configuration sacrifices high data-access rates for its data redundancy
advantages.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

serial ATA RAID
configured for
RAID level 1

segment 1

segment 1 duplicated

segment 2

segment 2 duplicated

segment 3

segment 3 duplicated

segment 4

segment 4 duplicated

segment 5

segment 5 duplicated

segment 6

segment 6 duplicated

hard drive 1

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.
NOTE: In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the configuration is equal to the size of the smallest drive in the
configuration.

Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID
Your computer can be configured for RAID, even if you did not select a RAID configuration when the
computer was purchased. For an explanation of RAID levels and their requirements, see "About RAID
Configurations" on page 31. For information on how to install a hard drive, see "Hard Drives" on page 92.
You can use one of two methods to configure RAID hard drive volumes. The first method uses the Nvidia
MediaShield ROM utility and is performed before you install the operating system onto the hard drive.
The second method uses Nvidia MediaShield and is performed after you have installed the operating
system and Nvidia RAID drivers.
Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before you begin.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode

1 Enter the system setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 115).
2 Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight Drives, then press .
3 Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the applicable SATA drive, then press .
4 Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight RAID On, and then press . Repeat the
process, as needed, for each SATA hard drive.
NOTE: For more information about RAID options, see "System Setup Options" on page 116.
5 Press , press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight Save/Exit, and then press to
exit system setup and resume the boot process.

Using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility
NOTICE: The following procedure will result in the loss of all data on your hard drive(s). Back up any data you want
to keep before continuing.
Hard drives of any size may be used to create a RAID configuration. Ideally, however, the drives should be
of equal size to avoid unallocated or unused space. For an explanation of RAID levels and their
requirements, see "About RAID Configurations" on page 31. For information on how to install a hard
drive, see "Installing a Hard Drive" on page 93.
1 Enable RAID for each applicable hard drive on your computer (see "Setting Your Computer to RAIDEnabled Mode" on page 33).
2 Restart the computer.
3 Press when prompted to enter the RAID BIOS.
NOTE: If the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop,
then shut down your computer and try again.

The Define a New Array window appears.
4 Press to navigate to the RAID Mode field.
To create a RAID 1 configuration, use the arrow keys to select Mirroring.
5 Press to navigate to the Free Disks field.
6 Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select a hard drive to include in the RAID array and then use the
right-arrow key to move the selected drive from the Free Disks field to the Array Disks field. Repeat for
each disk you want to include in the RAID array.
NOTE: Your computer supports a maximum of two drives per RAID 1 array.
7 After assigning the hard drives to an array, press .
The Clear disk data prompt appears.
NOTICE: You will lose all data on the selected drives in the next step.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

8 Press to clear all data from the selected drives.
The Array List window appears.
9 To review the details of the array that you set up, use the arrow keys to highlight the array in the Array
Detail window and press .
The Array Detail window appears.
NOTE: To delete an array, use the arrow keys to select the array and press .
10 Press to return to the previous screen.
11 Press to exit the RAID BIOS.

Using Nvidia MediaShield
Nvidia MediaShield allows you to create, view, and manage RAID configurations.
NOTE: Use Nvidia MediaShield to create a RAID configuration only when you are adding one or more new hard
drives to an existing (non-RAID) single-drive computer, and you want to configure the new drive(s) into a RAID
array.
Hard drives of any size may be used to create a RAID configuration using Nvidia MediaShield. Ideally,
however, the drives should be of equal size to avoid unallocated or unused space. For an explanation of
RAID levels and their requirements, see "About RAID Configurations" on page 31.
Creating a RAID Array

NOTICE: The following procedure will result in the loss of all data on your hard drive(s). Back up any data you want
to keep before continuing.
1 Enable RAID on your hard drives (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 33).
2 After rebooting your computer, launch Nvidia MediaShield.
3 Click Create under System Tasks.
The NVIDIA Create Array Wizard appears and lists the disks that are available for configuration.
4 Click Next.
5 Click Custom, then click Next.
6 Use the drop-down box to select Mirroring (RAID 1).
7 Click Next.
The Free Disk Selection window appears.
NOTE: Only RAID-enabled hard drives are listed as free disks.
8 Click to select the drives that will make up the RAID configuration, click Next, and then click Next
again.
NOTE: Your computer supports a maximum of two drives per RAID 1 array.
The Clearing System Data window appears.
34

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

NOTICE: The Clear System Data option deletes all data on the selected drive.
9 Click Next.
10 Click Finish to create the RAID configuration.
The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and lists the array along with any other
installed hard drives.
Deleting a RAID Array

NOTE: While this procedure deletes the RAID 1 volume, it also splits the RAID 1 volume into two non-RAID hard
drives with a partition, and leaves any existing data files intact.
NOTE: If your computer currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume, your computer will become
unbootable.
1 Launch Nvidia MediaShield.
2 Click to select the array you want to delete.
3 Click Delete Array in the System Tasks pane.
The NVIDIA Delete Array Wizard appears.
4 Click Next.
A confirmation screen appears with the name and size of the array that you have marked for deletion.
5 Click Finish to delete the RAID configuration.
The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and lists any remaining arrays along with
any other installed hard drives.
Rebuilding a RAID Configuration

If one of the hard drives in a RAID array fails, you can rebuild the array by restoring the data to a
replacement drive.
NOTE: Rebuilding an array can only be performed on RAID 1 configurations.
1 Launch Nvidia MediaShield.
2 Click to select your RAID configuration (Mirroring) in the management utility window.
3 Select Rebuild Array in the System Tasks pane.
The NVIDIA Rebuild Array Wizard appears.
4 Click Next.
5 Select the hard drive you want to rebuild by clicking the checkbox beside it.
6 Click Next.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

7 Click Finish.
The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and displays the status of the rebuild
process.
NOTE: You can use your computer while the computer is rebuilding the array.
NOTE: You can use any available (RAID-enabled) free disk to rebuild an array.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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.

•

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 in the
Product Information Guide.

R E P L A C E T H E B A T T E R Y — If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on
the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see "Replacing
the Battery" on page 109). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell"
on page 126).

Solving Problems

Drive Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
E N S U R E T H A T M I C R O S O F T ® W I N D O W S ® R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E — 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.
E N S U R E T H A T T H E D R I V E I S E N A B L E D I N T H E S YS T E M S E T U P P R O G R A M — See "System Setup" on
page 115)
TE S T T H E D R I V E —
• Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective.
• Insert bootable media and restart the computer.
C L E A N T H E D R I V E O R D I S K — See "Cleaning Your Computer" on page 123.
CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS
R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R — See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities"
on page 59.
R U N T H E D E L L D I A G N O S T I C S — See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 56.

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.

Solving Problems

C H E C K T H E S P E A K E R S A N D S U B W O O F E R — See "Sound and Speaker Problems" on page 50.

Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive
C L O S E O T H E R P R O G R A M S — 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.
TU R N O F F S T A N D B Y M O D E I N W I N D O W S B E F O R E W R I T I N G T O A C D / D V D - R W D I S C —
1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2 Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.
3 Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.
4 From the Power Schemes tab, select Always On.

Hard drive problems
RUN CHECK DISK —
1 Click the Start button and click My Computer.
2 Right-click Local Disk C:.
3 Click Properties.
4 Click the Tools tab.
5 Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
6 Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.
7 Click Start.

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is connected to
a digital telephone network.
C H E C K T H E M I C R O S O F T O U T L O O K ® E X P R E S S S E C U R I T Y S E T T I N G S — If you cannot open your
e-mail attachments:
1 In Outlook Express, click Tools, click Options, and then click Security.
2 Click Do not allow attachments to remove the checkmark.

Solving Problems

CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION —
CHECK THE TELEPHONE JACK —
CONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK —
USE 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 feel 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.
R U N T H E M O D E M H E L P E R D I A G N O S T I C S — 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.)
VE R I F Y T H A T T H E M O D E M I S C O M M U N I C A T I N G W I T H W I N D O W S —
1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2 Click Printers and Other Hardware.
3 Click Phone and Modem Options.
4 Click the Modems tab.
5 Click the COM port for your modem.
6 Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to verify that the modem is
communicating with Windows.
If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.
E N S U R E T H A T Y O U A R E C O N N E C T E D T O T H E I N T E R N E T — 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
If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was
running when the message appeared.
A F I L E N A M E C A N N O T C O N T A I N A N Y O F T H E F O L L O W I N G C H A R A C T E R S : \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not
use these characters in filenames.

Solving Problems

A R E Q U I R E D . D L L F I L E W A S N O T F O U N D — The program that you are trying to open is missing an
essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program:
1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs.
2 Select the program you want to remove.
3 Click the Change or Remove Program icon.
4 See the program documentation for installation instructions.
A L E R T ! A I R T E M P E R A T U R E S E N S O R N O T D E T E C T E D — For any computer type except the ultra small
form-factor computer, ensure that all cables are securely fastened to the I/O panel and to the system
board and reboot your computer. If this does not resolve the problem or if you have an ultra small formfactor computer, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 126).
drive letter : \ I S N O T A C C E S S I B L E . T H E D E V I C E I S N O T R E A D Y — The drive cannot read the disk.
Insert a disk into the drive and try again.
I N S E R T B O O T A B L E M E D I A — Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.
N O N - S YS T E M D I S K E R R O R — Remove the floppy disk from the drive and restart your computer.
N O T E N O U G H M E M O R Y O R R E S O U R C E S . C L O S E S O M E P R O G R A M S A N D T R Y A G A I N — 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.
O P E R A T I N G S YS T E M N O T F O U N D — Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 126).

Keyboard Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE —
• Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to the computer.
• Shut down the computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 65), 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

TEST THE KEYBOARD — Connect a properly working keyboard to the computer, and try using the keyboard.
E N S U R E T H A T T H E USB P O R T S A R E E N A B L E D I N T H E S YS T E M S E T U P P R O G R A M — See "System
Setup" on page 115)
R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R — See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities"
on page 59.

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

The computer does not start up
C H E C K T H E D I A G N O S T I C L I G H T S — See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 53.
ENSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL
OUTLET

The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F — 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 —
1 Press simultaneously.
2 Click Applications.
3 Click the program that is no longer responding.
4 Click End Task.

Solving Problems

A program crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.
C H E C K T H E S O F T W A R E D O C U M E N T A T I O N — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® 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.
1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories, and then click Program Compatibility
Wizard.
2 In the welcome screen, click Next.
3 Follow the instructions on the screen.

A solid blue screen appears
TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F — 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.

Other software problems
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR
TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION —
• Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.
• Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See
the software documentation for information.
• Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.
• Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.
• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY
USE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, OR CDS

Solving Problems

SAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE
START MENU

Media Card Reader Problems
NO DRIVE LETTER IS ASSIGNED —
When Microsoft Windows XP detects the Media Card Reader, the device is automatically assigned a
drive letter as the next logical drive after all other physical drives in the system. If the next logical drive
after the physical drives is mapped to a network drive, Windows XP does not automatically assign a
drive letter to the Media Card Reader.
To manually assign a drive for the Media Card Reader:
1 Right-click My Computer and select Manage.
2 Select the Disk Management option.
3 Right-click the corresponding drive letter in the right pane that needs to be changed.
4 Select Drive Letter and Paths.
5 From the drop-down list, select the new drive letter assignment for the Media Card Reader.
6 Click OK to confirm your selection.
NOTE: The Media Card Reader only appears as a mapped drive when it is connected. Each of the four
Media Card Reader slots are mapped to a drive even if no media is installed. If you attempt to access the
Media Card Reader when no media is inserted, you are prompted to insert media.
FLEXBAY DEVICE IS DISABLED —
There is a FlexBay disable option in the BIOS setup that appears only when the FlexBay device is
installed. If the FlexBay device is physically installed, but it is not running, check to see if it is enabled in
the BIOS setup.

Solving Problems

Memory Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
IF YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE —
• Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the
problem.
• See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional
memory (see "Installing Memory" on page 72).
• Reseat the memory modules (see "Installing Memory" on page 72) to ensure that your computer is
successfully communicating with the memory.
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 56).
IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS —
• Reseat the memory modules (see "Installing Memory" on page 72) to ensure that your computer is
successfully communicating with the memory.
• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see "Installing Memory" on page 72).
• Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For more information about the type of memory supported by
your computer, see "Memory" on page 111.
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 56).

Mouse Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
C L E A N T H E M O U S E — See "Mouse" on page 124 for instructions on cleaning the mouse.
CHECK THE MOUSE CABLE —
1 Remove mouse extension cables, if used, and connect the mouse directly to the computer.
2 Reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.

Solving Problems

RESTART THE COMPUTER —
1 Simultaneously press to display the Start menu.
2 Type u, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight Shut down or Turn Off, and then press .
3 After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the on the setup diagram for your
computer.
4 Start the computer.
E N S U R E T H A T T H E USB P O R T S A R E E N A B L E D I N T H E S YS T E M S E T U P P R O G R A M — See "System
Setup" on page 115)
TE S T T H E M O U S E — Connect a properly working mouse to the computer, and try using the mouse.
CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS —
1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.
2 Click Mouse.
3 Try adjusting the settings.
R E I N S T A L L T H E M O U S E D R I V E R — See "Reinstalling Drivers" on page 58.
R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R — See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities"
on page 59.

Network Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
C H E C K T H E N E T W O R K C A B L E C O N N E C T O R — Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into
both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network port or device.
C H E C K T H E N E T W O R K L I G H T S O N T H E B A C K O F T H E C O M P U T E R — If the link integrity light is off,
that indicates no network communication exists. Replace the network cable. For a description of
network lights, see "Controls and Lights" on page 113.
RESTART THE COMPUTER AND LOG ON TO THE NETWORK AGAIN

Solving Problems

C H E C K Y O U R N E T W O R K S E T T I N G S — 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.
R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R — See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities"
on page 59.

Power Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S G R E E N A N D T H E C O M P U T E R I S N O T R E S P O N D I N G — See "Diagnostic Lights"
on page 53.
I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S B L I N K I N G G R E E N — The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the
keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.
I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S O F F — The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.
• Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical
outlet.
• If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical
outlet and that the power strip is turned on. Also bypass power protection devices, power strips, and
power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.
• Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
• Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see
"System Board Components" on page 69).
I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S S T E A D Y A M B E R — A device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.
• Ensure that the 12-volt power connector (12V) is securely connected to the system board (see "System
Board Components" on page 69).
• Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see "Installing Memory" on page 72).
• Remove and then reinstall any cards (see "Cards" on page 74).
• Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see "PCI Express Cards" on page 80).

Solving Problems

I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S B L I N K I N G A M B E R — 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).
See "Back View of the Computer" on page 15.
• Ensure that the 12-volt power connector (12V) is securely connected to the system board (see "System
Board Components" on page 69).
E L I M I N A T E I N T E R F E R E N C E — Some possible causes of interference are:
• Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables
• Too many devices on a power strip
• Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet

Printer Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer’s manufacturer.
C H E C K T H E P R I N T E R D O C U M E N T A T I O N — 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 (see "Setting Up a
Printer" on page 17).
TE S T T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.

Solving Problems

VE R I F Y T H A T T H E P R I N T E R I S R E C O G N I Z E D B Y W I N D O W S —
1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.
2 Click View installed printers or fax printers.
If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.
3 Click Properties and click the Ports tab. Ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is USB.
R E I N S T A L L T H E P R I N T E R D R I V E R — See the printer documentation for instructions.

Scanner Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, contact the scanner’s manufacturer.
C H E C K T H E S C A N N E R D O C U M E N T A T I O N — See the scanner documentation for setup and
troubleshooting information.
U N L O C K T H E S C A N N E R — 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.
VE R I F Y T H A T T H E S C A N N E R I S R E C O G N I Z E D B Y M I C R O S O F T W I N D O W S —
1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.
2 Click Scanners and Cameras.
If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.
R E I N S T A L L T H E S C A N N E R D R I V E R — See the scanner documentation for instructions.

Solving Problems

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

No sound from speakers
NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been listening
to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume down or off.
C H E C K T H E S P E A K E R C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N S — 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.
E N S U R E T H A T T H E C O R R E C T A U D I O S O L U T I O N I S E N A B L E D I N T H E B I O S S E T U P P R O G R A M — See
"System Setup" on page 115.
E N S U R E T H A T T H E S U B W O O F E R A N D T H E S P E A K E R S A R E T U R N E D O N — See the setup diagram
supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to
eliminate distortion.
A D J U S T T H E W I N D O W S V O L U M E C O N T R O L — 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.
D I S C O N N E C T H E A D P H O N E S F R O M T H E H E A D P H O N E C O N N E C T O R — Sound from the speakers is
automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer’s front-panel headphone
connector.
TE S T T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
E L I M I N A T E P O S S I B L E I N T E R F E R E N C E — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to
check for interference.
R E I N S T A L L T H E S O U N D D R I V E R — See "Manually Reinstalling Drivers" on page 59.
R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R — See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities"
on page 59.

Solving Problems

No sound from headphones
C H E C K T H E H E A D P H O N E C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N — Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted
into the headphone connector (see "Front View of the Computer" on page 13).
A D J U S T T H E W I N D O W S V O L U M E C O N T R O L — 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.
E N S U R E T H A T T H E C O R R E C T A U D I O S O L U T I O N I S E N A B L E D I N T H E B I O S S E T U P P R O G R A M — See
"System Setup" on page 115.

Video and Monitor Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.

If the screen is blank
CHECK THE MONITOR CABLE CONNECTION —
• Ensure that the graphics cable is connected as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.
If an optional video card is installed, check that the monitor cable is connected to the card, rather than
the video connector on the system board.
• 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 whether the power cable is defective.
• Check the connector for bent or broken pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have missing
pins.)
C H E C K T H E M O N I T O R P O W E R L I G H T — 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.
TE S T T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
C H E C K T H E D I A G N O S T I C L I G H T S — See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 53.

Solving Problems

If the screen is difficult to read
C H E C K T H E M O N I T O R S E T T I N G S — See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the
contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test.
M O V E T H E S U B W O O F E R A W A Y F R O M T H E M O N I T O R — If your speaker system includes a subwoofer,
ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor.
M O V E T H E M O N I T O R A W A Y F R O M E X T E R N A L P O W E R S O U R C E S — 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
ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —
1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Appearance and Themes.
2 Click Display and click the Settings tab.
3 Try different settings for Screen resolution and Color quality.

Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tools
Diagnostic Lights
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "1," "2," "3," and "4" on
the front panel (see "Front View of the Computer" on page 13). When the computer starts normally,
the lights flash. If the computer malfunctions, the color and sequence of the lights identify the
problem.
Light Pattern

Problem Description

Suggested Resolution

The computer is in a normal "off" Plug the computer into a working electrical
condition, or a possible pre-BIOS outlet and press the power button.
failure has occurred.
The diagnostic lights are not lit
after the computer successfully
boots to the operating system.
A possible processor failure has
occurred.

Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on
page 126).

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

• If you have two or more memory modules
installed, remove the modules, reinstall
one module (see "Installing Memory" on
page 72), and then restart the computer. If
the computer starts normally, reinstall an
additional module. Continue until you
have identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.
• If available, install properly working
memory of the same type into your
computer (see "Installing Memory" on
page 72).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
"Contacting Dell" on page 126).

Troubleshooting Tools

Light Pattern

Problem Description

Suggested Resolution

A possible graphics card failure
has occurred.

• If the computer has a graphics card,
remove the card, reinstall it (see "PCI
Express Cards" on page 80), 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
"Contacting Dell" on page 126).

A possible floppy or hard drive
failure has occurred.

Reseat all power and data cables and restart
the computer.

A possible USB failure has
occurred.

Reinstall all USB devices, check cable
connections, and then restart the computer.

No memory modules are
detected.

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

• Ensure that no special memory
module/memory connector placement
requirements exist (see "Memory
Installation Guidelines" on page 71).
• Verify that the memory modules that you
are installing are compatible with your
computer (see "Memory Installation
Guidelines" on page 71).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
"Contacting Dell" on page 126).

Troubleshooting Tools

Light Pattern

Problem Description

Suggested Resolution

Another failure has occurred.

• Ensure that the cables are properly
connected to the system board from the
hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive (see
"Drives" on page 90).
• 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 ensure that it is functioning
properly.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
"Contacting Dell" on page 126).

After POST is complete, all four
diagnostic lights turn green
briefly before turning off to
indicate normal operating
condition.

None.

Troubleshooting Tools

Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" on page 37
and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
1 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2 When the DELL™ logo appears, press immediately.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft® Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on
page 65) and try again.
3 When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press .
4 When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1 After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option
you want.
Option

Function

Express Test

Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to
20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run
Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the
problem quickly.

Extended Test

Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes
an hour or more and requires you to answer questions
periodically.

Custom Test

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

Symptom Tree

Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows
you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you
are having.

2 If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the
problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the
screen.
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 126).
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.

Troubleshooting Tools

3 If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in
the following table for more information.
Tab

Function

Results

Displays the results of the test and any error conditions
encountered.

Errors

Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the
problem description.

Help

Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the
test.

Configuration

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

Parameters

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

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

Troubleshooting Tools

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.
Windows XP

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2 Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
3 Click System.
4 In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
5 Click Device Manager.
6 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 install a new
driver.

Reinstalling Drivers
NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com provides 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.
1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2 Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
3 Click System.
4 In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
5 Click Device Manager.
6 Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties.
7 Click the Drivers tab.
8 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 (see "Using Microsoft
Windows XP System Restore" on page 60).

Troubleshooting Tools

Manually Reinstalling Drivers

1 After copying the required driver files to your hard drive, click the Start button and right-click My
Computer.
2 Click Properties.
3 Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
4 Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver.
5 Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.
6 Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver.
7 Click Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click Next.
8 Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously extracted the driver files.
9 When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.
10 Click Finish and restart your computer.

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:
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2 Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.
3 Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.
4 In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and
click Next.

Restoring Your Operating System
You can restore your operating system in the following ways:
•

Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without
affecting data files. Use System Restore as the first solution for restoring your operating system and
preserving data files.

•

Dell PC Restore by Symantec restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you
purchased the computer. Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes
any applications installed after you received the computer. Use PC Restore only if System Restore did
not resolve your operating system problem.

•

If you received an Operating System CD with your computer, you can use it to restore your operating
system. Use the CD only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.

Troubleshooting Tools

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 the Windows Help and Support
Center, see "Finding Information" on page 9.
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover
them.

NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you
set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.
Creating a Restore Point

1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2 Click the task for System Restore.
3 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 "Using Windows XP
Device Driver Rollback" on page 58) to resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System
Restore.
NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any
open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.
1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then click System
Restore.
2 Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.
3 Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.
The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points.
All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.
4 Select a restore point and click Next.
If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or
more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.
5 Click Next.
The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the
computer restarts.
6 After the computer restarts, click OK.
To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can
undo the restoration.
60

Troubleshooting Tools

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.
1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then click System
Restore.
2 Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.
Enabling System Restore

If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is
automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:
1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2 Click Performance and Maintenance.
3 Click System.
4 Click the System Restore tab.
5 Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.

Using Dell PC Restore
NOTICE: Using Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications or
drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC Restore. Use PC
Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
NOTE: Dell PC Restore is not available in all countries or on all computers.
Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system.
PC Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer.
Any programs or files added since you received your computer—including data files—are permanently
deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos,
music files, and so on. If possible, back up all data before using PC Restore.
To use PC Restore:
1 Turn on the computer.
During the boot process, a blue bar with www.dell.com appears at the top of the screen.
2 Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press .
If you do not press in time, let the computer finish starting, and then restart the
computer again.
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.
3 On the next screen that appears, click Restore.
4 On the next screen, click Confirm.
The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.
Troubleshooting Tools

5 When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.
NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.
6 When prompted, click Yes.
The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the screens that
appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the
computer was turned on.
7 Click Next.
The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.
8 After the computer restarts, click OK.
Removing Dell PC Restore

NOTICE: Removing Dell PC Restore from the hard drive permanently deletes the PC Restore utility from your
computer. After you have removed Dell PC Restore, you will not be able to use it to restore your computer’s
operating system.
Dell PC Restore enables you to restore your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you
purchased your computer. It is recommended that you do not remove PC Restore from your computer,
even to gain additional hard-drive space. If you remove PC Restore from the hard drive, you cannot ever
recall it, and you will never be able to use PC Restore to return your computer’s operating system to its
original state.
To remove PC Restore:
1 Log on to the computer as a local administrator.
2 In Windows Explorer, go to c:\dell\utilities\DSR.
3 Double-click the filename DSRIRRemv2.exe.
NOTE: If you do not log on as a local administrator, a message appears stating that you must log on as
administrator. Click Quit, and then log on as a local administrator.

NOTE: If the partition for PC Restore does not exist on your computer’s hard drive, a message appears
stating that the partition was not found. Click Quit; there is no partition to delete.

4 Click OK to remove the PC Restore partition on the hard drive.
5 Click Yes when a confirmation message appears.
The PC Restore partition is deleted and the newly available disk space is added to the free space
allocation on the hard drive.
6 Right-click Local Disk (C) in Windows Explorer, click Properties, and verify that the additional disk
space is available as indicated by the increased value for Free Space.
7 Click Finish to close the PC Restore Removal window.
8 Restart the computer.

Troubleshooting Tools

Using the Operating System CD
Before You Begin

If you are considering a reinstall of the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly
installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback (see "Using Windows XP Device
Driver Rollback" on page 58). If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System
Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new
device driver (see "Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore" on page 60).
NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For conventional
hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.

To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:
•

Dell™ Operating System CD

•

Dell ResourceCD
NOTE: The ResourceCD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the
ResourceCD to load any required drivers. Depending on the region from where you ordered your computer, or
whether you requested the CDs, the Drivers and Utilities CD and Operating System CD may not ship with your
system.

Reinstalling Windows XP

The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you
must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files
and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell
technical support representative instructs you to do so.
1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2 Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if the Install Windows XP message appears.
3 Restart the computer.
4 Press 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.
5 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.

Troubleshooting Tools

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 and Before Working Inside Your
Computer.

•

You have read the safety information in your Dell™ Product Information Guide.

•

A component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed 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 executable update program on support.dell.com.

Turning Off Your Computer
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off
your computer.
1 Shut down the operating system:
a

Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click
Turn Off Computer.

In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.

2 Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached
devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, press and hold
the power button for 4 seconds.

Removing and Installing Parts

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 in the Product
Information Guide.
CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a
card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its
pins.
NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing
that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself.
Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking
tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any
connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the
computer.

1 Turn off your computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 65).
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the
network device.
2 Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
3 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the
power button to ground the system board.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.
4 Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 66).
NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface,
such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to
dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

Removing the Computer Cover
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the removed cover.

Removing and Installing Parts

NOTICE: Ensure that you are working on a level, protected surface to avoid scratching either the computer or the
surface on which it is resting.
2 Lay your computer on its side with the computer cover facing up.
3 Pull back the cover latch release located on the top panel.
1

4
1

cover latch release

bottom hinge tabs

computer cover

back of computer

4 Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up, using the bottom hinge tabs as leverage
points.
5 Release the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside in a secure location.

Removing and Installing Parts

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

5
*May not be present on all computers.

floppy drive or Media Reader

CD or DVD drive

system board

hard drive

Removing and Installing Parts

power supply

System Board Components
2

3
4

5
6

7
20
8
19
9

18
17

fan connector (FAN_CPU1)

processor socket (CPU)

memory module connectors
(DIMM_1, DIMM_2, DIMM_3,
DIMM_4)

power connector
(PW_12V_A1)

serial ATA drive connectors
(SATA2, SATA3)

serial ATA drive connectors
(SATA0, SATA1)

front-panel connector
(FRONTPANEL)

power connector (POWER1)

line-in, line-out, microphone,
side surround, center, and LFE
connectors
(AUDIO_6_STACK)

Removing and Installing Parts

10 USB connectors (2)
(USB2_BACK1)

network connector and USB
connectors (2) (NIC_USB1)

real-time clock reset jumper
(RTCRST)

13 video connector (VIDEO1)

battery socket (BT1)

Internal USB connector
(USB1)

16 PCI Express x16 connector
(SLOT1)

standby power indicator
(AUX_PWR_LED)

PCI Express x1 connector
(SLOT2)

19 PCI connector (SLOT3)

PCI connector (SLOT4)

password jumper (PSWD)

22 floppy drive connector
(FLOPPY1)

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 111.
NOTICE: Do not install ECC or buffered memory modules. Only unbuffered, non-ECC memory is supported.

Removing and Installing Parts

Memory Installation Guidelines
•

DIMM connectors must be populated in numerical order beginning with connectors DIMM_1 and
DIMM_2, then connectors DIMM_3 and DIMM_4.
If a single DIMM is installed, you must install it in connector DIMM_1.

•

For best performance, memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and
technology. If the memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will operate, but
with a slight reduction in performance. (See the label on the module to determine the module’s
capacity.) For example, if you install a mixed pair of DDR2 533-MHz and DDR2 667-MHz memory,
the modules function at the slowest speed installed.

1
1

Channel A: matched pair of
memory modules in
connectors DIMM_1 and
DIMM_2 (white securing
clips)

Channel B: matched pair of
memory modules in
connectors DIMM_3 and
DIMM_4 (black securing clips)

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

Removing and Installing Parts

Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations
Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use four 1-GB DIMMs. Current
32-bit operating systems, such as Microsoft® Windows® XP, can use a maximum of 4 GB of address
space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is less than that installed.
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 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.
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Press the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
1
2

memory connector farthest
from processor (DIMM_1)

Removing and Installing Parts

securing clips (2)

connector

3 Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector.
3
2

4
1

cutouts (2)

crossbar

memory module

notch

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.

4 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.

5 Replace the computer cover.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the
computer.

6 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
7 Right-click the My Computer icon and click Properties.
8 Click the General tab.
9 To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of memory (RAM) listed.

Removing and Installing Parts

Removing Memory
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your
body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted
metal surface on the computer chassis.
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
3 Grasp the module at the end of the board and lift up.

Cards
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your
body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted
metal surface on the computer chassis.
Your Dell™ computer provides the following slots for PCI and PCI Express cards:
•

One PCI Express x16 card slot (SLOT1)

•

One PCI Express x1 card slot (SLOT2)

•

Two PCI card slots (SLOT3, SLOT4)

See "System Board Components" on page 69 for card slot location.

PCI Cards
Your computer supports two PCI cards.

•

If you are installing or replacing a card, follow the procedures in the next section.

•

If you are removing but not replacing a PCI card, see "Removing a PCI Card" on page 79.

•

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 80.

Removing and Installing Parts

Installing a PCI Card

1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.

release tab

card retention door

2 Gently push the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because
the door is captive, it will remain in the open position.
3 If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue
with step 5.
4 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.
5 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.

Removing and Installing Parts

6 Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.
3
4
2

6
1

alignment bar

fully-seated card

not fully seated card

alignment guide

bracket within slot

bracket caught outside of slot

7 Before you close the card retention door, 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.

Removing and Installing Parts

alignment guide

card retention door

alignment bar

release tab

8 Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the cards.
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.
9 Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
See the documentation for the card for information about the card’s cable connections.

Removing and Installing Parts

2
3
4

front I/O panel connector

sound card connector

jumper

sound card cable

If you are installing a sound card, remove the jumper on the end of the front I/O panel. Then connect
one end of the cable to the sound card and the other end of the cable to the connection on the front
I/O panel from which you removed the jumper.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the
computer.

10 Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn
them on.
11 If you installed a sound card:

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115), go to Onboard Devices and select
Integrated Audio, and then change the setting to Off.

Connect external audio devices to the sound card’s connectors. Do not connect external audio
devices to the microphone, speaker/headphone, or line-in connectors on the back panel. See "Back
Panel Connectors" on page 16.

Removing and Installing Parts

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

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115), go to Onboard Devices and select
Integrated NIC, and then change the setting to Off.

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. See "Back Panel Connectors" on
page 16.

13 Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
Removing a PCI Card

1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Gently push the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because
the door is captive, it will remain in the open position.
3 If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the card by its top corners and ease it
out of its connector. If a sound card is removed, a jumper should be installed on the Front IO card
audio connector.
4 If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the
computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
5 Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the cards.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the
computer.

6 Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn
them on.
7 Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.
8 If you removed a sound card:
a

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115), go to Onboard Devices and select
Integrated Audio, and then change the setting to On.

Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer. See
"Back Panel Connectors" on page 16.

9 If you removed an add-in network connector:
a

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115), go to Onboard Devices and select
Integrated NIC, and then change the setting to On.

Connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel of the computer. See
"Back Panel Connectors" on page 16.

Removing and Installing Parts

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

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 card, see "Removing a PCI Express Card" on page 85.

•

If you are installing or replacing a PCI card, see "Installing a PCI Card" on page 75.

•

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

Installing a PCI Express Card

1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 66).
1

3
1

card retention door

card retention mechanism

release tabs (2)

3 Gently push the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. The
door is hinged and will remain in the open position (see "Installing a PCI Card" on page 75 for an
illustration of the card retention door).
4 If your computer includes a card retention mechanism to secure the x16 card in place from the top:
a

Pivot the mechanism upward and gently squeeze in on the sides to release the mechanism from
the two tab slots holding it in place.

Set the retention mechanism aside.

5 If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening, then continue
with step 7.

Removing and Installing Parts

6 If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card.
Disconnect any cables connected to the card. Gently pull the securing tab, grasp the card by its top
corners, and then ease it out of its connector.
3
1

5
1

PCI Express x16 card

securing tab

PCI Express x1 card slot

PCI Express x16 card slot

PCI Express x1 card

7 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.
8 If you are installing the card into the x16 card connector, position the card so the securing slot is
aligned with the securing tab.

Removing and Installing Parts

9 Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.
3
4
2

alignment bar

fully seated card

not fully seated card

alignment guide

bracket within slot

bracket caught outside of slot

10 If you replaced a card that was already installed in the computer and you removed the retention
mechanism, reinstall the retention mechanism:
Before replacing the card retention mechanism, 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.

Snap the card retention mechanism into place, securing the x16 PCI card.

Removing and Installing Parts

3
1

card retention door

card retention mechanism

release tabs (2)

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.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer.
11 Before you close the card retention door, 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.

Removing and Installing Parts

alignment guide

card retention door

alignment bar

release tab

12 Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the cards.
13 Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
See the documentation for the card for information about the card’s cable connections.
14 Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn
them on.
15 If you installed a sound card:
a

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115), go to Onboard Devices and select
Integrated Audio, and then change the setting to Off.

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

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115), go to Onboard Devices and select
Integrated NIC, and then change the setting to Off.

Removing and Installing Parts

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. See "Back Panel Connectors" on
page 16.

17 Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
Removing a PCI Express Card

1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Gently push the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because
the door is captive, it will remain in the open position (see "Installing a PCI Card" on page 75 for an
illustration of the card retention door).
3 If your computer includes a card retention mechanism, to secure the x16 card in place from the top:
a

Pivot the mechanism upward and gently squeeze in on the sides to release the mechanism from
the two tab slots holding it in place.

Set the retention mechanism aside in a secure location.

4 If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Gently pull the securing tab, grasp the card
by its top corners, and then ease it out of its connectors.
5 If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the
computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
6 Reseat the card retention mechanism in the tabs and pivot downward to snap it into place.
7 Close the card retention door to snap it into place, securing the cards.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the
computer.

8 Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn
them on.
9 Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.
10 If you removed a sound card:
a

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115), go to Onboard Devices and select
Integrated Audio, and then change the setting to On

Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer. See
"Back Panel Connectors" on page 16.

11 If you removed an add-in network connector:
a

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115), go to Onboard Devices and select
Integrated NIC, and then change the setting to On.

Connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel of the computer. See
"Back Panel Connectors" on page 16.

Removing and Installing Parts

Drive Panel
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.

Removing the Drive Panel
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 66).
1

3
4

sliding plate lever

side hinges

Removing and Installing Parts

sliding plate

drive panel

3 Grasping the lever on the sliding plate, pull the sliding plate to the right until it snaps into the open
position.
NOTE: This sliding plate secures and releases the drive panel and helps to secure the drives.
4 By pushing from the inside and pivoting the drive panel to the left, you can release the drive panel
from its side hinges.
5 Set the drive panel aside.

Removing the Drive-Panel Insert
2
1

drive panel

drive-panel insert tab

drive-panel insert

1 Pull the drive-panel insert tab away from the drive panel insert to disengage the insert from the drive
panel.
2 Without releasing the tab, pivot the drive-panel insert out and away from the drive panel.
3 Set the drive-panel insert aside in a secure location.

Removing and Installing Parts

Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert
2

center drive-panel tab

drive-panel insert

drive panel

drive-panel insert tab

1 Slide the tab on the left side of the drive-panel insert under the center drive-panel tab.
2 Rotate the drive-panel insert into place and snap the drive-panel insert tab over the corresponding tab
on the drive panel.

Removing and Installing Parts

Replacing the Drive Panel
1 Align the drive panel tabs with the side hinges.
1

3
4

sliding plate lever

sliding plate

drive panel tabs (3)

side hinges

drive panel

2 Rotate the drive panel toward the computer until it snaps into place on the front panel.

Removing and Installing Parts

Drives
Your computer supports a combination of these devices:
•

Up to two serial ATA hard drives

•

One optional floppy drive or an optional Media Card Reader

•

Up to two CD or DVD drives

CD/DVD drive

FlexBay for optional floppy
drive or Media Card Reader

hard drive

Recommended Drive Cable Connections

•

Connect serial ATA hard drives to connectors labeled "SATA0" or "SATA1" on the system board.

•

Connect serial ATA CD or DVD drives to connectors labeled "SATA2" or "SATA3" on the system board.

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.
Power Connector

power cable

power input connector

Drive Interface Connectors
The drive cable connectors are keyed for correct insertion. Properly align the cable connector key on the
cable and the drive before connecting.
Serial ATA Connector
1

interface cable

interface connector

Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables
When connecting and disconnecting a serial ATA data cable, disconnect the cable using the pull-tab.
The serial ATA 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.
Removing and Installing Parts

Hard Drives
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.
NOTICE: 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.
NOTICE: If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before you begin
this procedure.
Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.

Removing a Hard Drive
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Disconnect the power and data cables from the drive.
NOTICE: Use the pull-tab to remove the data cable from your hard drive.

1
2

power cable

Removing and Installing Parts

serial ATA data cable

3 Press in on the blue tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out of the computer.
1

tabs (2)

hard drive

4 If removing this drive changes the drive configuration, then be sure to reflect these changes in system
setup. When you restart your computer, enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115), then go
to the "Drives" section of the System Setup and under Drive 0 through 3, set the Drive to the correct
configuration.
5 Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).
6 Connect computer and other devices to an electrical outlet.

Installing a Hard Drive
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 66).
3 Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.
NOTE: If your replacement hard drive does not have the hard drive bracket attached, remove the bracket from the
old drive by unsnapping it from the drive. Snap the bracket onto the new drive.

Removing and Installing Parts

drive

hard-drive bracket

4 Align the hard drive bracket with the guides in the hard drive bay.

1
2

hard-drive bracket

hard drive

guide in hard-drive bay

5 Gently slide the drive into place until you feel a click or the drive is securely installed. Take care not to
let the drive free-fall into the drive bay.
6 Connect the power and data cables to the drive.

Removing and Installing Parts

1
2

serial ATA data cable

power cable

7 Check all cables to be certain that they are properly connected and firmly seated.
8 Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it into the
computer.

9 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
10 See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for
drive operation.
11 Check the System Setup for drive configuration changes (see "Entering System Setup" on page 115).

Adding a Second Hard Drive
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.

Removing and Installing Parts

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.
1 Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.
2 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
3 Press in on the blue release tabs on each side of the hard drive bracket and slide it up and out of the
computer.
4 Snap the bracket to the hard drive (see "Installing a Hard Drive" on page 93).
5 Align the hard drive bracket with the guides in the hard drive bay.
6 Gently slide the new drive (second hard drive) into place until you feel a click or feel the drive securely
installed. Take care not to let the drive free-fall into the drive bay.
1
2

3
4
1

release tabs (2)

primary hard drive in upper bay

second hard drive in lower bay 3

hard drive bay

7 Connect the power and data cables to the drive (see "Connecting Drive Cables" on page 91).
8 Connect the other end of the data cable to the SATA connector on the system board labeled SATA0 or
SATA1 (see "System Board Components" on page 69).
9 Check all cables to be certain that they are properly connected and firmly seated.
10 Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it into the
computer.

11 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
12 See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for
drive operation.

Removing and Installing Parts

Floppy Drive
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.
NOTE: If you are adding a floppy drive, see "Installing a Floppy Drive" on page 99.

Removing a Floppy Drive
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Remove the drive panel (see "Removing the Drive Panel" on page 86).

1
2

power cable

data cable

3 Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the floppy drive.
NOTE: If you have installed a PCI Express x16 card, this card may cover the floppy-drive connectors. Remove this
card before disconnecting the floppy-drive cables (see "Removing a PCI Express Card" on page 85)

Removing and Installing Parts

4 Slide the drive latch release toward the bottom of the computer and, without releasing the drive latch
release, slide the floppy drive out through the front of the computer.
1

drive latch release

sliding plate

floppy drive

5 If you are not replacing the drive, reinstall the drive panel insert (see "Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert"
on page 88).
6 Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).
7 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
8 Check the System Step for the appropriate diskette Drive Option changes (see "Entering System Setup" on
page 115).

Removing and Installing Parts

Installing a Floppy Drive
NOTE: In the event that the replacement or new floppy drive does not have shoulder screws, check for the screws
located within the drive panel insert or, if applicable, reuse screws attached to the drive that you are replacing.

2
1

drive

screws (4)

1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Remove the drive panel (see "Removing the Drive Panel" on page 86).
3 Gently slide the drive into place until you feel a click or feel the drive securely installed.
NOTE: If you are installing a new floppy drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the drive panel insert where
you want the drive to be installed, insert the shoulder screws located in the back of the drive panel insert into the
drive, and then slide the drive back into place.
4 Attach the power and data cables to the floppy drive.
5 Connect the other end of the data cable to the connector labeled "FLOPPY1" on the system board (see
"System Board Components" on page 69) and route the cable through the clip on the shroud.

Removing and Installing Parts

power cable

data cable

6 If you are installing a new floppy drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the appropriate drive-panel
insert (see "Removing the Drive-Panel Insert" on page 87).
7 Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to avoid blocking airflow between the fan
and cooling vents.
8 Replace the drive panel (see "Replacing the Drive Panel" on page 89).
9 Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the
computer.

10 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.

100

Removing and Installing Parts

11 Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115) and select the appropriate Diskette Drive
option.
12 Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on
page 56).

Media Card Reader
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.

Removing a Media Card Reader
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Remove the drive panel (see "Removing the Drive Panel" on page 86).

*Not present on all computers.

Media Card Reader

cable

Removing and Installing Parts

101

3 Disconnect the FlexBay USB cable from the back of the Media Card Reader and from the internal
USB connector on the system board (see "System Board Components" on page 69) and remove the
cable from the cable routing clip.
1

drive latch release

sliding plate

Media Card Reader

4 Slide the drive latch release toward the bottom of the computer and, without releasing the drive latch
release, slide the Media Card Reader out through the front of the computer.
5 If you are not replacing the Media Card Reader, reinstall the drive panel insert, as needed (see
"Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert" on page 88).
6 Replace the drive panel (see "Replacing the Drive Panel" on page 89).
7 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

102

Removing and Installing Parts

Installing a Media Card Reader
NOTE: In the event that the replacement or new Media Card Reader does not have shoulder screws, use the
screws located within the drive panel insert. Otherwise, reuse the screws attached to the card reader that you are
replacing.

Media Card Reader

screws (4)

1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Remove the drive panel (see "Removing the Drive Panel" on page 86).
3 If this is a new card reader installation:
•

Remove the drive panel insert (see "Removing the Drive-Panel Insert" on page 87). Remove the
four shoulder screws from the drive panel insert.

•

Remove the Media Card Reader from its packaging.

•

Remove the shoulder screws from the inside of the drive-panel insert and attach the screws to the
new Media Card Reader.

4 Gently slide the Media Card Reader into place until you feel a click or feel the drive securely installed.
Ensure that the Media Card Reader is installed before the FlexBay cable is connected.
5 Connect the USB cable to the back of the Media Card Reader and to the USB connector on the system
board (see "System Board Components" on page 69).

Removing and Installing Parts

103

6 Connect the FlexBay USB cable to the back of the Media Card Reader and to the internal USB
connector on the system board (see "System Board Components" on page 69).
2

Media Card Reader

USB cable

USB connector

7 Route the FlexBay USB cable through the cable routing clip.
8 Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).
9 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

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
removing the cover.

104

Removing and Installing Parts

Removing a CD/DVD Drive
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 Remove the drive panel (see "Removing the Drive Panel" on page 86).
3 Disconnect the power cable and the CD/DVD drive data cable from the back of the drive and the
system board.

power cable

data cable

Removing and Installing Parts

105

4 Slide the drive latch release toward the bottom of the computer and, without releasing the drive latch
release, slide the CD/DVD drive out through the front of the computer.
5 If you are not replacing the drive, replace the drive panel insert (see "Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert"
on page 88).
6 Replace the drive panel (see "Replacing the Drive Panel" on page 89).
1

drive release latch

sliding plate

CD/DVD drive

7 Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).
8 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
9 Configure the drives in System Setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 115).

106

Removing and Installing Parts

Installing a CD/DVD Drive
NOTE: In the event that the replacement or new CD/DVD drive does not have shoulder screws, check for the
screws located within the drive panel insert or, if applicable, reuse screws attached to the drive that you are
replacing.

CD/DVD drive

screws (3)

1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
2 If you are installing a new CD/DVD drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the appropriate drivepanel insert (see "Removing the Drive-Panel Insert" on page 87).
3 Gently slide the drive into place until you feel a click or feel the drive securely installed.
4 Connect the power and data cables to the drive.

Removing and Installing Parts

107

power cable

data cable

5 Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to avoid blocking airflow between the fan
and cooling vents.
6 Replace the drive panel (see "Replacing the Drive Panel" on page 89).
7 Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the
computer.

8 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.
9 Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115) and select the appropriate Drive option.
10 Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on
page 56).

108

Removing and Installing Parts

Battery
Replacing the Battery
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your
body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted
metal surface on the computer chassis.
A coin-cell battery maintains computer configuration, date, and time information. The battery can last
several years.
If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, replace the
battery.
CAUTION: A new battery can explode 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.
To replace the battery:
1 Record all the screens in system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115) so that you can restore the
correct settings in step 9.
2 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
3 Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 66).
4 Locate the battery socket (see "System Board Components" on page 69).
5 Carefully press the battery release lever away from the battery and the battery will pop out.
6 Insert the new battery into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing up, then snap the battery into
place.
2

battery release lever

battery (positive side)

7 Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).
Removing and Installing Parts

109

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

8 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
9 Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115) and restore the settings you recorded in step 1.
Then go to the Maintenance section and clear the low battery and other errors associated with the
battery replacement in the Event Log.
10 Properly dispose of the old battery.
See the Product Information Guide for battery disposal information.

Replacing the Computer Cover
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
1 Ensure that all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way.
2 Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer.
3 Align the bottom of the cover with the tabs located along the bottom edge of the computer.
4 Using the tabs as leverage, rotate the cover downward and press down to close it.
1

3
1

computer cover

back of computer

bottom hinge tabs

5 Ensure that the cover is seated correctly before moving it to the upright position.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the
computer.

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

110

Removing and Installing Parts

Appendix
Specifications
Processor
Processor type

AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processor
AMD Athlon 64 processor
AMD Sempron processor

Level 2 (L2) cache

Up to 1 MB per core
Up to 256 KB for Sempron processors

Memory
Type

533-MHz, 667-MHz, 800-MHz (when available) DDR2 SDRAM

Memory connectors

four

Memory capacities

256 MB, 512 MB, or 1 GB non-ECC

Minimum memory

256 MB

Maximum memory

4 GB

NOTE: See "Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations" on
page 72 to verify the amount of memory available to the operating
system.
Computer Information
Chipset

Nvidia GeForce 6150LE

RAID Support

RAID 1 (Mirroring)

DMA channels

eight

Interrupt levels

BIOS chip (NVRAM)

4 Mb

NIC

Integrated network interface capable of 10/100 communication

Video
Type

Nvidia integrated video (DirectX 9.0 Shader Model 3.0 Graphics
Processing Unit) or optional PCI Express x16 graphics card

Appendix

111

Audio
Type

Sigmatel 9227 CODEC (7.1 Channel audio)

Expansion Bus
Bus type

PCI 2.3
PCI Express 1.0A
SATA 1.0 and 2.0
USB 2.0

Bus speed

PCI: 133 MB/s
PCI Express:
x1 slot bidirectional speed - 500 MB/s
x16 slot bidirectional speed - 8GB/s
SATA: 1.5 Gbps and 3.0 Gbps
USB: 480 Mbps high speed, 12 Mbps full speed, 1.2 Mbps low
speed

PCI
connectors

two

connector size

124 pins

connector data width (maximum)

32 bits

PCI Express
connector

one x1

connector size

36 pins

connector data width (maximum)

1 PCI Express lane

PCI Express
connector

one x16

connector size

164 pins

connector data width (maximum)

16 PCI Express lanes

Drives
Externally accessible:
Bays

one 3.5-inch drive bay (FlexBay)
two 5.25-inch drive bays

112

Available devices

Serial ATA drives (4), floppy drive, USB memory devices, CD/DVD
drive, and Media Card Reader

Internally accessible:

two bays for 1-inch high serial ATA hard drives

Appendix

Connectors
External connectors:
Video

15-hole connector

Network adapter

RJ-45 connector

USB

two front-panel and four back-panel USB 2.0-compliant
connectors

Audio

six connectors for 7.1 support

System board connectors:
Serial ATA

four 7-pin connectors

Internal USB device

one 10-pin connector (supports two USB ports)

Floppy drive

one 34-pin connector

Fan

one 5-pin connectors

PCI 2.3

two 124-pin connectors

PCI Express x1

one 36-pin connector

PCI Express x16

one 164-pin connector

Front panel

one 40-pin connector

Processor

one 940-pin connector

Memory

four 240-pin connectors

Power 12V

one 4-pin connector

Power

one 24-pin connector

Controls and Lights
Front of computer:
Power button

push button

Power light

green light — Blinking green in sleep state; solid green for poweron state.
amber light — Blinking amber indicates a problem with the power
supply inside the computer. If the system cannot boot and there is
a solid amber light, this indicates a problem with the system board
(see "Power Problems" on page 47).

Diagnostic lights

four lights on the front panel (see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 53.)

Standby power light

AUX_PWR_LED on the system board

Hard-drive activity light

green light — When the computer is reading data from or writing
data to the hard drive.

Appendix

113

Controls and Lights (continued)
Rear of computer:
Link integrity light (on integrated
network adapter)

green light — A good connection exists between a 10 Mbps
network and the computer.
orange light — A good connection exists between a 100 Mbps
network and the computer.
off (no light) — The computer is not detecting a physical
connection to the network.

Network activity light (on
integrated network adapter)

yellow blinking light

Power
DC power supply:
Wattage

305 W

Maximum heat dissipation

1041 BTU/hr
NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated by using the power supply
wattage rating.

Voltage (see the safety instructions 90 to 135 V and 180 to 265 V at 50/60 Hz
located in the Product Information
Guide for important voltage setting
information)
Backup battery

3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell

Physical
Height

41.4 cm (16.3 inches)

Width

18.8 cm (7.4 inches)

Depth

45.7 cm (18.0 inches)

Weight

12.7 kg (28.0 lb)

Environmental
Temperature:
Operating

10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)

Storage

–40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F)

Relative humidity

114

Appendix

20% to 80% (noncondensing)

Environmental (continued)
Maximum vibration:
Operating

5 to 350 Hz at 0.0002 G2/Hz

Storage

5 to 500 Hz at 0.001 to 0.01 G2/Hz

Maximum shock:
Operating

40 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2 msec +/- 10% (equivalent to
20 in/sec [51 cm/sec])

Storage

105 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2 msec +/- 10% (equivalent
to 50 in/sec [127 cm/sec])

Altitude:
Operating

–15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)

Storage

–15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)

System Setup
Overview
Use system setup as follows:
•

To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your
computer

•

To set or change a user-selectable option such as the user password

•

To read the current amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed

Before you use system setup, it is recommended that you write down the system setup screen
information for future reference.
NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings for this program. Certain changes
can make your computer work incorrectly.

Entering System Setup
1 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2 When the blue DELL™ logo is displayed, you must watch for the F2 prompt to appear.
3 Once this F2 prompt appears, press immediately.
NOTE: The F2 prompt indicates that the keyboard has initialized. This prompt can appear very quickly, so you must
watch for it to display, and then press . If you press before you are prompted, this keystroke will be lost.

4 If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft® Windows® desktop. Then, shut down your computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer"
on page 65) and try again.

Appendix

115

System Setup Options
NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not appear, or may
not appear exactly as listed.
System
System Info

Displays the System name, BIOS Version, Service Tag, Express Service Code,
and Asset Tag.
NOTE: The system name listed in the BIOS may not appear exactly as the name
that appears on the computer or in the computer’s documentation.

Processor Info

Displays the following information for the processor installed in the system:
Processor Type, Processor Clock Speed, Processor Bus Speed, Processor L2
Cache, Processor ID, and if the processor has 64-bit technology.

Memory Info

Displays the amount of Installed Memory, Memory Speed, Memory Channel
Mode, and a description of the Memory Technology.

PCI Info

Displays the contents of each PCI slot.

Date/Time

Controls the system’s internal calendar and clock.

Boot Sequence

Determines the order in which the system searches for boot devices during
system startup.
NOTE: If you insert a boot device and restart the computer, this option appears in
the system setup menu. To boot from a USB memory device, select the USB
device and move it so it becomes the first device in the list.

HDD Boot Sequence

Lists the order that the BIOS will search the available hard drives in the
system.

Drives
Diskette Drive
(Internal default)

Drives 0 through 3
(On default)

Enables and disables the floppy drives and sets read permission for the
internal floppy drive.
• Off — disables all floppy drives
• USB — enables the USB floppy drive
• Internal — enables the internal floppy drive
• Read Only — enables the internal drive controller and allows the internal
floppy drive read-only permission
NOTE: Operating systems with USB support will recognize USB floppy drives
regardless of this setting.
Enables or disables an ATA or SATA device (such as hard-drive, CD drive, or
DVD drive). On enables the interface so that the device can be used.
Displays the Controller type (ATA or SATA), Port number the drive is using,
Drive ID number, Capacity, and whether the drive is controlled by the BIOS.

116

Appendix

SATA Operation
(Off default)

SMART Reporting
(Off default)

The field configures the operating mode of the integrated hard drive
controller.
• RAID Off — No RAID support
• RAID On — SATA is configured for RAID on every boot.
This setting determines whether integrated drive errors are reported or not
during system startup.

Onboard Devices

(On default)

Enables or disables the integrated NIC controller. Settings are Off, On, On w/
PXE, or On w/RPL. When the On w/ PXE or the On w/RPL setting is active,
if a boot routine is not available from the network server, the computer attempts to
boot from the next device in the boot sequence list.

Integrated Audio

Enables or disables the onboard audio controller.

Integrated NIC

(On default)
USB Controller
(On default)

Rear Dual USB0
(On default)
Rear Dual USB1
(On default)
Front USB
(On default)

Enables or disables the internal USB controller. No Boot enables the controller
but disables the ability to boot from a USB device.
NOTE: Operating systems with USB support will recognize USB floppy drives
regardless of the No Boot setting.
Enables or disables the indicated group of USB ports on the back of the
computer.
Enables or disables the indicated group of USB ports on the back of the
computer.
Enables or disables the indicated group of USB ports on the front of the
computer.

Video
Primary Video
(Auto default)
Video Memory Size
(64MB default)

Specifies which video controller is primary when two video controllers are
present on the computer. Auto enables the add-in video controller. Onboard
enables the integrated video controller.
This setting configures the amount of system memory that is reserved for the
integrated video controller. The settings are Auto, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB,
128MB, or Off.

Appendix

117

Performance
HDD Acoustic Mode
Bypass default

• Bypass — Your computer does not test or change the current acoustics mode
setting.
• Quiet — The hard drive operates at its most quiet setting.
• Suggested — The hard drive operates at the level suggested by the drive
manufacturer.
• Performance — The hard drive operates at its maximum speed.
NOTE: Switching to performance mode will cause the drive heads to move
faster, causing the hard drive to be noisier. However, some drives may not see an
increase in data transfer rates.
NOTE: Changing the acoustics setting does not alter your hard drive image.

Security
Unlock Setup

When an administrator password is being used, allows the user access to
modify system setup settings. Enter the administrator password at the prompt
to unlock system setup. If the correct password is not entered here, the user
can view but not modify system setup fields.

Admin Password

Displays the current status of your system setup program’s password security
feature and allows you to verify and assign a new admin password.

(Not Set default)
System Password
(Not Set default)

Displays the current status of the system's password security feature and allows
a new system password to be assigned and verified.

Determines the interaction between the System password and the Admin
password.
Locked prevents a user without a valid Admin password from being
(Unlocked default)
able to modify the System password. Unlocked allows a user with a valid
System password to modify the system password.
Password Changes

Non-Execute Func

Enables or disables Execute Disable memory protection technology.

(On default)

Power Management
AC Recovery
(Off default)

118

Appendix

Determines how the system responds when AC power is re-applied after a
power loss.
• Off — The system remains off when power is re-applied. You must press the
front-panel power button before the system turns on.
• On — The system turns on when power is re-applied.
• Last — The system returns to the last power state the system was in just
before it was turned off.

Auto Power On
(Off default)

Auto Power Time

Sets the computer to automatically turn on.
• Off — disables the Auto Power On feature
• Everyday — turns the computer on every day at the time set in Auto Power
Time
• Weekdays — turns the computer on every day from Monday through Friday
at the time set in Auto Power Time
NOTE: This feature does not work if you turn off your computer using a power
strip or surge protector.
Sets time to automatically turn on the computer.
Time is kept in the standard 12-hour format (hours:minutes). Change the
startup time by pressing the right- or left-arrow key to increase or decrease the
numbers, or type numbers in both the date and time fields.

Low Power Mode
(Off default)
Cool and Quiet
(On default)
Suspend Mode
(S3 default)

When Low Power Mode is selected, remote wakeup events will no longer
power up the computer from Hibernate or Off via the onboard network
controller.
This option enables or disables the Cool ’n’ Quiet technology for all supported
processors
Sets the computer’s suspend mode.
• S1 — sets the computer to a suspend state where the computer is running in
a low-power mode
• S3 — sets the computer to a standby state where the power is reduced or
turned off for most components; however, system memory remains active for
both settings

Maintenance
Service Tag

Displays the service tag for your computer.

Load Defaults

Restores system setup options to their factory defaults.

Event Log

Allows you to view the Event Log. Entries are marked R for Read and U for
Unread. Mark All Entries Read puts an R to the left of all entries. Clear Log
clears the Event Log.

POST Behavior
Fastboot
(On default)

When enabled, this feature reduces computer startup time by bypassing some
compatibility steps.
• Off — does not skip any steps during computer startup
• On — starts the system more quickly

Appendix

119

Numlock Key
(On default)

POST Hotkeys
(Setup & Boot Menu
default)

Keyboard Errors
(Report default)

Determines the functionality of the numeric keys on the right side of your
keyboard.
• Off — commands the right keypad keys to function as arrows
• On — commands the right keypad keys to function as numbers
Determines whether the sign-on screen displays a message stating the
keystroke sequence that is required to enter the Setup program or the
Quickboot feature.
• Setup & Boot Menu — displays both messages
(F2=Setup and F12=Boot Menu)
• Setup — displays the setup message only (F2=Setup)
• Boot Menu — displays the Quickboot message only (F12=Boot Menu)
• None — displays no message
When set to Report and an error is detected during POST, the BIOS will
display the error message and prompt you to press to continue or press
to enter system setup.
When set to Do Not Report (disabled) and an error is detected during POST,
the BIOS will display the error message and continue booting the system.

Boot Sequence
This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices.
Option Settings

•

Bootable Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no operating
system is on the drive, the computer generates an error message.

•

Onboard Floppy Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the floppy drive. If the floppy disk in
the drive is not bootable, if no floppy disk is in the drive, or if there is no floppy drive installed in the
computer, the computer generates an error message.

•

Onboard CD-ROM Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the CD drive. If no CD is in the
drive, or if the CD has no operating system, the computer generates an error message.

•

Integrated NIC — The computer attempts to boot using the integrated NIC. If integrated NIC is not
connected, the computer generates an error message.

•

USB-Device, USB-Floppy, USB-CDROM — Attach the device to a USB port and restart the
computer before selecting the option from the Boot Menu. The computer will attempt to boot from
the appropriate USB device. If no operating system is on the appropriate drive or disk, the computer
will generate an error message.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that a device is bootable, check the
device documentation.

120

Appendix

Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot

You can use this feature, for example, to restart your computer to a USB device, such as a floppy drive,
memory key, or CD-RW drive.
NOTE: If you are booting to a USB floppy drive, you must first set Diskette Interface to Disabled in system setup
(see "System Setup" on page 115).
1 If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector.
2 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3 When F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen,
press .
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft Windows desktop, then shut down your computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on
page 65) and try again.
4 Press to continue.
The Boot Menu appears, listing all available boot devices.
5 Use the arrow keys to select the appropriate device (for the current boot only).
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that a device is bootable, check the
device documentation.
Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots

1 Enter system setup, select Boot Sequence from the System group (see "Entering System Setup" on
page 115).
2 Press to access the menu.
NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.
3 Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the appropriate Boot Sequence option.
4 Press the U or D keys to move the option up or down in the boot sequence.
5 Press to Save the changes or to Cancel.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure your device is bootable, check the
device documentation.

Appendix

121

Clearing Forgotten Passwords
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.

2 Locate the 2-pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board and remove the jumper plug from
pins 1 and 2 to clear the password.
3 Close the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).
4 Connect your computer and monitor to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
5 After the Microsoft® Windows® desktop appears on your computer, shut down the computer (see
"Turning Off Your Computer" on page 65).
6 Turn off the monitor and disconnect it from the electrical outlet.
7 Disconnect the computer power cable from the electrical outlet, and press the power button to ground
the system board.
8 Open the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 66).
9 Locate the 2-pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board (see "System Board Components" on
page 69) and attach the jumper to pins 1 and 2 to reenable the password feature.

122

Appendix

10 Close the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the
computer.

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

Clearing CMOS Settings
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 65.
NOTE: The computer must be disconnected from the electrical outlet to clear the CMOS setting.
2 Reset the current CMOS settings:
a

Locate the 2-pin CMOS jumper (RTCRST) on the system board (see "System Board
Components" on page 69).
NOTE: When you receive your computer, there is no jumper plug on the CMOS jumper.

Remove the jumper plug from the password jumper (PSWD) pins 1 and 2.

Place the jumper plug on the CMOS jumper (RTCRST) pins 1 and 2 and wait approximately five
seconds.

Remove the jumper plug and replace it on the password jumper (PSWD) pins 1 and 2.

3 Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it into the
computer.

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

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

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor
CAUTION: Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Clean your
computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain
flammable substances.
•

Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove dust from the slots and holes on your
computer and from between the keys on the keyboard.

Appendix

123

NOTICE: Do not wipe the display screen with any soap or alcohol solution. Doing so may damage the antiglare
coating.

•

To clean your monitor screen, lightly dampen a soft, clean cloth with water. If possible, use a special
screen-cleaning tissue or solution suitable for the monitor’s antistatic coating.

•

Wipe the keyboard, computer, and plastic part of the monitor with a soft cleaning cloth moistened
with a solution of three parts water and one part dishwashing detergent.
Do not soak the cloth or let water drip inside your computer or keyboard.

Mouse
If your screen cursor skips or moves abnormally, clean the mouse. To clean a non-optical mouse:
1 Turn the retainer ring on the underside of your mouse counterclockwise, and then remove the ball.
2 Wipe the ball with a clean, lint-free cloth.
3 Blow carefully into the ball cage to dislodge dust and lint.
4 If the rollers inside the ball cage are dirty, clean the rollers with a cotton swab moistened lightly with
isopropyl alcohol.
5 Recenter the rollers in their channels if they are misaligned. Ensure that fluff from the swab is not left
on the rollers.
6 Replace the ball and retainer ring, and turn the retainer ring clockwise until it clicks into place.

Floppy Drive
NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You might accidentally misalign the heads, which
prevents the drive from operating.
Clean your floppy drive using a commercially available cleaning kit. These kits contain pretreated floppy
disks to remove contaminants that accumulate during normal operation.

CDs and DVDs
NOTICE: Always use compressed air to clean the lens in the CD/DVD drive, and follow the instructions that come
with the compressed air. Never touch the lens in the drive.

If you notice problems, such as skipping, with the playback quality of your CDs or DVDs, try cleaning
the discs.
1 Hold the disc by its outer edge. You can also touch the inside edge of the center hole.
NOTICE: To prevent damaging the surface, do not wipe in a circular motion around the disc.
2 With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the unlabeled side) in a straight line
from the center to the outer edge of the disc.
For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild soap. You can also purchase
commercial products that clean discs and provide some protection from dust, fingerprints, and
scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are safe to use on DVDs.
124

Appendix

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)
Technician-assisted technical support requires the cooperation and participation of the customer in the
troubleshooting process and provides for restoration of the operating system, software programs, and
hardware drivers to the original default configuration as shipped from Dell, as well as the verification of
appropriate functionality of the computer and all Dell-installed hardware. In addition to this technicianassisted technical support, online technical support is available at support.dell.com. Additional technical
support options may be available for purchase.
Dell provides limited technical support for the computer and any "Dell-installed" software and
peripherals1. Support for third-party software and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer,
including those purchased and/or installed through Dell Software and Peripherals, Readyware, and
Custom Factory Integration2.
1
2

Repair services are provided pursuant to the terms and conditions of your limited warranty and any optional support service contract purchased with the computer.
All Dell-standard components included in a Custom Factory Integration (CFI) project are covered by the standard Dell limited warranty for your computer. However, Dell also extends a parts replacement program to cover all nonstandard,
third-party hardware components integrated through CFI for the duration of the computer’s service contract.

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals
Dell-installed software includes the operating system and some of the software programs that are
installed on the computer during the manufacturing process (Microsoft® Office, Norton Antivirus, and
so on).
Dell-installed peripherals include any internal expansion cards, or Dell-branded module bay or PC Card
accessories. In addition, any Dell-branded monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, microphones for
telephonic modems, docking stations/port replicators, networking products, and all associated cabling are
included.

Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals
Third-party software and peripherals include any peripheral, accessory, or software program sold by Dell
not under the Dell brand (printers, scanners, cameras, games, and so on). Support for all third-party
software and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer of the product.

FCC Notice (U.S. Only)
FCC Class B
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction manual, may cause interference with radio and television
reception. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Appendix

125

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1 This device may not cause harmful interference.
2 This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
NOTICE: The FCC regulations provide that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Dell Inc. could void
your authority to operate this equipment.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference with radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
•

Reorient the receiving antenna.

•

Relocate the system with respect to the receiver.

•

Move the system away from the receiver.

•

Plug the system into a different outlet so that the system and the receiver are on different branch
circuits.

If necessary, consult a representative of Dell Inc. or an experienced radio/television technician for
additional suggestions.
The following information is provided on the device or devices covered in this document in compliance
with the FCC regulations:
Product name:

Dell™ Dimension™ E521

Model number:

DCSM

Company name:

Dell Inc.
Worldwide Regulatory Compliance & Environmental
Affairs
One Dell Way
Round Rock, TX 78682 USA
512-338-4400

NOTE: For Further regulatory information, see your Product Information Guide.

Contacting Dell
You can contact Dell through the Internet and by phone:

126

•

For support through the web, go to support.dell.com.

•

For worldwide support through the web, use the Choose A Country/Region menu near the bottom of
the page, or see the web addresses listed in the following table.
Appendix

•

For support by e-mail, see the e-mail addresses listed in the following table.
NOTE: Toll-free numbers are for use within the country for which they are listed.

•

For support by phone, use the phone numbers and codes provided in the following table. If you need
assistance in determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international operator.
NOTE: The contact information provided was deemed correct at the time that this document went to print and is
subject to change.

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address

Anguilla

Online Support

www.dell.com/ai

E-mail Address

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
Antigua and Barbuda

Online Support

toll-free: 800-335-0031
www.dell.com.ag
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

1-800-805-5924

Aomen

Technical Support

toll-free: 0800-105

Country Code: 853

Customer Service (Xiamen, China)

34 160 910

Transaction Sales (Xiamen, China)

29 693 115

Argentina (Buenos Aires)

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

E-mail for Desktops and Portables

Country Code: 54
City Code: 11

E-mail for Servers and EMC
Products

www.dell.com.ar
® Storage

la_enterprise@dell.com

Customer Service

toll-free: 0-800-444-0730

Technical Support – Dell PowerApp™, Dell
PowerEdge™, Dell PowerConnect™, and
Dell PowerVault™

toll-free: 0-800-222-0154

Technical Support Services

toll-free: 0-800-444-0724

Sales
Aruba

la-techsupport@dell.com

Online Support

0-810-444-3355
www.dell.com.aw
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 800-1578

Appendix

127

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Australia (Sydney)

Online Support

International Access Code: 0011

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
support.ap.dell.com
support.ap.dell.com/contactus

Country Code: 61

Technical Support

City Code: 2

Home and Home Office

toll-free: 1300-655-533

Medium and Large Business

toll-free: 1800-633-559

Small Business, Education, Local
Government

toll-free: 1800-060-889

Customer Service

toll-free: 1300-662-196

Online Support

support.euro.dell.com

Austria (Vienna)
International Access Code: 900

tech_support_central_europe@dell.co
m

Country Code: 43
City Code: 1

Bahamas

Home/Small Business Sales

08 20 24 05 30 00

Home/Small Business Fax

08 20 24 05 30 49

Home/Small Business Customer Service

08 20 24 05 30 14

Home/Small Business Support

08 20 24 05 30 17

Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer
Service

08 20 24 05 30 16

Preferred Accounts/Corporate Support

08 20 24 05 30 17

Switchboard

08 20 24 05 30 00

Online Support

www.dell.com/bs
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
Barbados

Online Support

toll-free: 1-866-874-3038
www.dell.com/bb
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

1-800-534-3142

Belgium (Brussels)

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

General Support

02 481 92 88

Country Code: 32

General Support Fax

02 481 92 95

City Code: 2

Customer Service

02 713 15 65

Corporate Sales

02 481 91 00

Fax

02 481 92 99

Switchboard

02 481 91 00

128

Appendix

support.euro.dell.com

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Bermuda

Online Support

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
www.dell.com/bm
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
Bolivia

Online Support

1-877-890-0751
www.dell.com/bo
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
Brazil

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

toll-free: 800-10-0238
www.dell.com/br
BR_TechSupport@dell.com
0800 970 3355

Country Code: 55

Customer Service and Tech Support

City Code: 51

Technical Support Fax

51 2104 5470

Customer Service Fax

51 2104 5480

Sales

0800 970 3390

British Virgin Islands

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 1-866-278-6820

Brunei

Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia)

604 633 4966

Country Code: 673

Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)

604 633 3101
or toll-free: 801 1012

Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia)

604 633 3101
or toll-free: 801 1012

Appendix

129

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Canada (North York, Ontario)

Online Order Status

www.dell.ca/ostatus

International Access Code: 011

Online Support

support.ca.dell.com

AutoTech (automated Hardware and
Warranty Support)

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address

toll-free: 1-800-247-9362

Customer Service
Home/Home Office

toll-free: 1-800-847-4096

Small Business

toll-free: 1-800-906-3355

Medium/Large Business, Government,
Education

toll-free: 1-800-387-5757

Hardware Warranty Phone Support
Computers for Home/Home Office

toll-free: 1-800-847-4096

Computers for Small/Medium/Large
Business, Government

toll-free: 1-800-387-5757

Printers, Projectors, Televisions, Handheld,
Digital Jukebox, and Wireless

1-877-335-5767

Sales
Home and Home Office Sales

toll-free: 1-800-999-3355

Small Business

toll-free: 1-800-387-5752

Medium/Large Business, Government

toll-free: 1-800-387-5755

Spare Parts and Extended Service
Cayman Islands
Chile (Santiago)

Online Support

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

1-877-262-5415

Online Support

www.dell.com/cl
la-techsupport@dell.com

Country Code: 56
City Code: 2

1 866 440 3355

Sales and Customer Support

toll-free: 1230-020-3397
or 800-20-1385

130

Appendix

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address

China (Xiamen)

Online Support

Country Code: 86

Technical Support E-mail

support.dell.com.cn/email

City Code: 592

Customer Service E-mail

customer_cn@dell.com

support.dell.com.cn

592 818 1350

Technical Support Fax
Technical Support – Dell™ Dimension™
and Dell Inspiron™

toll-free: 800 858 2969

Technical Support – Dell OptiPlex™, Dell
Latitude™, and Dell Precision™

toll-free: 800 858 0950

Technical Support – Servers and Storage

toll-free: 800 858 0960

Technical Support – Projectors, PDAs,
Switches, Routers, etc.

toll-free: 800 858 2920

Technical Support – Printers

toll-free: 800 858 2311

Customer Service

toll-free: 800 858 2060

Customer Service Fax

Colombia

592 818 1308

Home and Small Business

toll-free: 800 858 2222

Preferred Accounts Division

toll-free: 800 858 2557

Large Corporate Accounts GCP

toll-free: 800 858 2055

Large Corporate Accounts Key Accounts

toll-free: 800 858 2628

Large Corporate Accounts North

toll-free: 800 858 2999

Large Corporate Accounts North
Government and Education

toll-free: 800 858 2955

Large Corporate Accounts East

toll-free: 800 858 2020

Large Corporate Accounts East
Government and Education

toll-free: 800 858 2669

Large Corporate Accounts Queue Team

toll-free: 800 858 2572

Large Corporate Accounts South

toll-free: 800 858 2355

Large Corporate Accounts West

toll-free: 800 858 2811

Large Corporate Accounts Spare Parts

toll-free: 800 858 2621

Online Support

www.dell.com/co
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

01-800-915-4755

Appendix

131

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Costa Rica

Online Support

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
www.dell.com/cr
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
Czech Republic (Prague)

Online Support

International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 420

0800-012-0231
support.euro.dell.com
czech_dell@dell.com

Technical Support

22537 2727

Customer Service

22537 2707

Fax

22537 2714

Technical Fax

22537 2728

Switchboard

22537 2711

Denmark (Copenhagen)

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

Technical Support

7023 0182

Country Code: 45

Customer Service – Relational

7023 0184

Home/Small Business Customer Service

3287 5505

Switchboard – Relational

3287 1200

Switchboard Fax – Relational

3287 1201

Switchboard – Home/Small Business

3287 5000

Switchboard Fax – Home/Small Business

3287 5001

Dominica

Online Support

support.euro.dell.com

www.dell.com/dm
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
Dominican Republic

Online Support

toll-free: 1-866-278-6821
www.dell.com/do
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
Ecuador

Online Support

1-800-156-1588
www.dell.com/ec
la-techsupport@dell.com

132

Appendix

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
(calling from Quito)

toll-free: 999-119-877-655-3355

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
(calling from Guayaquil)

toll-free: 1800-999-119-877-655-3355

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

El Salvador

Online Support

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
www.dell.com/sv
la-techsupport@dell.com
800-6132

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
Finland (Helsinki)

Online Support

International Access Code: 990

support.euro.dell.com
fi_support@dell.com

Country Code: 358

Technical Support

0207 533 555

City Code: 9

Customer Service

0207 533 538

Switchboard

0207 533 533

Fax

0207 533 530

Sales under 500 employees

0207 533 540

Sales over 500 employees

0207 533 533

France (Paris) (Montpellier)

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

Home and Small Business

Country Code: 33

Technical Support

0825 387 270

City Codes: (1) (4)

Customer Service

0825 823 833

Switchboard

0825 004 700

Switchboard (calls from outside of France)

support.euro.dell.com

04 99 75 40 00

Sales

0825 004 700

Fax

0825 004 701

Fax (calls from outside of France)

04 99 75 40 01

Corporate
Technical Support

0825 004 719

Customer Service

0825 338 339

Switchboard

01 55 94 71 00

Sales

01 55 94 71 00

Fax

01 55 94 71 01

Appendix

133

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Germany (Frankfurt)

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

support.euro.dell.com
tech_support_central_europe@dell.co
m

Country Code: 49
City Code: 69

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address

Technical Support

069 9792-7200

Home/Small Business Customer Service

0180-5-224400

Global Segment Customer Service

069 9792-7320

Preferred Accounts Customer Service

069 9792-7320

Large Accounts Customer Service

069 9792-7320

Public Accounts Customer Service

069 9792-7320

Switchboard

069 9792-7000

Greece

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

Technical Support

00800-44 14 95 18

Country Code: 30

Gold Service Technical Support

00800-44 14 00 83

Grenada

support.euro.dell.com

Switchboard

2108129810

Gold Service Switchboard

2108129811

Sales

2108129800

Fax

2108129812

Online Support

www.dell.com/gd
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
Guatemala

Online Support

toll-free: 1-866-540-3355
www.dell.com/gt
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
Guyana

Online Support
Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

134

Appendix

1-800-999-0136
la-techsupport@dell.com
toll-free: 1-877-270-4609

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Hong Kong

Online Support

International Access Code: 001
Country Code: 852

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
support.ap.dell.com
support.dell.com.cn/email

Technical Support – Dimension and
Inspiron

00852-2969 3188

Technical Support – OptiPlex, Latitude,
and Dell Precision

00852-2969 3191

Technical Support – Servers and Storage

00852-2969 3196

Technical Support – Projectors, PDAs,
Switches, Routers, etc.

00852-3416 0906

Customer Service

00852-3416 0910

Large Corporate Accounts

00852-3416 0907

Global Customer Programs

00852-3416 0908

Medium Business Division

00852-3416 0912

Home and Small Business Division

00852-2969 3105

Appendix

135

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

India

Online Support

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
support.ap.dell.com

Portable and Desktop Support
Desktop Support E-mail

india_support_desktop@dell.com

Portable Support E-mail

india_support_notebook@dell.com

Phone Numbers

080-25068032 or 080-25068034
or your city STD code + 60003355
or toll-free: 1-800-425-8045

Server Support
E-mail
Phone Numbers

india_support_Server@dell.com
080-25068032 or 080-25068034
or your city STD code + 60003355
or toll-free: 1800 425 8045

Gold Support Only
E-mail
Phone Numbers

eec_ap@dell.com
080-25068033
or your city STD code + 60003355
or toll-free: 1-800-425-9045

Customer Service
Home and Small Business

India_care_HSB@dell.com
toll-free: 1800-4254051

Large Corporate Accounts

India_care_REL@dell.com
toll-free: 1800-4252067

Sales

136

Appendix

Large Corporate Accounts

1600 33 8044

Home and Small Business

1600 33 8046

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Ireland (Cherrywood)

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
support.euro.dell.com
dell_direct_support@dell.com

Country Code: 353

Technical Support

City Code: 1

Business computers

1850 543 543

Home computers

1850 543 543

At Home Support

1850 200 889

Sales
Home

1850 333 200

Small Business

1850 664 656

Medium Business

1850 200 646

Large Business

1850 200 646

Sales E-mail

Dell_IRL_Outlet@dell.com

Customer Service
01 204 4014

Home and Small Business
Business (greater than 200 employees)

1850 200 982

General
Fax/Sales Fax

01 204 0103

Switchboard

01 204 4444

U.K. Customer Service (dial within U.K.
only)

0870 906 0010

Corporate Customer Service (dial within
U.K. only)

0870 907 4499

U.K. Sales (dial within U.K. only)

0870 907 4000

Appendix

137

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address

Italy (Milan)

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

Home and Small Business

Country Code: 39

Technical Support

02 577 826 90

City Code: 02

Customer Service

02 696 821 14

Fax

02 696 821 13

Switchboard

02 696 821 12

support.euro.dell.com

Corporate
Technical Support

02 577 826 90

Customer Service

02 577 825 55

Fax

02 575 035 30

Switchboard
Jamaica

Online Support
Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
(dial from within Jamaica only)

138

Appendix

02 577 821
la-techsupport@dell.com
1-800-440-9205

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Japan (Kawasaki)

Online Support

International Access Code: 001

Technical Support – Dimension and
Inspiron

Country Code: 81
City Code: 44

Technical Support outside of Japan –
Dimension and Inspiron
Technical Support – Dell Precision,
OptiPlex, and Latitude

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
support.jp.dell.com
toll-free: 0120-198-226
81-44-520-1435
toll-free: 0120-198-433

Technical Support outside of Japan – Dell
Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude

81-44-556-3894

Technical Support – Dell PowerApp, Dell
PowerEdge, Dell PowerConnect, and Dell
PowerVault

toll-free: 0120-198-498

Technical Support outside of Japan –
PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and
PowerVault
Technical Support – Projectors, PDAs,
Printers, Routers
Technical Support outside of Japan –
Projectors, PDAs, Printers, Routers

81-44-556-4162

toll-free: 0120-981-690
81-44-556-3468

Faxbox Service

044-556-3490

24-Hour Automated Order Status Service

044-556-3801

Customer Service

044-556-4240

Business Sales Division – up to 400
employees

044-556-1465

Preferred Accounts Division Sales – over
400 employees

044-556-3433

Public Sales – government agencies,
educational institutions, and medical
institutions

044-556-5963

Global Segment Japan

044-556-3469

Individual User

044-556-1657

Individual User Online Sales

044-556-2203

Individual User Real Site Sales

044-556-4649

Switchboard

044-556-4300

Appendix

139

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Korea (Seoul)

Online Support

International Access Code: 001

Technical Support, Customer Service

toll-free: 080-200-3800

Country Code: 82

Technical Support – Dimension, PDA,
Electronics, and Accessories

toll-free: 080-200-3801

Sales

toll-free: 080-200-3600

City Code: 2

Latin America

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
support.ap.dell.com

Fax

2194-6202

Switchboard

2194-6000

Customer Technical Support (Austin,
Texas, U.S.A.)

512 728-4093

Customer Service (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)

512 728-3619

Fax (Technical Support and Customer
Service) (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)

512 728-3883

Sales (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)

512 728-4397

Sales Fax (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)

512 728-4600
or 512 728-3772

Luxembourg

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

Support

Country Code: 352

Home/Small Business Sales
Corporate Sales
Customer Service
Fax

support.euro.dell.com
342 08 08 075
+32 (0)2 713 15 96
26 25 77 81
+32 (0)2 481 91 19
26 25 77 82

Malaysia (Penang)

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

Technical Support – Dell Precision,
OptiPlex, and Latitude

toll-free: 1 800 880 193

Technical Support – Dimension, Inspiron,
and Electronics and Accessories

toll-free: 1 800 881 306

Technical Support – PowerApp, PowerEdge,
PowerConnect, and PowerVault

toll-free: 1800 881 386

Country Code: 60
City Code: 4

140

Appendix

support.ap.dell.com

Customer Service

toll-free: 1800 881 306 (option 6)

Transaction Sales

toll-free: 1 800 888 202

Corporate Sales

toll-free: 1 800 888 213

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Mexico

Online Support

International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 52

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
www.dell.com/mx
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support

001-866-563-4425

Sales

50-81-8800
or 001-800-888-3355

Customer Service

001-877-384-8979
or 001-877-269-3383

Main

50-81-8800
or 001-800-888-3355
or 001-866-851-1754

Montserrat

Online Support
Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Netherlands Antilles

Online Support
Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

la-techsupport@dell.com
toll-free: 1-866-278-6822
la-techsupport@dell.com
001-800-882-1519

Netherlands (Amsterdam)

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

Technical Support

020 674 45 00

Country Code: 31

Technical Support Fax

020 674 47 66

City Code: 20

Home/Small Business Customer Service

020 674 42 00

Relational Customer Service

020 674 4325

Home/Small Business Sales

020 674 55 00

Relational Sales

020 674 50 00

Home/Small Business Sales Fax

020 674 47 75

Relational Sales Fax

020 674 47 50

Switchboard

020 674 50 00

Switchboard Fax

020 674 47 50

New Zealand

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

support.euro.dell.com

support.ap.dell.com
support.ap.dell.com/contactus

Country Code: 64

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Nicaragua

Online Support

0800 441 567
www.dell.com/ni
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

001-800-220-1377

Appendix

141

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Norway (Lysaker)

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

Technical Support

671 16882

Country Code: 47

Relational Customer Service

671 17575

Home/Small Business Customer Service

23162298

Switchboard

671 16800

Fax Switchboard

671 16865

Panama

Online Support

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
support.euro.dell.com

www.dell.com/pa
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
Peru

Online Support

011-800-507-1264
www.dell.com/pe
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
Poland (Warsaw)

Online Support

International Access Code: 011

0800-50-669
support.euro.dell.com
pl_support_tech@dell.com

Country Code: 48

Customer Service Phone

57 95 700

City Code: 22

Customer Service

57 95 999

Sales

57 95 999

Customer Service Fax

57 95 806

Reception Desk Fax

57 95 998

Switchboard

57 95 999

Portugal

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

Technical Support

707200149

Country Code: 351

Customer Service

800 300 413

Sales
Fax
Puerto Rico

Online Support

support.euro.dell.com

800 300 410 or 800 300 411 or
800 300 412 or 21 422 07 10
21 424 01 12
www.dell.com/pr
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support

toll-free: 1-866-390-4695
or 1-866-851-1760

Customer Service and Sales

142

Appendix

1-877-537-3355

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

St. Kitts and Nevis

Online Support

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
www.dell.com/kn
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
St. Lucia

Online Support

toll-free: 1-866-540-3355
www.dell.com/lc
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Online Support

toll-free: 1-866-464-4352
www.dell.com/vc
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
Singapore (Singapore)
International Access Code: 005
Country Code: 65

Slovakia (Prague)

NOTE: The phone numbers in this section
should be called from within Singapore or
Malaysia only.
Online Support

support.ap.dell.com

Technical Support – Dimension, Inspiron,
and Electronics and Accessories

toll-free: 1 800 394 7430

Technical Support – OptiPlex, Latitude,
and Dell Precision

toll-free: 1 800 394 7488

Technical Support – PowerApp, PowerEdge,
PowerConnect, and PowerVault

toll-free: 1 800 394 7478

Customer Service

toll-free: 1 800 394 7430 (option 6)

Transaction Sales

toll-free: 1 800 394 7412

Corporate Sales

toll-free: 1 800 394 7419

Online Support

support.euro.dell.com

International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 421

toll-free: 1-866-464-4353

czech_dell@dell.com
Technical Support

02 5441 5727

Customer Service

420 22537 2707

Fax

02 5441 8328

Tech Fax

02 5441 8328

Switchboard (Sales)

02 5441 7585

Appendix

143

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

South Africa (Johannesburg)

Online Support

International Access Code:

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
support.euro.dell.com
dell_za_support@dell.com

09/091

Gold Queue

011 709 7713

Country Code: 27

Technical Support

011 709 7710

City Code: 11

Customer Service

011 709 7707

Sales

011 709 7700

Fax

011 706 0495

Switchboard

011 709 7700

Southeast Asian and Pacific
Countries

Technical Support, Customer Service, and
Sales (Penang, Malaysia)

604 633 4810

Spain (Madrid)

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

Home and Small Business

Country Code: 34

Technical Support

902 100 130

City Code: 91

Customer Service

902 118 540

Sales

902 118 541

Switchboard

902 118 541

Fax

902 118 539

support.euro.dell.com

Corporate
Technical Support

902 100 130

Customer Service

902 115 236

Switchboard

91 722 92 00

Fax

91 722 95 83

Sweden (Upplands Vasby)

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

Technical Support

08 590 05 199

Country Code: 46

Relational Customer Service

08 590 05 642

City Code: 8

Home/Small Business Customer Service

08 587 70 527

Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Support

020 140 14 44

Technical Support Fax

08 590 05 594

Sales

08 587 705 81

144

Appendix

support.euro.dell.com

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Switzerland (Geneva)

Online Support

International Access Code: 00

Taiwan

support.euro.dell.com
Tech_support_central_Europe@dell.co
m

Country Code: 41
City Code: 22

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address

Technical Support – Home and Small
Business

0844 811 411

Technical Support – Corporate

0844 822 844

Customer Service – Home and Small
Business

0848 802 202

Customer Service – Corporate

0848 821 721

Main

0848 335 599

Fax

022 799 01 90

Sales

022 799 01 01

Online Support

International Access Code: 002

support.ap.dell.com
support.dell.com.cn/email

Technical Support – OptiPlex, Latitude,
Inspiron, Dimension, and Electronics and
Accessories

toll-free: 0080 186 1011

Technical Support – Servers and Storage

toll-free: 0080 160 1256

Customer Service

toll-free: 0080 160 1250
(option 5)

Transaction Sales

toll-free: 0080 165 1228

Corporate Sales

toll-free: 0080 165 1227

Thailand

Online Support

support.ap.dell.com

International Access Code: 001

Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and
Dell Precision)

toll-free: 1800 0060 07

Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge,
PowerConnect, and PowerVault)

toll-free: 1800 0600 09

Customer Service

toll-free: 1800 006 007
(option 7)

Corporate Sales

toll-free: 1800 006 009

Transaction Sales

toll-free: 1800 006 006

Country Code: 886

Country Code: 66

Trinidad/Tobago

Online Support

www.dell.com/tt
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 1-888-799-5908
Appendix

145

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

Turks and Caicos Islands

Online Support

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
www.dell.com/tc
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
U.K. (Bracknell)

Online Support

toll-free: 1-877-441-4735
support.euro.dell.com

International Access Code: 00

dell_direct_support@dell.com

Country Code: 44

Customer Service Online

City Code: 1344

Sales

support.euro.dell.com/uk/en/ECare/form/home.asp

Home and Small Business Sales

0870 907 4000

Corporate/Public Sector Sales

01344 860 456

Customer Service
Home and Small Business

0870 906 0010

Corporate

01344 373 185

Preferred Accounts (500–5000 employees)

0870 906 0010

Global Accounts

01344 373 186

Central Government

01344 373 193

Local Government & Education

01344 373 199

Health

01344 373 194

Technical Support
Corporate/Preferred Accounts/PCA (1000+
employees)

0870 908 0500

Other Dell Products

0870 353 0800

General
Home and Small Business Fax
Uruguay

Online Support

0870 907 4006
www.dell.com/uy
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

146

Appendix

toll-free: 000-413-598-2521

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

U.S.A. (Austin, Texas)
International Access Code: 011

Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing,
or Speech-Impaired

Country Code: 1

Fax
Technical Support

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
toll-free: 1-877-DELLTTY
(1-877-335-5889)
toll-free: 1-800-727-8320
support.dell.com

Home and Home Office

toll-free: 1-800-624-9896

Portable and Desktop AutoTech

toll-free: 1-800-247-9362

Small Business

toll-free: 1-800-456-3355

Medium and Large Business

toll-free: 1-877-671-3355

State and Local Government

toll-free: 1-800-981-3355

Federal Government

toll-free: 1-800-727-1100

Healthcare

toll-free: 1-800-274-1550

K-12 Education

toll-free: 1-888-977-3355

Higher Education

toll-free: 1-800-274-7799

Printers, Projectors, PDAs, and MP3 Players

toll-free: 1-877-459-7298

Customer Service

toll-free: 1-800-624-9897

Automated Order Status

toll-free: 1-800-433-9014

Small Business

toll-free: 1-800-456-3355

Medium and Large Business

toll-free: 1-877-671-3355

State and Local Government

toll-free: 1-800-981-3355

Federal Government

toll-free: 1-800-727-1100

Healthcare

toll-free: 1-800-274-1550

K-12 Education

toll-free: 1-888-977-3355

Higher Education

toll-free: 1-800-274-7799

Employee Purchase Program (EPP)

toll-free: 1-800-695-8133

Financial Services

www.dellfinancialservices.com

Leases and Loans

toll-free: 1-877-577-3355

Dell Preferred Accounts (DPA)

toll-free: 1-800-283-2210

Sales

1-800-289-3355 or 1-800-879-3355

Dell Outlet Store

toll-free: 1-888-798-7561

Software and Peripherals Sales

toll-free: 1-800-671-3355

Appendix

147

Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code

Service Type

U.S. Virgin Islands

Online Support

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Web and E-mail Address
www.dell.com/vi
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales
Venezuela

Online Support

toll-free: 1-877-702-4360
www.dell.com/ve
la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

148

Appendix

0800-100-4752

Glossary
Terms in this Glossary are provided for
informational purposes only and may or may not
describe features included with your particular
computer.

A
AC — alternating current — The form of electricity that
powers your computer when you plug the AC adapter
power cable in to an electrical outlet.
ACPI — advanced configuration and power interface —
A power management specification that enables
Microsoft® Windows® operating systems to put a
computer in standby or hibernate mode to conserve the
amount of electrical power allocated to each device
attached to the computer.
AGP — accelerated graphics port — A dedicated graphics
port that allows system memory to be used for videorelated tasks. AGP delivers a smooth, true-color video
image because of the faster interface between the video
circuitry and the computer memory.
AHCI — Advanced Host Controller Interface — An
interface for a SATA hard drive Host Controller which
allows the storage driver to enable technologies such as
Native Command Queuing (NCQ) and hot plug.
ALS — ambient light sensor — A feature that helps to
control display brightness.
antivirus software — A program designed to identify,
quarantine, and/or delete viruses from your computer.
ASF — alert standards format — A standard to define a
mechanism for reporting hardware and software alerts to a
management console. ASF is designed to be platform- and
operating system-independent.

B
battery life span — The length of time (years) during
which a portable computer battery is able to be depleted
and recharged.
battery operating time — The length of time (minutes or
hours) that a portable computer battery powers the
computer.
BIOS — basic input/output system — A program (or
utility) that serves as an interface between the computer
hardware and the operating system. Unless you
understand what effect these settings have on the
computer, do not change them. Also referred to as system
setup.
bit — The smallest unit of data interpreted by your
computer.
Bluetooth® wireless technology — A wireless technology
standard for short-range (9 m [29 feet]) networking
devices that allows for enabled devices to automatically
recognize each other.
boot sequence — Specifies the order of the devices from
which the computer attempts to boot.
bootable CD — A CD that you can use to start your
computer. In case your hard drive is damaged or your
computer has a virus, ensure that you always have a
bootable CD or floppy disk available. Your Drivers and
Utilities (or ResourceCD) is a bootable CD.
bootable disk — A disk that you can use to start your
computer. In case your hard drive is damaged or your
computer has a virus, ensure that you always have a
bootable CD or floppy disk available.
bps — bits per second — The standard unit for measuring
data transmission speed.
BTU — British thermal unit — A measurement of heat
output.

Glossary

149

bus — A communication pathway between the
components in your computer.
bus speed — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how
fast a bus can transfer information.

COA — Certificate of Authenticity — The Windows
alpha-numeric code located on a sticker on your
computer. Also referred to as the Product Key or
Product ID.

byte — The basic data unit used by your computer. A byte
is usually equal to 8 bits.

Control Panel — A Windows utility that allows you to
modify operating system and hardware settings, such as
display settings.

controller — A chip that controls the transfer of data
between the processor and memory or between the
processor and devices.

C — Celsius — A temperature measurement scale where
0° is the freezing point and 100° is the boiling point of
water.
cache — A special high-speed storage mechanism which
can be either a reserved section of main memory or an
independent high-speed storage device. The cache
enhances the efficiency of many processor operations.
L1 cache — Primary cache stored inside the processor.
L2 cache — Secondary cache which can either be external
to the processor or incorporated into the processor
architecture.
carnet — An international customs document that
facilitates temporary imports into foreign countries. Also
known as a merchandise passport.

CRIMM — continuity rambus in-line memory module
— A special module that has no memory chips and is used
to fill unused RIMM slots.
cursor — The marker on a display or screen that shows
where the next keyboard, touch pad, or mouse action will
occur. It often is a blinking solid line, an underline
character, or a small arrow.

D
DDR SDRAM — double-data-rate SDRAM — A type of
SDRAM that doubles the data burst cycle, improving
system performance.

CD-R — CD recordable — A recordable version of a CD.
Data can be recorded only once onto a CD-R. Once
recorded, the data cannot be erased or written over.

DDR2 SDRAM — double-data-rate 2 SDRAM — A type
of DDR SDRAM that uses a 4-bit prefetch and other
architectural changes to boost memory speed to over
400 MHz.

CD-RW — CD rewritable — A rewritable version of a
CD. Data can be written to a CD-RW disc, and then
erased and written over (rewritten).

device — Hardware such as a disk drive, printer, or
keyboard that is installed in or connected to your
computer.

CD-RW drive — A drive that can read CDs and write to
CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable CDs)
discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but
you can write to CD-R discs only once.

device driver — See driver.

CD-RW/DVD drive — A drive, sometimes referred to as a
combo drive, that can read CDs and DVDs and write to
CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable CDs)
discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but
you can write to CD-R discs only once.
clock speed — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates
how fast computer components that are connected to the
system bus operate.

150

Glossary

DIMM — dual in-line memory module — A circuit board
with memory chips that connects to a memory module on
the system board.
DIN connector — A round, six-pin connector that
conforms to DIN (Deutsche Industrie-Norm) standards;
it is typically used to connect PS/2 keyboard or mouse
cable connectors.
disk striping — A technique for spreading data over
multiple disk drives. Disk striping can speed up operations
that retrieve data from disk storage. Computers that use

disk striping generally allow the user to select the data
unit size or stripe width.
DMA — direct memory access — A channel that allows
certain types of data transfer between RAM and a device
to bypass the processor.
docking device — See APR.
DMTF — Distributed Management Task Force — A
consortium of hardware and software companies who
develop management standards for distributed desktop,
network, enterprise, and Internet environments.
domain — A group of computers, programs, and devices
on a network that are administered as a unit with common
rules and procedures for use by a specific group of users. A
user logs on to the domain to gain access to the resources.
DRAM — dynamic random-access memory — Memory
that stores information in integrated circuits containing
capacitors.
driver — Software that allows the operating system to
control a device such as a printer. Many devices do not
work properly if the correct driver is not installed in the
computer.
DSL — Digital Subscriber Line — A technology that
provides a constant, high-speed Internet connection
through an analog telephone line.
dual-core — A technology in which two physical
computational units exist inside a single processor
package, thereby increasing computing efficiency and
multi-tasking ability.
dual display mode — A display setting that allows you to
use a second monitor as an extension of your display. Also
referred to as extended display mode.
DVD-R — DVD recordable — A recordable version of a
DVD. Data can be recorded only once onto a DVD-R.
Once recorded, the data cannot be erased or written over.
DVD+RW — DVD rewritable — A rewritable version of
a DVD. Data can be written to a DVD+RW disc, and
then erased and written over (rewritten). (DVD+RW
technology is different from DVD-RW technology.)
DVD+RW drive — drive that can read DVDs and most
CD media and write to DVD+RW (rewritable DVDs)
discs.

DVI — digital video interface — A standard for digital
transmission between a computer and a digital video
display.

E
ECC — error checking and correction — A type of
memory that includes special circuitry for testing the
accuracy of data as it passes in and out of memory.
ECP — extended capabilities port — A parallel connector
design that provides improved bidirectional data
transmission. Similar to EPP, ECP uses direct memory
access to transfer data and often improves performance.
EIDE — enhanced integrated device electronics — An
improved version of the IDE interface for hard drives and
CD drives.
EMI — electromagnetic interference — Electrical
interference caused by electromagnetic radiation.
ENERGY STAR® — Environmental Protection Agency
requirements that decrease the overall consumption of
electricity.
EPP — enhanced parallel port — A parallel connector
design that provides bidirectional data transmission.
ESD — electrostatic discharge — A rapid discharge of
static electricity. ESD can damage integrated circuits
found in computer and communications equipment.
expansion card — A circuit board that installs in an
expansion slot on the system board in some computers,
expanding the capabilities of the computer. Examples
include video, modem, and sound cards.
expansion slot — A connector on the system board (in
some computers) where you insert an expansion card,
connecting it to the system bus.
ExpressCard — A removable I/O card adhering to the
PCMCIA standard. Modems and network adapters are
common types of ExpressCards. ExpressCards support
both the PCI Express and USB 2.0 standard.
Express Service Code — A numeric code located on a
sticker on your Dell™ computer. Use the Express Service
Code when contacting Dell for assistance. Express Service
Code service may not be available in some countries.

Glossary

151

extended display mode — A display setting that allows
you to use a second monitor as an extension of your
display. Also referred to as dual display mode.
extended PC Card — A PC Card that extends beyond the
edge of the PC Card slot when installed.

F
Fahrenheit — A temperature measurement scale where
32° is the freezing point and 212° is the boiling point of
water.
FBD — fully-buffered DIMM — A DIMM with DDR2
DRAM chips and an Advanced Memory Buffer (AMB)
that speeds communication between the DDR2 SDRAM
chips and the system.
FCC — Federal Communications Commission — A U.S.
agency responsible for enforcing communications-related
regulations that state how much radiation computers and
other electronic equipment can emit.
fingerprint reader — A strip sensor that uses your unique
fingerprint to authenticate your user identity to help
secure your computer.
folder — A term used to describe space on a disk or drive
where files are organized and grouped. Files in a folder can
be viewed and ordered in various ways, such as
alphabetically, by date, and by size.
format — The process that prepares a drive or disk for file
storage. When a drive or disk is formatted, the existing
information on it is lost.
FSB — front side bus — The data path and physical
interface between the processor and RAM.

refer to hard drive storage, the term is often rounded to
1,000,000,000 bytes.
GHz — gigahertz — A measurement of frequency that
equals one thousand million Hz, or one thousand MHz.
The speeds for computer processors, buses, and interfaces
are often measured in GHz.
graphics mode — A video mode that can be defined as x
horizontal pixels by y vertical pixels by z colors. Graphics
modes can display an unlimited variety of shapes and
fonts.
GUI — graphical user interface — Software that interacts
with the user by means of menus, windows, and icons.
Most programs that operate on the Windows operating
systems are GUIs.

H
hard drive — A drive that reads and writes data on a hard
disk. The terms hard drive and hard disk are often used
interchangeably.
heat sink — A metal plate on some processors that helps
dissipate heat.
hibernate mode — A power management mode that saves
everything in memory to a reserved space on the hard
drive and then turns off the computer. When you restart
the computer, the memory information that was saved to
the hard drive is automatically restored.
HTTP — hypertext transfer protocol — A protocol for
exchanging files between computers connected to the
Internet.

FTP — file transfer protocol — A standard Internet
protocol used to exchange files between computers
connected to the Internet.

Hz — hertz — A unit of frequency measurement that
equals 1 cycle per second. Computers and electronic
devices are often measured in kilohertz (kHz), megahertz
(MHz), gigahertz (GHz), or terahertz (THz).

G — gravity — A measurement of weight and force.

IC — integrated circuit — A semiconductor wafer, or
chip, on which thousands or millions of tiny electronic
components are fabricated for use in computer, audio, and
video equipment.

GB — gigabyte — A measurement of data storage that
equals 1024 MB (1,073,741,824 bytes). When used to

152

Glossary

IDE — integrated device electronics — An interface for
mass storage devices in which the controller is integrated
into the hard drive or CD drive.
IEEE 1394 — Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers, Inc. — A high-performance serial bus used to
connect IEEE 1394-compatible devices, such as digital
cameras and DVD players, to the computer.
infrared sensor — A port that allows you to transfer data
between the computer and infrared-compatible devices
without using a cable connection.
integrated — Usually refers to components that are
physically located on the computer’s system board. Also
referred to as built-in.
I/O — input/output — An operation or device that enters
and extracts data from your computer. Keyboards and
printers are I/O devices.
I/O address — An address in RAM that is associated with
a specific device (such as a serial connector, parallel
connector, or expansion slot) and allows the processor to
communicate with that device.
IrDA — Infrared Data Association — The organization
that creates international standards for infrared
communications.
IRQ — interrupt request — An electronic pathway
assigned to a specific device so that the device can
communicate with the processor. Each device connection
must be assigned an IRQ. Although two devices can share
the same IRQ assignment, you cannot operate both
devices simultaneously.
ISP — Internet service provider — A company that allows
you to access its host server to connect directly to the
Internet, send and receive e-mail, and access websites.
The ISP typically provides you with a software package,
user name, and access phone numbers for a fee.

K
Kb — kilobit — A unit of data that equals 1024 bits. A
measurement of the capacity of memory integrated
circuits.
KB — kilobyte — A unit of data that equals 1024 bytes
but is often referred to as 1000 bytes.

key combination — A command requiring you to press
multiple keys at the same time.
kHz — kilohertz — A measurement of frequency that
equals 1000 Hz.

L
LAN — local area network — A computer network
covering a small area. A LAN usually is confined to a
building or a few nearby buildings. A LAN can be
connected to another LAN over any distance through
telephone lines and radio waves to form a wide area
network (WAN).
LCD — liquid crystal display — The technology used by
portable computer and flat-panel displays.
LED — light-emitting diode — An electronic component
that emits light to indicate the status of the computer.
local bus — A data bus that provides a fast throughput for
devices to the processor.
LPT — line print terminal — The designation for a
parallel connection to a printer or other parallel device.

M
Mb — megabit — A measurement of memory chip
capacity that equals 1024 Kb.
Mbps — megabits per second — One million bits per
second. This measurement is typically used for
transmission speeds for networks and modems.
MB — megabyte — A measurement of data storage that
equals 1,048,576 bytes. 1 MB equals 1024 KB. When used
to refer to hard drive storage, the term is often rounded to
1,000,000 bytes.
MB/sec — megabytes per second — One million bytes
per second. This measurement is typically used for data
transfer ratings.
media bay — A bay that supports devices such as optical
drives, a second battery, or a Dell TravelLite™ module.
memory — A temporary data storage area inside your
computer. Because the data in memory is not permanent,
it is recommended that you frequently save your files

Glossary

153

while you are working on them, and always save your files
before you shut down the computer. Your computer can
contain several different forms of memory, such as RAM,
ROM, and video memory. Frequently, the word memory is
used as a synonym for RAM.
memory address — A specific location where data is
temporarily stored in RAM.
memory mapping — The process by which the computer
assigns memory addresses to physical locations at start-up.
Devices and software can then identify information that
the processor can access.
memory module — A small circuit board containing
memory chips, which connects to the system board.
MHz — megahertz — A measure of frequency that equals
1 million cycles per second. The speeds for computer
processors, buses, and interfaces are often measured in
MHz.
Mini PCI — A standard for integrated peripheral devices
with an emphasis on communications such as modems
and NICs. A Mini PCI card is a small external card that is
functionally equivalent to a standard PCI expansion card.
Mini-Card — A small card designed for integrated
peripherals, such as communication NICs. The MiniCard is functionally equivalent to a standard PCI
expansion card.
modem — A device that allows your computer to
communicate with other computers over analog
telephone lines. Three types of modems include: external,
PC Card, and internal. You typically use your modem to
connect to the Internet and exchange e-mail.
module bay — See media bay.
MP — megapixel — A measure of image resolution used
for digital cameras.
ms — millisecond — A measure of time that equals one
thousandth of a second. Access times of storage devices
are often measured in ms.

N
network adapter — A chip that provides network
capabilities. A computer may include a network adapter

154

Glossary

on its system board, or it may contain a PC Card with an
adapter on it. A network adapter is also referred to as a
NIC (network interface controller).
NIC — See network adapter.
notification area — The section of the Windows taskbar
that contains icons for providing quick access to programs
and computer functions, such as the clock, volume
control, and print status. Also referred to as system tray.
ns — nanosecond — A measure of time that equals one
billionth of a second.
NVRAM — nonvolatile random access memory — A type
of memory that stores data when the computer is turned off
or loses its external power source. NVRAM is used for
maintaining computer configuration information such as
date, time, and other system setup options that you can set.

O
optical drive — A drive that uses optical technology to
read or write data from CDs, DVDs, or DVD+RWs.
Example of optical drives include CD drives, DVD drives,
CD-RW drives, and CD-RW/DVD combo drives.

P
partition — A physical storage area on a hard drive that is
assigned to one or more logical storage areas known as
logical drives. Each partition can contain multiple logical
drives.
PC Card — A removable I/O card adhering to the
PCMCIA standard. Modems and network adapters are
common types of PC Cards.
PCI — peripheral component interconnect — PCI is a
local bus that supports 32-and 64-bit data paths,
providing a high-speed data path between the processor
and devices such as video, drives, and networks.
PCI Express — A modification to the PCI interface that
boosts the data transfer rate between the processor and
the devices attached to it. PCI Express can transfer data at
speeds from 250 MB/sec to 4 GB/sec. If the PCI Express
chip set and the device are capable of different speeds,
they will operate at the slower speed.

PCMCIA — Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association — The organization that
establishes standards for PC Cards.
PIO — programmed input/output — A method of
transferring data between two devices through the
processor as part of the data path.
pixel — A single point on a display screen. Pixels are
arranged in rows and columns to create an image. A video
resolution, such as 800 x 600, is expressed as the number
of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down.
Plug-and-Play — The ability of the computer to
automatically configure devices. Plug and Play provides
automatic installation, configuration, and compatibility
with existing hardware if the BIOS, operating system, and
all devices are Plug and Play compliant.
POST — power-on self-test — Diagnostics programs,
loaded automatically by the BIOS, that perform basic tests
on the major computer components, such as memory, hard
drives, and video. If no problems are detected during POST,
the computer continues the start-up.
processor — A computer chip that interprets and executes
program instructions. Sometimes the processor is referred
to as the CPU (central processing unit).
PS/2 — personal system/2 — A type of connector for
attaching a PS/2-compatible keyboard, mouse, or keypad.
PXE — pre-boot execution environment — A WfM
(Wired for Management) standard that allows networked
computers that do not have an operating system to be
configured and started remotely.

R
RAID — redundant array of independent disks — A
method of providing data redundancy. Some common
implementations of RAID include RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 50.
RAM — random-access memory — The primary
temporary storage area for program instructions and data.
Any information stored in RAM is lost when you shut
down your computer.

readme file — A text file included with a software package
or hardware product. Typically, readme files provide
installation information and describe new product
enhancements or corrections that have not yet been
documented.
read-only — Data and/or files you can view but cannot
edit or delete. A file can have read-only status if:
• It resides on a physically write-protected floppy disk,
CD, or DVD.
• It is located on a network in a directory and the
system administrator has assigned rights only to
specific individuals.
refresh rate — The frequency, measured in Hz, at which
your screen's horizontal lines are recharged (sometimes
also referred to as its vertical frequency). The higher the
refresh rate, the less video flicker can be seen by the
human eye.
resolution — The sharpness and clarity of an image
produced by a printer or displayed on a monitor. The
higher the resolution, the sharper the image.
RFI — radio frequency interference — Interference that
is generated at typical radio frequencies, in the range of
10 kHz to 100,000 MHz. Radio frequencies are at the
lower end of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum and
are more likely to have interference than the higher
frequency radiations, such as infrared and light.
ROM — read-only memory — Memory that stores data
and programs that cannot be deleted or written to by the
computer. ROM, unlike RAM, retains its contents after
you shut down your computer. Some programs essential to
the operation of your computer reside in ROM.
RPM — revolutions per minute — The number of
rotations that occur per minute. Hard drive speed is often
measured in rpm.
RTC — real time clock — Battery-powered clock on the
system board that keeps the date and time after you shut
down the computer.
RTCRST — real-time clock reset — A jumper on the
system board of some computers that can often be used
for troubleshooting problems.

Glossary

155

S
SAS — serial attached SCSI — A faster, serial version of
the SCSI interface (as opposed to the original SCSI
parallel architecture).
SATA — serial ATA — A faster, serial version of the ATA
(IDE) interface.
ScanDisk — A Microsoft utility that checks files, folders,
and the hard disk’s surface for errors. ScanDisk often runs
when you restart the computer after it has stopped
responding.
SCSI — small computer system interface — A high-speed
interface used to connect devices to a computer, such as
hard drives, CD drives, printers, and scanners. The SCSI
can connect many devices using a single controller. Each
device is accessed by an individual identification number
on the SCSI controller bus.
SDRAM — synchronous dynamic random-access memory
— A type of DRAM that is synchronized with the optimal
clock speed of the processor.
serial connector — An I/O port often used to connect
devices such as a handheld digital device or digital camera
to your computer.
Service Tag — A bar code label on your computer that
identifies your computer when you access Dell Support at
support.dell.com or when you call Dell for customer
service or technical support.
setup program — A program that is used to install and
configure hardware and software. The setup.exe or
install.exe program comes with most Windows software
packages. Setup program differs from system setup.
shortcut — An icon that provides quick access to
frequently used programs, files, folders, and drives. When
you place a shortcut on your Windows desktop and
double-click the icon, you can open its corresponding
folder or file without having to find it first. Shortcut icons
do not change the location of files. If you delete a
shortcut, the original file is not affected. Also, you can
rename a shortcut icon.

156

Glossary

SIM — Subscriber Identity Module — A SIM card
contains a microchip that encrypts voice and data
transmissions. SIM cards can be used in phones or
portable computers.
smart card — A card that is embedded with a processor
and a memory chip. Smart cards can be used to
authenticate a user on computers equipped for smart
cards.
S/PDIF — Sony/Philips Digital Interface — An audio
transfer file format that allows the transfer of audio from
one file to another without converting it to and from an
analog format, which could degrade the quality of the file.
standby mode — A power management mode that shuts
down all unnecessary computer operations to save energy.
Strike Zone™ — Reinforced area of the platform base
that protects the hard drive by acting as a dampening
device when a computer experiences resonating shock or
is dropped (whether the computer is on or off).
surge protectors — Prevent voltage spikes, such as those
that may occur during an electrical storm, from entering
the computer through the electrical outlet. Surge
protectors do not protect against lightning strikes or against
brownouts, which occur when the voltage drops more than
20 percent below the normal AC-line voltage level.
Network connections cannot be protected by surge
protectors. Always disconnect the network cable from the
network connector during electrical storms.
SVGA — super-video graphics array — A video standard
for video cards and controllers. Typical SVGA resolutions
are 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768.
The number of colors and resolution that a program
displays depends on the capabilities of the monitor, the
video controller and its drivers, and the amount of video
memory installed in the computer.
S-video TV-out — A connector used to attach a TV or
digital audio device to the computer.
SXGA — super-extended graphics array — A video
standard for video cards and controllers that supports
resolutions up to 1280 x 1024.

SXGA+ — super-extended graphics array plus — A video
standard for video cards and controllers that supports
resolutions up to 1400 x 1050.

suppression and may also provide voltage regulation.
Small UPS systems provide battery power for a few
minutes to enable you to shut down your computer.

system board — The main circuit board in your computer.
Also known as the motherboard.

USB — universal serial bus — A hardware interface for a
low-speed device such as a USB-compatible keyboard,
mouse, joystick, scanner, set of speakers, printer,
broadband devices (DSL and cable modems), imaging
devices, or storage devices. Devices are plugged directly in
to a 4-pin socket on your computer or in to a multi-port
hub that plugs in to your computer. USB devices can be
connected and disconnected while the computer is turned
on, and they can also be daisy-chained together.

system setup — A utility that serves as an interface
between the computer hardware and the operating
system. System setup allows you to configure userselectable options in the BIOS, such as date and time or
system password. Unless you understand what effect the
settings have on the computer, do not change the settings
for this program.

T
TAPI — telephony application programming interface —
Enables Windows programs to operate with a wide variety
of telephony devices, including voice, data, fax, and video.
text editor — A program used to create and edit files that
contain only text; for example, Windows Notepad uses a
text editor. Text editors do not usually provide word wrap
or formatting functionality (the option to underline,
change fonts, and so on).
TPM — trusted platform module — A hardware-based
security feature that when combined with security
software enhances network and computer security by
enabling features such as file and e-mail protection.
travel module — A plastic device designed to fit inside
the module bay of a portable computer to reduce the
weight of the computer.

U
UMA — unified memory allocation — System memory
dynamically allocated to video.
UPS — uninterruptible power supply — A backup power
source used when the electrical power fails or drops to an
unacceptable voltage level. A UPS keeps a computer
running for a limited amount of time when there is no
electrical power. UPS systems typically provide surge

UTP — unshielded twisted pair — Describes a type of
cable used in most telephone networks and some
computer networks. Pairs of unshielded wires are twisted
to protect against electromagnetic interference, rather
than relying on a metal sheath around each pair of wires to
protect against interference.
UXGA — ultra extended graphics array — A video
standard for video cards and controllers that supports
resolutions up to 1600 x 1200.

V
video controller — The circuitry on a video card or on the
system board (in computers with an integrated video
controller) that provides the video capabilities—in
combination with the monitor—for your computer.
video memory — Memory that consists of memory chips
dedicated to video functions. Video memory is usually
faster than system memory. The amount of video memory
installed primarily influences the number of colors that a
program can display.
video mode — A mode that describes how text and
graphics are displayed on a monitor. Graphics-based
software, such as Windows operating systems, displays in
video modes that can be defined as x horizontal pixels by y
vertical pixels by z colors. Character-based software, such
as text editors, displays in video modes that can be
defined as x columns by y rows of characters.
video resolution — See resolution.

Glossary

157

virus — A program that is designed to inconvenience you
or to destroy data stored on your computer. A virus
program moves from one computer to another through an
infected disk, software downloaded from the Internet, or
e-mail attachments. When an infected program starts, its
embedded virus also starts.
A common type of virus is a boot virus, which is stored in
the boot sectors of a floppy disk. If the floppy disk is left in
the drive when the computer is shut down and then
turned on, the computer is infected when it reads the
boot sectors of the floppy disk expecting to find the
operating system. If the computer is infected, the boot
virus may replicate itself onto all the floppy disks that are
read or written in that computer until the virus is
eradicated.
V — volt — The measurement of electric potential or
electromotive force. One V appears across a resistance of
1 ohm when a current of 1 ampere flows through that
resistance.

write-protected — Files or media that cannot be changed.
Use write-protection when you want to protect data from
being changed or destroyed. To write-protect a 3.5-inch
floppy disk, slide its write-protect tab to the open
position.
WWAN — wireless wide area network. A wireless highspeed data network using cellular technology and covering
a much larger geographic area than WLAN.
WXGA — wide-aspect extended graphics array — A video
standard for video cards and controllers that supports
resolutions up to 1280 x 800.

X
XGA — extended graphics array — A video standard for
video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to
1024 x 768.

Z
W
W — watt — The measurement of electrical power. One
W is 1 ampere of current flowing at 1 volt.
WHr — watt-hour — A unit of measure commonly used
to indicate the approximate capacity of a battery. For
example, a 66-WHr battery can supply 66 W of power for
1 hour or 33 W for 2 hours.
wallpaper — The background pattern or picture on the
Windows desktop. Change your wallpaper through the
Windows Control Panel. You can also scan in your favorite
picture and make it wallpaper.
WLAN — wireless local area network. A series of
interconnected computers that communicate with each
other over the air waves using access points or wireless
routers to provide Internet access.

158

Glossary

ZIF — zero insertion force — A type of socket or
connector that allows a computer chip to be installed or
removed with no stress applied to either the chip or its
socket.
Zip — A popular data compression format. Files that have
been compressed with the Zip format are called Zip files
and usually have a filename extension of.zip. A special
kind of zipped file is a self-extracting file, which has a
filename extension of.exe. You can unzip a self-extracting
file by double-clicking it.
Zip drive — A high-capacity floppy drive developed by
Iomega Corporation that uses 3.5-inch removable disks
called Zip disks. Zip disks are slightly larger than regular
floppy disks, about twice as thick, and hold up to 100 MB
of data.

Index
A
audio. See sound

B
battery
problems, 37
replacing, 109
BIOS, 115
boot sequence
about, 119
changing, 121
option settings, 120
booting
to a USB device, 121

C
cards
installing PCI, 75
installing PCI Express, 80
PCI, 74
PCI Express, 80
removing PCI, 79
removing PCI Express, 85
slots, 74
types supported, 74
CD/DVD drive
activity light, 13
eject button, 13
installing, 107

CD/DVD drive (continued)
problems, 38
removing, 105
CD-RW drive
problems, 39
CDs, 22
playing, 20
Check Disk, 39
CMOS settings
clearing, 123
computer
components inside, 68
crashes, 42-43
inside view, 68
restore to previous state, 59-60
stops responding, 42
connectors
headphone, 14
microphone, 14
USB, 14
contacting Dell, 126
copying CDs
general information, 22
helpful tips, 23
how to, 22
copying DVDs
general information, 22
helpful tips, 23
how to, 22

cover
removing, 66
replacing, 110

D
Dell
contacting, 126
Dell Diagnostics, 56
support policy, 125
support site, 10
diagnostic lights, 53
diagnostics
Dell, 56
lights, 14, 53
documentation
End User License
Agreement, 9
ergonomics, 9
Finding Information, 9
online, 10
Product Information Guide, 9
regulatory, 9
safety, 9
Setup Diagram, 9
warranty, 9
drive panel, 14, 86
removing, 86
replacing, 89
drive-panel insert
removing, 87
replacing, 88

Index

159

Index

drivers
about, 57
identifying, 58
drives, 90
hard drive, 92
installing CD/DVD, 107
installing floppy, 99
installing hard drive, 93
problems, 38
removing CD/DVD, 105
removing floppy, 97
removing hard drive, 92
second hard drive, 95
serial ATA, 92
DVD drive
problems, 38
DVDs, 22
playing, 20

Flex Bay drive
Media Card Reader, 14

Internet connection
setting up, 19

floppy drive
installing, 99
removing, 97

H
hard drive
activity light, 14
installing, 93
installing second, 95
problems, 39
removing, 92
hardware
Dell Diagnostics, 56
Hardware Troubleshooter, 59
headphone
connector, 14

Help and Support Center, 11

e-mail
problems, 39

help file
Windows Help and Support
Center, 11

End User License
Agreement, 9

hibernate mode, 29, 31

ergonomics information, 9
error messages
diagnostic lights, 53
troubleshooting, 40

F
Files and Settings Transfer
Wizard, 31
Finding Information, 9

160

Index

I
installing parts
before you begin, 65
recommended tools, 65
turning off your computer, 65
Internet
connection, about, 18
connection, options, 18
problems, 39

keyboard
problems, 41

L
labels
Microsoft Windows, 10
Service Tag, 10, 13
latch release
cover, 13
lights
back of computer, 53
diagnostic, 14, 53
hard drive activity, 14

M
Media Card Reader
installing, 101, 103
problems, 44
removing, 101
using, 24
memory
4-GB configurations, 72
installing, 72
problems, 45
removing, 74
type supported, 70
messages
error, 40

microphone
connector, 14
modem
problems, 39
monitor
blank, 51
clone mode, 27
connect DVI, 26-27
connect TV, 26-27
connect two, 26-27
connect VGA, 26-27
display settings, 27
extended desktop mode, 27
hard to read, 52
motherboard. See system
board
mouse
problems, 45

N
network
Network Setup Wizard, 28
problems, 46
setting up, 27
Network Setup Wizard, 28

P
password
clearing, 122
jumper, 122
PC Restore, 61
PCI cards
installing, 75
removing, 79
PCI Express cards
installing, 80
removing, 85
phone numbers, 126
playing CDs and DVDs, 20
power
button, 14
conserving, 28
hibernate mode, 29, 31
managing, 28
options, 30
options, advanced, 30
options, hibernate, 31
options, schemes, 30
problems, 47
standby mode, 29
power light
conditions, 47
Power Options Properties, 30

O
operating system
reinstalling Windows XP, 60

printer
cable, 17
connecting, 17
problems, 48
setting up, 17
USB, 18

problems
battery, 37
blue screen, 43
CD drive, 38
CD-RW drive, 39
computer crashes, 42-43
computer stops responding, 42
Dell Diagnostics, 56
diagnostic lights, 53
drives, 38
DVD drive, 38
e-mail, 39
error messages, 40
general, 42
hard drive, 39
Internet, 39
keyboard, 41
Media Card Reader, 44
memory, 45
modem, 39
monitor is blank, 51
monitor is hard to read, 52
mouse, 45
network, 46
power, 47
power light conditions, 47
printer, 48
program crashes, 43
program stops responding, 42
programs and Windows
compatibility, 43
restore to previous state, 59-60
scanner, 49
screen is blank, 51
screen is hard to read, 52
software, 42-43
sound and speakers, 50

Index

161

Index

problems (continued)
technical support policy, 125
troubleshooting tips, 37
volume adjusting, 50
Product Information Guide, 9
Program Compatibility
Wizard, 43

R
RAID array, creating, 34
regulatory information, 9
reinstalling
Windows XP, 60

speaker
problems, 50
volume, 50
specifications
audio, 112
computer information, 111
connectors, 113
controls and lights, 113
drives, 112
environmental, 114
expansion bus, 112
memory, 111
physical, 114
power, 114
processor, 111
technical, 111
video, 111

standby mode, 29

safety instructions, 9

support
contacting Dell, 126
policy, 125

SATA. See serial ATA
scanner
problems, 49
serial ATA, 92
Service Tag, 10, 13
settings
system setup, 115
Setup Diagram, 9
software
problems, 42-43
sound
problems, 50
volume, 50

support website, 10
system board, 69
System Restore, 59-60
system setup
about, 115
entering, 115
options, 116

T
technical support
policy, 125
telephone numbers, 126

162

Index

transferring information to a
new computer, 31
troubleshooting
Dell Diagnostics, 56
diagnostic lights, 53
Hardware Troubleshooter, 59
Help and Support Center, 11
restore to previous state, 59-60
tips, 37
TV
connect to computer, 26-27

U
USB
booting to devices, 121
connectors, 14

V
vents, 14
front panel, 14
volume
adjusting, 50

W
warranty information, 9
Windows XP
Device Driver Rollback, 58
Files and Settings Transfer
Wizard, 31
Hardware Troubleshooter, 59
Help and Support Center, 11
Network Setup Wizard, 28

Windows XP (continued)
Program Compatibility
Wizard, 43
reinstalling, 60
scanner, 49
System Restore, 59-60
wizards
Files and Settings Transfer
Wizard, 31
Network Setup Wizard, 28
Program Compatibility
Wizard, 43

Index

163

Index

164

Index

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