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www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Dell™ Dimension™ E521

Owner’s Manual

Model DCSM

FlexBay for optional

floppy drive or Media

Card Reader

hard-drive activity light

microphone connector

headphone connector

CD or DVD activity light

CD or DVD eject button

diagnostic lights

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

cover latch

release

Service Tag

power button/

power activity light

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.

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 3

Contents

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

2 Setting Up and Using Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Front View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Back View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Back Panel Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Printer Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connecting a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Setting Up Your Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Playing CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Adjusting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Adjusting the Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Copying CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

How to Copy a CD or DVD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Using Blank CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Using a Media Card Reader (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Connecting Two Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Connecting One Monitor With a VGA Connector and One

Monitor With a DVI Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Connecting a TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Changing the Display Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Setting Up a Home and Office Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Network Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

4Contents

Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Standby Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Hibernate Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Power Options Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Enabling Cool ’n’ Quiet™ Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

About RAID Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

RAID Level 1 Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Using Nvidia MediaShield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

3 Solving Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Troubleshooting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Battery Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

CD and DVD drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Hard drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

The computer does not start up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

The computer stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

A program stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

A program crashes repeatedly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows®

operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Other software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Media Card Reader Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Contents 5

Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

No sound from speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

No sound from headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Video and Monitor Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

If the screen is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

If the screen is difficult to read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

4 Troubleshooting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Diagnostic Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

What Is a Driver? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Reinstalling Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Using Dell PC Restore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Using the Operating System CD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

5 Removing and Installing Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Before Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Removing the Computer Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Inside View of Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

System Board Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

6Contents

Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Memory Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Installing Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Removing Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

PCI Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

PCI Express Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Drive Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Removing the Drive Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Removing the Drive-Panel Insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Replacing the Drive Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Recommended Drive Cable Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Connecting Drive Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Drive Interface Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Hard Drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Removing a Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Installing a Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Adding a Second Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Removing a Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Installing a Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Media Card Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Removing a Media Card Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Installing a Media Card Reader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

CD/DVD Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Removing a CD/DVD Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Installing a CD/DVD Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Replacing the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Replacing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Contents 7

6 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Entering System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

System Setup Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Boot Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Clearing Forgotten Passwords. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Clearing CMOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Cleaning Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Mouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals . . . . . . . . . 125

Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals. . . . . . . . . . . 125

FCC Notice (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

FCC Class B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

8Contents

Finding Information 9

Finding Information

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

may not be available in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• How to set up my computer

Setup Diagram

10 Finding Information

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

Service Tag and Microsoft

Windows

License

These labels are located on your computer.

•Use the Service Tag to

identify your computer

when you use

support.dell.com

contact 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

operating system for your computer, you should also

reinstall the DSS utility. DSS provides critical updates

for your operating system and support for Dell™

3.5-inch USB floppy drives, optical drives, and USB

devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your

Dell computer. The software automatically detects your

computer and operating system and installs the updates

appropriate for your configuration.

To download

Desktop

System Software:

Go to

support.dell.com

and click

Downloads

Enter your Service Tag or product model.

In the

Download Category

drop-down menu, click

All

Select the operating system and operating system

language for your computer, and click

Submit.

Under

Select a Device

, scroll to

System and

Configuration Utilities

, and click

Dell Desktop System

Software

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

Finding Information 11

• How to use Windows XP

• How to work with programs and files

• How to personalize my desktop

Windows Help and Support Center

Click

Start

→

Help and Support

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and

click the arrow icon.

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

12 Finding Information

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 13

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Front View of the Computer

1 cover latch release Use this latch to remove the cover. See "Removing the

Computer Cover" on page 66.

2 location of Service Tag Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you access

the Dell Support website or call technical support.

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

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

CD or DVD drive.

14 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

5 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.

6 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.

7 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most

kinds of speakers.

8 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.

9 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.

10 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.

12 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 15

Back View of the Computer

1 voltage selection switch See the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide for more

information.

2 power connector Insert the power cable.

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

See "Back Panel Connectors" on page 16 for more information.

4 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.

16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Back Panel Connectors

1 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.

2 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.

3 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.

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

11 9

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17

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.

5 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.

6 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.

7 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.

8 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.

9 center/subwoofer

connector

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

audio channel.

10 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.

11 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.

18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Connecting a Printer

NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.

Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.

Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB

connectors fit only one way.

Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the

Add New Hardware Wizard

window

appears, click

Cancel

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.

1 USB connector on computer 2 USB printer cable 3 USB connector on printer

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19

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:

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

Double-click the ISP

icon on the Microsoft

Windows

desktop.

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:

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

Click the

Start

button and click

Internet Explorer

The

New Connection Wizard

appears.

Click

Connect to the Internet

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

Click

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.

Click the appropriate option under

How do you want to connect to the Internet?

, and then click

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.

20 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.

Press the eject button on the front of the drive.

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

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 21

A DVD player includes the following basic buttons:

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

Adjusting the Volume

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

Click the

Start

button, point to

All Programs

→

Accessories

→

Entertainment

, and then click

Volume

Control

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:

Click the

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Under

Pick a category

, click

Appearance and Themes

Under

Pick a task...

, click

Change the screen resolution

In the

Display Properties

window, click and drag the bar in

Screen resolution

to change the setting to

800 by 600 pixels

Click the drop-down menu under

Color quality

, and then click

Medium (16 bit)

Click

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

22 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.

Click

Start

→

All Programs

→

Sonic

→

DigitalMedia Projects

→

Copy

→

Disc Copy

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

•

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 23

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

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.

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

CD-RW Yes Yes Yes

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

CD-RW Yes Yes Yes

DVD+R Yes Yes No

DVD-R Yes Yes No

DVD+RW Yes Yes Yes

DVD-RW Yes Yes Yes

DVD+R DL Yes Yes No

24 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 25

To use the Media Card Reader:

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

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

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

1 xD-Picture Card and

SmartMedia (SMC)

2 CompactFlash Type I and II

(CF I/II) and MicroDrive Card

3 Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro)

4 SecureDigital Card (SD)/

MultiMediaCard (MMC)

26 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

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.

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

Connect the other monitor to the optional DVI adapter and connect the DVI adapter to the DVI

(white) connector on the back of the computer.

1 optional DVI adapter 2 DVI (white) connector 3 TV-OUT connector

4 VGA (blue) connector

*May not be present on your computer

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27

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

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

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

computer.

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

computer.

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.

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

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

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

Connect the VGA or DVI monitor.

Changing the Display Settings

After you connect the monitor(s) or TV, turn on the computer.

The Microsoft

Windows

desktop displays on the primary monitor.

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.

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.

Connect the other end of the network cable to a network device.

28 Setting Up and Using Your 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.

Click the

Start

button, point to

All Programs

→

Accessories

→

Communications

, and then click

Network Setup Wizard

On the welcome screen, click

Click

Checklist for creating a network

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

firewall provided with Windows XP Service Pack.

Complete the checklist and required preparations.

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.

1 network adapter connector 2 network device 3 network adapter connector on

computer

4 network cable

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 29

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:

Click the

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Under

Pick a category

, click

Performance and Maintenance

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:

Click the

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Under

Pick a category

, click

Performance and Maintenance

Under

or pick a Control Panel icon

, click

Power Options

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.

30 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:

Click the

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Under

Pick a category

, click

Performance and Maintenance

Under

or pick a Control Panel icon

, click

Power Options

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.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 31

Hibernate Tab

The Hibernate tab allows you to enable hibernate mode. If you want to use the hibernate settings you

defined on the Power Schemes tab, click the Enable hibernate support check box on the Hibernate tab.

For more information on power management options:

Click the

Start

button and click

Help and Support

In the

Help and Support

window, click

Performance and maintenance

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.

Run the system setup program and enable Cool ’n’ Quiet technology using the Power Management

options (see "System Setup" on page 115).

Click on the

Start

→

Settings

→

Control Panel

→

Power Options

to access the

Power Options

Properties

window.

From the

Power Schemes

tab, click the Power Schemes drop-down menu and select

Minimal Power

Management

and then click

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.

32 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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.

hard drive 1

segment 1

segment 2

segment 3

hard drive 2

segment 4

segment 5

segment 6

segment 1 duplicated

segment 2 duplicated

segment 3 duplicated

segment 4 duplicated

segment 5 duplicated

segment 6 duplicated

serial ATA RAID

configured for

RAID level 1

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 33

Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode

Enter the system setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 115).

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight

Drives

, then press <Enter>.

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

Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight

RAID On

, and then press <Enter>. Repeat the

process, as needed, for each SATA hard drive.

NOTE: For more information about RAID options, see "System Setup Options" on page 116.

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

Save/Exit

, and then press <Enter> 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.

Enable RAID for each applicable hard drive on your computer (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-

Enabled Mode" on page 33).

Restart the computer.

Press <Ctrl><N> 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.

Press <Tab> to navigate to the

RAID Mode

field.

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

Mirroring

Press <Tab> to navigate to the

Free Disks

field.

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.

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

The

Clear disk data

prompt appears.

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

34 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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

The

Array List

window appears.

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 <Enter>.

The

Array Detail

window appears.

NOTE: To delete an array, use the arrow keys to select the array and press <D>.

Press <Enter> to return to the previous screen.

Press <Ctrl><X> 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.

Enable RAID on your hard drives (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode" on page 33).

After rebooting your computer, launch Nvidia MediaShield.

Click

Create

under

System Tasks

The

NVIDIA Create Array Wizard

appears and lists the disks that are available for configuration.

Click

Custom

, then click

Use the drop-down box to select

Mirroring

(RAID 1).

Click

The

Free Disk Selection

window appears.

NOTE: Only RAID-enabled hard drives are listed as free disks.

Click to select the drives that will make up the RAID configuration, click

, and then click

again.

NOTE: Your computer supports a maximum of two drives per RAID 1 array.

The

Clearing System Data

window appears.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 35

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

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.

Launch Nvidia MediaShield.

Click to select the array you want to delete.

Click

Delete Array

in the

System Tasks

pane.

The

NVIDIA

Delete Array Wizard

appears.

Click

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

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.

Launch Nvidia MediaShield.

Click to select your RAID configuration (

Mirroring

) in the management utility window.

Select

Rebuild Array

in the

System Tasks

pane.

The

NVIDIA

Rebuild Array Wizard

appears.

Click

Select the hard drive you want to rebuild by clicking the checkbox beside it.

Click

36 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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.

Solving Problems 37

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.

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

the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see "Replacing

the Battery" on page 109). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell"

on page 126).

38 Solving Problems

Drive Problems

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

Information Guide.

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.

ENSURE THAT MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE —Click the Start button and

click My Computer. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your

antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from

recognizing the drive.

ENSURE THAT THE DRIVE IS ENABLED IN THE SYSTEM SETUP PROGRAM —See "System Setup" on

page 115)

TEST THE DRIVE —

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

• Insert bootable media and restart the computer.

CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK —See "Cleaning Your Computer" on page 123.

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS

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

on page 59.

RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS —See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 56.

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 39

Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive

Hard drive problems

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.

CHECK THE SPEAKERS AND SUBWOOFER —See "Sound and Speaker Problems" on page 50.

CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS —The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when

writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the

CD/DVD-RW.

TURN OFF STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A CD/DVD-RW DISC —

Click the

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Under

Pick a category

, click

Performance and Maintenance

Under

or pick a Control Panel icon

, click

Power Options

From the

Power Schemes

tab, select

Always On

RUN CHECK DISK —

Click the

Start

button and click

My Computer

Right-click

Local Disk C:

Click

Properties

Click the

Tools

tab.

Under

Error-checking

, click

Check Now

Click

Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors

Click

Start

CHECK THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK® EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS —If you cannot open your

e-mail attachments:

In Outlook Express, click

Tools

, click

Options

, and then click

Security

Click

Do not allow attachments

to remove the checkmark.

40 Solving Problems

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.

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.

RUN THE MODEM HELPER DIAGNOSTICS —Click the Start button, point to All Programs, and then

click Modem Helper. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems.

(Modem Helper is not available on all computers.)

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —

Click the

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Click

Printers and Other Hardware

Click

Phone and Modem Options

Click the

Modems

tab.

Click the COM port for your modem.

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.

ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET —Ensure that you have subscribed to an

Internet provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a

checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact

your Internet service provider.

A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not

use these characters in filenames.

Solving Problems 41

Keyboard Problems

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

Information Guide.

A REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUND —The program that you are trying to open is missing an

essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program:

Click the

Start

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Add or Remove Programs

Select the program you want to remove.

Click the

Change or Remove Program

icon.

See the program documentation for installation instructions.

ALERT! AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR NOT DETECTED —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 form-

factor computer, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 126).

drive letter :\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY —The drive cannot read the disk.

Insert a disk into the drive and try again.

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

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

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

windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you might have to restart your

computer to restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first.

OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND —Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 126).

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.

42 Solving Problems

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

The computer stops responding

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

A program stops responding

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

ENSURE THAT THE USB PORTS ARE ENABLED IN THE SYSTEM SETUP PROGRAM —See "System

Setup" on page 115)

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

on page 59.

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS —See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 53.

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

OUTLET

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

moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer

turns off. Then restart your computer.

END THE PROGRAM —

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

Click

Applications

Click the program that is no longer responding.

Click

End Task

Solving Problems 43

A program crashes repeatedly

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

A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system

A solid blue screen appears

Other software problems

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

RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —

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

Windows XP operating system environments.

Click the

Start

button, point to

All Programs

→

Accessories

, and then click

Program Compatibility

Wizard

In the welcome screen, click

Follow the instructions on the screen.

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

moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer

turns off. Then restart your computer.

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

44 Solving Problems

Media Card Reader Problems

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

START MENU

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:

Right-click

My Computer

and select

Manage

Select the

Disk Management

option.

Right-click the corresponding drive letter in the right pane that needs to be changed.

Select

Drive Letter and Paths.

From the drop-down list, select the new drive letter assignment for the Media Card Reader.

Click

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 45

Memory Problems

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

Information Guide.

Mouse 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).

CLEAN THE MOUSE —See "Mouse" on page 124 for instructions on cleaning the mouse.

CHECK THE MOUSE CABLE —

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

Reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram

for your computer.

46 Solving Problems

Network Problems

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

Information Guide.

RESTART THE COMPUTER —

Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the

Start

menu.

Ty p e

, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight

Shut down

Turn Off

, and then press <Enter>.

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

computer.

Start the computer.

ENSURE THAT THE USB PORTS ARE ENABLED IN THE SYSTEM SETUP PROGRAM —See "System

Setup" on page 115)

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

CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS —

Click the

Start

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

Click

Mouse

Try adjusting the settings.

REINSTALL THE MOUSE DRIVER —See "Reinstalling Drivers" on page 58.

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

on page 59.

CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR —Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into

both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network port or device.

CHECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF THE COMPUTER —If the link integrity light is off,

that indicates no network communication exists. Replace the network cable. For a description of

network lights, see "Controls and Lights" on page 113.

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND LOG ON TO THE NETWORK AGAIN

Solving Problems 47

Power Problems

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

Information Guide.

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

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

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

on page 59.

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

on page 53.

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING GREEN —The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the

keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS OFF —The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.

• Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical

outlet.

• If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical

outlet and that the power strip is turned on. Also bypass power protection devices, power strips, and

power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.

• Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

• Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see

"System Board Components" on page 69).

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS STEADY AMBER —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).

48 Solving Problems

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.

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING AMBER —The computer is receiving electrical power, but an

internal power problem might exist.

• Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location (if applicable).

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).

ELIMINATE INTERFERENCE —Some possible causes of interference are:

• Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables

• Too many devices on a power strip

• Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet

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

troubleshooting information.

ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON

CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS —

• See the printer documentation for cable connection information.

• Ensure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer (see "Setting Up a

Printer" on page 17).

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET —Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another

device, such as a lamp.

Solving Problems 49

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.

VERIFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —

Click the

Start

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

Click

View installed printers or fax printers

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

Click

Properties

and click the

Ports

tab. Ensure that the

Print to the following port(s):

setting is

USB

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

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

troubleshooting information.

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

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND TRY THE SCANNER AGAIN

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS —

• See the scanner documentation for cable connection information.

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

VERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT WINDOWS —

Click the

Start

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Printers and Other Hardware

Click

Scanners and Cameras

If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.

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

50 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.

CHECK THE SPEAKER CABLE CONNECTIONS —Ensure that the speakers are connected as shown on

the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If you purchased a sound card, ensure that the speakers

are connected to the card.

ENSURE THAT THE CORRECT AUDIO SOLUTION IS ENABLED IN THE BIOS SETUP PROGRAM —See

"System Setup" on page 115.

ENSURE THAT THE SUBWOOFER AND THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED ON —See the setup diagram

supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to

eliminate distortion.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL —Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right

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

DISCONNECT HEADPHONES FROM THE HEADPHONE CONNECTOR —Sound from the speakers is

automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer’s front-panel headphone

connector.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET —Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another

device, such as a lamp.

ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE —Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to

check for interference.

REINSTALL THE SOUND DRIVER —See "Manually Reinstalling Drivers" on page 59.

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

on page 59.

Solving Problems 51

No sound from headphones

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 HEADPHONE CABLE CONNECTION —Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted

into the headphone connector (see "Front View of the Computer" on page 13).

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL —Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right

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

ENSURE THAT THE CORRECT AUDIO SOLUTION IS ENABLED IN THE BIOS SETUP PROGRAM —See

"System Setup" on page 115.

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.)

CHECK THE MONITOR POWER LIGHT —If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that

the monitor is turned on. If the power light is lit or blinking, the monitor has power. If the power light is

blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET —Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another

device, such as a lamp.

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS —See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 53.

52 Solving Problems

If the screen is difficult to read

CHECK THE MONITOR SETTINGS —See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the

contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test.

MOVE THE SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE MONITOR —If your speaker system includes a subwoofer,

ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor.

MOVE THE MONITOR AWAY FROM EXTERNAL POWER SOURCES —Fans, fluorescent lights, halogen

lamps, and other electrical devices can cause the screen image to appear "shaky." Turn off nearby devices

to check for interference.

ROTATE THE MONITOR TO ELIMINATE SUNLIGHT GLARE AND POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE

ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —

Click the

Start

button, click

Control Panel

, and then click

Appearance and Themes

Click

Display

and click the

Settings

tab.

Try different settings for

Screen resolution

and

Color quality.

Troubleshooting Tools 53

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"

condition, or a possible pre-BIOS

failure has occurred.

The diagnostic lights are not lit

after the computer successfully

boots to the operating system.

Plug the computer into a working electrical

outlet and press the power button.

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

54 Troubleshooting Tools

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.

• 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

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

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

Troubleshooting Tools 55

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.

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

56 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.

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> 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.

When the boot device list appears, highlight

Boot to Utility Partition

and press <Enter>.

When the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

appears, select the test you want to run.

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the

Main

screen appears, click the button for the option

you want.

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.

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.

Troubleshooting Tools 57

If you run a test from the

Custom Test

Symptom Tree

option, click the applicable tab described in

the following table for more information.

Close the test screen to return to the

Main

screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the

computer, close the

Main

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

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.

58 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

Click the

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Under

Pick a Category

, click

Performance and Maintenance

Click

System

In the

System Properties

window, click the

Hardware

tab.

Click

Device Manager

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

]) on the

device icon.

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

Click the

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Under

Pick a Category

, click

Performance and Maintenance

Click

System

In the

System Properties

window, click the

Hardware

tab.

Click

Device Manager

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

Properties

Click the

Drivers

tab.

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 59

Manually Reinstalling Drivers

After copying the required driver files to your hard drive, click the

Start

button and right-click

Computer

Click

Properties

Click the

Hardware

tab and click

Device Manager

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

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

Click the

Driver

tab and click

Update Driver

Click

Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)

and click

Click

Browse

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

When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click

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:

Click the

Start

button and click

Help and Support

Ty p e

hardware troubleshooter

in the

field and click the arrow to start the search.

Click

Hardware Troubleshooter

in the

Search Results

list.

In the

Hardware Troubleshooter

list, click

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer

, and

click

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

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.

60 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

Click the

Start

button and click

Help and Support

Click the task for

System Restore

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see "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.

Click the

Start

button, point to

All Programs

→

Accessories

→

System Tools

, and then click

System

Restore

Ensure that

Restore my computer to an earlier time

is selected and click

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.

Select a restore point and click

If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or

more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.

Click

The

Restoration Complete

screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the

computer restarts.

After the computer restarts, click

To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can

undo the restoration.

Troubleshooting Tools 61

Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not

alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

Click the

Start

button, point to

All Programs

→

Accessories

→

System Tools

, and then click

System

Restore

Click

Undo my last restoration

and click

Enabling System Restore

If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is

automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:

Click the

Start

button and click

Control

Panel

Click

Performance and Maintenance

Click

System

Click the

System Restore

tab.

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:

Turn on the computer.

During the boot process, a blue bar with

www.dell.com

appears at the top of the screen.

Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press <Ctrl><F11>.

If you do not press <Ctrl><F11> 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.

On the next screen that appears, click

Restore

On the next screen, click

Confirm

The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.

62 Troubleshooting Tools

When prompted, click

Finish

to reboot the computer.

NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.

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.

Click

The

System Restore

screen appears and the computer restarts.

After the computer restarts, click

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:

Log on to the computer as a local administrator.

In Windows Explorer, go to

c:\dell\utilities\DSR

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.

Click

to remove the PC Restore partition on the hard drive.

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.

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

Click

Finish

to close the

PC Restore Removal

window.

Restart the computer.

Troubleshooting Tools 63

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

•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.

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

Insert the

Operating System

CD. Click

Exit

if the

Install Windows XP

message appears.

Restart the computer.

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

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

computer and try again.

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.

64 Troubleshooting Tools

Removing and Installing Parts 65

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.

Shut down the operating system:

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 o f f

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.

Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached

devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, press and hold

the power button for 4 seconds.

66 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.

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.

Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the

power button to ground the system board.

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

removing the cover.

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.

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 67

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.

Lay your computer on its side with the computer cover facing up.

Pull back the cover latch release located on the top panel.

Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up, using the bottom hinge tabs as leverage

points.

Release the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside in a secure location.

1 cover latch release 2 computer cover 3 back of computer

4 bottom hinge tabs

68 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.

1 floppy drive or Media Reader 2 CD or DVD drive 3 power supply

4 system board 5 hard drive

*May not be present on all computers.

Removing and Installing Parts 69

System Board Components

1 fan connector (FAN_CPU1) 2 processor socket (CPU) 3 memory module connectors

(DIMM_1, DIMM_2, DIMM_3,

DIMM_4)

4 power connector

(PW_12V_A1)

5 serial ATA drive connectors

(SATA2, SATA3)

6 serial ATA drive connectors

(SATA0, SATA1)

7 front-panel connector

(FRONTPANEL)

8 power connector (POWER1) 9 line-in, line-out, microphone,

side surround, center, and LFE

connectors

(AUDIO_6_STACK)

12 11

70 Removing and Installing Parts

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.

10 USB connectors (2)

(USB2_BACK1)

11 network connector and USB

connectors (2) (NIC_USB1)

12 real-time clock reset jumper

(RTCRST)

13 video connector (VIDEO1) 14 battery socket (BT1) 15 Internal USB connector

(USB1)

16 PCI Express x16 connector

(SLOT1)

17 standby power indicator

(AUX_PWR_LED)

18 PCI Express x1 connector

(SLOT2)

19 PCI connector (SLOT3) 20 PCI connector (SLOT4) 21 password jumper (PSWD)

22 floppy drive connector

(FLOPPY1)

Removing and Installing Parts 71

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.

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.

1 Channel A: matched pair of

memory modules in

connectors DIMM_1 and

DIMM_2 (white securing

clips)

2 Channel B: matched pair of

memory modules in

connectors DIMM_3 and

DIMM_4 (black securing clips)

72 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.

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

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

1 memory connector farthest

from processor (DIMM_1)

2 securing clips (2) 3 connector

Removing and Installing Parts 73

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

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

apply equal force to each end of the module.

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

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

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.

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

Right-click the

My Computer

icon and click

Properties

Click the

General

tab.

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

1 cutouts (2) 2 memory module 3 notch

4 crossbar

74 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.

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

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

3Grasp 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 75

Installing a PCI Card

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

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.

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

with step 5.

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

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

out of its connector.

Prepare the card for installation.

See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making

internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer.

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

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

cards.

1 release tab 2 card retention door

76 Removing and Installing Parts

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

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.

1 alignment bar 2 fully-seated card 3 not fully seated card

4 alignment guide 5 bracket within slot 6 bracket caught outside of slot

Removing and Installing Parts 77

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.

Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

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

1 alignment guide 2 alignment bar 3 release tab

4 card retention door

78 Removing and Installing Parts

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.

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

them on.

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.

1front I/O panel connector 2jumper 3sound card cable

4sound card connector

Removing and Installing Parts 79

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

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.

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

Removing a PCI Card

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

them on.

Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.

If you removed 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

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

"Back Panel Connectors" on page 16.

If you removed an add-in network connector:

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115), go to

Onboard Devices

and select

Integrated NIC

, and then change the setting to

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

"Back Panel Connectors" on page 16.

80 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

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

Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 66).

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).

If your computer includes a card retention mechanism to secure the x16 card in place from the top:

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.

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

with step 7.

1 card retention door 2 card retention mechanism 3 release tabs (2)

Removing and Installing Parts 81

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.

Prepare the card for installation.

See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making

internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer.

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

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

cards.

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

aligned with the securing tab.

1PCI Express x16 card 2securing tab 3PCI Express x1 card

4PCI Express x1 card slot 5PCI Express x16 card slot

82 Removing and Installing Parts

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

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.

1 alignment bar 2 fully seated card 3 not fully seated card

4 alignment guide 5 bracket within slot 6 bracket caught outside of slot

Removing and Installing Parts 83

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.

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.

1 card retention door 2 card retention mechanism 3 release tabs (2)

84 Removing and Installing Parts

Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the cards.

Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

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

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

them on.

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.

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

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115), go to

Onboard Devices

and select

Integrated NIC

, and then change the setting to

Off

1 alignment guide 2 alignment bar 3 release tab

4 card retention door

Removing and Installing Parts 85

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.

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

Removing a PCI Express Card

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

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).

If your computer includes a card retention mechanism, to secure the x16 card in place from the top:

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.

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.

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.

Reseat the card retention mechanism in the tabs and pivot downward to snap it into place.

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.

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

them on.

Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.

If you removed 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

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

"Back Panel Connectors" on page 16.

If you removed an add-in network connector:

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115), go to

Onboard Devices

and select

Integrated NIC

, and then change the setting to

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

"Back Panel Connectors" on page 16.

86 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

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

Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 66).

1 sliding plate lever 2 sliding plate 3 drive panel

4 side hinges

Removing and Installing Parts 87

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.

By pushing from the inside and pivoting the drive panel to the left, you can release the drive panel

from its side hinges.

Set the drive panel aside.

Removing the Drive-Panel Insert

Pull the drive-panel insert tab away from the drive panel insert to disengage the insert from the drive

panel.

Without releasing the tab, pivot the drive-panel insert out and away from the drive panel.

Set the drive-panel insert aside in a secure location.

1 drive panel 2 drive-panel insert tab 3 drive-panel insert

88 Removing and Installing Parts

Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert

Slide the tab on the left side of the drive-panel insert under the center drive-panel tab.

Rotate the drive-panel insert into place and snap the drive-panel insert tab over the corresponding tab

on the drive panel.

1 center drive-panel tab 2 drive panel 3 drive-panel insert tab

4 drive-panel insert

Removing and Installing Parts 89

Replacing the Drive Panel

Align the drive panel tabs with the side hinges.

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

1 sliding plate lever 2 sliding plate 3 drive panel

4 drive panel tabs (3) 5 side hinges

90 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

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.

1 CD/DVD drive 2 FlexBay for optional floppy

drive or Media Card Reader

3 hard drive

Removing and Installing Parts 91

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.

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.

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.

1 power cable 2 power input connector

1 interface cable 2 interface connector

Power Connector

Serial ATA Connector

92 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

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

Disconnect the power and data cables from the drive.

NOTICE: Use the pull-tab to remove the data cable from your hard drive.

1 power cable 2 serial ATA data cable

Removing and Installing Parts 93

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

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.

Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).

Connect computer and other devices to an electrical outlet.

Installing a Hard Drive

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

Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 66).

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.

1 tabs (2) 2 hard drive

94 Removing and Installing Parts

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

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.

Connect the power and data cables to the drive.

1 drive 2 hard-drive bracket

1 hard-drive bracket 2 hard drive 3 guide in hard-drive bay

Removing and Installing Parts 95

Check all cables to be certain that they are properly connected and firmly seated.

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.

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

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

drive operation.

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.

1 serial ATA data cable 2 power cable

96 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.

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

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

Press in on the blue release tabs on each side of the hard drive bracket and slide it up and out of the

computer.

Snap the bracket to the hard drive (see "Installing a Hard Drive" on page 93).

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

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.

Connect the power and data cables to the drive (see "Connecting Drive Cables" on page 91).

Connect the other end of the data cable to the SATA connector on the system board labeled

SATA0

SATA1

(see "System Board Components" on page 69).

Check all cables to be certain that they are properly connected and firmly seated.

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.

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

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

drive operation.

1 release tabs (2) 2 second hard drive in lower bay 3 hard drive bay

4 primary hard drive in upper bay

Removing and Installing Parts 97

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

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

Remove the drive panel (see "Removing the Drive Panel" on page 86).

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

)

1 power cable 2 data cable

98 Removing and Installing Parts

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.

If you are not replacing the drive, reinstall the drive panel insert (see "Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert"

on page 88).

Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).

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

8Check the System Step for the appropriate diskette Drive Option changes

(see "Entering System Setup" on

page 115).

1 drive latch release 2 sliding plate 3 floppy drive

Removing and Installing Parts 99

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.

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

Remove the drive panel (see "Removing the Drive Panel" on page 86).

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.

Attach the power and data cables to the floppy drive.

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.

1 drive 2 screws (4)

100 Removing and Installing Parts

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).

Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to avoid blocking airflow between the fan

and cooling vents.

Replace the drive panel (see "Replacing the Drive Panel" on page 89).

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.

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.

1 power cable 2 data cable

Removing and Installing Parts 101

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115) and select the appropriate

Diskette Drive

option.

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

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

Remove the drive panel (see "Removing the Drive Panel" on page 86).

1 Media Card Reader 2 cable

*Not present on all computers.

102 Removing and Installing Parts

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.

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.

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).

Replace the drive panel (see "Replacing the Drive Panel" on page 89).

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

1 drive latch release 2 sliding plate 3 Media Card Reader

Removing and Installing Parts 103

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.

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

Remove the drive panel (see "Removing the Drive Panel" on page 86).

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.

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.

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).

1 Media Card Reader 2 screws (4)

104 Removing and Installing Parts

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).

Route the FlexBay USB cable through the cable routing clip.

Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).

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.

1 Media Card Reader 2 USB cable 3 USB connector

1 3

Removing and Installing Parts 105

Removing a CD/DVD Drive

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

Remove the drive panel (see "Removing the Drive Panel" on page 86).

Disconnect the power cable and the CD/DVD drive data cable from the back of the drive and the

system board.

1 power cable 2 data cable

106 Removing and Installing Parts

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.

If you are not replacing the drive, replace the drive panel insert (see "Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert"

on page 88).

Replace the drive panel (see "Replacing the Drive Panel" on page 89).

Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).

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

Configure the drives in System Setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 115).

1 drive release latch 2 sliding plate 3 CD/DVD drive

Removing and Installing Parts 107

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.

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

If you are installing a new CD/DVD drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the appropriate drive-

panel insert (see "Removing the Drive-Panel Insert" on page 87).

Gently slide the drive into place until you feel a click or feel the drive securely installed.

Connect the power and data cables to the drive.

1 CD/DVD drive 2 screws (3)

108 Removing and Installing Parts

Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to avoid blocking airflow between the fan

and cooling vents.

Replace the drive panel (see "Replacing the Drive Panel" on page 89).

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.

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.

Enter system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115) and select the appropriate

Drive

option.

Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on

page 56).

1 power cable 2 data cable

Removing and Installing Parts 109

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:

Record all the screens in system setup (see "System Setup" on page 115) so that you can restore the

correct settings in step 9.

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

Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 66).

Locate the battery socket (see "System Board Components" on page 69).

Carefully press the battery release lever away from the battery and the battery will pop out.

Insert the new battery into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing up, then snap the battery into

place.

Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).

1 battery release lever 2 battery (positive side)

110 Removing and Installing Parts

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

computer.

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

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

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.

Ensure that all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way.

Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer.

Align the bottom of the cover with the tabs located along the bottom edge of the computer.

Using the tabs as leverage, rotate the cover downward and press down to close it.

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.

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

1 computer cover 2 back of computer 3 bottom hinge tabs

Appendix 111

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 24

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

112 Appendix

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

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 113

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 power-

on 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.

114 Appendix

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

located in the

Product Information

Guide

for important voltage setting

information)

90 to 135 V and 180 to 265 V at 50/60 Hz

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 20% to 80% (noncondensing)

Controls and Lights (continued)

Appendix 115

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

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

When the blue DELL™ logo is displayed, you must watch for the F2 prompt to appear.

Once this F2 prompt appears, press <F2> 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 <F2>. If you press <F2> before you are prompted, this keystroke will be lost.

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.

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)

Environmental (continued)

116 Appendix

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)

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.

Drives 0 through 3

(On default)

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.

Appendix 117

SATA Operation

(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.

SMART Reporting

(Off default)

This setting determines whether integrated drive errors are reported or not

during system startup.

Onboard Devices

Integrated NIC

(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

(On default)

Enables or disables the onboard audio controller.

USB Controller

(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.

Rear Dual USB0

(On default)

Enables or disables the indicated group of USB ports on the back of the

computer.

Rear Dual USB1

(On default)

Enables or disables the indicated group of USB ports on the back of the

computer.

Front USB

(On default)

Enables or disables the indicated group of USB ports on the front of the

computer.

Video

Primary Video

(Auto 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.

Video Memory Size

(64MB default)

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.

118 Appendix

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

(Not Set default)

Displays the current status of your system setup program’s password security

feature and allows you to verify and assign a new admin password.

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.

Password Changes

(Unlocked default)

Determines the interaction between the System password and the Admin

password. Locked prevents a user without a valid Admin password from being

able to modify the System password. Unlocked allows a user with a valid

System password to modify the system password.

Non-Execute Func

(On default)

Enables or disables Execute Disable memory protection technology.

Power Management

AC Recovery

(Off default)

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.

•

— 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.

Appendix 119

Auto Power On

(Off default)

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.

Auto Power Time 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)

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.

Cool and Quiet

(On default)

This option enables or disables the Cool ’n’ Quiet technology for all supported

processors

Suspend Mode

(S3 default)

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

•

— starts the system more quickly

120 Appendix

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.

Numlock Key

(On 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

•

— commands the right keypad keys to function as numbers

POST Hotkeys

(

Setup & Boot Menu

default)

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

Keyboard Errors

(

Report

default)

When set to Report and an error is detected during POST, the BIOS will

display the error message and prompt you to press <F1> to continue or press

<F2> 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.

Appendix 121

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).

If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector.

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

When

F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu

appears in the upper-right corner of the screen,

press <F12>.

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.

Press <F1> to continue.

The

Boot Menu

appears, listing all available boot devices.

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

Enter system setup, select

Boot Sequence

from the

System

group (see "Entering System Setup" on

page 115).

Press <Enter> to access the menu.

NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the appropriate

Boot Sequence

option.

Press the

keys to move the option

down

in the boot sequence.

Press <Enter> to

Save

the changes or <Esc> 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.

122 Appendix

Clearing Forgotten Passwords

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

Product Information Guide.

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

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.

Close the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 110).

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

After the Microsoft

Windows

desktop appears on your computer, shut down the computer (see

"Turning Off Your Computer" on page 65).

Turn off the monitor and disconnect it from the electrical outlet.

Disconnect the computer power cable from the electrical outlet, and press the power button to ground

the system board.

Open the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 66).

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.

Appendix 123

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.

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.

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.

Reset the current CMOS settings:

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.

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.

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.

124 Appendix

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:

Turn the retainer ring on the underside of your mouse counterclockwise, and then remove the ball.

Wipe the ball with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Blow carefully into the ball cage to dislodge dust and lint.

If the rollers inside the ball cage are dirty, clean the rollers with a cotton swab moistened lightly with

isopropyl alcohol.

Recenter the rollers in their channels if they are misaligned. Ensure that fluff from the swab is not left

on the rollers.

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.

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.

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.

Appendix 125

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 technician-

assisted 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 Repair services are provided pursuant to the terms and conditions of your limited warranty and any optional support ser-

vice contract purchased with the computer.

2 All Dell-standard components included in a Custom Factory Integration (CFI) project are covered by the standard Dell lim-

ited 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.

126 Appendix

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two

conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference.

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:

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

Contacting Dell

You can contact Dell through the Internet and by phone:

• 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.

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

Appendix 127

• 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

toll-free: 800-335-0031

Antigua and Barbuda Online Support

www.dell.com.ag

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

1-800-805-5924

Aomen

Country Code: 853

Technical Support

toll-free: 0800-105

Customer Service (Xiamen, China)

34 160 910

Transaction Sales (Xiamen, China)

29 693 115

Argentina (Buenos Aires)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 54

City Code: 11

Online Support www.dell.com.ar

E-mail for Desktops and Portables la-techsupport@dell.com

E-mail for Servers and EMC

Storage

Products

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

0-810-444-3355

Aruba Online Support www.dell.com.aw

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 800-1578

128 Appendix

Australia (Sydney)

International Access Code: 0011

Country Code: 61

City Code: 2

Online Support support.ap.dell.com

support.ap.dell.com/contactus

Technical Support

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

Austria (Vienna)

International Access Code: 900

Country Code: 43

City Code: 1

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

tech_support_central_europe@dell.co

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

Bahamas Online Support www.dell.com/bs

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 1-866-874-3038

Barbados Online Support www.dell.com/bb

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

1-800-534-3142

Belgium (Brussels)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 32

City Code: 2

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

General Support

02 481 92 88

General Support Fax

02 481 92 95

Customer Service

02 713 15 65

Corporate Sales

02 481 91 00

Fax

02 481 92 99

Switchboard

02 481 91 00

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

Appendix 129

Bermuda Online Support www.dell.com/bm

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

1-877-890-0751

Bolivia Online Support www.dell.com/bo

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 800-10-0238

Brazil

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 55

City Code: 51

Online Support www.dell.com/br

BR_TechSupport@dell.com

Customer Service and Tech Support

0800 970 3355

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

Country Code: 673

Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia)

604 633 4966

Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)

604 633 3101

or toll-free: 801 1012

Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia)

604 633 3101

or toll-free: 801 1012

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

130 Appendix

Canada (North York, Ontario)

International Access Code: 011

Online Order Status www.dell.ca/ostatus

Online Support support.ca.dell.com

AutoTech (automated Hardware and

Warranty Support)

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

1 866 440 3355

Cayman Islands Online Support la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

1-877-262-5415

Chile (Santiago)

Country Code: 56

City Code: 2

Online Support

www.dell.com/cl

la-techsupport@dell.com

Sales and Customer Support

toll-free: 1230-020-3397

or 800-20-1385

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

Appendix 131

China (Xiamen)

Country Code: 86

City Code: 592

Online Support support.dell.com.cn

Technical Support E-mail

support.dell.com.cn/email

Customer Service E-mail customer_cn@dell.com

Technical Support Fax

592 818 1350

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

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

Colombia Online Support www.dell.com/co

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

01-800-915-4755

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

132 Appendix

Costa Rica Online Support www.dell.com/cr

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

0800-012-0231

Czech Republic (Prague)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 420

Online Support 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)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 45

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

Technical Support

7023 0182

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 www.dell.com/dm

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 1-866-278-6821

Dominican Republic Online Support www.dell.com/do

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

1-800-156-1588

Ecuador Online Support www.dell.com/ec

la-techsupport@dell.com

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 Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

Appendix 133

El Salvador Online Support www.dell.com/sv

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

800-6132

Finland (Helsinki)

International Access Code: 990

Country Code: 358

City Code: 9

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

fi_support@dell.com

Technical Support

0207 533 555

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)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 33

City Codes: (1) (4)

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

Home and Small Business

Technical Support

0825 387 270

Customer Service

0825 823 833

Switchboard

0825 004 700

Switchboard (calls from outside of France)

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

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

134 Appendix

Germany (Frankfurt)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 49

City Code: 69

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

tech_support_central_europe@dell.co

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

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 30

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

Technical Support

00800-44 14 95 18

Gold Service Technical Support

00800-44 14 00 83

Switchboard

2108129810

Gold Service Switchboard

2108129811

Sales

2108129800

Fax

2108129812

Grenada Online Support www.dell.com/gd

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 1-866-540-3355

Guatemala Online Support www.dell.com/gt

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

1-800-999-0136

Guyana Online Support la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 1-877-270-4609

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

Appendix 135

Hong Kong

International Access Code: 001

Country Code: 852

Online Support 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

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

136 Appendix

India Online Support

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 india_support_Server@dell.com

Phone Numbers

080-25068032 or 080-25068034

or your city STD code + 60003355

or toll-free: 1800 425 8045

Gold Support Only

E-mail

eec_ap@dell.com

Phone Numbers

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

Large Corporate Accounts

1600 33 8044

Home and Small Business

1600 33 8046

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

Appendix 137

Ireland (Cherrywood)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 353

City Code: 1

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

dell_direct_support@dell.com

Technical Support

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

Home and Small Business

01 204 4014

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

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

138 Appendix

Italy (Milan)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 39

City Code: 02

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

Home and Small Business

Technical Support

02 577 826 90

Customer Service

02 696 821 14

Fax

02 696 821 13

Switchboard

02 696 821 12

Corporate

Technical Support

02 577 826 90

Customer Service

02 577 825 55

Fax

02 575 035 30

Switchboard

02 577 821

Jamaica Online Support la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

(dial from within Jamaica only)

1-800-440-9205

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

Appendix 139

Japan (Kawasaki)

International Access Code: 001

Country Code: 81

City Code: 44

Online Support support.jp.dell.com

Technical Support – Dimension and

Inspiron

toll-free: 0120-198-226

Technical Support outside of Japan –

Dimension and Inspiron

81-44-520-1435

Technical Support – Dell Precision,

OptiPlex, and Latitude

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

81-44-556-4162

Technical Support – Projectors, PDAs,

Printers, Routers

toll-free: 0120-981-690

Technical Support outside of Japan –

Projectors, PDAs, Printers, Routers

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

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

140 Appendix

Korea (Seoul)

International Access Code: 001

Country Code: 82

City Code: 2

Online Support support.ap.dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service

toll-free: 080-200-3800

Technical Support – Dimension, PDA,

Electronics, and Accessories

toll-free: 080-200-3801

Sales

toll-free: 080-200-3600

Fax

2194-6202

Switchboard

2194-6000

Latin America 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

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 352

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

Support

3420808075

Home/Small Business Sales

+32 (0)2 713 15 96

Corporate Sales

26 25 77 81

Customer Service

+32 (0)2 481 91 19

Fax

26 25 77 82

Malaysia (Penang)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 60

City Code: 4

Online Support support.ap.dell.com

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

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 Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

Appendix 141

Mexico

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 52

Online Support 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 la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 1-866-278-6822

Netherlands Antilles Online Support la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

001-800-882-1519

Netherlands (Amsterdam)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 31

City Code: 20

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

Technical Support

020 674 45 00

Technical Support Fax

020 674 47 66

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

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 64

Online Support support.ap.dell.com

support.ap.dell.com/contactus

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

0800 441 567

Nicaragua Online Support

www.dell.com/ni

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

001-800-220-1377

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

142 Appendix

Norway (Lysaker)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 47

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

Technical Support

671 16882

Relational Customer Service

671 17575

Home/Small Business Customer Service

23162298

Switchboard

671 16800

Fax Switchboard

671 16865

Panama Online Support

www.dell.com/pa

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

011-800-507-1264

Peru Online Support

www.dell.com/pe

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

0800-50-669

Poland (Warsaw)

International Access Code: 011

Country Code: 48

City Code: 22

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

pl_support_tech@dell.com

Customer Service Phone

57 95 700

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

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 351

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

Technical Support

707200149

Customer Service

800 300 413

Sales

800 300 410 or 800 300 411 or

800 300 412 or 21 422 07 10

Fax

21 424 01 12

Puerto Rico Online Support

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

1-877-537-3355

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

Appendix 143

St. Kitts and Nevis Online Support www.dell.com/kn

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 1-866-540-3355

St. Lucia Online Support www.dell.com/lc

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 1-866-464-4352

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Online Support www.dell.com/vc

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 1-866-464-4353

Singapore (Singapore)

International Access Code: 005

Country Code: 65

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

Slovakia (Prague)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 421

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

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

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

144 Appendix

South Africa (Johannesburg)

International Access Code:

09/091

Country Code: 27

City Code: 11

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

dell_za_support@dell.com

Gold Queue

011 709 7713

Technical Support

011 709 7710

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)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 34

City Code: 91

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

Home and Small Business

Technical Support

902 100 130

Customer Service

902 118 540

Sales

902 118 541

Switchboard

902 118 541

Fax

902 118 539

Corporate

Technical Support

902 100 130

Customer Service

902 115 236

Switchboard

91 722 92 00

Fax

91 722 95 83

Sweden (Upplands Vasby)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 46

City Code: 8

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

Technical Support

08 590 05 199

Relational Customer Service

08 590 05 642

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

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

Appendix 145

Switzerland (Geneva)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 41

City Code: 22

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

Tech_support_central_Europe@dell.co

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

Taiw an

International Access Code: 002

Country Code: 886

Online Support 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

International Access Code: 001

Country Code: 66

Online Support support.ap.dell.com

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

Trinidad/Tobago Online Support www.dell.com/tt

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 1-888-799-5908

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

146 Appendix

Turks and Caicos Islands Online Support www.dell.com/tc

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 1-877-441-4735

U.K. (Bracknell)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 44

City Code: 1344

Online Support support.euro.dell.com

dell_direct_support@dell.com

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

Sales

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

0870 907 4006

Uruguay Online Support www.dell.com/uy

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 000-413-598-2521

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

Appendix 147

U.S.A. (Austin, Texas)

International Access Code: 011

Country Code: 1

Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing,

or Speech-Impaired

toll-free: 1-877-DELLTTY

(1-877-335-5889)

Fax

toll-free: 1-800-727-8320

Technical Support

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

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

148 Appendix

U.S. Virgin Islands Online Support

www.dell.com/vi

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 1-877-702-4360

Venezuela Online Support www.dell.com/ve

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

0800-100-4752

Country (City)

International Access Code

Country Code

City Code

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-mail Address

Glossary 149

Glossary

Terms in this Glossary are provided for

informational purposes only and may or may not

describe features included with your particular

computer.

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 video-

related 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.

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.

150 Glossary

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.

byte — The basic data unit used by your computer. A byte

is usually equal to 8 bits.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DDR SDRAM — double-data-rate SDRAM — A type of

SDRAM that doubles the data burst cycle, improving

system performance.

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.

device — Hardware such as a disk drive, printer, or

keyboard that is installed in or connected to your

computer.

device driver — See driver.

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

Glossary 151

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.

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.

152 Glossary

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.

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.

FTP — file transfer protocol — A standard Internet

protocol used to exchange files between computers

connected to the Internet.

G — gravity — A measurement of weight and force.

GB — gigabyte — A measurement of data storage that

equals 1024 MB (1,073,741,824 bytes). When used to

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.

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.

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).

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.

Glossary 153

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.

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.

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.

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

154 Glossary

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 Mini-

Card 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.

network adapter — A chip that provides network

capabilities. A computer may include a network adapter

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.

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.

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.

Glossary 155

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.

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.

156 Glossary

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.

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.

Glossary 157

SXGA+ — super-extended graphics array plus — A video

standard for video cards and controllers that supports

resolutions up to 1400 x 1050.

system board — The main circuit board in your computer.

Also known as the motherboard.

system setup — A utility that serves as an interface

between the computer hardware and the operating

system. System setup allows you to configure user-

selectable 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

158 Glossary

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.

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.

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 high-

speed 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.

XGA — extended graphics array — A video standard for

video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to

1024 x 768.

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 159

Index

audio. See sound

battery

problems, 37

replacing, 109

BIOS, 115

boot sequence

about, 119

changing, 121

option settings, 120

booting

to a USB device, 121

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

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

160 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

e-mail

problems, 39

End User License

Agreement, 9

ergonomics information, 9

error messages

diagnostic lights, 53

troubleshooting, 40

Files and Settings Transfer

Wizard, 31

Finding Information, 9

Flex Bay drive

Media Card Reader, 14

floppy drive

installing, 99

removing, 97

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

help file

Windows Help and Support

Center, 11

hibernate mode, 29, 31

installing parts

before you begin, 65

recommended tools, 65

turning off your computer, 65

Internet

connection, about, 18

connection, options, 18

problems, 39

Internet connection

setting up, 19

keyboard

problems, 41

labels

Microsoft Windows, 10

Service Tag, 10, 13

latch release

cover, 13

lights

back of computer, 53

diagnostic, 14, 53

hard drive activity, 14

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

Index 161

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

network

Network Setup Wizard, 28

problems, 46

setting up, 27

Network Setup Wizard, 28

operating system

reinstalling Windows XP, 60

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

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

162 Index

problems (continued)

technical support policy, 125

troubleshooting tips, 37

volume adjusting, 50

Product Information Guide, 9

Program Compatibility

Wizard, 43

RAID array, creating, 34

regulatory information, 9

reinstalling

Windows XP, 60

safety instructions, 9

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

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

support

contacting Dell, 126

policy, 125

support website, 10

system board, 69

System Restore, 59-60

system setup

about, 115

entering, 115

options, 116

technical support

policy, 125

telephone numbers, 126

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

connect to computer, 26-27

USB

booting to devices, 121

connectors, 14

vents, 14

front panel, 14

volume

adjusting, 50

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

Index 163

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

164 Index

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