Dell Optiplex 320 Users Manual User's Guide

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2014-11-13

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Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Mini Tower Computer
Desktop Computer
Back to Contents Page
Advanced Features
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
LegacySelect Technology Control
LegacySelect technology control offers legacy-full, legacy-reduced, or legacy-free solutions based on common platforms, hard-drive images, and help desk
procedures.Controlisprovidedtotheadministratorthroughsystemsetup,DellOpenManage™ITAssistant,orDellcustomfactoryintegration.
LegacySelect allows administrators to electronically activate or deactivate connectors and media devices that include serial and USB connectors, a parallel
connector, a floppy drive, PCI slots, and PS/2 devices. Deactivating connectors and media devices makes resources available for other applications. You must
restart the computer to effect the changes.
Manageability
DellOpenManage™ITAssistant
IT Assistant configures, manages, and monitors computers and other devices on a corporate network. IT Assistant manages assets, configurations, events
(alerts), and security for computers equipped with industry-standard management software. It supports instrumentation that conforms to SNMP, DMI, and CIM
industry standards.
Dell OpenManage Client instrumentation, which is based on DMI and CIM, is available for your computer. For information on IT Assistant, see the Dell
OpenManage IT Assistant User's Guide available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation
Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation is software that enables remote management programs such as IT Assistant to do the following:
lAccess information about your computer, such as how many processors it has and what operating system it is running.
lMonitor the status of your computer, such as listening for thermal alerts from temperature probes or hard-drive failure alerts from storage devices.
lChange the state of your computer, such as updating its BIOS or shutting it down remotely.
A managed system is one that has Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation set up on a network that uses IT Assistant. For information about Dell
OpenManage Client Instrumentation, see the Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation User's Guide available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Security
Padlock Ring and Security Cable Slot
Use one of the following methods to secure your computer:
lUse a padlock alone or a padlock and looped security cable with the padlock ring.
A padlock alone prevents the computer from being opened.
A security cable looped around a stationary object is used in conjunction with a padlock to prevent unauthorized movement of the computer.
lAttach a commercially available antitheft device to the security cable slot on the back of the computer.
Antitheft devices usually include a segment of metal-stranded cable with an attached locking device and key. The documentation that comes with the
device contains instructions for installing it.
LegacySelect Technology Control
Manageability
Security
Password Protection
System Setup
Booting to a USB Device
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
Clearing CMOS Settings
Hyper-Threading
Power Management
NOTE: Before you purchase an antitheft device, make sure that it works with the security cable slot on your computer.
Password Protection
System Password
Option Settings
You cannot change or enter a new system password if either of the following two options is displayed:
lSet — A system password is assigned.
lDisabled — The system password is disabled by a jumper setting on the system board.
You can only assign a system password when the following option is displayed:
lNot Set — No system password is assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled position (the default setting).
Assigning a System Password
To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Tab> or the <Shift><Tab> key combination to move to another field, or press <Esc> at
any time before you complete step 5.
1. Enter system setup and verify that Password Status is set to Unlocked (see Entering System Setup).
2. Highlight System Password, and then press the left- or right-arrow key.
The option heading changes to Enter Password, followed by an empty 32-character field in square brackets.
3. Type your new system password.
You can use up to 32 characters. To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key. The password is not
case-sensitive.
Certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the speaker emits a beep.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
4. Press <Enter>.
If the new system password is less than 32 characters, the whole field fills with placeholders. Then the option heading changes to Verify Password,
followed by another empty 32-character field in square brackets.
5. To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.
The password setting changes to Set.
6. Exit system setup.
Password protection takes effect when you restart the computer.
Typing Your System Password
When you start or restart your computer, one of the following prompts appears on the screen.
If Password Status is set to Unlocked:
Type in the password and
- press <ENTER> to leave password security enabled.
- press <CTRL><ENTER> to disable password security.
Enter password:
If Password Status is set to Locked:
Type the password and press <Enter>.
If you have assigned an administrator password, the computer accepts your administrator password as an alternate system password.
If you type a wrong or incomplete system password, the following message appears on the screen:
** Incorrect password. **
If you again type an incorrect or incomplete system password, the same message appears on the screen. The third and subsequent times you type an
incorrect or incomplete system password, the computer displays the following message:
** Incorrect password. **
Number of unsuccessful password attempts: 3
System halted! Must power down.
Even after your computer is turned off and on, the previous message is displayed each time you type an incorrect or incomplete system password.
Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password
1. Enter system setup and verify that Password Status is set to Unlocked (see Entering System Setup).
2. Restart your computer.
3. When prompted, type the system password.
4. Press <Ctrl><Enter> to disable the existing system password.
5. Confirm that Not Set is displayed for the System Password option.
If Not Set is displayed, the system password is deleted. If Not Set is not displayed, press <Alt><b> to restart the computer, and then repeat step 3
through step 5.
To assign a new password, follow the procedure in Assigning a System Password.
6. Exit system setup.
Administrator Password
Option Settings
You cannot change or enter a new administrator password if either of the following two options is displayed:
lSet — An administrator password is assigned.
lDisabled — The administrator password is disabled by a jumper setting on the system board.
You can only assign an administrator password when the following option is displayed:
lNot Set — No administrator password is assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled position (the default setting).
Assigning an Administrator Password
The administrator password can be the same as the system password.
1. Enter system setup and verify that Admin Password is set to Not Set (see Entering System Setup).
2. Highlight Admin Password and press the left- or right-arrow key.
The computer prompts you to type and verify the password. If a character is not permitted, the computer emits a beep.
3. Type and then verify the password.
After you verify the password, the Admin Password setting changes to Set. The next time you enter system setup (see Entering System Setup), the
computer prompts you for the administrator password.
4. Exit system setup.
A change to Admin Password becomes effective immediately (no need to restart the computer).
NOTE: You can use Password Status in conjunction with System Password and Admin Password to further protect your computer from unauthorized
changes.
NOTE: If the two passwords are different, the administrator password can be used as an alternate system password. However, the system password
cannot be used in place of the administrator password.
Operating Your Computer With an Administrator Password Enabled
When you enter system setup, the Admin Password option is highlighted, prompting you to type the password (see System Setup).
If you do not type the correct password, the computer lets you view, but not modify, system setup options.
Deleting or Changing an Existing Administrator Password
To change an existing administrator password, you must know the administrator password.
1. Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup).
2. Type the administrator password at the prompt.
3. Highlight Admin Password and press the left- or right-arrow key to delete the existing administrator password.
The setting changes to Not Set.
To assign a new administrator password, perform the steps in Assigning an Administrator Password.
4. Exit system setup.
Disabling a Forgotten Password and Setting a New Password
To reset system and/or administrator passwords, see Clearing Forgotten Passwords.
System Setup
Overview
Use system setup as follows:
lTo change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computer
lTo set or change a user-selectable option such as the user password
lTo 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.
Entering System Setup
1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2. WhentheblueDELL™logoappears,press<F2>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 and try again (see Turning Off Your Computer).
System Setup Screens
The system setup screen displays current or changeable configuration information for your computer. Information on the screen is divided into three areas: the
options list, active options field, and key functions.
NOTE: You can use Password Status in conjunction with Admin Password to protect the system password from unauthorized changes.
Options List — This field appears on the left side of the system setup window. The field is a
scrollable list containing features that define the configuration of your computer, including
installed hardware, power conservation, and security features.
Scroll up and down the list by using the up and down arrow keys. As an option is highlighted,
the Option Field displays more information about that option and the option's current and
available settings.
Option Field — This field contains information about each
option. In this field you can view your current settings and
make changes to your settings.
Use the right- and left-arrow keys to highlight an option.
Press <Enter> to make that selection active.
System Setup Options
Key Functions — This field appears below the Option Field
and lists keys and their functions within the active system
setup field.
NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not appear.
System
System Info
Lists the computer name, BIOS Version, Service Tag, Express Service Code, (if applicable), and the Asset Tag. None of these fields can be
modified.
Processor
Info
Identifies the CPU type, bus speed, clock speed, and L2 cache size. States whether the processor is Hyper-Threading and multiple-core
capable and whether it supports 64-bit technology.
Memory Info
Lists the type, size, speed, and channel mode (dual or single) of installed memory.
PCI Info
Identifies any installed PCI or PCI Express cards.
Date/Time
Displays current date and time settings.
Boot
Sequence
The computer attempts to boot from the sequence of devices specified in this list.
Drives
Diskette Drive
(Internal default)
This option enables or disables the floppy drive. The options are Off, Internal, USB, and Read Only.
NOTE: If USB is selected, ensure that USB Controller setup option under Onboard Devices is set to On.
Drive 0 through
Drive n
Identifies and enables and disables the drives attached to the SATA or IDE connectors on the system board and lists the capacities
for the hard drives.
NOTE: These options appear as Drive 0 through Drive 3 for the desktop, mini tower, and small form computers and Drive 0 though
Drive 5 for the ultra small form factor computer.
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 On, Off, and On w/ PXE. When the On w/ PXE 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. Settings are Off, On, and No Boot.
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.
Front USB
Ports
(On default)
Enables or disables the front USB ports.
PS/2 Mouse
Port
Enables or disables the PS2/ mouse controller.
(On default)
LPT Port
Mode
(PS/2
default)
Determines the mode of operation of the internal parallel port. Off disables the port. AT configures the port for AT compatibility. PS/2
configures the port for PS/2 compatibility. EPP configures the port for the EPP bidirectional protocol. ECP configures the port for the ECP
bidirectional protocol.
NOTE: If you set the LPT Port Mode to ECP, the LPT Port DMA appears in the option menu.
LPT Port
Address
Determines the address that the built-in parallel port uses.
Serial Port
#1
(Auto
default)
Determines how the serial port operates.
Auto, the default setting, automatically configures a connector to a particular designation (COM1 or COM3).
Serial Port
#2
(Auto
default)
Determines how the serial port operates.
Auto, the default setting, automatically configures a connector to a particular designation (COM2 or COM4).
Video
Primary Video
(Auto
default)
This setting specifies which video controller is primary, Auto or Onboard/Card. When Auto is selected, the add-in video controller will be
used.
NOTE: A PCI Express graphics card will override the integrated video controller.
Performance
HyperThreading
(On default)
Determines whether the physical processor appears as one or two logical processors. The performance of some applications
improves with additional logical processors. On enables hyperthreading.
Multiple CPU Core
(On default)
Determines whether the processor will have one or two cores enabled. On enables the second core.
SpeedStep
(Off default)
Enables Intel®SpeedStep®for all supported processors in the computer. This setting changes the processor power
consumption and frequency.
NOTE: This option may not be available on your computer.
Limit CPUID Value
(Off default)
Limits the maximum value the processor standard CPUID function will support. Some operating systems do not complete
installation when the max CPUID function supported is greater than 3.
HDD Acoustic Mode (Bypass
default)
lQuiet — The hard drive operates at its most quiet setting.
lPerformance — The hard drive operates at its maximum speed.
lBypass — Your computer does not test or change the current acoustics mode setting.
lSuggested — The hard drive operates at the level suggested by the drive manufacturer.
NOTE: Switching to performance mode may cause the drive to be noisier, but its performance is not affected.
Changing the acoustics setting does not alter your hard-drive image.
Security
Unlock Setup
(Locked
default)
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.
Drive 0-n
Password
(Not Set
default)
Displays the current status of the hard drive's password security feature and allows a new hard drive password to be assigned and verified.
Password
Determines the interaction between the System password and the Admin password. Locked prevents a user without a valid Admin
Boot Sequence
This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices.
Changes
(Unlocked
default)
password from being able to modify the System password. Unlocked allows a user with a valid System password to modify the system
password.
Execute
Disable
(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 commands the system to stay off when the power is
re-applied. You must press the front-panel power button before the system turns on. On commands the system to turn on when the power is
re-applied. Last commands the system to return to the last power state the system was in just before it was turned off.
Auto Power
On
(Off
default)
Sets the computer to automatically turn on. Off disables this 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 the switch on 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.
Remote
Wake-Up
(Off
default)
This option allows the system to power up when a Network Interface Controller or Remote Wakeup-capable modem receives a wake up signal.
On is the default setting. On w/ Boot to NIC will allow the computer to attempt to boot from a network prior to using the boot sequence.
NOTE: Normally, the system can be powered up remotely from suspend mode, hibernate mode, or when powered off. When Low Power Mode
(in the Power Management menu) is enabled, the system can only be powered up remotely from Suspend.
Suspend
Mode
Sets the computer's suspend mode. The options are S1, a suspend state in which the computer is running in a low-power mode, and S3, a
suspendstateinwhichthepowerisreducedorturnedoffformanycomponents,however,systemmemoryremainsactive.
Maintenance
Service Tag
Displays the Service Tag for your computer.
SERR Message
(On default)
Some graphics cards require that the SERR message be disabled.
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 the
entries. Clear Log clears the Event Log.
POST Behavior
Fastboot
(On default)
When enabled, this feature reduces computer startup time by bypassing some compatibility steps. Off does not skip any steps during
computer startup. On starts the system more quickly.
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. On commands the right keypad keys to function as numbers.
POST Hotkeys
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
When set to Report (enabled) 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.
Option Settings
lOnboard or USB Floppy Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the floppy drive. If the floppy disk in the drive is not bootable, or if no floppy disk
is in the drive, the computer generates an error message.
lOnboard SATA Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary serial ATA hard drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the
computer generates an error message.
lOnboard PATA Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary IDE hard drive, if applicable. If no operating system is on the drive, the
computer generates an error message.
lOnboard or USB 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.
lExpansion Card Name — If you have installed a bootable expansion card, it may appear in the boot list. The computer attempts to boot from the
expansion card.
Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot
You can use this feature, for example, to tell the computer to boot from the CD drive so that you can run the Dell Diagnostics on the Drivers and Utilities CD
(ResourceCD), but you want the computer to boot from the hard drive when the diagnostic tests are complete. You can also use this feature to restart your
computer to a USB device such as a floppy drive, memory key, or CD drive.
1. If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector.
2. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3. When F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <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 and try again (see Turning Off Your Computer).
The Boot Device Menu appears, listing all available boot devices. Each device has a number next to it.
4. At the bottom of the menu, enter the number of the device that is to be used for the current boot only.
For example, if you are booting to a USB memory key, highlight USB Device and press <Enter>.
Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots
1. Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup).
2. Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot Sequence menu option and press <Enter> to access the pop- up menu.
3. Press the up- and down-arrow keys to move through the list of devices.
4. Press the spacebar to enable or disable a device. (Enabled devices have a checkmark.)
5. Press <Shift><Up Arrow> or <Shift><Down Arrow> to move a selected device up or down the list.
Booting to a USB Device
Memory Key
1. Insert the memory key into a USB port and restart the computer.
2. When F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F12>.
The BIOS detects the device and adds the USB device option to the boot menu.
NOTE: If you are booting to a USB floppy drive, you must first set the floppy drive to USB in system setup (see System Setup).
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure your device is bootable, check the device documentation.
NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that your device is bootable, check the device documentation.
3. From the boot menu, select the number that appears next to the USB device.
The computer boots to the USB device.
Floppy Drive
1. In system setup, set the Diskette Drive option to USB.
2. Save and exit system setup.
3. Connect the USB floppy drive, insert a bootable floppy, and re-boot the system.
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Locate the 3-pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board, and move the jumper plug from pins 1 and 2 to pins 2 and 3 to clear the password.
3. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
4. Connect your computer and monitor to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
5. After the Microsoft®Windows®desktop appears on your computer, shut down your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer).
6. Turn off the monitor and disconnect it from the electrical outlet.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: This process erases both the system and administrator passwords.
Jumper
Setting
Description
PSWD
Password features are enabled (default setting).
Password features are disabled.
RTCRST
The real-time clock has not been reset.
The real-time clock is being reset (jumpered temporarily).
jumpered unjumpered
7. Disconnect the computer power cable from the electrical outlet, and press the power button to ground the system board.
8. Remove the computer cover.
9. Locate the 3-pin password jumper on the system board and move the jumper from pins 2 and 3 to pins 1 and 2 to reenable the password feature.
10. Replace the computer cover.
11. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
12. Assign a new system and/or administrator password.
Clearing CMOS Settings
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Reset the current CMOS settings:
a. Locate the 3-pin CMOS jumper (RTC_RST) on the system board (see Clearing Forgotten Passwords).
b. Remove the CMOS jumper plug from pins 1 and 2.
c. Place the CMOS jumper plug on pins 2 and 3 and wait for approximately 5 seconds.
d. Return the CMOS jumper plug to pins 1 and 2.
3. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
4. Attach the computer stand, if used.
5. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Hyper-Threading
Hyper-Threading is an Intel®technology that can enhance overall computer performance by allowing one physical processor to function as two logical
processors, capable of performing certain tasks simultaneously. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft®Windows®XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or higher
operating system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of Hyper-Threading technology. While many programs can benefit from Hyper-
Threading, some programs have not been optimized for Hyper-Threading and may require an update from the software manufacturer. Contact the software
manufacturer for updates and information about using Hyper-Threading with your software.
To determine if your computer is using Hyper-Threading technology:
1. Click the Start button, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. Click Hardware and click Device Manager.
3. In the Device Manager window, click the plus (+) sign next to the processor type. If Hyper-Threading is enabled, the processor is listed twice.
You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through system setup (see System Setup).
Power Management
Your computer can be set to use less power when you are not working. You control the power usage through the operating system installed on your computer
and certain option settings in system setup (see System Setup). These periods of reduced power are called "sleep modes."
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
NOTE: This procedure enables the password feature. When you enter system setup (see Entering System Setup), both system and administrator
password options appear as Not Set—meaning that the password feature is enabled but no password is assigned.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
lStandby. In this sleep mode, power is reduced or turned off for most components, including the cooling fans. However, system memory remains active.
lHibernate. This sleep mode reduces power consumption to a minimum by writing all data in system memory to a hard drive and then removing system
power. Waking up from this mode restarts the computer, and the memory contents are restored. Operation then resumes where the computer left off
when it entered the hibernation mode.
lShutdown. This sleep mode removes all power from the computer except a small auxiliary amount. As long as the computer remains connected to an
electrical outlet, it can be automatically or remotely started. For example, the Auto Power On option in system setup allows the computer to
automatically start at a specified time (see System Setup). Also, your network administrator can remotely start your computer using a power
management event such as Remote Wake Up.
The following table lists the sleep modes and the methods you can use to wake the computer from each mode.
Back to Contents Page
NOTE: All components installed in the computer must support the hibernate and/or standby mode feature(s) and have the appropriate drivers loaded to
enter either of these sleep modes. For more information, see the manufacturer's documentation for each component.
Sleep Mode
Wake-Up Methods (Windows XP)
Standby
lPress the power button
lAuto power on
lMove or click the mouse
lType on the keyboard
lUSB device activity
lPower management event
Hibernate
lPress the power button
lAuto power on
lPower management event
Shutdown
lPress the power button
lAuto power on
lPower management event
NOTE: For more information on power management, see your operating system documentation.
Back to Contents Page
Battery
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
A coin-cell battery maintains computer configuration, date, and time information. The battery can last several years.
The battery may need replacing if an incorrect time or date is displayed during the boot routine along with a message such as:
Time-of-day not set - please run SETUP program
or
Invalid configuration information -
please run SETUP program
or
Strike the F1 key to continue,
F2 to run the setup utility
To determine whether you need to replace the battery, reenter the time and date in system setup and exit the program to save the information. Turn off your
computer and disconnect it from the electrical outlet for a few hours; then reconnect the computer, turn it on, and enter system setup (see Entering System
Setup). If the date and time are not correct in system setup, replace the battery.
You can operate your computer without a battery; however, without a battery, the configuration information is erased if the computer is turned off or
unplugged from the electrical outlet. In this case, you must enter system setup and reset the configuration options (see Entering System Setup).
To replace the battery:
1. If you have not already done so, make a copy of your configuration information, found in system setup.
2. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
3. Locate the battery socket (for your mini tower computer, see System Board Components; for your desktop computer, see System Board Components).
4. Remove the system battery.
a. Support the battery connector by pressing down firmly on the positive side of the connector.
b. While supporting the battery connector, press the battery tab away from the positive side of the connector and pry the battery it up out of the
securing tabs at the negative side of the connector.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the battery connector, you must firmly support the connector while removing the battery.
1
system battery
2
positive side of battery connector
5. Install the new system battery.
a. Support the battery connector by pressing down firmly on the positive side of the connector.
b. Hold the battery with the "+" facing up, and slide it under the securing tabs at the positive side of the connector.
c. Press the battery straight down into the connector until it snaps into place.
6. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
7. Enter system setup and restore the settings you recorded in step1 (see Entering System Setup).
8. Properly dispose of the old battery as described in the Product Information Guide.
Back to Contents Page
3
battery socket tab
4
battery socket
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the battery connector, you must firmly support the connector while replacing the battery.
Back to Contents Page
Before You Begin
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Recommended Tools
Turning Off Your Computer
Before Working Inside Your Computer
This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the
following conditions exist:
lYou have performed the steps in Turning Off Your Computer and Before Working Inside Your Computer.
lYouhavereadthesafetyinformationinyourDell™Product Information Guide.
lA component can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
lSmall flat-blade screwdriver
lPhillips screwdriver
lLong Phillips screwdriver
lFlash BIOS update program floppy disk or CD
Turning Off Your Computer
1. Shut down the operating system:
a. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click Turn Off Computer.
b. In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
2. Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut
down your operating system, turn them off now.
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.
To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.
1. Turn 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.
NOTE: To turn off your computer without shutting down the operating system (which is not recommended), press and hold the power button for 6
seconds.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
2. Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
4. If applicable, remove the computer stand (for instructions, see the documentation that came with the stand).
5. Remove the computer cover.
lFor your mini tower computer, see: Removing the Computer Cover
lFor your desktop computer, see: Removing the Computer Cover
Back to Contents Page
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
Back to Contents Page
Cleaning Your Computer
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor
lUse 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.
lTo 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.
lWipe 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
dish washing detergent.
Do not soak the cloth or let water drip inside your computer or keyboard.
Mouse
If your screen cursor skips or moves abnormally, clean the mouse. To clean a non-optical mouse:
1. Turn the retainer ring on the underside of your mouse counterclockwise, and then remove the ball.
2. Wipe the ball with a clean, lint-free cloth.
3. Blow carefully into the ball cage to dislodge dust and lint.
4. If the rollers inside the ball cage are dirty, clean the rollers with a cotton swab moistened lightly with isopropyl alcohol.
5. Re-center the rollers in their channels if they are misaligned. Ensure that lint from the swab is not left on the rollers.
6. Replace the ball and retainer ring, and turn the retainer ring clockwise until it clicks into place.
Floppy Drive
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
If you notice problems, such as skipping, with the playback quality of your CDs or DVDs, try cleaning the discs.
1. Hold the disc by its outer edge. You can also touch the inside edge of the center hole.
2. With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the unlabeled side) in a straight line from the center to the outer edge of the disc.
For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild soap. You can also purchase commercial products that clean discs and provide
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: Do not wipe the display screen with any soap or alcohol solution. Doing so may damage the antiglare coating.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You might accidentally misalign the heads, which prevents the drive from operating.
NOTICE: To prevent damaging the surface, do not wipe in a circular motion around the disc.
some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are safe to use on DVDs.
Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page
Connecting Multiple Monitors
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Before Connecting Mutiple Monitors or a Monitor and a Television to Your Computer
Connecting Two to Three Monitors Using Surround View
Connecting Dual Monitors or a Monitor and a Television to a Graphics Card
Changing the Display Settings
Before Connecting Mutiple Monitors or a Monitor and a Television to Your Computer
To support dual monitors or a monitor and a television, you must have an optional graphics card. If you are connecting more than one monitor, ensure that the
connectors on your monitors (whether VGA or DVI) match the available connectors on your computer, or that you have any necessary adapters. For example, if
you have a VGA monitor that needs to be connected to a DVI port on your graphics card, you must have the optional DVI adapter.
To connect a television to your computer, you must purchase an S-video cable, which is available at most consumer electronics stores. An S-video cable is not
included with your computer. You may connect only one monitor (VGA or DVI) in addition to the television. See the documentation that came with your TV to
ensure that you properly configure and connect the TV.
Connecting Two to Three Monitors Using Surround View
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Ensure that Auto is selected as the Primary Video option in system setup (see System Setup).
3. Connect the VGA connector on one monitor to the VGA (blue) connector on the back-panel of the computer. For a mini tower computer, see Back-Panel
Connectors. For a desktop computer, see Back-Panel Connectors.
4. Connect any other monitors to the optional graphics card in the back of the computer. See Connecting Dual Monitors or a Monitor and a Television to a
Graphics Card for more information, if necessary.
Connecting Dual Monitors or a Monitor and a Television to a Graphics Card
If you purchased a graphics card that supports dual monitors, follow these instructions to connect and enable your monitors or to connect one monitor and a
television.
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Connect a VGA monitor to the VGA (blue) connector on the graphics card in the back of the computer.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: These steps only apply to a computer with an ATI graphics card.
NOTE: These steps only apply to a computer with a dual-graphics capable graphics card.
3. Make the appropriate connections for the second device that you are connecting.
DVI monitor: Connect the DVI connector on the monitor to the DVI (white) connector on the graphics card in the back of the computer.
VGA monitor: Connect the VGA connector on the monitor to the optional DVI adapter and then connect the adapter to the DVI (white) connector on the
graphics card in the back of the computer.
television: Connect one end of the S-video cable to the TV-OUT connector on the graphics card in the back of the computer and the other to the S-video
input connector on your television.
Changing the Display Settings
1. After you connect the monitor(s) or television, turn on the computer.
The Microsoft® Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor.
2. Enable clone mode or extended desktop mode in the display settings.
lIn clone mode, both monitors display the same image.
lIn 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).
Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page
Desktop Computer
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
About Your Desktop Computer
Inside Your Computer
About Your Desktop Computer
Front View
1
USB 2.0
connectors
(2)
Use the USB connectors on the front of the computer for devices that you
connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB
devices (see System Setup for more information about booting to a USB
device).
It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back panel
for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and
keyboards.
2
hard-drive
activity light
This light flickers when the hard drive is being accessed.
3
power button
Press this button to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing
the power button. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.
NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press
the power button the computer will perform an operating system
shutdown.
4
Dell badge
This badge can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer. To
rotate the badge, place your fingers around the outside of the badge,
press firmly, and turn the badge. You can also rotate the badge using
the slot provided near the bottom of the badge.
5
power light
The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate
different operating states:
lNo light — The computer is turned off.
lSteady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.
lBlinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.
lBlinking or solid amber — See Power Problems
To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the
keyboard or the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the
Windows Device Manager. For more information about sleep modes and
exiting from a power-saving mode, see Power Management.
SeeSystem Lights" for a description of light codes that can help you
troubleshoot problems with your computer.
6
diagnostic
lights
Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on
the diagnostic code. For more information, see Diagnostic Lights.
7
LAN indicator
light
This light indicates that a LAN (local area network) connection is
established.
8
headphone
connector
Use the headphone connector to attach headphones.
9
floppy drive
Insert a floppy disk into this drive.
Back View
Back-Panel Connectors
10
CD/DVD drive
Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.
11
location of
Service Tag
Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you access the Dell
Support website or call technical support.
1
card slots
Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
2
back-panel
connectors
Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector.
See Back-Panel Connectors for details.
3
power
connector
Insert the power cable into this connector.
4
voltage
selection
switch
Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch. To
help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch,
set the switch for the voltage that most closely matches the AC power
available in your location.
NOTICE: In Japan the voltage selection switch must be set to the 115-V
position.
Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated
to operate with the AC power available in your location.
5
padlock ring
Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
6
cover release
latch
Use this latch to open the computer cover.
1
parallel
connector
Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If
you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.
NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically disabled if the
computer detects an installed card containing a parallel connector
configured to the same address. For more information, see System Setup
Options.
2
link integrity
light
lGreen — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network
and the computer.
lOrange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network
and the computer.
lOff — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the
network.
3
network
adapter
connector
To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one
end of a network cable to either a network jack or your network or
broadband device. Connect the other end of the network cable to the
network adapter connector on the back panel of your computer. A click
indicates that the network cable has been securely attached.
Inside Your Computer
NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
On computers with a network adapter 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.
4
network
activity light
This light flashes yellow 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.
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 to attach headphones and most
speakers with integrated amplifiers.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
7
microphone
connector
Use the pink 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.
8
USB 2.0
connectors
(4)
Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected,
such as printers and keyboards.
9
video
connector
Plug the cable from your VGA-compatible monitor into the blue connector.
NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be
covered by a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics
card. Do not remove the cap.
10
serial
connector
Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port.
The default designation is COM1 for serial connector 1.
For more information, see System Setup Options.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the computer cover.
NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do not accidentally disconnect cables from the system board.
1
drives bay (CD/DVD, floppy, and hard drive)
4
card slots
2
power supply
5
heat sink assembly
3
system board
6
front I/O panel
System Board Components
Back to Contents Page
1
fan connector (FAN)
10
internal buzzer (SPKR1)
2
processor connector (CPU)
11
password jumper (PSWD)
3
processor power connector (12VPOWER)
12
real time clock reset jumper (RTCRST)
4
front-panel connector (FNT_PANEL)
13
battery socket (BATT)
5
memory module connectors (DIMM_1, DIMM_2)
14
PCI Express x16 card connector
6
serial ATA drive connectors (SATA0, SATA1)
15
PCI card connector (2)
7
power connector (POWER)
16
floppy drive connector (FLOPPY)
8
CD/DVD drive connector (IDE)
17
serial/ PS/2 connector (PS2/SER2)
9
serial ATA drive connectors (SATA2, SATA3)
Back to Contents Page
PCI and PCI Express Cards
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Installing an Expansion Card
Removing an Expansion Card
YourDell™computerprovidestwolow-profile PCI card slots for PCI cards and one card slot for a low-profile PCI Express card:
Installing an Expansion Card
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Gently push the release tab on the card retention latch.
3. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step5.
4. If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
5. Prepare the card for installation.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: Your Dell computer uses only PCI and PCI Express slots. ISA cards are not supported.
NOTE: See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or customizing it for your
computer.
1
card retention latch
2
release tab
3
card
4
card-edge connector
5
card connector
6. Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.
7. Gently press down on the card retention latch to secure the card.
8. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
9. If you installed a sound card:
a. Enter system setup, select Audio Controller, and change the setting to Off (see Entering System Setup).
b. 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 or front panel.
10. If you installed an network adapter card and want to turn off the integrated network adapter:
a. Enter system setup, select Network Controller, and change the setting to Off (see Entering System Setup).
b. Connect the network cable to the network adapter card's connectors. Do not connect the network cable to the integrated network connector on
the back panel.
11. Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
Removing an Expansion Card
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Gently push the release tab on the card retention latch and swing it outward.
3. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
4. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
1
card fully seated
2
card not fully seated
3
bracket within slot
4
bracket caught outside of slot
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
5. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
6. Snap the card retention latch into place.
7. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
8. Uninstall the card's driver. See the documentation that came with the card for instructions.
9. If you removed a sound card:
a. Enter system setup, select Audio Controller, and change the setting to On (see Entering System Setup).
b. Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the computer back panel.
10. If you removed a network adapter card:
a. Enter system setup, select Network Controller, and change the setting to On (see Entering System Setup).
b. Connect the network cable to the integrated network connector on the back panel of the computer.
Back to Contents Page
1
release tab
4
card-edge connector
2
card retention latch
5
card connector
3
card
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.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
Back to Contents Page
Processor
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Removing the Processor
Installing the Processor
Removing the Processor
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Loosen the captive screw on each side of the heat sink assembly.
3. Rotate the heat sink assembly upward, and remove the assembly from the computer.
4. Open the processor cover by sliding the release lever from under the center cover latch on the socket. Then pull the lever back to release the processor.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
1
heat sink assembly
2
captive screw housing (2)
NOTICE: Unless a new heatsink is required for the new processor, reuse the original heat sink assembly when you replace the processor.
5. Gently remove the processor from the socket.
Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor.
Installing the Processor
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Unpack the new processor, being careful not to touch the underside of the processor.
3. If the release lever on the socket is not fully extended, move it to that position.
4. Orient the front and rear alignment-notches on the processor with the front and rear alignment- notches on the socket.
5. Align the pin-1 corners of the processor and socket.
6. Set the processor lightly in the socket and ensure that the processor is positioned correctly.
7. When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover.
1
center cover latch
2
processor cover
3
processor
4
socket
5
release lever
NOTICE: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket.
NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket.
1
processor cover
6
release lever
2
tab
7
front alignment-notch
3
processor
8
socket and processor pin-1 indicator
4
processor socket
9
rear alignment-notch
5
center cover latch
NOTICE: To avoid damage, ensure that the processor aligns properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when you install the processor.
Ensure that the tab on the processor cover is positioned underneath the center cover latch on the socket.
8. Pivot the socket release lever back toward the socket, and snap it into place to secure the processor.
9. Clean the thermal grease from the bottom of the heat sink.
10. Apply the new thermal grease to the top of the processor.
11. Install the heat sink assembly:
a. Place the heat sink assembly back onto the heat-sink assembly bracket.
b. Rotate the heat sink assembly down towards the computer base and tighten the two captive screws.
12. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
Back to Contents Page
NOTICE: Ensure that the heat sink assembly is correctly seated and secure.
1
heat sink assembly
2
heat-sink assembly bracket
3
captive screw housing (2)
Back to Contents Page
Drives
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Drives
General Installation Guidelines
CD/DVD Drive
Floppy Drive
Hard Drive
Your computer supports:
lOne SATA (serial ATA) hard drive
lOne optional floppy drive
lOne optional CD or DVD drive
General Installation Guidelines
Connecting Drive Cables
When you install a drive, you connect two cables—a DC power cable and a data cable—to the back of the drive and to the system board.
Drive Interface Connectors
1
CD/DVD drive
2
floppy drive
3
hard drive
IDE Drive Connector
Serial ATA Connector
1
colored stripe on IDE cable
2
interface cable connector
3
interface connector
Connect an IDE CD/DVD drive to the connector labeled "IDE" on the system board. Connect a SATA CD/DVD drive to the connector labeled "SATA1." SATA hard
drives should be connected to the connectors labeled "SATA0" or "SATA1" on the system board. To locate system board connectors, see System Board
Components.
IDE Drive Addressing
When you connect two IDE devices to a single IDE data cable and configure them for the cable select setting, the device attached to the last connector on the
data cable is the master or boot device (drive 0), and the device attached to the middle connector on the data cable is the slave device (drive 1). See the drive
documentation in your upgrade kit for information on configuring devices for the cable select setting.
Power Cable Connectors
Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables
Most 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.
Keyed connectors ensure that the pin-1 wire in the cable (indicated by the colored stripe along one edge of the IDE cable—SATA cables do not use a colored
stripe) goes to the pin-1 end of the connector. The pin-1 end of a connector on a board or a card is usually indicated by a silk-screened "1" printed directly on
the board or card.
When removing an IDE data cable, grasp the colored pull-tab and pull until the connector detaches. When connecting and disconnecting a SATA data cable,
hold the cable by the black connector at each end.
CD/DVD Drive
Removing a CD/DVD Drive
IDE Drive Power Connector
Serial ATA Power Connector
1
power cable
2
power input connector
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 computer cover.
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Pull up on the drive release latch and slide the drive towards the back of the computer. Then, lift up to remove the drive from the computer.
3. Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the drive.
4. If you're replacing the CD/DVD drive, see Installing a CD/DVD Drive.
Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
Installing a CD/DVD Drive
1. Unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.
Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. If you are installing an IDE drive, configure
the drive for the cable select setting.
2. If you are installing a new drive:
a. Press the two snaps on the top of the drive-panel insert and rotate the insert toward the front of the computer.
b. Remove the three shoulder screws from the drive-panel insert.
c. Insert the three shoulder screws into the sides of the new drive and tighten them.
3. If you are replacing an existing drive:
a. Remove the three shoulder screws from the existing drive.
b. Insert the three shoulder screws into the sides of the new drive and tighten them.
4. Connect the power and data cables to the drive.
5. Align the shoulder screws with the screw guides, and slide the drive into the bay until it clicks into place.
NOTICE: Do not pull the drive out of the computer by the drive cables. Doing so may cause damage to cables and the cable connectors.
1
drive release latch
2
CD/DVD drive
6. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.
7. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
8. Update your configuration information by setting the appropriate Drive option (0 or 1) under Drives. See System Setup for more information.
9. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Floppy Drive
Removing a Floppy Drive
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the CD/DVD drive and carefully set it aside (see CD/DVD Drive).
3. Pull up on the drive release latch and slide the floppy drive towards the back of the computer. Then, lift up to remove the drive from the computer.
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 computer cover.
NOTE: Since the following steps do not require the complete removal of the CD/DVD drive, it is not necessary to disconnect the cables connecting the
CD/DVD drive.
NOTICE: Do not pull the drive out of the computer by the drive cables. Doing so may cause damage to cables and the cable connectors.
4. Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the floppy drive.
Installing a Floppy Drive
1. If you are installing a new drive:
a. Gently slide a small flat-edge screw driver between the front of the computer and the back side of the drive-panel insert to pop off the insert.
b. Remove the four shoulder screws from the back of the drive-panel insert.
2. If you are replacing an existing drive:
Remove the four shoulder screws from the existing drive.
3. Insert the four shoulder screws into the sides of the new floppy drive and tighten them.
4. Attach the power and data cables to the floppy drive.
5. Align the shoulder screws with the screw guides, and slide the drive into the bay until it clicks into place.
1
drive release latch
2
floppy drive
6. Replace the CD/DVD drive (see CD/DVD Drive).
7. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.
8. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
9. Enter system setup and set the Diskette Drive option to enable your new floppy drive (see Entering System Setup).
10. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Hard Drive
Removing a Hard Drive
1. If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before you begin this procedure.
2. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.
3. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
4. Remove the CD/DVD drive from the bay and carefully set it aside (see CD/DVD Drive).
5. Remove the floppy drive from the bay and carefully set it aside (see Floppy Drive).
6. Press in on the two plastic securing clips on each side of the hard drive and slide the drive towards the back of the computer.
7. Lift the drive out of the computer and disconnect the power and data cables from the drive.
1
power cable
2
slot verification number
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 computer cover.
NOTE: Since the following steps do not require the complete removal of the CD/DVD drive and the floppy drive, it is not necessary to disconnect the
cables connecting the two drives.
NOTICE: Do not pull the drive out of the computer by the drive cables. Doing so may cause damage to cables and the cable connectors.
1
securing clips (2)
2
hard drive
Installing a Hard Drive
1. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.
2. Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation.
3. If your replacement hard drive does not have the plastic hard-drive bracket attached, remove the bracket from the existing drive by unsnapping it from
the drive, using the two release tabs.
4. Attach the bracket to the new drive by snapping it onto the drive.
5. Connect the power and data cables to the drive.
6. Locate the correct slot for the drive, and slide the drive into the bay until it clicks into place.
1
hard drive
2
release tabs (2)
3
plastic hard-drive bracket
1
securing tabs (2)
3
release tabs (2)
2
drive
4
plastic hard-drive bracket
7. Replace the floppy drive and CD/DVD drive.
8. Check all connectors to ensure that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.
9. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
10. Insert bootable media into your boot drive.
11. Turn on the computer.
12. Partition and logically format your drive before you proceed to the next step.
For instructions, see the documentation that came with your operating system.
13. Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
14. Install your operating system on the hard drive.
For instructions, see the documentation that came with your operating system.
Back to Contents Page
1
hard drive
2
slot verification number
Back to Contents Page
I/O Panel
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Removing the I/O Panel
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the cable from the I/O panel by pulling on the pull-loop.
3. Remove the screw that secures the I/O panel to the desktop computer.
4. Gently rotate and slide the I/O panel away from the computer.
Replacing the I/O Panel
1. To replace the I/O panel, follow the removal procedures in the reverse order.
Back to Contents Page
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.
NOTE: Note the routing of all cables before disconnecting them, so that you can re route them correctly when installing the new I/O panel.
1
securing screw
2
I/O panel
3
I/O cable connector
4
I/O connector pull-loop
NOTE: Use the guides on the I/O panel bracket to help position the I/O panel in place and use the notch on the I/O panel bracket to help seat the card.
Back to Contents Page
Power Supply
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Replacing the Power Supply
DC Power Connectors
Replacing the Power Supply
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Disconnect the DC power cables from the system board and the drives.
Note the routing of the DC power cables underneath the tabs in the computer chassis as you remove them from the system board and drives. You must
route these cables properly when you replace them to prevent their being pinched or crimped.
3. Remove the two screws that attach the power supply to the back of the computer chassis.
4. Remove the CD/DVD drive and carefully set it aside (see CD/DVD Drive).
5. Press the release button located on the floor of the computer chassis.
6. Slide the power supply toward the front of the computer by approximately 1 inch.
7. Lift the power supply up and out of the computer.
8. Slide the replacement power supply into place.
9. Replace the screws that secure the power supply to the back of the computer chassis.
10. Reconnect the DC power cables.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
1
release button
2
power supply
3
screws (2)
4
AC power connector
11. Replace the CD/DVD drive (see Installing a CD/DVD Drive).
12. Connect the AC power cable to the connector.
13. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
DC Power Connectors
DC Power Connector P1
Pin Number
Signal name
18-AWG Wire
1
+3.3 VDC
Orange
2
+3.3 VDC
Orange
3
GND
Black
4
+5 VDC
Red
5
GND
Black
6
+5 VDC
Red
7
GND
Black
8
PS_PWROK*
Gray
9
P5AUX
Purple
10
+12 VDC
White
11
+12 VDC
White
12
+3.3 VDC
Orange
13
+3.3 VDC
Orange
14
-12 VDC*
Blue
15
GND
Black
16
PWR_PS_ON*
Green
17
GND
Black
18
GND
Black
19
GND
Black
20
NC
N/C
21
+5 VDC
Red
22
+5 VDC
Red
DC Power Connector P2
DC Power Connector P3
DC Power Connector P4
DC Power Connector P5, P6
23
+5 VDC
Red
24
GND
Black
*Uses 22-AWG wire instead of 18-AWG wire.
Pin Number
Signal Name
18-AWG Wire
1
GND
Black
2
GND
Black
3
+12 VDC
Yellow
4
+12 VDC
Yellow
Pin Number
Signal name
18-AWG Wire
1
+12 VDC
Yellow
2
GND
Black
3
GND
Black
4
+5 VDC
Red
Pin Number
Signal Name
22-AWG Wire
1
+5 VCD
Red
2
GND
Black
3
GND
Black
4
+12 VDC
Yellow
Back to Contents Page
Pin Number
Signal name
18-AWG Wire
1
+3.3 VDC
Orange
2
GND
Black
3
+5 VDC
Red
4
GND
Black
5
+12 VDC
Yellow
Back to Contents Page
Removing the Computer Cover
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.
3. Slide the cover release latch back as you lift the cover.
4. Pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.
5. Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a soft nonabrasive surface.
Back to Contents Page
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 computer cover.
1
security cable slot
2
cover release latch
3
padlock ring
Back to Contents Page
Desktop Computer Specifications
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Microprocessor
Microprocessor type
Intel®Pentium®or Celeron® processor
internal cache
upto2MBpipelined-burst, eight-way set associative,
write-back SRAM
Memory
Type
533- or 667-MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Memory connectors
2
Memory modules supported
256-MB, 512-MB, or 1-GB non-ECC
Minimum memory
256MB
Maximum memory
2GB
BIOS address
F0000h
Computer Information
Chipset
ATI Radeon Xpress 200 Professional
Data bus width
64 bits
Address bus width
32 bits
DMA channels
eight
Interrupt levels
24
BIOS chip (NVRAM)
4 Mb
NIC
integrated network interface capable of 10/100
communication:
lGreen — A good connection exists between a
10-Mbps network and the computer.
lOrange — A good connection exists between a
100-Mbps network and the computer.
lOff — The computer is not detecting a physical
connection to the network.
Video
Type
integrated ATI Radeon Graphics
Audio
Type
ADI1983 High-Definition Audio
Stereo conversion
24-bit analog-to-digital; 24-bit digital-to-analog
Controllers
Drives
up to two SATA hard drives, one optional floppy drive
and one optional SATA or IDE optical drive
Expansion Bus
Bus type
PCI 2.3
PCI Express 1.0A
SATA
USB 2.0
Bus speed
PCI: 133 MB/s
PCI Express x16: 8 GB/s bidirectional speed
SATA: 3.0 Gbps
USB: 480 Mbps
Cards
low-profile cards supported
PCI:
connectors
two
card size
low profile
connector size
120 pins
connector data width
(maximum)
32 bits
PCI Express:
connectors
one x16
card size
low profile
power
25 W maximum
connector size
164 pins
connector data width (maximum)
sixteen PCI Express lane
Drives
Externally accessible
one 3.5-inch drive
one bay for CD/DVD or optional second hard drive
Internally accessible
one bay for a 1-inch-high hard drive
Connectors
External connectors:
Serial
9-pin connector; 16550C-compatible
Parallel
25-hole connector (bidirectional)
Video
15-hole VGA connector
Network adapter
RJ-45 connector
USB
two front-panel and four back-panel USB 2.0–
compliant connectors
Audio
three back-panel connectors for line-in, line-out, and
microphone; one front-panel connector for
headphones
System board connectors:
IDE
40-pin connector (supports one device)
SATA
four 7-pin connectors
Floppy drive
34-pin connector
Serial
12-pin connector for optional serial port card
Fan
5-pin connector
PCI 2.3
two low-profile 120-pin connectors
PCI Express x16
low-profile 164-pin connector
CD drive audio interface
4-pin connector
Front panel
40-pin connector
Key Combinations
<Ctrl><Alt><Del>
in Microsoft®Windows®XP, brings up the Windows
Security window; in DOS mode, restarts (reboots) the
computer
<F2> or <Ctrl><Alt><Enter>
starts embedded system setup (during system start-
up only)
<F12> or <Ctrl><Alt><F8>
displays a boot device menu that allows the user to
enter a device for a single boot (during system start-
up only) as well as options to run hard-drive and
system diagnostics
Controls and Lights
Power control
push button
Power light
green light — Blinking green indicates a sleep mode;
solid green indicates a power-on state.
amber light — Blinking amber indicates a problem
with an installed device; solid amber indicates an
internal power problem (see Power Problems).
Back to Contents Page
Hard-drive access light
green
Link light
solid green light indicates network connection
Link integrity light (on integrated network adapter)
green light for 10-Mb operation and orange light for
100-Mb operation
Activity light (on integrated network adapter)
yellow blinking light
Diagnostic lights
four lights on the front panel (see Diagnostic Lights)
Standby power light
AUX_PWR on the system board
Power
DC power supply:
Wattage
280 W
Heat dissipation
955 BTU/hr
NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated based upon the
power supply wattage rating.
Voltage
90 to 135 V at 60 Hz; 180 to 264 V at 50 Hz; 100 V at
50/60Hz for Japanese computers
Backup battery
3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell
Physical
Height
11.4 cm (4.5 inches)
Width
39.9 cm (15.7 inches)
Depth
35.3 cm (13.9 inches)
Weight
10.4 kg (23 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)
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 51 cm/sec [20 in/sec])
Storage
105 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2 msec +/- 10%
(equivalent to 127 cm/sec [50 in/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)
Back to Contents Page
FCC Notice (U.S. Only)
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
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.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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:
lReorient the receiving antenna.
lRelocate the system with respect to the receiver.
lMove the system away from the receiver.
lPlug 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:
lProductname:Dell™OptiPlex™320
lModel numbers: DCSM and DCNE
lCompany name:
Dell Inc.
Worldwide Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Affairs
One Dell Way
Round Rock, TX 78682 USA
512-338-4400
Back to Contents Page
NOTE: For Further regulatory information, see your Product Information Guide.
Back to Contents Page
Finding Information
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
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
lA diagnostic program for my computer
lDrivers for my computer
lMy computer documentation
lMy device documentation
lDesktop System Software (DSS)
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional and may not ship
with your computer.
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You
can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities),
to run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics), or to access your
documentation.
Readme files may be included on your CD to provide last-minute updates
about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical-
reference material for technicians or experienced users.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
lHow to set up my computer
lBasic troubleshooting information
lHow to run the Dell Diagnostics
lError codes and diagnostic lights
lTools and utilities
Quick Reference Guide
NOTE: This document may be optional and may not ship with your
computer.
NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at support.dell.com.
lWarranty information
lTerms and Conditions (U.S. only)
lSafety instructions
lRegulatory information
lErgonomics information
lEnd User License Agreement
Dell™ProductInformationGuide
lService Tag and Express Service Code
lMicrosoft Windows License Label
Service Tag and Microsoft®Windows®License
These labels are located on your computer.
lUse the Service Tag (see mini tower Front View or desktop Front
View) to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com
or contact support.
lEnter the Express Service Code to direct your call when
contacting support.
lSolutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, and
online courses, frequently asked questions
lCommunity — Online discussion with other Dell customers
lUpgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the
hard drive, and the operating system
lCustomer Care — Contact information, service call and order status,
warranty, and repair information
lService and support — Service call status and support history, service
contract, online discussions with technical support
lReference — Computer documentation, details on my computer
configuration, product specifications, and white papers
lDownloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates
lDesktop System Software (DSS)— If you reinstall the operating system for
your computer, you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS provides critical
updatesforyouroperatingsystemandsupportforDell™3.5-inch USB
floppy drives, Intel®processors, optical drives, and USB devices. DSS is
necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. The software
automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the
updates appropriate for your configuration.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region or business segment to view the appropriate
support site.
To download Desktop System Software:
1. Go to support.dell.com, select your region or business segment,
and enter your Service Tag.
2. Select Drivers & Downloads and click Go.
3. Click your operating system and search for the keyword Desktop
System Software.
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary depending on your
selections.
lHow to use Windows XP
lHow to work with programs and files
lHow to personalize my desktop
Windows Help and Support Center
1. Click Start® Help and Support.
2. Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the
arrow icon.
3. Click the topic that describes your problem.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen.
lHow to reinstall my operating system
Operating System CD
NOTE: The Operating System CD may be optional and may not ship with
your computer.
The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall
your operating system, use the Operating System CD. See Reinstalling
Microsoft Windows XP.
After you reinstall your operating system, use the optional Drivers and
Utilities CD (ResourceCD) to reinstall drivers for the devices that came
with your computer.
Back to Contents Page
See Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD).
Your operating system product key label is located on your computer
(see Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License).
NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating system you
ordered.
Back to Contents Page
Getting Help
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Technical Assistance
Problems With Your Order
Product Information
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
Before You Call
Contacting Dell
Technical Assistance
If you need help with a technical problem, Dell is ready to assist you.
1. Complete the procedures in Solving Problems.
2. Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
3. Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist and fill it out.
4. Use Dell's extensive suite of online services available at Dell Support (support.dell.com) for help with installation and troubleshooting procedures.
5. If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem, contact Dell.
NOTE: Call technical support from a telephone near or at the computer so that technical support can assist you with any necessary procedures.
NOTE: Dell's Express Service Code system may not be available in all countries.
When prompted by Dell's automated telephone system, enter your Express Service Code to route the call directly to the proper support personnel. If you do
not have an Express Service Code, open the Dell Accessories folder, double-click the Express Service Code icon, and follow the directions.
For instructions on using the technical support service, see Technical Support Service.
NOTE: Some of the following services are not always available in all locations outside the continental U.S. Call your local Dell representative for information on
availability.
Online Services
You can access Dell Support at support.dell.com. Select your region on the WELCOME TO DELL SUPPORT page, and fill in the requested details to access
help tools and information.
You can contact Dell electronically using the following addresses:
lWorld Wide Web
www.dell.com/
www.dell.com/ap/ (Asian/Pacific countries only)
www.dell.com/jp (Japan only)
www.euro.dell.com (Europe only)
www.dell.com/la/ (Latin American countries)
www.dell.ca (Canada only)
lAnonymous file transfer protocol (FTP)
ftp.dell.com/
Log in as user: anonymous, and use your e-mail address as your password.
lElectronic Support Service
mobile_support@us.dell.com
support@us.dell.com
CAUTION: If you need to remove the computer covers, first disconnect the computer power and modem cables from all electrical outlets.
apsupport@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only)
support.jp.dell.com (Japan only)
support.euro.dell.com (Europe only)
lElectronic Quote Service
sales@dell.com
apmarketing@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only)
sales_canada@dell.com (Canada only)
lElectronic Information Service
info@dell.com
AutoTech Service
Dell's automated technical support service—AutoTech—provides recorded answers to the questions most frequently asked by Dell customers about their
portable and desktop computers.
When you call AutoTech, use your touch-tone telephone to select the subjects that correspond to your questions.
TheAutoTechserviceisavailable24hoursaday,7daysaweek.Youcanalsoaccessthisservicethroughthetechnicalsupportservice.Forthetelephone
number to call, see the contact numbers for your region in Contacting Dell.
Automated Order-Status Service
TocheckonthestatusofanyDell™productsthatyouhaveordered,youcangotosupport.dell.com, or you can call the automated order-status service. A
recording prompts you for the information needed to locate and report on your order. For the telephone number to call, see the contact numbers for your
region in Contacting Dell.
Technical Support Service
Dell'stechnicalsupportserviceisavailable24hoursaday,7daysaweek,toansweryourquestionsaboutDellhardware.Ourtechnicalsupportstaffuses
computer-based diagnostics to provide fast, accurate answers.
To contact Dell's technical support service, see Technical Assistance and then call the number for your country as listed in Contacting Dell.
Problems With Your Order
If you have a problem with your order, such as missing parts, wrong parts, or incorrect billing, contact Dell for customer assistance. Have your invoice or
packing slip handy when you call. For the telephone number to call, see the contact numbers for your region in Contacting Dell.
Product Information
If you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if you would like to place an order, visit the Dell website at www.dell.com. For the
telephone number to call to speak to a sales specialist, see the contact numbers for your region in Contacting Dell.
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows:
1. Call Dell to obtain a Return Material Authorization Number, and write it clearly and prominently on the outside of the box.
For the telephone number to call, see the contact numbers for your region in Contacting Dell.
2. Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describing the reason for the return.
3. Include a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist indicating the tests you have run and any error messages reported by the Dell Diagnostics.
4. Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned (power cables, software floppy disks, guides, and so on) if the return is for credit.
5. Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing materials.
You are responsible for paying shipping expenses. You are also responsible for insuring any product returned, and you assume the risk of loss during shipment
to Dell. Collect On Delivery (C.O.D.) packages are not accepted.
Returns that are missing any of the preceding requirements will be refused at Dell's receiving dock and returned to you.
Before You Call
NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell's automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently.
Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist. If possible, turn on your computer before you call Dell for technical assistance and call from a telephone at or
near the computer. You may be asked to type some commands at the keyboard, relay detailed information during operations, or try other troubleshooting
steps possible only at the computer itself. Ensure that the computer documentation is available.
Contacting Dell
To contact Dell electronically, you can access the following websites:
lwww.dell.com
lsupport.dell.com (support)
For specific web addresses for your country, find the appropriate country section in the table below.
When you need to contact Dell, use the electronic addresses, telephone 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.
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety instructions in your Product Information Guide.
Diagnostics Checklist
Name:
Date:
Address:
Phone number:
Service Tag (bar code on the back of the computer):
Express Service Code:
Return Material Authorization Number (if provided by Dell support technician):
Operating system and version:
Devices:
Expansion cards:
Are you connected to a network? Yes No
Network, version, and network adapter:
Programs and versions:
See your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the system's start-up files. If the computer is connected to a printer, print each file.
Otherwise, record the contents of each file before calling Dell.
Error message, beep code, or diagnostic code:
Description of problem and troubleshooting procedures you performed:
NOTE: Toll-free numbers are for use within the country for which they are listed.
NOTE: Incertaincountries,supportspecifictoDell™XPS™computersisavailableataseparatetelephonenumberlistedforparticipatingcountries.If
you do not see a telephone number listed that is specific for XPS computers, you may contact Dell through the support number listed and your call will be
routed appropriately.
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
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-Mail Address
Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Anguilla
Website: www.dell.com.ai
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com

General Support
toll-free:800-335-0031
Antigua and Barbuda
Website: www.dell.com.ag
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
1-800-805-5924
Argentina (Buenos Aires)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 54
City Code: 11
Website: www.dell.com.ar

E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
E-mail for desktop and portable computers:
la-techsupport@dell.com
E-mail for servers and EMC®storage products:
la_enterprise@dell.com
Customer Care
toll-free:0-800-444-0730
Technical Support
toll-free:0-800-444-0733
Technical Support Services
toll-free:0-800-444-0724
Sales
0-810-444-3355
Aruba
Website: www.dell.com.aw
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
toll-free:800-1578
Australia (Sydney)
International Access Code:
0011
Country Code: 61
City Code: 2
Website: support.ap.dell.com

E-mail: support.ap.dell.com/contactus
General Support
13DELL-133355
Austria (Vienna)
International Access Code:
900
Country Code: 43
City Code: 1
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com

Home/Small Business Sales
082024053000
Home/Small Business Fax
082024053049
Home/Small Business Customer Care
082024053014
Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Care
082024053016
Support for XPS
082024053081
Home/Small Business Support for all other Dell computers
082024053017
Preferred Accounts/Corporate Support
082024053017
Switchboard
082024053000
Bahamas
Website: www.dell.com.bs
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
toll-free:1-866-278-6818
Barbados
Website: www.dell.com/bb
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
1-800-534-3142
Belgium (Brussels)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 32
City Code: 2
Website: support.euro.dell.com

Tech Support for XPS
024819296
Tech Support for all other Dell computers
024819288
Tech Support Fax
024819295
Customer Care
027131565
Corporate Sales
024819100
Fax
024819299
Switchboard
024819100
Bermuda
Website: www.dell.com/bm
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
1-877-890-0751
Bolivia
Website: www.dell.com/bo
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
toll-free:800-10-0238
Brazil
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 55
City Code: 51
Website: www.dell.com/br

E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
Customer Support, Tech Support
0800903355
Technical Support Fax
5134815470
Customer Care Fax
5134815480
Sales
0800903390
British Virgin Islands
General Support
toll-free:1-866-278-6820
Brunei
Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia)
6046334966
Country Code: 673
Customer Care (Penang, Malaysia)
6046334888
Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia)
6046334955
Canada (North York,
Ontario)
International Access Code:
011
Online Order Status: www.dell.ca/ostatus
AutoTech (automated Hardware and Warranty Support)
toll-free:1-800-247-9362
Customer Service (Home Sales/Small Business)
toll-free:1-800-847-4096
Customer Service (med./large business, government)
toll-free:1-800-326-9463
Customer Service (printers, projectors, televisions, handhelds, digital jukebox,
and wireless)
toll-free:1-800-847-4096
Hardware Warranty Support (Home Sales/Small Business)
toll-free:1-800-906-3355
Hardware Warranty Support (med./large bus., government)
toll-free:1-800-387-5757
Hardware Warranty Support (printers, projectors, televisions, handhelds, digital
jukebox, and wireless)
1-877-335-5767
Sales (Home Sales/Small Business)
toll-free:1-800-387-5752
Sales (med./large bus., government)
toll-free:1-800-387-5755
Spare Parts Sales & Extended Service Sales
18664403355
Cayman Islands
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
1-877-262-5415
Chile (Santiago)
Country Code: 56
City Code: 2
Website: www.dell.com/cl
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
Sales and Customer Support
toll-free:1230-020-4823
China (Xiamen)
Country Code: 86
City Code: 592
Technical Support website: support.dell.com.cn

Technical Support E-mail: cn_support@dell.com

Customer Care E-mail: customer_cn@dell.com
Technical Support Fax
5928181350
TechnicalSupport(Dell™Dimension™andInspiron)
toll-free:8008582968
TechnicalSupport(OptiPlex™,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, and so on)
toll-free:8008582920
Technical Support (printers)
toll-free:8008582311
Customer Care
toll-free:8008582060
Customer Care 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
Website: www.dell.com/cl
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
01-800-915-4755
Costa Rica
Website: www.dell.com/cr
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
0800-012-0231
Czech Republic (Prague)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 420
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: czech_dell@dell.com

Technical Support
225372727
Customer Care
225372707
Fax
225372714
Technical Fax
225372728
Switchboard
225372711
Website: support.euro.dell.com

Technical Support for XPS
7010 0074
Denmark (Copenhagen)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 45
Technical Support for all other Dell computers
70230182
Customer Care (Relational)
70230184
Home/Small Business Customer Care
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
Website: www.dell.com/dm
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
toll-free:1-866-278-6821
Dominican Republic
Website: www.dell.com/do
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
1-800-156-1588
Ecuador
Website: www.dell.com/ec
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support (calling from Quito)
toll-free:999-119-877-655-3355
General Support (calling from Guayaquil)
toll-free:1800-999-119-877-655-3355
El Salvador
Website: www.dell.com/ec
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
800-6132
Finland (Helsinki)
International Access Code:
990
Country Code: 358
City Code: 9
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: fi_support@dell.com
Technical Support
0207533555
Customer Care
0207533538
Switchboard
0207533533
Sales under 500 employees
0207533540
Fax
0207533530
Sales over 500 employees
0207533533
Fax
0207533530
France (Paris) (Montpellier)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 33
City Codes: (1) (4)
Website: support.euro.dell.com

Home and Small Business

Technical Support for XPS
0825 387 129
Technical Support for all other Dell computers
0825387270
Customer Care
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 Care
0825338339
Switchboard
0155947100
Sales
0155947100
Fax
0155947101
Germany (Langen)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 49
City Code: 69
Website: support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com
Technical Support for XPS
06997927222
Technical Support for all other Dell computers
0699792-7200
Home/Small Business Customer Care
0180-5-224400
Global Segment Customer Care
0699792-7320
Preferred Accounts Customer Care
0699792-7320
Large Accounts Customer Care
0699792-7320
Public Accounts Customer Care
0699792-7320
Switchboard
069766-7000
Greece
International Access Code: 00
Website: support.euro.dell.com
Technical Support
00800-44 14 95 18
Gold Service Technical Support
00800-44 14 00 83
Switchboard
2108129810
Country Code: 30
Gold Service Switchboard
2108129811
Sales
2108129800
Fax
2108129812
Grenada
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
toll-free:1-866-540-3355
Guatemala
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
1-800-999-0136
Guyana
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
toll-free:1-877-270-4609
Hong Kong
International Access Code:
001
Country Code: 852
Website: support.ap.dell.com

Technical Support E-mail: HK_support@Dell.com

Technical Support (Dimension and Inspiron)
29693188
Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision)
29693191
TechnicalSupport(PowerApp™,PowerEdge™,PowerConnect™,and
PowerVault™)
29693196
Customer Care
34160910
Large Corporate Accounts
34160907
Global Customer Programs
34160908
Medium Business Division
34160912
Home and Small Business Division
29693105
India
E-mail: india_support_desktop@dell.com
india_support_notebook@dell.com
india_support_Server@dell.com
Technical Support
1600338045
and 1600448046
Sales (Large Corporate Accounts)
1600338044
Sales (Home and Small Business)
1600338046
Ireland (Cherrywood)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 353
City Code: 1
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com

Sales
Ireland Sales
012044444
Dell Outlet
1850200778
Online Ordering HelpDesk
1850200778
Customer Care
Home User Customer Care
012044014
Small Business Customer Care
012044014
Corporate Customer Care
1850200982
Technical Support
Technical Support for XPS computers only
1850200722
Technical Support for all other Dell computers
1850543543
General
Fax/Sales Fax
012040103
Switchboard
012044444
U.K. Customer Care (dial within U.K. only)
08709060010
Corporate Customer Care (dial within U.K. only)
08709074499
U.K. Sales (dial within U.K. only)
08709074000
Italy (Milan)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 39
City Code: 02
Website: support.euro.dell.com

Home and Small Business

Technical Support
0257782690
Customer Care
0269682114
Fax
0269682113
Switchboard
0269682112
Corporate

Technical Support
0257782690
Customer Care
0257782555
Fax
0257503530
Switchboard
02577821
Jamaica
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support (dial from within Jamaica only)
1-800-440-9205
Website: support.jp.dell.com
Japan (Kawasaki)
International Access Code:
001
Country Code: 81
City Code: 44
Technical Support (servers)
toll-free: 0120-198-498
Technical Support outside of Japan (servers)
81-44-556-4162
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 (PDAs, projectors, printers, routers)
toll-free: 0120-981-690
Technical Support outside of Japan (PDAs, projectors, printers, routers)
81-44-556-3468
Faxbox Service
044-556-3490
24-Hour Automated Order Status Service
044-556-3801
Customer Care
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
044-556-1760
Switchboard
044-556-4300
Korea (Seoul)
International Access Code:
001
Country Code: 82
City Code: 2
E-mail: krsupport@dell.com
Support
toll-free:080-200-3800
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
SalesFax (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)
512728-4600
or512728-3772
Luxembourg
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 352
Website: support.euro.dell.com

Support
3420808075
Home/Small Business Sales
+32(0)27131596
Corporate Sales
26257781
Customer Care
+32(0)24819119
Fax
26257782
Macao
Country Code: 853
Technical Support
toll-free:0800105
Customer Service (Xiamen, China)
34 160 910
Transaction Sales (Xiamen, China)
29 693 115
Malaysia (Penang)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 60
City Code: 4
Website: 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 Care
toll-free:1800881306(option6)
Transaction Sales
toll-free:1800888202
Corporate Sales
toll-free:1800888213
Mexico
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 52
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
Customer Technical Support
001-877-384-8979
or 001-877-269-3383
Sales
50-81-8800
or 01-800-888-3355
Customer Service
001-877-384-8979
or 001-877-269-3383
Main
50-81-8800
or 01-800-888-3355
Montserrat
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
toll-free:1-866-278-6822
Netherlands Antilles
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
001-800-882-1519
Netherlands (Amsterdam)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 31
City Code: 20
Website: support.euro.dell.com
Technical Support for XPS
0206744594
Technical Support for all other Dell computers
0206744500
Technical Support Fax
0206744766
Home/Small Business Customer Care
0206744200
Relational Customer Care
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
Website: support.ap.dell.com

E-mail: support.ap.dell.com/contactus
General Support
0800441567
Nicaragua
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
001-800-220-1377
Norway (Lysaker)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 47
Website: support.euro.dell.com
Technical Support for XPS
815 35 043
Technical Support for all other Dell products
67116882
Relational Customer Care
67117575
Home/Small Business Customer Care
23162298
Switchboard
67116800
Fax Switchboard
67116865
Panama
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
011-800-507-1264
Peru
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
0800-50-669
Poland (Warsaw)
International Access Code:
011
Country Code: 48
City Code: 22
Website: support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: pl_support_tech@dell.com
Customer Service Phone
5795700
Customer Care
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
Website: support.euro.dell.com

Technical Support
707200149
Customer Care
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
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
1-877-537-3355
St. Kitts and Nevis
Website: www.dell.com/kn
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
toll-free:1-866-540-3355
St. Lucia
Website: www.dell.com/lc
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
1-800-882-1521
St. Vincent and the
Grenadines
Website: www.dell.com/vc
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
toll-free:1-877-441-4740
Singapore (Singapore)
NOTE: The phone numbers in this section should be called from within
Singapore or Malaysia only.
International Access Code:
005
Country Code: 65
Website: 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 Care
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
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: czech_dell@dell.com

Technical Support
0254415727
Customer Care
420225372707
Fax
0254418328
Tech Fax
0254418328
Switchboard (Sales)
0254417585
South Africa (Johannesburg)
International Access Code:
09/091
Country Code: 27
City Code: 11
Website: support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: dell_za_support@dell.com
Gold Queue
0117097713
Technical Support
0117097710
Customer Care
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
Website: support.euro.dell.com
Home and Small Business

Technical Support
902100130
Customer Care
902118540
Sales
902118541
Switchboard
902118541
Fax
902118539
Corporate

Technical Support
902100130
Customer Care
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
Website: support.euro.dell.com
Technical Support for XPS
0771 340 340
Technical Support for all other Dell products
0859005199
Relational Customer Care
0859005642
Home/Small Business Customer Care
0858770527
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Support
0201401444
Technical Support Fax
0859005594
Sales
0859005185
Switzerland (Geneva)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 41
City Code: 22
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: Tech_support_central_Europe@dell.com

Technical Support for XPS
0848 33 88 57
Technical Support (Home and Small Business) for all other Dell products
0844811411
Technical Support (Corporate)
0844822844
Customer Care (Home and Small Business)
0848802202
Customer Care (Corporate)
0848821721
Fax
0227990190
Switchboard
0227990101
Taiwan
International Access Code:
002
Country Code: 886
Website: support.ap.dell.com
E-mail: ap_support@dell.com
Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, Inspiron, Dimension, and Electronics and
Accessories)
toll-free:00801861011
Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault)
toll-free:00801601256
Customer Care
toll-free:00801601250
(option5)
Transaction Sales
toll-free:00801651228
Corporate Sales
toll-free:00801651227
Thailand
International Access Code:
001
Country Code: 66
Website: 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 Care
toll-free:1800006007
(option7)
Corporate Sales
toll-free:1800006009
Transaction Sales
toll-free:1800006006
Trinidad/Tobago
Website: www.dell.com/tt
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
1-800-805-8035
Turks and Caicos Islands
Website: www.dell.com/tc
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
toll-free:1-877-441-4735
U.K. (Bracknell)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 44
City Code: 1344
Website: support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com
Customer Care website: 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 Care
Home and Small Business Customer Care
08709060010
Corporate Customer Care
01344373185
Preferred Accounts (500–5000 employees)
08709060010
Global Accounts Customer Care
01344373186
Central Government Customer Care
01344373193
Local Government & Education Customer Care
01344373199
Health Customer Care
01344373194
Technical Support
Technical Support for XPS computers only
0870 366 4180
Technical Support (Corporate/Preferred Accounts/PAD [1000+ employees])
08709080500
Technical Support for all other products
08703530800
General
Home and Small Business Fax
08709074006
Uruguay
Website: www.dell.com/uy
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
toll-free:000-413-598-2521
U.S.A. (Austin, Texas)
International Access Code:
011
Country Code: 1
Automated Order-Status Service
toll-free:1-800-433-9014
AutoTech (portable and desktop computers)
toll-free:1-800-247-9362
Hardware and Warranty Support (Dell TV, Printers, and Projectors) for
Relationship customers
toll-free:1-877-459-7298
Americas Consumer XPS Support
toll-free:1-800-232-8544
Consumer (HomeandHomeOffice)SupportforallotherDellproducts
toll-free:1-800-624-9896
Customer Service
toll-free:1-800-624-9897
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers
toll-free:1-800-695-8133
Financial Services website:
www.dellfinancialservices.com
Financial Services (lease/loans)
toll-free:1-877-577-3355
Financial Services (Dell Preferred Accounts [DPA])
toll-free:1-800-283-2210
Business
Customer Service and Support
toll-free:1-800-456-3355
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers
toll-free:1-800-695-8133
Support for printers, projectors, PDAs, and MP3 players
toll-free:1-877-459-7298
Public(government,education,andhealthcare)
Customer Service and Support
toll-free:1-800-456-3355
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers
toll-free:1-800-695-8133
Dell Sales
toll-free:1-800-289-3355
or toll-free:1-800-879-3355
Back to Contents Page
Dell Outlet Store (Dell refurbished computers)
toll-free:1-888-798-7561
Software and Peripherals Sales
toll-free:1-800-671-3355
Spare Parts Sales
toll-free:1-800-357-3355
Extended Service and Warranty Sales
toll-free:1-800-247-4618
Fax
toll-free:1-800-727-8320
Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Speech-Impaired
toll-free:1-877-DELLTTY
(1-877-335-5889)
U.S. Virgin Islands
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
1-877-702-4288
Venezuela
Website: www.dell.com/ve
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support
0800-100-4752
Back to Contents Page
Glossary
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Terms in this Glossary are provided for informational purposes only and may or may not describe features included with your particular computer.
A
AC — alternating current — The form of electricity that powers your computer when you plug the AC adapter power cable in to an electrical outlet.
ACPI — advanced configuration and power interface — A power management specification that enables Microsoft®Windows®operating systems to put a
computer in standby or hibernate mode to conserve the amount of electrical power allocated to each device attached to the computer.
AGP — accelerated graphics port — A dedicated graphics port that allows system memory to be used for 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.
B
battery life span — The length of time (years) during which a portable computer battery is able to be depleted and recharged.
battery operating time — The length of time (minutes or hours) that a portable computer battery powers the computer.
BIOS — basic input/output system — A program (or utility) that serves as an interface between the computer hardware and the operating system. Unless you
understand what effect these settings have on the computer, do not change them. Also referred to as system setup.
bit — The smallest unit of data interpreted by your computer.
Bluetooth® wireless technology — A wireless technology standard for short-range (9 m [29 feet]) networking devices that allows for enabled devices to
automatically recognize each other.
boot sequence — Specifies the order of the devices from which the computer attempts to boot.
bootable CD — A CD that you can use to start your computer. In case your hard drive is damaged or your computer has a virus, ensure that you always have
a bootable CD or floppy disk available. Your Drivers and Utilities (or ResourceCD) is a bootable CD.
bootable disk — A disk that you can use to start your computer. In case your hard drive is damaged or your computer has a virus, ensure that you always
have a bootable CD or floppy disk available.
bps — bits per second — The standard unit for measuring data transmission speed.
BTU — British thermal unit — A measurement of heat output.
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
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.
CMOS — complementary metal-oxide semiconductor — A type of electronic circuit. Computers use a small amount of battery-powered CMOS memory to hold
date, time and system setup options.
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.
D
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 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 — An Intel®technology in which two physical computational units exist inside a single processor package, thereby increasing computing efficiency
and multi-tasking ability.
dual display mode — A display setting that allows you to use a second monitor as an extension of your display. Also referred to as extended display mode.
DVD-R — DVD recordable — A recordable version of a DVD. Data can be recorded only once onto a DVD-R. Once recorded, the data cannot be erased or
written over.
DVD+RW — DVD rewritable — A rewritable version of a DVD. Data can be written to a DVD+RW disc, and then erased and written over (rewritten). (DVD+RW
technology is different from DVD-RW technology.)
DVD+RW drive — drive that can read DVDs and most CD media and write to DVD+RW (rewritable DVDs) discs.
DVI — digital video interface — A standard for digital transmission between a computer and a digital video display.
E
ECC — error checking and correction — A type of memory that includes special circuitry for testing the accuracy of data as it passes in and out of memory.
ECP — extended capabilities port — A parallel connector design that provides improved bidirectional data transmission. Similar to EPP, ECP uses direct memory
access to transfer data and often improves performance.
EIDE — enhanced integrated device electronics — An improved version of the IDE interface for hard drives and CD drives.
EMI — electromagnetic interference — Electrical interference caused by electromagnetic radiation.
ENERGY STAR®— Environmental Protection Agency requirements that decrease the overall consumption of electricity.
EPP — enhanced parallel port — A parallel connector design that provides bidirectional data transmission.
ESD — electrostatic discharge — A rapid discharge of static electricity. ESD can damage integrated circuits found in computer and communications equipment.
expansion card — A circuit board that installs in an expansion slot on the system board in some computers, expanding the capabilities of the computer.
Examples include video, modem, and sound cards.
expansion slot — A connector on the system board (in some computers) where you insert an expansion card, connecting it to the system bus.
ExpressCard — A removable I/O card adhering to the PCMCIA standard. Modems and network adapters are common types of ExpressCards. ExpressCards
support both the PCI Express and USB 2.0 standard.
Express Service Code — AnumericcodelocatedonastickeronyourDell™computer.UsetheExpressServiceCodewhencontactingDellforassistance.
Express Service Code service may not be available in some countries.
extended display mode — A display setting that allows you to use a second monitor as an extension of your display. Also referred to as dual display mode.
extended PC Card — A PC Card that extends beyond the edge of the PC Card slot when installed.
F
Fahrenheit — Atemperaturemeasurementscalewhere32°isthefreezingpointand212°istheboilingpointofwater.
FBD — fully-buffered DIMM — A DIMM with DDR2 DRAM chips and an Advanced Memory Buffer (AMB) that speeds communication between the DDR2 SDRAM
chips and the system.
FCC — Federal Communications Commission — A U.S. agency responsible for enforcing communications-related regulations that state how much radiation
computers and other electronic equipment can emit.
fingerprint reader — A strip sensor that uses your unique fingerprint to authenticate your user identity to help secure your computer.
folder — A term used to describe space on a disk or drive where files are organized and grouped. Files in a folder can be viewed and ordered in various ways,
such as alphabetically, by date, and by size.
format — The process that prepares a drive or disk for file storage. When a drive or disk is formatted, the existing information on it is lost.
FSB — front side bus — The data path and physical interface between the processor and RAM.
FTP — file transfer protocol — A standard Internet protocol used to exchange files between computers connected to the Internet.
G
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.
H
hard drive — A drive that reads and writes data on a hard disk. The terms hard drive and hard disk are often used interchangeably.
heat sink — A metal plate on some processors that helps dissipate heat.
hibernate mode — A power management mode that saves everything in memory to a reserved space on the hard drive and then turns off the computer.
When you restart the computer, the memory information that was saved to the hard drive is automatically restored.
HTTP — hypertext transfer protocol — A protocol for exchanging files between computers connected to the Internet.
Hyper-Threading — Hyper-Threading is an Intel technology that can enhance overall computer performance by allowing one physical processor to function as
two logical processors, capable of performing certain tasks simultaneously.
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).
I
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.
IDE — integrated device electronics — An interface for mass storage devices in which the controller is integrated into the hard drive or CD drive.
IEEE 1394 — Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. — A high-performance serial bus used to connect IEEE 1394-compatible devices, such as
digital cameras and DVD players, to the computer.
infrared sensor — A port that allows you to transfer data between the computer and infrared-compatible devices without using a cable connection.
integrated — Usually refers to components that are physically located on the computer's system board. Also referred to as built-in.
I/O — input/output — An operation or device that enters and extracts data from your computer. Keyboards and printers are I/O devices.
I/O address — An address in RAM that is associated with a specific device (such as a serial connector, parallel connector, or expansion slot) and allows the
processor to communicate with that device.
IrDA — Infrared Data Association — The organization that creates international standards for infrared communications.
IRQ — interrupt request — An electronic pathway assigned to a specific device so that the device can communicate with the processor. Each device connection
must be assigned an IRQ. Although two devices can share the same IRQ assignment, you cannot operate both devices simultaneously.
ISP — Internet service provider — A company that allows you to access its host server to connect directly to the Internet, send and receive e-mail, and access
websites. The ISP typically provides you with a software package, user name, and access phone numbers for a fee.
K
Kb — kilobit — A unit of data that equals 1024 bits. A measurement of the capacity of memory integrated circuits.
KB — kilobyte — A unit of data that equals 1024 bytes but is often referred to as 1000 bytes.
key combination — A command requiring you to press multiple keys at the same time.
kHz — kilohertz — A measurement of frequency that equals 1000 Hz.
L
LAN — local area network — A computer network covering a small area. A LAN usually is confined to a building or a few nearby buildings. A LAN can be
connected to another LAN over any distance through telephone lines and radio waves to form a wide area network (WAN).
LCD — liquid crystal display — The technology used by portable computer and flat-panel displays.
LED — light-emitting diode — An electronic component that emits light to indicate the status of the computer.
local bus — A data bus that provides a fast throughput for devices to the processor.
LPT — line print terminal — The designation for a parallel connection to a printer or other parallel device.
M
Mb — megabit — A measurement of memory chip capacity that equals 1024 Kb.
Mbps — megabits per second — One million bits per second. This measurement is typically used for transmission speeds for networks and modems.
MB — megabyte — Ameasurementofdatastoragethatequals1,048,576bytes.1MBequals1024KB.Whenusedtorefertoharddrivestorage,thetermis
often rounded to 1,000,000 bytes.
MB/sec — megabytes per second — One million bytes per second. This measurement is typically used for data transfer ratings.
media bay — Abaythatsupportsdevicessuchasopticaldrives,asecondbattery,oraDellTravelLite™module.
memory — A temporary data storage area inside your computer. Because the data in memory is not permanent, it is recommended that you frequently save
your files 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.
N
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.
O
optical drive — A drive that uses optical technology to read or write data from CDs, DVDs, or DVD+RWs. Example of optical drives include CD drives, DVD
drives, CD-RW drives, and CD-RW/DVD combo drives.
P
parallel connector — An I/O port often used to connect a parallel printer to your computer. Also referred to as an LPT port.
partition — A physical storage area on a hard drive that is assigned to one or more logical storage areas known as logical drives. Each partition can contain
multiple logical drives.
PC Card — A removable I/O card adhering to the PCMCIA standard. Modems and network adapters are common types of PC Cards.
PCI — peripheral component interconnect — PCI is a local bus that supports 32-and 64-bit data paths, providing a high-speed data path between the
processor and devices such as video, drives, and networks.
PCI Express — A modification to the PCI interface that boosts the data transfer rate between the processor and the devices attached to it. PCI Express can
transferdataatspeedsfrom250MB/secto4GB/sec.IfthePCIExpresschipsetandthedevicearecapableofdifferentspeeds,theywilloperateatthe
slower speed.
PCMCIA — Personal Computer Memory Card International Association — The organization that establishes standards for PC Cards.
PIO — programmed input/output — A method of transferring data between two devices through the processor as part of the data path.
pixel — A single point on a display screen. Pixels are arranged in rows and columns to create an image. A video resolution, such as 800 x 600, is expressed as
the number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down.
Plug-and-Play — The ability of the computer to automatically configure devices. Plug and Play provides automatic installation, configuration, and compatibility
with existing hardware if the BIOS, operating system, and all devices are Plug and Play compliant.
POST — power-on self-test — Diagnostics programs, loaded automatically by the BIOS, that perform basic tests on the major computer components, such as
memory, hard drives, and video. If no problems are detected during POST, the computer continues the start-up.
processor — A computer chip that interprets and executes program instructions. Sometimes the processor is referred to as the CPU (central processing unit).
PS/2 — personal system/2 — A type of connector for attaching a PS/2-compatible keyboard, mouse, or keypad.
PXE — pre-boot execution environment — A WfM (Wired for Management) standard that allows networked computers that do not have an operating system to
be configured and started remotely.
R
RAID — redundant array of independent disks — Amethodofprovidingdataredundancy.SomecommonimplementationsofRAIDincludeRAID0,RAID1,
RAID5,RAID10,andRAID50.
RAM — random-access memory — The primary temporary storage area for program instructions and data. Any information stored in RAM is lost when you shut
down your computer.
readme file — A text file included with a software package or hardware product. Typically, readme files provide installation information and describe new
product enhancements or corrections that have not yet been documented.
read-only — Data and/or files you can view but cannot edit or delete. A file can have read-only status if:
¡It resides on a physically write-protected floppy disk, CD, or DVD.
¡It is located on a network in a directory and the system administrator has assigned rights only to specific individuals.
refresh rate — The frequency, measured in Hz, at which your screen's horizontal lines are recharged (sometimes also referred to as its vertical frequency). The
higher the refresh rate, the less video flicker can be seen by the human eye.
resolution — The sharpness and clarity of an image produced by a printer or displayed on a monitor. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image.
RFI — radio frequency interference — Interference that is generated at typical radio frequencies, in the range of 10 kHz to 100,000 MHz. Radio frequencies are
at the lower end of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum and are more likely to have interference than the higher frequency radiations, such as infrared
and light.
ROM — read-only memory — Memory that stores data and programs that cannot be deleted or written to by the computer. ROM, unlike RAM, retains its
contents after you shut down your computer. Some programs essential to the operation of your computer reside in ROM.
RPM — revolutions per minute — The number of rotations that occur per minute. Hard drive speed is often measured in rpm.
RTC — real time clock — Battery-powered clock on the system board that keeps the date and time after you shut down the computer.
RTCRST — real-time clock reset — A jumper on the system board of some computers that can often be used for troubleshooting problems.
S
SAS — serial attached SCSI — A faster, serial version of the SCSI interface (as opposed to the original SCSI parallel architecture).
SATA — serial ATA — A faster, serial version of the ATA (IDE) interface.
ScanDisk — A Microsoft utility that checks files, folders, and the hard disk's surface for errors. ScanDisk often runs when you restart the computer after it has
stopped responding.
SCSI — small computer system interface — A high-speed interface used to connect devices to a computer, such as hard drives, CD drives, printers, and
scanners. The SCSI can connect many devices using a single controller. Each device is accessed by an individual identification number on the SCSI controller
bus.
SDRAM — synchronous dynamic random-access memory — A type of DRAM that is synchronized with the optimal clock speed of the processor.
serial connector — An I/O port often used to connect devices such as a handheld digital device or digital camera to your computer.
Service Tag — A bar code label on your computer that identifies your computer when you access Dell Support at support.dell.com or when you call Dell for
customer service or technical support.
setup program — A program that is used to install and configure hardware and software. The setup.exe or install.exe program comes with most Windows
software packages. Setup program differs from system setup.
shortcut — An icon that provides quick access to frequently used programs, files, folders, and drives. When you place a shortcut on your Windows desktop
and double-click the icon, you can open its corresponding folder or file without having to find it first. Shortcut icons do not change the location of files. If you
delete a shortcut, the original file is not affected. Also, you can rename a shortcut icon.
SIM — Subscriber Identity Module — A SIM card contains a microchip that encrypts voice and data transmissions. SIM cards can be used in phones or portable
computers.
smart card — A card that is embedded with a processor and a memory chip. Smart cards can be used to authenticate a user on computers equipped for smart
cards.
S/PDIF — Sony/Philips Digital Interface — An audio transfer file format that allows the transfer of audio from one file to another without converting it to and
from an analog format, which could degrade the quality of the file.
standby mode — A power management mode that shuts down all unnecessary computer operations to save energy.
Strike Zone™— Reinforced area of the platform base that protects the hard drive by acting as a dampening device when a computer experiences resonating
shock or is dropped (whether the computer is on or off).
surge protectors — Prevent voltage spikes, such as those that may occur during an electrical storm, from entering the computer through the electrical outlet.
Surge protectors do not protect against lightning strikes or against brownouts, which occur when the voltage drops more than 20 percent below the normal
AC-line voltage level.
Network connections cannot be protected by surge protectors. Always disconnect the network cable from the network connector during electrical storms.
SVGA — super-video graphics array — A video standard for video cards and controllers. Typical SVGA resolutions are 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768.
The number of colors and resolution that a program displays depends on the capabilities of the monitor, the video controller and its drivers, and the amount of
video memory installed in the computer.
S-video TV-out — A connector used to attach a TV or digital audio device to the computer.
SXGA — super-extended graphics array — A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1280 x 1024.
SXGA+ — super-extended graphics array plus — A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1400 x 1050.
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.
T
TAPI — telephony application programming interface — Enables Windows programs to operate with a wide variety of telephony devices, including voice, data,
fax, and video.
text editor — A program used to create and edit files that contain only text; for example, Windows Notepad uses a text editor. Text editors do not usually
provide word wrap or formatting functionality (the option to underline, change fonts, and so on).
TPM — trusted platform module — A hardware-based security feature that when combined with security software enhances network and computer security by
enabling features such as file and e-mail protection.
travel module — A plastic device designed to fit inside the module bay of a portable computer to reduce the weight of the computer.
U
UMA — unified memory allocation — System memory dynamically allocated to video.
UPS — uninterruptible power supply — A backup power source used when the electrical power fails or drops to an unacceptable voltage level. A UPS keeps a
computer running for a limited amount of time when there is no electrical power. UPS systems typically provide surge 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.
V
video controller — The circuitry on a video card or on the system board (in computers with an integrated video controller) that provides the video
capabilities—in combination with the monitor—for your computer.
video memory — Memory that consists of memory chips dedicated to video functions. Video memory is usually faster than system memory. The amount of
video memory installed primarily influences the number of colors that a program can display.
video mode — A mode that describes how text and graphics are displayed on a monitor. Graphics-based software, such as Windows operating systems,
displays in video modes that can be defined as x horizontal pixels by y vertical pixels by z colors. Character-based software, such as text editors, displays in
video modes that can be defined as x columns by y rows of characters.
video resolution — See resolution.
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
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."
X
XGA — extended graphics array — A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1024 x 768.
Z
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.
Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page
Memory
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
DDR2 Memory Overview
Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations (32-bit Operating Systems Only)
Removing Memory
Installing Memory
For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see the "Memory" section of the specifications for your computer:
lMini Tower Computer Specifications
lDesktop Computer Specifications
DDR2 Memory Overview
If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed with the same amount of memory in each channel, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight
reduction in performance. See the label in the corner of the module to determine the module's capacity.
Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM1, the connector closer to the processor, before you install a module in the other connector.
The recommended memory configurations are:
lA pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM1 and DIMM2
or
lA memory module installed in connector DIMM1
Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations (32-bit Operating Systems Only)
This computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use two 2-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.
The following components require memory address space:
lSystem ROM
lAPICs
lIntegrated PCI devices, such as network connectors
lPCI cards
lGraphics cards
lPCI Express cards (if applicable)
At start-up, the BIOS identifies the components that require address space. The BIOS dynamically calculates the amount of reserved address space required.
The BIOS then subtracts the reserved address space from 4 GB to determine the amount of usable space.
lIf the total installed computer memory is less than the usable space, all installed computer memory is only available for use by the operating system.
lIf the total installed computer memory is equal to or greater than the usable address space, a portion of installed memory is not available for use by
NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules. Doing so may cause the system not to boot or affect performance.
NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.
NOTE: If you use a 64-bit operating system, the entire memory range is available to the operating system.
the operating system.
Removing Memory
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Carefully press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
3. Remove the memory module.
To install memory, see Installing Memory.
4. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
Installing Memory
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.
1
memory module
2
securing clip (2)
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.
1
connector
2
securing clips (2)
3
memory connector closer to processor
3. Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector.
4. Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position.
If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.
5. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
6. The computer detects that the new memory does not match the existing configuration information and generates the following message:
The amount of system memory has changed.
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility
7. Press <F2> to enter system setup and check the value for System Memory (see System Setup).
The computer should have changed the value of System Memory to reflect the newly installed memory. Verify the new total. If it is correct, skip to
step9.
8. If the memory total is incorrect, turn off and disconnect your computer and devices from their electrical outlets. Open the computer cover (for desktops,
see Removing the Computer Cover, for mini towers, see Removing the Computer Cover) and check the installed memory modules to ensure that they
are seated properly in their sockets. Then repeat step5 through step7.
9. When the System Memory total is correct, press <Esc> to exit system setup.
10. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the memory modules are operating properly (see Dell Diagnostics).
Back to Contents Page
1
cutouts (2)
2
memory module
3
notch
4
crossbar
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary.
IfyoupurchasedaDell™nSeriescomputer,anyreferencesinthisdocumenttoMicrosoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2006DellInc.Allrightsreserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, OptiPlex, Inspiron, Dimension, Latitude, Dell Precision, DellNet, TravelLite, Dell OpenManage, PowerVault, Axim, PowerEdge, PowerConnect,
and PowerApp are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation; Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell
Inc. under license. ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As an ENERGY STAR partner, Dell Inc. has determined that this product
meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
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.
Models: DCSM and DCNE
June 2006 P/N JK524 Rev. A00
Mini Tower Computer
About Your Computer
Finding Information
Mini Tower Computer
Mini Tower Computer Specifications
Advanced Features
Cleaning Your Computer
Connecting Multiple Monitors
Reinstalling Drivers and the Operating System
Solving Problems
Microsoft®Windows®XP Features
Troubleshooting Tools and Utilities
Getting Help
Warranty
FCC Notice (U.S. Only)
Removing and Replacing Parts
Before You Begin
Removing the Computer Cover
I/O Panel
Drives
PCI and PCI Express Cards
Power Supply
Processor
Battery
System Board
Memory
Replacing the Computer Cover

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.
Back to Contents Page
Mini Tower Computer
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
About Your Mini Tower Computer
Inside Your Computer
About Your Mini Tower Computer
Front View
1
location of
Service Tag
Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you access the Dell
Support website or call technical support.
2
CD/DVD drive
Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.
3
floppy drive
Insert a floppy disk into this drive.
4
hard-drive
activity light
This light flickers when the hard drive is in use.
5
USB 2.0
connectors
(2)
Use the USB connectors on the front of the computer for devices that you
connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB
devices (see System Setup for more information about booting to a USB
device).
It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back of the
computer for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers
and keyboards.
6
diagnostic
lights
Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on
the diagnostic code. For more information, seeDiagnostic Lights.
7
power button
Press this button to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing
the power button. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.
NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press
the power button the computer will perform an operating system
shutdown.
8
power light
The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate
Back View
Back-Panel Connectors
different operating states:
lNo light — The computer is turned off.
lSteady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.
lBlinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.
lBlinking or solid amber — See Power Problems.
To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the
keyboard or the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the
Windows Device Manager. For more information about sleep modes and
exiting from a power-saving mode, see Power Management.
See System Lights for a description of light codes that can help you
troubleshoot problems with your computer.
9
headphone
connector
Use the headphone connector to attach headphones.
10
LAN indicator
light
This light indicates that a LAN (local area network) connection is
established.
1
cover release
latch
This latch allows you to open the computer cover.
2
padlock ring
Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
3
power
connector
Insert the power cable into this connector.
4
voltage
selection
switch
Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch. To
help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch,
set the switch for the voltage that most closely matches the AC power
available in your location.
NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to the 115-V
position.
Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated
to operate with the AC power available in your location.
5
back-panel
connectors
Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector.
See Back-Panel Connectors for details.
6
card slots
Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
Inside Your Computer
1
parallel
connector
Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If
you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.
NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically disabled if the
computer detects an installed card containing a parallel connector
configured to the same address. For more information, see System Setup
Options.
2
link integrity
light
lGreen — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network
and the computer.
lOrange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network
and the computer.
lOff — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the
network.
3
network
adapter
connector
To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one
end of a network cable to either a network jack or your network or
broadband device. Connect the other end of the network cable to the
network adapter connector on the back panel of your computer. A click
indicates that the network cable has been securely attached.
NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
On computers with a network adapter 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.
4
network
activity light
This light flashes yellow 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.
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 to attach headphones and most
speakers with integrated amplifiers.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
7
microphone
connector
Use the pink 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.
8
USB 2.0
connectors
(4)
Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected,
such as printers and keyboards.
9
video
connector
Plug the cable from your VGA-compatible monitor into the blue connector.
NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be
covered by a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics
card. Do not remove the cap.
10
serial
connector
Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port.
The default designation is COM1 for serial connector 1.
For more information, see System Setup Options.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
System Board Components
CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the computer cover.
NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do not accidentally disconnect cables from the system board.
1
floppy drive
4
system board
2
CD/DVD drive
5
heat sink assembly
3
power supply
6
hard drive
1
fan connector (FAN)
10
internal buzzer (SPKR1)
2
processor connector (CPU)
11
password jumper (PSWD)
3
processor power connector (12VPOWER)
12
RTC reset jumper (RTCRST)
4
front-panel connector (FNT_PANEL)
13
battery socket (BATT)
5
memory module connectors (DIMM_1, DIMM_2)
14
PCI Express x16 card connector
Back to Contents Page
6
SATA drive connectors (SATA0, SATA1)
15
PCI card connectors (2)
7
power connector (POWER)
16
floppy drive connector (FLOPPY)
8
CD/DVD drive connector (IDE)
17
serial/ PS/2 connector (PS2/SER2)
9
SATA drive connectors (SATA2, SATA3)
Back to Contents Page
PCI and PCI Express Cards
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Installing a Expansion Card
Removing an Expansion Card
YourDell™computerprovidesthefollowingconnectorsforPCIandPCIExpresscards.
lTwo PCI card slots
lOne PCI Express x16 card slot
Installing a Expansion Card
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Push the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. The latch will remain in the open position.
3. Open the card retention mechanism that secures the card in place from the top:
a. Place your thumb on the top of the card retention mechanism and grip the bottom of the retention mechanism with your fingers.
b. With your free hand, gently squeeze the sides of the card retention mechanism to release it from the tab slots holding it in place.
c. Pivot the card retention mechanism upward to release it from the two tab slots.
4. Set the card retention mechanism aside in your work area.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: Your Dell computer uses only PCI and PCI Express slots. ISA cards are not supported.
1
alignment guide
4
card connector
2
card
5
release tab
3
card-edge connector
6
card retention latch
5. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step7
6. 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.
7. Prepare the new card for installation.
8. Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.
9. Before you replace and lower the card retention mechanism, ensure that:
lThe tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.
lThe notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.
10. Gently press down on the card retention mechanism to secure the adapter bracket in place.
11. Secure any installed cards by closing the card retention latch and snapping it into place.
12. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
13. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
14. If you installed a sound card:
a. Enter system setup, select Audio Controller, and change the setting to Off (see Entering System Setup).
b. 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 of the computer.
15. If you installed an network adapter card and want to turn off the integrated network adapter:
a. Enter system setup, select Network Controller, and change the setting to Off (see Entering System Setup).
NOTE: See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or customizing it for your
computer
NOTE: If the card is full-length, insert the end of the card into the card-guide bracket as you lower the card toward its connector on the system board.
Insert the card firmly into the card connector on the system board.
1
card fully seated
2
card not fully seated
3
bracket caught outside of slot
4
bracket within slot
NOTE: See the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connections.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
b. Connect the network cable to the network adapter card's connectors. Do not connect the network cable to the integrated network connector on
the back panel of the computer.
16. Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
Removing an Expansion Card
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Gently push the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. The latch will remain in the open position.
3. Open the card retention mechanism that secures the card in place from the top:
a. Place your thumb on the top of the card retention mechanism and grip the bottom of the retention mechanism with your fingers.
b. With your free hand, gently squeeze the sides of the card retention mechanism to release it from the tab slots holding it in place.
c. Pivot the card retention mechanism upward to release it from the two tab slots.
4. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
5. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
6. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
7. Before you replace and lower the card retention mechanism, ensure that:
lThe tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.
lThe notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.
1
card retention latch
4
card-edge connector
2
alignment guide
5
card connector
3
card
6
release tab
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.
8. Gently press down on the card retention mechanism to secure the adapter bracket in place.
9. Close the card retention latch by snapping it into place.
10. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
11. Uninstall the card's driver. See the documentation that came with the card for instructions.
12. If you removed a sound card:
a. Enter system setup, select Audio Controller, and change the setting to On (see Entering System Setup).
b. Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer.
13. If you removed an network-adapter card connector:
a. Enter system setup, select Network Controller, and change the setting to On (see Entering System Setup).
b. Connect the network cable to the integrated network connector on the back panel of the computer.
Back to Contents Page
1
card fully seated
2
card not fully seated
3
bracket within slot
4
bracket caught outside of slot
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
Back to Contents Page
Processor
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Removing the Processor
Installing the Processor
Removing the Processor
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Loosen the captive screw on each side of the heat sink assembly.
3. Rotate the heat sink assembly upward, and remove it from the computer.
4. Open the processor cover by sliding the release lever from under the center cover latch on the socket. Then, pull the lever back to release the
processor.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
1
heat sink assembly
2
captive screw housings (2)
NOTICE: Unless a new heatsink is required for the new processor, reuse the original heat sink assembly when you replace the processor.
5. Gently remove the processor from the socket.
Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor.
Installing the Processor
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Unpack the new processor, being careful not to touch the underside of the processor.
3. If the release lever on the socket is not fully extended, move it to that position.
4. Orient the front and rear alignment-notches on the processor with the front and rear alignment- notches on the socket.
5. Align the pin-1 corners of the processor and socket.
1
center cover latch
2
processor cover
3
processor
4
socket
5
release lever
NOTICE: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket.
NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket.
NOTE: You must position the processor correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the processor and the computer when you turn on
the computer.
6. Set the processor lightly in the socket and ensure that the processor is positioned correctly.
7. When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover.
Ensure that the tab on the processor cover is positioned underneath the center cover latch on the socket.
8. Pivot the socket release lever back toward the socket, and snap it into place to secure the processor.
9. Clean the thermal grease from the bottom of the heat sink.
10. Apply the new thermal grease to the top of the processor.
11. Install the heat sink assembly:
a. Place the heat sink assembly back onto the heat-sink assembly bracket.
b. Rotate the heat sink assembly down towards the computer base and tighten the two captive screws.
1
processor cover
6
release lever
2
tab
7
front alignment-notch
3
processor
8
socket and processor pin-1 indicator
4
processor socket
9
rear alignment-notch
5
center cover latch
NOTICE: To avoid damage, ensure that the processor aligns properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when you install the processor.
NOTICE: Ensure that the heat sink assembly is correctly seated and secure.
12. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
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1
heat sink assembly
2
heat-sink assembly bracket
3
captive screw housing (2)
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Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Drives
General Installation Guidelines
Hard Drive
Drive-Panel Inserts
Floppy Drive
CD/DVD Drive
Your computer supports:
lUp to two SATA (serial ATA) hard drives
lOne optional floppy drive
lUp to two CD or DVD drives
General Installation Guidelines
Connecting Drive Cables
When you install a drive, you connect two cables—a DC power cable and a data cable—to the back of the drive and to the system board.
Data Cable Connectors
NOTE: Due to the limited number of drive bays and controllers on this computer, you will not be able to connect all supported devices at once.
1
CD/DVD drive
2
floppy drive
3
hard drive
IDE Data Cable Connector
SATA Data Cable Connector
Connect IDE CD/DVD drives to the connector labeled "IDE" on the system board. Connect SATA CD/DVD drives to the connector labeled "SATA2" or "SATA3."
SATA hard drives should be connected to the connectors labeled "SATA0" or "SATA1" on the system board. To locate system board connectors, see System
Board Components.
IDE Drive Addressing
When you connect two IDE devices to a single IDE data cable and configure them for the cable select setting, the device attached to the last connector on the
data cable is the master or boot device (drive 0), and the device attached to the middle connector on the data cable is the slave device (drive 1). See the drive
documentation in your upgrade kit for information on configuring devices for the cable select setting.
Power Cable Connectors
Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables
Most 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.
Keyed connectors ensure that the pin-1 wire in the cable (indicated by the colored stripe along one edge of the IDE cable—SATA cables do not use a colored
stripe) goes to the pin-1 end of the connector. The pin-1 end of a connector on a board or a card is usually indicated by a silk-screened "1" printed directly on
the board or card.
When removing an IDE data cable, grasp the colored pull-tab and pull until the connector detaches. When connecting and disconnecting a SATA data cable,
hold the cable by the black connector at each end.
1
colored stripe on IDE cable
2
data cable connector
3
system board connector
IDE Drive Power Connector
SATA Power Connector
1
power cable
2
power input connector
Hard Drive
Removing a Hard Drive
1. If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before you begin this procedure.
2. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.
3. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
4. Disconnect the power and data cables from the drive.
5. Press the blue release tabs on each side of the drive towards each other and slide the drive up and out of the computer.
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 computer cover.
1
hard-drive data cable
2
hard-drive data connector on system board
3
power cable
Installing a Hard Drive
1. Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation.
2. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.
3. If your replacement hard drive does not have the plastic hard-drive bracket attached, remove the bracket from the existing drive by unsnapping it from
the drive.
Snap the bracket onto the new drive.
4. Gently slide the hard drive into the drive bay until it clicks into place.
5. Connect the power and data cables to the drive.
1
hard drive
2
release tabs (2)
1
hard drive
2
hard-drive bracket
6. Ensure that the data cable is securely connected to the connector on the system board.
7. Check all connectors to ensure that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.
8. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
9. If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, insert bootable media into your boot drive. See the documentation that came with the drive for
instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.
10. Enter system setup and update the appropriate Primary Drive option (0 or 1). See Entering System Setup.
11. Exit system setup, and reboot the computer.
12. Partition and logically format your drive before you proceed to the next step.
See the documentation for your operating system for instructions.
13. Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
14. If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, install your operating system on the hard drive.
Adding a Second Hard Drive
1. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.
2. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
3. Remove the plastic hard-drive bracket from the inside of the hard-drive bay by squeezing the release tabs and gently pulling the bracket up and out of
the bay.
4. Gently spread the sides of the drive bracket and slide the hard drive into the bracket until the drive clicks into place.
1
hard-drive data cable
2
hard-drive data connector on system board
3
power cable
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 computer cover.
NOTICE: If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before you begin this procedure.
5. Move the first hard drive from the upper bay to the lower bay:
a. Disconnect the power and the data cables from the back of the first hard drive.
b. Press in on the blue release tabs on each side of the drive and slide the first hard drive up and out of the upper bay.
c. Gently slide the first hard drive into the lower bay until it clicks into place.
6. Gently slide the new hard drive into the upper bay until it clicks into place.
7. Connect a power cable to each drive.
8. Attach the SATA data cable removed in step5 to the first hard drive.
9. Locate an unused SATA connector on the system board and attach a drive cable to this connector and to the second hard drive.
10. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
Drive-Panel Inserts
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the drive panel by sliding the drive release latch downward to open the panel. Then, remove the drive panel from the hinges.
3. Find the drive-panel insert in front of the drive bay that you want to use.
4. Gently press the release tab of the insert to remove it from the drive panel.
1
hard-drive data cable
2
hard-drive data connector on system board (SATA0 or SATA1)
3
power cable
1
drive panel
2
release tab
3
drive-panel insert
5. Reattach the drive panel to the front of the computer.
The drive panel only fits when it is correctly oriented.
Floppy Drive
Removing the Floppy Drive
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the drive panel by sliding the drive release latch downward to open the panel, and then remove it from the hinges.
3. Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the floppy drive.
4. Slide the drive release latch downward and hold it in place. Without releasing the latch, slide the floppy drive out of the computer.
1
CD/DVD-drive panel insert
2
floppy-drive panel insert
3
holder for shoulder screws
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 computer cover.
5. If you are replacing the floppy drive, see Installing the Floppy Drive.
Otherwise, replace the drive panel by aligning its hinges and rotating it up until it snaps into place.
6. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
Installing the Floppy Drive
1. If you are replacing a floppy drive, remove the shoulder screws from the existing drive and attach the screws to the replacement drive.
2. If you are installing a new floppy drive:
a. Remove the drive-panel insert for your new drive (see Drive-Panel Inserts).
b. Remove the shoulder screws from the inside of the drive-panel insert.
c. Attach the screws to the new drive.
3. Align the shoulder screws on the floppy drive with the shoulder screw slots, and gently slide the drive into the bay until it clicks into place.
1
floppy drive
2
drive release latch
4. Attach the power and data cables to the floppy drive.
5. Replace the drive panel by aligning its hinges and rotating it up until it snaps into place.
6. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
7. Enter system setup and use the Diskette Drive option to enable your new floppy drive (see Entering System Setup).
8. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
CD/DVD Drive
1
floppy drive
2
shoulder screws (4)
3
shoulder screw slots (2)
1
power cable
2
floppy-drive cable
3
floppy-drive connector (FLOPPY)
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 replacing the cover.
Removing a CD/DVD Drive
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the drive panel by sliding the drive release latch downward to open the panel, and then remove it from the hinges.
3. Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the drive.
4. Slide the drive release latch downward and hold it in place. Without releasing the latch, slide the CD/DVD drive out of the computer.
5. If you are replacing the CD/DVD drive, see Installing a CD/DVD Drive.
Otherwise, replace the drive panel by aligning its hinges and rotating it up until it snaps into place.
6. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
Installing a CD/DVD Drive
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. If you are replacing a CD/DVD drive, remove the shoulder screws from the existing drive and attach the screws to the replacement drive.
3. If you are installing a new CD/DVD drive:
a. Remove the drive-panel insert for your new drive (see Drive-Panel Inserts).
b. Remove the shoulder screws from the inside of the drive-panel insert.
c. Attach the screws to the new drive.
4. Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer.
If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select setting by using the documentation that came with the drive.
5. Align the shoulder screws on the CD/DVD drive with the shoulder screw slots, and slide the drive into the bay until it clicks into place.
1
CD/DVD drive
2
drive release latch
6. Connect the power and data cables to the drive and to the system board.
7. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to avoid blocking airflow between the fan and cooling vents.
8. Replace the drive panel by aligning its hinges and rotating it up until it snaps into place.
9. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
10. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Back to Contents Page
1
CD/DVD drive
2
shoulder screws (3)
3
shoulder screw slots (2)
NOTE: The CD/DVD drive cable may be a SATA cable, which looks different than the IDE cable in the image below. For information on SATA cable
connectors, see General Installation Guidelines.
1
power cable
2
CD/DVD data cable
3
CD/DVD drive connector
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I/O Panel
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Removing the I/O Panel
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the screw that secures the I/O panel.
3. Disconnect all of the cables from the I/O panel, and remove the panel from the computer.
Replacing the I/O Panel
1. To replace the I/O panel, follow the removal procedure in the reverse order.
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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.
NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can re-route them correctly when installing the new I/O panel.
1
securing screw
2
I/O panel
3
I/O cable connector
NOTE: Use the guides on the I/O panel bracket to help position the I/O panel in place, and use the notch on the I/O panel bracket to help seat the
panel.
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Power Supply
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Replacing the Power Supply
DC Power Connectors
Replacing the Power Supply
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Disconnect the DC power cables from the system board and the drives.
Note the routing of the DC power cables underneath the tabs in the computer chassis as you remove them from the system board and drives. You must
route these cables properly when you replace them to prevent them from being pinched or crimped.
3. Remove the four screws that attach the power supply to the back of the computer chassis.
4. Press the release button located on the floor of the computer chassis.
5. Slide the power supply approximately 1 inch towards the front of the computer.
6. Lift the power supply up and out of the computer.
7. Slide the replacement power supply into place.
8. Replace the screws that secure the power supply to the back of the computer chassis.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
1
release button
2
power supply
3
screws (4)
4
AC power connector
9. Reconnect the DC power cables to the power supply.
10. Connect the AC power cable to the AC power connector.
11. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
DC Power Connectors
DC Power Connector P1
Pin Number
Signal name
18-AWG Wire
1
+3.3 VDC
Orange
2
+3.3 VDC
Orange
3
GND
Black
4
+5 VDC
Red
5
GND
Black
6
+5 VDC
Red
7
GND
Black
8
PS_PWRGOOD
Gray
9
P5AUX
Purple
10
+12 VDC
White
11
+12 VDC
White
12
+3.3 VDC
Orange
13
+3.3 VDC
Orange
14
-12 VDC
Blue
15
GND
Black
16
PWR_PS_ON
Green
17
GND
Black
DC Power Connector P2
DC Power Connectors P3 and P5
DC Power Connector P4
DC Power Connector P7
18
GND
Black
19
GND
Black
20
NC
N/C
21
+5 VDC
Red
22
+5 VDC
Red
23
+5 VDC
Red
24
GND
Black
*Use 22-AWG wire instead of 18-AWG wire.
Pin Number
Signal Name
18-AWG Wire
1
GND
Black
2
GND
Black
3
+12 VDC
Yellow
4
+12 VDC
Yellow
Pin Number
Signal name
18-AWG Wire
1
+3.3 VDC
Orange
2
GND
Black
3
+5 VDC
Red
4
GND
Black
5
+12 VDC
White
Pin Number
Signal name
18-AWG Wire
1
N/C
N/C
2
GND
Black
3
GND
Black
4
+ 3.3 VDC
Orange
5
+5 VDC
Red
6
+12 VDC
White
DC Power Connectors P8 and P9
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Pin Number
Signal Name
22-AWG Wire
1
+5 VDC
Red
2
GND
Black
3
GND
Black
4
+12 VDC
Yellow
Pin Number
Signal name
18-AWG Wire
1
+12 VDC
White
2
GND
Black
3
GND
Black
4
+5 VDC
Red
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Removing the Computer Cover
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.
3. Lay the computer on its side.
4. Slide the cover release latch back as you lift the cover.
5. Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.
6. Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a soft nonabrasive surface.
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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 computer cover.
1
security cable slot
2
cover release latch
3
padlock ring
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Mini Tower Computer Specifications
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Microprocessor
Microprocessor type
Intel®Pentium®or Celeron® processor
internal cache
upto2MBpipelined-burst, eight-way set associative,
write-back SRAM
Memory
Type
533- or 667-MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Memory connectors
two
Memory modules supported
256-MB, 512-MB, or 1-GB non-ECC
Minimum memory
256 MB
Maximum memory
2 GB
BIOS address
F0000h
Computer Information
Chipset
ATI Radeon Xpress 200 Professional
Data bus width
64 bits
Address bus width
32 bits
DMA channels
eight
Interrupt levels
24
BIOS chip (NVRAM)
4 Mb
NIC
integrated network interface capable of 10/100
communication:
lGreen — A good connection exists between a
10-Mbps network and the computer.
lOrange — A good connection exists between a
100-Mbps network and the computer.
lOff — The computer is not detecting a physical
connection to the network.
Video
Type
integrated ATI Radeon Graphics
Audio
Type
ADI1983 High-Definition Audio
Stereo conversion
24-bit analog-to-digital; 24-bit digital-to-analog
Controllers
Drives
up to two SATA hard drives and up to two SATA or
IDE optical drives, one optional floppy drive
Expansion Bus
Bus type
PCI 2.3
PCI Express 1.0A
SATA
USB 2.0
Bus speed
PCI: 133 MB/s
PCI Express x16: 8 GB/s bidirectional speed
SATA: 3.0 Gbps
USB: 480 Mbps
Cards:
full-height cards supported
PCI:
connectors
two
connector size
120 pins
connector data width
(maximum)
32 bits
PCI Express:
connectors
one x16
power
25Wmaximum
connector size
164 pins
connector data width (maximum)
sixteen PCI Express lane
Drives
Externally accessible
one 3.5-inch drive bay
two 5.25-inch drive bays
Internally accessible
two bays for 1-inch-high hard drives
Connectors
External connectors:
Serial
9-pin connector; 16550C-compatible
Parallel
25-hole connector (bidirectional)
Video
15-hole VGA connector
Network adapter
RJ-45 connector
USB
two front-panel and four back-panel USB 2.0–
compliant connectors
Audio
three back-panel connectors for line-in, line-out, and
microphone; one front-panel connector for
headphones
System board connectors:
IDE
40-pin connector (supports two devices)
SATA
four 7-pin connectors
Floppy drive
34-pin connector
Serial
12-pin connector for optional serial port card
Fan
5-pin connector
PCI 2.3
two 120-pin connectors
PCI Express x16
164-pin connector
CD drive audio interface
4-pin connector
Front panel
40-pin connector
Key Combinations
<Ctrl><Alt><Del>
in Microsoft®Windows®XP, brings up the Windows
Security window.; in DOS mode, restarts (reboots)
the computer
<F2> or <Ctrl><Alt><Enter>
starts embedded system setup (during system start-
up only)
<F12> or <Ctrl><Alt><F8>
displays a boot device menu that allows the user to
enter a device for a single boot (during system start-
up only) as well as options to run hard-drive and
system diagnostics
Controls and Lights
Power control
push button
Power light
green light — Blinking green indicates sleep mode;
solid green indicates power-on state.
amber light — Blinking amber indicates a problem
with an installed device; solid amber indicates an
internal power problem (see Power Problems).
Hard-drive access light
green
Link light
solid green light indicates network connection
Back to Contents Page
Link integrity light (on integrated network adapter)
green light for 10-Mb operation and orange light for
100-Mb operation
Activity light (on integrated network adapter)
yellow blinking light
Diagnostic lights
four lights on the front panel (see Diagnostic Lights)
Standby power light
AUX_PWR on the system board
Power
DC power supply:
Wattage
305W
Heat dissipation
1041BTU/hr
NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated based upon the
power supply rating.
Voltage
90 to 135 V at 60 Hz; 180 to 264 V at 50 Hz
Backup battery
3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell
Physical
Height
41.4 cm (16.3 inches)
Width
18.5 cm (7.3 inches)
Depth
43.9 cm (17.3 inches)
Weight
12.34 kg (27.2 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)
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 51 cm/sec [20 in/sec])
Storage
105 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2 msec +/- 10%
(equivalent to 127 cm/sec [50 in/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)
Back to Contents Page
Microsoft®Windows®XP Features
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Transferring Information to a New Computer
User Accounts and Fast User Switching
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Transferring Information to a New Computer
The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides a Files and Settings Transfer wizard to move data from the source computer to the new computer. You
can move data such as:
lE-mails
lToolbar settings
lWindow sizes
lInternet bookmarks
You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial connection, or you can store it on a removable medium, such as a writable CD or
floppy disk.
To prepare the new computer for the file transfer:
1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories® System Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
2. When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next.
3. On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer and click Next.
4. On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CD and click Next.
5. When the Now go to your old computer screen appears, go to your old or source computer. Do not click Next at this time.
To copy data from the old computer:
1. On the old computer, insert the Windows XP Operating System CD.
2. On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform additional tasks.
3. Under What do you want to do?, click Transfer files and settings.
4. On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next.
5. On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer and click Next.
6. On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you prefer.
7. On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer and click Next.
After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears.
8. Click Finish.
To transfer data to the new computer:
1. On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next.
2. On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your settings and files and click Next.
The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer.
When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen appears.
3. Click Finished and restart the new computer.
User Accounts and Fast User Switching
Adding User Accounts
After the Microsoft Windows XP operating system is installed, the administrator or a user with administrator rights can create additional user accounts.
1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel window, click User Accounts.
3. Under Pick a task, click Create a new account.
4. Under Name the new account, type the name of the new user and click Next.
5. Under Pick an account type, click one of the following options:
lComputer administrator — You can change all computer settings.
lLimited — You can change only your own personal settings, such as your password. You cannot install programs or use the Internet.
6. Click Create Account.
Fast User Switching
Fast User Switching allows multiple users to access one computer without requiring the previous user to log off.
1. Click the Start button and click Log Off.
2. In the Log Off Windows window, click Switch User.
When you use Fast User Switching, programs that previous users were using remain running in the background, which might decrease your computer's
response time. Also, multimedia programs, such as games and DVD software, might not work with Fast User Switching. For more information, see the Windows
Help and Support Center. To access the Windows Help and Support Center, see Finding Information.
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Connecting to a Network Adapter
Before you connect your computer to a network, the computer must have a network adapter installed and a network cable connected to it.
To connect a network cable:
1. Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer.
2. Connect the other end of the network cable to a network connection device, such as a network wall jack.
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.
NOTE: Additional options may be available, depending on whether you are using Windows XP Home Edition or Windows XP Professional. Also, options
available in Windows XP Professional vary depending on whether your computer is connected to a domain.
NOTE: Fast User Switching is unavailable if your computer is running Windows XP Professional and is a member of a computer domain, or if your
computer has less than 128 MB of memory.
NOTE: Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is secure.
NOTE: Do not use a network cable with a telephone wall jack.
1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories® Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.
2. On the welcome screen, click Next.
3. Click Checklist for creating a network.
4. Complete the checklist and required preparations.
5. Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.
Back to Contents Page
NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP
SP1.
Back to Contents Page
Replacing the Computer Cover
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
1. Ensure that all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way.
Gently pull the power cables toward you so that they do not get caught underneath the drives.
2. Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer.
3. To replace the cover:
a. Align the bottom of the cover with the hinge tabs located along the bottom edge of the computer.
b. Using the hinge tabs as leverage, rotate the cover downward to close it.
c. Snap the cover into place by pulling back on the cover release latch and then releasing the latch when the cover is properly seated.
d. Ensure that the cover is seated correctly before moving the computer.
4. Attach the computer stand (if applicable). For instructions, see the documentation that came with the stand.
5. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Back to Contents Page
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary.
IfyoupurchasedaDell™nSeriescomputer,anyreferencesinthisdocumenttoMicrosoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2006DellInc.Allrightsreserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, OptiPlex, Inspiron, Dimension, Latitude, Dell Precision, DellNet, TravelLite, Dell OpenManage, PowerVault, Axim, PowerEdge, PowerConnect,
and PowerApp are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation; Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell
Inc. under license. ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As an ENERGY STAR partner, Dell Inc. has determined that this product
meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
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.
Models: DCSM and DCNE
June 2006 P/N JK524 Rev. A00
Desktop Computer
About Your Computer
Finding Information
Desktop Computer
Desktop Computer Specifications
Advanced Features
Connecting Multiple Monitors
Cleaning Your Computer
Reinstalling Drivers and the Operating System
Solving Problems
Microsoft®Windows®XP Features
Troubleshooting Tools and Utilities
Getting Help
Warranty
FCC Notice (U.S. Only)
Removing and Replacing Parts
Before You Begin
Removing the Computer Cover
I/O Panel
Drives
PCI and PCI Express Cards
Power Supply
Processor
Battery
System Board
Memory
Replacing the Computer Cover

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.
Back to Contents Page
Reinstalling Drivers and the Operating System
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Drivers
Using Microsoft®Windows®XP System Restore
Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP
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:
lUpgrade your operating system.
lReinstall your operating system.
lConnect or install a new device.
Identifying Drivers
If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.
1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2. Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
3. Click System.
4. In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
5. Click Device Manager.
6. Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the device icon.
If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver (see Reinstalling Drivers and the Operating
System).
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
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
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: You must use Microsoft®Windows®XP Service Pack 1 or later when you reinstall the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.
NOTE: If you installed a unique image on your computer or if you had to reinstall your operating system, run the DSS utility. DSS is available on your
optional Drivers and Utilities CD (Resource CD) and at support.dell.com.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD (Resource CD) is optional, and as such, may not ship with certain computers.
installed version.
1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2. Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
3. Click System.
4. In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
5. Click Device Manager.
6. Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties.
7. Click the Drivers tab.
8. Click Roll Back Driver.
If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see Enabling System Restore) to return your computer to the operating state
that existed before you installed the new driver.
Using the Optional Drivers and Utilities CD
If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore (see Using Microsoft®Windows®XP System Restore) does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver
from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the Resource CD).
1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.
If this is your first time to use the Drivers and Utilities CD, the Installation window opens to inform you that the CD will begin the installation. Click OK
and respond to the installation program prompts to complete the installation.
2. Click Next at the Welcome Dell System Owner screen.
3. Choose the appropriate selections for System Model, Operating System, Device Type, and Topic.
4. Click My Drivers in the Topic drop-down menu.
The Drivers and Utilities CD scans your computer's hardware and operating system and then displays a list of device drivers for your system
configuration.
5. Click the appropriate driver and follow the instructions to download the driver for your computer.
To view a list of all available drivers for your computer, click Drivers in the Topic drop-down menu.
To access the help files on the Drivers and Utilities CD, click the question mark button or the Help link at the top of the screen.
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. For information about accessing the Windows Help and Support Center, see Finding Information.
Creating a Restore Point
1. Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2. Click System Restore.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD (Resource CD) is optional, and as such, may not ship with all computers.
NOTE: To access device drivers and user documentation, you must use the Drivers and Utilities CD (Resource CD) while your computer is running
Windows.
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories® System Tools, and then click System Restore.
2. Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.
3. Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.
The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points
appear in boldface type.
4. Select a restore point and click Next.
If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the
restore point that you prefer.
5. Click Next.
The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts.
6. After the computer restarts, click OK.
To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.
Undoing the Last System Restore
1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories® System Tools, and then click System Restore.
2. Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.
3. Click Next.
The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.
4. After the computer restarts, click OK.
Enabling System Restore
If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is
enabled:
1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2. Click Performance and Maintenance.
3. Click System.
4. Click the System Restore tab.
5. Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.
Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP
Before You Begin
NOTICE: You must use Windows XP Service Pack 1 or later when you reinstall your operating system.
If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver
Rollback (see Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback). 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).
To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:
lDell™Operating System CD
lDell Drivers and Utilities CD (Resource CD)
Reinstalling Windows XP
To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.
The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus
protection program, and other software.
Booting From the Operating System CD
1. Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2. Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if Install Windows XP message appears.
3. Restart the computer.
4. 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.
5. Press the arrow keys to select CD-ROM, and press <Enter>.
6. When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.
Windows XP Setup
1. When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to select To set up Windows now.
2. Read the information on the Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement screen, and press <F8> to accept the license agreement.
3. If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current Windows XP data, type r to select the repair option, and
remove the CD.
4. If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.
5. Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and follow the instructions on the screen.
The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer automatically restarts
multiple times.
6. When the Regional and Language Options screen appears, select the settings for your location and click Next.
7. Enter your name and organization (optional) in the Personalize Your Software screen, and click Next.
8. At the Computer Name and Administrator Password window, enter a name for your computer (or accept the one provided) and a password, and click
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD (Resource CD) contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the Drivers and Utilities CD to
load any required drivers.
NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD.
NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of your computer.
Next.
9. If the Modem Dialing Information screen appears, enter the requested information and click Next.
10. Enter the date, time, and time zone in the Date and Time Settings window, and click Next.
11. If the Networking Settings screen appears, click Typical and click Next.
12. If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional and you are prompted to provide further information regarding your network configuration, enter your
selections. If you are unsure of your settings, accept the default selections.
Windows XP installs the operating system components and configures the computer. The computer automatically restarts.
13. When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click Next.
14. When the How will this computer connect to the Internet? message appears, click Skip.
15. When the Ready to register with Microsoft? screen appears, select No, not at this time and click Next.
16. When the Who will use this computer? screen appears, you can enter up to five users.
17. Click Next.
18. Click Finish to complete the setup, and remove the CD.
19. Reinstall the appropriate drivers with the Drivers and Utilities CD (Resource CD).
See Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities.
20. Reinstall your virus protection software.
21. Reinstall your programs.
Back to Contents Page
NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD.
NOTE: To reinstall and activate your Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite programs, you need the Product Key number located on the back of the
Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite CD sleeve.
Back to Contents Page
Solving Problems
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Battery Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist before you complete these checks.
Drive Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
CD and DVD drive problems
Battery Problems
Drive Problems
Keyboard Problems
Lockups and Software Problems
Memory Problems
Mouse Problems
Network Problems
Power Problems
Printer Problems
Restoring Default Settings
Serial or Parallel Device Problems
Sound and Speaker Problems
Video and Monitor Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
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 Battery). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Testthedrive—
lInsert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective.
lInsert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.
Cleanthedriveordisk— See Cleaning Your Computer.
Check the cable connections
Check for software and hardware conflicts — See Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities.
RuntheDellDiagnostics— See Dell Diagnostics.
NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives.
AdjusttheWindowsvolumecontrol—
Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive
Hard drive problems
Keyboard Problems
Lockups and Software Problems
lClick the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.
lEnsure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up.
lEnsure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked.
Checkthespeakersandsubwoofer— See Sound and Speaker Problems.
Closeotherprograms— The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error
occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the CD/DVD-RW.
Turn off Standby mode in Windows before writing to a CD/DVD-RWdisc— See Power Management.
Running the Dell IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics—
The Dell IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics is a utility that tests the hard drive to troubleshoot or confirm a hard drive failure.
1. Turn on your computer (if your computer is already on, restart it).
2. When F2 = Setup appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <Ctrl><Alt><d>.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
RunCheckDisk—
1. Click the Start button and click My Computer.
2. Right-click Local Disk C:.
3. Click Properties.
4. Click the Tools tab.
5. Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
6. Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.
7. Click Start.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Checkthekeyboardcable—
lEnsure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to the computer.
lShut down the computer, reconnect the keyboard cable as shown in the Quick Reference Guide for your computer, and then restart the
computer.
lCheck the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent pins.
lRemove keyboard extension cables and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.
Testthekeyboard— Connect a properly working keyboard to the computer, and try using the keyboard. If the new keyboard works, the
original keyboard is faulty.
RuntheDellDiagnostics— See Dell Diagnostics.
Checkforsoftwareandhardwareconflicts— See Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities.
The computer does not start up
The computer stops responding
A program stops responding
A program crashes repeatedly
A solid blue screen appears
Other software problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: If you installed a unique image on your computer or if you had to reinstall your operating system, run the DSS utility. DSS is available on your
Drivers and Utilities CD (see Finding Information) and at support.dell.com.
NOTE: You must use Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 1 or later when you reinstall Windows XP.
ChecktheDiagnosticLights— See Diagnostic Lights.
Ensure that the power cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the electrical outlet
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
Turnthecomputeroff— If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold
the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer.
Endtheprogram—
1. Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2. Click Applications.
3. Click the program that is no longer responding.
4. Click End Task.
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.
Checkthesoftwaredocumentation— If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
Ensure that the original installed version of Windows XP is installed on your computer
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—
Memory Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
Mouse Problems
lEnsure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.
lEnsure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation
for information.
lEnsure that the program is installed and configured properly.
lVerify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.
lIf 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
Save and close any open files or programs and shut down your computer through the Start menu
RuntheDellDiagnostics— See Dell Diagnostics. If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a software problem.
NOTE: Your computer might emit a series of beeps (beep code) during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps
identifies a problem. See Beep Codes for more information.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Ifyoureceiveaninsufficientmemorymessage—
lSave and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the problem.
lSee the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional memory (see Memory).
lReseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory (see Memory).
lRun the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Ifyouexperienceothermemoryproblems—
lReseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory (see Memory).
lEnsure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see Memory).
lRun the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Checkthemousecable—
1. Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent pins.
2. Remove mouse extension cables, if used, and connect the mouse directly to the computer.
3. Shut down the computer, reconnect the mouse cable as shown in the Quick Reference Guide for your computer, and then restart the
computer.
Restartthecomputer—
1. Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the Start menu.
2. Type u, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight Shut down or Turn Off, and then press <Enter>.
3. After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the in the Quick Reference Guide for your computer.
4. Start the computer.
Network Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
Power Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
Testthemouse— Connect a properly working mouse to the computer, and try using the mouse. If the new mouse works, the original
mouse is faulty.
Checkthemousesettings—
1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.
2. Click Mouse.
3. Try adjusting the settings.
If you are using a PS/2 mouse
1. Enter system setup and ensure that the Mouse Port option is set to On (see System Setup).
2. Exit system setup and restart the computer.
Reinstallthemousedriver— See Drivers.
RuntheDellDiagnostics— See Dell Diagnostics.
Checkforsoftwareandhardwareconflicts— See Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Checkthenetworkcableconnector— Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into both the network connector on the back of the
computer and the network jack.
Checkthenetworklightsonthefrontorbackofthecomputerdependingonsystemchassistype.— No connection speed light indicates
that no network communication exists. Replace the network cable.
Restart the computer and log on to the network again
Checkyournetworksettings— Contact your network administrator or the person who set up your network to verify that your network
settings are correct and that the network is functioning.
Checkforsoftwareandhardwareconflicts— See Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Ifthepowerlightisgreenandthecomputerisnotresponding— See Diagnostic Lights.
Ifthepowerlightisblinkinggreen— The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse to resume
normal operation.
Ifthepowerlightisoff— The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.
lReseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.
lIf 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
Printer Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
Restoring Default Settings
properly.
lEnsure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
lEnsure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board.
Ifthepowerlightisamberandgreenorsteadyamber— A device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.
lRemove and then reinstall the memory modules (see Memory).
lRemove and then reinstall any cards.
lRemove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable.
Ifthepowerlightisblinkingamber—
The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.
lEnsure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location (if applicable).
lEnsure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the system board.
Eliminateinterference— Some possible causes of interference are:
lPower, keyboard, and mouse extension cables
lToo many devices on a power strip
lMultiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer's manufacturer.
Checktheprinterdocumentation— See the printer documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.
Ensure that the printer is turned on
Checktheprintercableconnections—
lSee the printer documentation for cable connection information.
lEnsure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer.
Testtheelectricaloutlet— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
VerifythattheprinterisrecognizedbyWindows—
1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.
2. Click View installed printers or fax printers.
If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.
3. Click Properties and click the Ports tab. For a parallel printer, ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer
Port). For a USB printer, ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is USB.
Reinstalltheprinterdriver— See the printer documentation for instructions
Serial or Parallel Device Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
Sound and Speaker Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
No sound from speakers
To restore the computer's system settings to their default values —
1. Turn on or restart your computer.
2. When Press <F2> to Enter Setup appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F2> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Microsoft®Windows®logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut
down your computer through the Start menu and try again.
3. Under System Management, select the Maintenance option and follow the directions on the screen (see System Setup).
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: If you are having a problem with a printer, see Printer Problems.
Checktheoptionsetting— See the device's documentation for the recommended settings. Then enter system setup and ensure that the
Serial Port #1 setting or the LPT Port Mode setting matches the recommended settings (see System Setup).
RuntheDellDiagnostics— See Dell Diagnostics.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
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 an audio card, ensure that the speakers are connected to the card.
Ensurethatthesubwooferandthespeakersareturnedon— See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have
volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate distortion.
AdjusttheWindowsvolumecontrol— Click or double-click the speaker icon in the 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.
Enabledigitalmode— Your speakers do not work if the CD drive is operating in analog mode.
1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.
2. Click Sounds and Audio Devices.
3. Click the Hardware tab.
4. Double-click the name of your CD drive.
5. Click the Properties tab
6. Check the Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device box.
No sound from headphones
Video and Monitor Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
If the screen is blank
Eliminatepossibleinterference— Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.
Run the speaker diagnostics
Reinstalltheaudiodriver— See Drivers.
Checkthedeviceoptionsetting— Enter system setup (see System Setup) and ensure that the Audio Controller option is set to On. Exit
system setup and restart your computer.
RuntheDellDiagnostics— See Dell Diagnostics.
Checkforsoftwareandhardwareconflicts— See Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities.
Checktheheadphonecableconnection— Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted into the headphone connector.
Disabledigitalmode— Your headphones do not work if the CD drive is operating in digital mode.
1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.
2. Click Sounds and Audio Devices.
3. Click the Hardware tab.
4. Double-click the name of your CD drive.
5. Click the Properties tab.
6. Uncheck the Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device box.
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.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.
Checkthemonitorcableconnection—
lIf you purchased a graphics card, ensure that the monitor is connected to the card.
lEnsure that your monitor is properly connected (see the Quick Reference Guide that came with your computer).
lIf you are using a video extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is defective.
lSwap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.
lCheck 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.
If the screen is difficult to read
Back to Contents Page
Testthemonitor— Connect a properly working monitor to the computer, and try using the monitor. If the new monitor works, the original
monitor is faulty.
Checkthediagnosticlights— See Diagnostic Lights.
Checkthecardsetting— Enter system setup and ensure that Primary Video option is set correctly. Exit system setup and restart your
computer (see System Setup).
Run the monitor self-test — Check the monitor documentation for more information.
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.
AdjusttheWindowsdisplaysettings—
1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Appearance and Themes.
2. Click Display and click the Settings tab.
3. Try different settings for Screen resolution and Color quality.
Back to Contents Page
System Board
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Replacing the System Board
Removing the System Board
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove any components that restrict access to the system board (CD/DVD drive(s), floppy drive, hard drive, and I/O panel).
3. Remove the processor:
lFor your mini tower computer, see Processor.
lFor your desktop computer, see Processor.
4. Disconnect all cables from the system board.
5. Remove the screws from the system board.
System Board Screws
6. Slide the system board assembly toward the front of the computer, and then lift the board up and away.
7. Place the system board assembly that you just removed next to the replacement system board to ensure it is identical.
Replacing the System Board
1. Gently align the board into the chassis and slide it toward the back of the computer.
2. Replace the screws on the system board.
CAUTION: To guard against the electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
1
system board
2
screws (10)
3. Replace any components and cables that you removed from the system board.
4. Reconnect all cables to their connectors at the back of the computer.
5. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary.
IfyoupurchasedaDell™nSeriescomputer,anyreferencesinthisdocumenttoMicrosoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2006DellInc.Allrightsreserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, OptiPlex, Inspiron, Dimension, Latitude, Dell Precision, TravelLite, Dell OpenManage, PowerVault, Axim, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, Strike
Zone, and PowerApp are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, SpeedStep, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell Inc. under license. ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As an ENERGY STAR partner, Dell Inc. has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
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.
Models: DCSM and DCNE
September 2006 P/N JK524 Rev. A01
Back to Contents Page
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.
Back to Contents Page
Troubleshooting Tools and Utilities
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Dell Diagnostics
System Lights
Diagnostic Lights
Beep Codes
Error Messages
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Dell Diagnostics
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in this section and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance
(see Dell Diagnostics).
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
Enter system setup, review your computer's configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in system setup and is active (see
System Setup).
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (an optional CD also known as the ResourceCD). See Dell Diagnostics.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2. 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 and try again.
3. When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.
4. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
See Dell Diagnostics.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD (Optional)
1. Insert the optional Drivers and Utilities CD.
See Finding Information for information about the optional Drivers and Utilities CD.
2. Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
3. When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM Device and press <Enter>.
4. Select the IDE CD-ROM Device option from the CD boot menu.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: TheDellDiagnosticsworksonlyonDell™computers.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from your optional Drivers and Utilities
CD.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in
system setup.
5. Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears.
6. Type 1 to start the Drivers and Utilities CD menu.
7. Type 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.
8. Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.
9. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
See Dell Diagnostics.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1. After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.
2. If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and
problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell. See Contacting Dell.
3. If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information.
4. When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD, remove the CD.
5. Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.
System Lights
Your power button light and hard-drive light may indicate a computer problem.
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.
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.
Your computer's Service Tag is listed in the System Info option in system setup (see System Setup).
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.
Power Light
Problem Description
Suggested Resolution
Solid green
Power is on, and the computer is operating
normally. On the desktop computer, a solid green
light indicates a network connection.
No corrective action is required.
Blinking green
The computer is in a power-saving mode
(Microsoft®Windows®XP).
Press the power button, move the mouse, or press a key on the
keyboard to wake the computer.
Blinks green several times and
A configuration error exists.
Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified
Diagnostic Lights
To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "1," "2," "3," and "4"on the front or back panel. The lights can be off or green.
When the computer starts normally, the patterns or codes on the lights change as the boot process completes. When the computer starts normally, the
patterns or codes on the lights change as the boot process completes. If the POST portion of system boot completes successfully, all four lights display solid
green. If the computer malfunctions during the POST process, the pattern displayed on the LEDs may help identify where in the process the computer halted.
then turns off
(see Diagnostic Lights).
Solid yellow
The Dell Diagnostics is running a test, or a device
on the system board may be faulty or incorrectly
installed.
If the Dell Diagnostics is running, allow the testing to complete.
If the computer does not boot, contact Dell for technical assistance
(see Contacting Dell).
Blinking yellow
A power supply or system board failure has
occurred.
See Power Problems.
Solid green and a beep code
during POST
A problem was detected while the BIOS was
executing.
See Beep Codes for instructions on diagnosing the beep code. Also,
check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified
(see Diagnostic Lights).
Solid green power light and no
beep code and no video during
POST
The monitor or the graphics card may be faulty or
incorrectly installed.
Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified
(see Diagnostic Lights). See Video and Monitor Problems.
Solid green power light and no
beep code but the computer
locks up during POST
An integrated system board device may be faulty.
Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified
(see Diagnostic Lights). If the problem is not identified, contact Dell
for technical assistance (see Contacting Dell).
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: The orientation of the diagnostic lights may vary depending on the system type. The diagnostic lights can appear either vertical or horizontal.
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 BIOS failure has occurred; the
computer is in the recovery mode.
Run the BIOS Recovery utility, wait for recovery completion, and then restart the computer.
A possible processor failure has occurred.
Reinstall the processor and restart the computer.
Memory modules are detected, but a
memory failure has occurred.
lIf you have one memory module installed, reinstall it and restart the computer. (see
Memory for instructions on how to remove and install memory modules.)
lIf you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one
module, 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.
lIf available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer.
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible graphics card failure has
occurred.
lIf the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, reinstall it, and then restart the
computer.
lIf the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the
computer.
lIf the problem persists or the computer has integrated graphics, contact Dell (see
Contacting Dell).
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.
lIf you have one memory module installed, reinstall it and restart the computer. See
Memory for instructions on how to remove and install memory modules.
lIf you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one
module, 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.
lIf available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer.
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Beep Codes
Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies
a problem. One possible beep code (code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the computer
encountered a memory problem.
If your computer beeps during start-up:
1. Write down the beep code on the Diagnostics Checklist.
2. Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause (see Dell Diagnostics).
3. Contact Dell for technical assistance (see Contacting Dell).
Memory modules are detected, but a
memory configuration or compatibility error
exists.
lEnsure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements
exist (see Memory).
lVerify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your
computer (see Memory).
lIf the problem persists, (see Contacting Dell).
A failure has occurred.
This pattern also displays when you enter
system setup and may not indicate a
problem (see System Setup).
lEnsure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard
drive, CD drive, and DVD drive.
lCheck the computer message that appears on your monitor screen.
lIf the problem persists, (see Contacting Dell).
After POST is complete, all four diagnostic
lights turn green briefly before turning off
to indicate normal operating condition.
None.
Code
Cause
1-1-2
Microprocessor register failure
1-1-3
NVRAM read/write failure
1-1-4
ROM BIOS checksum failure
1-2-1
Programmable interval timer failure
1-2-2
DMA initialization failure
1-2-3
DMA page register read/write failure
1-3
Video Memory test failure
1-3-1 through 2-4-4
Memory not being properly identified or used
3-1-1
Slave DMA register failure
3-1-2
Master DMA register failure
3-1-3
Master interrupt mask register failure
3-1-4
Slave interrupt mask register failure
3-2-2
Interrupt vector loading failure
3-2-4
Keyboard Controller test failure
3-3-1
NVRAM power loss
3-3-2
Invalid NVRAM configuration
3-3-4
Video Memory test failure
3-4-1
Screen initialization failure
3-4-2
Screen retrace failure
3-4-3
Search for video ROM failure
4-2-1
No timer tick
4-2-2
Shutdown failure
4-2-3
Gate A20 failure
4-2-4
Unexpected interrupt in protected mode
4-3-1
Memory failure above address 0FFFFh
4-3-3
Timer-chip counter 2 failure
4-3-4
Time-of-day clock stopped
4-4-1
Serial or parallel port test failure
4-4-2
Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory
4-4-3
Math-coprocessor test failure
4-4-4
Cache test failure
Error Messages
Print and fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Afilenamecannotcontainanyofthefollowingcharacters:\/:*?"<>|— Do not use these characters in filenames.
Arequired.DLLfilewasnotfound— The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. To remove and then reinstall the
program:
1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs.
2. Select the program you want to remove.
3. Click the Change or Remove Program icon.
4. See the program documentation for installation instructions.
Alert! Previous attempts at booting this system have failed at checkpoint [nnnn]. For help in resolving this problem, please note this
checkpointandcontactDellTechnicalSupport— Contact Dell and report the checkpoint code (nnnn) to the support technician (see
Contacting Dell).
Attachmentfailedtorespond— See Drive Problems.
Badcommandorfilename— Ensure that you spelled the command correctly, put spaces in the proper place, and used the correct
pathname.
Bad error-correctioncode(ECC)ondiskread— See Drive Problems.
Controllerhasfailed— See Drive Problems.
Dataerror— See Drive Problems.
Decreasingavailablememory—
See Lockups and Software Problems.
Diskettedrive0seekfailure— See Drive Problems.
Diskettereadfailure—
See Drive Problems.
Diskettesubsystemresetfailed— Run the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.
Diskettewriteprotected— Slide the write-protect notch on the floppy disk to the open position.
Drivenotready— Put a floppy disk in the drive.
GateA20failure—
See Lockups and Software Problems.
Hard-diskconfigurationerror—
Hard-diskcontrollerfailure—
Hard-diskdrivefailure—
Hard-diskdrivefailure—
See Drive Problems.
Insertbootablemedia— Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.
Invalid configuration information -pleaserunSETUPprogram— Enter system setup and correct the computer configuration information
(see System Setup).
Keyboardfailure— See Keyboard Problems.
Memory address line failure at address, read value expecting value — See Lockups and Software Problems.
Memoryallocationerror—
1. Turn off the computer, wait 30 seconds, and then restart the computer.
2. Try to run the program again.
3. If the error message appears again, see the software documentation for additional troubleshooting suggestions.
Memory data line failure at address, read value expecting value —
Memory double word logic failure at address, read value expecting value —
Memory odd/even logic failure at address, read value expecting value—
Memory write/read failure at address, read value expecting value —
MemorysizeinCMOSinvalid—
See Lockups and Software Problems.
Nobootdeviceavailable—
lIf the floppy drive is your boot device, ensure that a bootable floppy disk is in the drive.
lIf the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the cables are connected and that the drive is installed properly and partitioned as a
boot device.
lEnter system setup and ensure that the boot sequence information is correct (see System Setup).
No boot sector on hard-diskdrive—
lEnter system setup and ensure that the computer configuration information for the hard drive is correct (see System Setup).
Notimertickinterrupt— Run the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.
Non-systemdiskordiskerror— Replace the floppy disk with one that has a bootable operating system or remove the floppy disk from
drive A and restart the computer.
Notabootdiskette— Insert a bootable floppy disk 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—
lContact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
PlugandPlayConfigurationError—
1. Turn your computer off, unplug it from the electrical outlet, and then remove all but one of the cards.
2. Plug in your computer and reboot it.
3. If the message reappears, the installed card might be malfunctioning. If the message does not reappear, turn off the computer and
reinsert one of the other cards.
4. Repeat this process until you identify which card is malfunctioning.
Readfault—
Requestedsectornotfound—
Resetfailed—
See Drive Problems.
Sectornotfound—
lRun the Windows error-checking utility to check the file structure on the floppy disk or hard drive. See Windows Help for instructions.
lIf a large number of sectors are defective, back up the data (if possible), and then reformat the floppy disk or hard drive.
Seekerror— See Drive Problems.
Shutdownfailure— Run the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.
Time-of-dayclockstopped—
Time-of-day not set-pleaseruntheSystemSetupprogram—
lEnter system setup and correct the date or time (see System Setup). If the problem persists, replace the battery (see Battery).
Timerchipcounter2failed— Run the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.
Unexpectedinterruptinprotectedmode— Run the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.
WARNING: Dell's Disk Monitoring System has detected that drive [0/1] on the [primary/secondary] EIDE controller is operating
outside of normal specifications. It is advisable to immediately back up your data and replace your hard drive by calling your support
deskorDell—
lIf no replacement drive is immediately available and the drive is not the only bootable drive, enter system setup and change the
appropriate drive setting to None (see System Setup).Then remove the drive from the computer.
Writefault—
Writefaultonselecteddrive—
See Drive Problems.
<drive letter>:\isnotaccessible.Thedeviceisnotready— The selected drive cannot read its medium. Depending on its medium type,
insert a floppy, CD, or Zip disk into the drive and try again.
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 Device Manager or the Hardware
Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.
Microsoft® Windows® XP
To resolve incompatibilities using Device Manager:
1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2. Click Performance and Maintenance and click System.
3. Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
4. In the Device Manager list, check for devices that are incorrectly configured.
Incorrectly configured devices are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) or a red X if the device has been disabled.
5. Double-click any device marked with an exclamation point to display the Properties window.
The Device status area in the Properties window reports the devices that need to be re-configured.
6. Reconfigure the devices or remove the devices from the Device Manager. See the documentation that came with the device for information on
configuring the device.
To resolve incompatibilities using the Windows XP Hardware Troubleshooter:
1. Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.
3. Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.
4. In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and click Next.
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Warranty
Dell™OptiPlex™320User'sGuide
Dell Inc. ("Dell") manufactures its hardware products from parts and components that are new or equivalent to new in accordance with industry-standard
practices. For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the Product Information Guide or separate paper warranty document that shipped
with your computer.
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