Dell DCTA manual

www .dell.com | support.dell.com Dell™ Dimension™ 9150 Owner’ s Manual FlexBay s (2) for optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader hard-drive activity light power button microphone connector headphone connector CD or DVD activity light CD or DVD eject button diagnostic lights USB 2.0 connectors (2) cover latch release Service T ag p[...]

Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important i nformation that helps you make better use of your computer . NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential da mage to hardware or loss of da ta and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for propert y damage, personal injury , or death. If you purcha[...]

Contents 3 Contents Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 1 Setting Up and Using Y our Computer Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Printer Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Connecting a USB Printer . . . . . . . [...]

4 Contents Hyper -Threading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 About Y our RAID Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 RAID Level 0 Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 RAID Level 1 Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Configuri[...]

Contents 5 Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 S[...]

6 Contents Removing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Inside View of Y our Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Sy stem Board Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 M[...]

Contents 7 5 Appendix Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Sy stem Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Entering Sy stem Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114[...]

8 Contents[...]

Finding Information 9 Finding Information What Are Y ou Looking For? Find It Here • W arranty information • T erms and conditions (U.S. only) • Safety instructions • Regulatory information • Ergonomics information • End User License Agreement Dell™ Product Information Guide NOTE: This document is avai lable as a PDF at support.dell.co[...]

10 Finding Information www .dell.com | support.dell.com • Service T ag and Expr ess Service Code • Microsoft W indows License Label Service T ag and Microsoft Windows License These labels are located on your computer . • Use the Service T ag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com or contact technical support. • Enter the Ex[...]

Finding Information 11 • Solutions — T roubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, frequently ask ed questions • Community — Online disc ussion with other Dell customers • Upgrades — Upgrade informa tion for components, such as memory , the hard drive, and the operating system • Customer Care — Contact [...]

12 Finding Information www .dell.com | support.dell.com • How to use W indows XP • Documentation for my computer • Documentation for devices (such as a modem) Windows Help and Support Center 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support . 2 T ype a wor d or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic t[...]

Setting Up and Using Y our Computer 13 Setting Up and Using Y our Computer Setting Up a Printer NOTICE: Complete the ope rating sy stem setup before you co nnect a printer to the computer . See the documentation that came with the prin ter for setup information, including how to: • Obtain and install updated drivers • Connect the printer to the[...]

14 Setting Up and Using Y our Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com Connecting a USB Printer NOTE: Y ou can connect USB de vices while the compu ter is turned on. 1 Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so . 2 Install the printer driver if necessary . See th e documentation that came with your printer . 3 Attach the [...]

Setting Up and Using Y our Computer 15 NOTE: If you use a dial-up connecti on, you need an add-in PCI modem expansion card. If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you ar e using a DSL or cable modem connecti[...]

16 Setting Up and Using Y our Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com Playing CDs and DVDs NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when yo u open or close it. Keep the tray closed when you are not using the drive. NOTICE: Do not move the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs. 1 P ress the eject button on the front of the drive. 2 Plac[...]

Setting Up and Using Y our Computer 17 A D VD player includes the following basic buttons: F or more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click Help on the CD or D VD player (if available). Adjusting the V olume NOTE: When the speakers are mu ted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing. 1 Click the Start button, point to All P rograms → Accessories[...]

18 Setting Up and Using Y our Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com Adjusting the Picture If an error message notifies you that the curr ent r esolution and color depth are using too much memory and preventing D VD playback, adjust the display properties: 1 Click the Start button and click Control P anel . 2 Under Pick a category , click Appear[...]

Setting Up and Using Y our Computer 19 3 T o copy the CD or D VD: • If you have one CD or DVD drive , ensure that the settings ar e correct and click the Disc Copy button. The computer reads your source CD or D VD and copies the data to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive. When prompted, insert a blank CD or D VD into the drive and cli[...]

20 Setting Up and Using Y our Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com Helpful T ips • Use Microsoft ® W indows ® Explorer to drag and drop file s to a CD-R or CD-R W only after you start Sonic DigitalMedia a nd open a DigitalMedia project. • Use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in r egular stereos. CD-RWs do not play in most ho[...]

Setting Up and Using Y our Computer 21 F or information on installing a Media Card Re ader , see "Installing a Media Card Reader" on page 101. T o use the Media Car d Reader: 1 Check the media or card to determine the proper orientation for insertion. 2 Slide the media or card into the appropriate slot until it is completely seated in the[...]

22 Setting Up and Using Y our Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com If you purchased a graphics card that supports dual monitors, follow these instructions to connect and enable your monitors. The instructions tell you ho w to connect either two monitors (each with a VGA connector), one monitor with a VGA connector an d one monitor with a D VI [...]

Setting Up and Using Y our Computer 23 Connecting a TV NOTE: T o connect a TV to your computer , you must purchase an S-vide o cable, which is available at most consumer electronics s tores. An S-video cable is not included with your computer . 1 F ollow the procedures in "Befor e Y ou Begin" on page 63. 2 Connect one end of the S-video c[...]

24 Setting Up and Using Y our Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com Network Setup Wizard The Microsoft ® W indows ® XP operating system provides a Network Setup W izard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a home or small office. 1 Click the Start button, point to All P ro[...]

Setting Up and Using Y our Computer 25 Standby Mode Standby mode conserves power by turning off th e display and the hard drive after a time-out. When the computer exits from standby mode, it r e turns to the operating state it was in before it entered standby mode. T o set standby mode to automatically acti vate after a defined period of inactivit[...]

26 Setting Up and Using Y our Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com 3 Under or pick a Control P anel icon , click P ower Options . 4 Define your power settings on the P ower Schemes tab, Advanced tab, and Hibernate tab. Power Schemes T ab Each standard power setting is called a scheme. If you want to select one of the standar d W indows schemes[...]

Setting Up and Using Y our Computer 27 Hibernate T ab The Hibernate tab allows you to enable hibernate mode . If you want to use the hibernate settings you defined on the Po w e r S c h e m e s tab, click the Enable hibernate support check box on the Hibernate tab. F or more information on power management options: 1 Click the Start button and clic[...]

28 Setting Up and Using Y our Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com About Y our RAID Configuration This section provides an overview of the R AID configuration that you might have selected when you purchased your computer . Although several R A ID configurations are available, Dell offers either a R AID level 0 configuration or a R A ID level 1[...]

Setting Up and Using Y our Computer 29 NOTICE: Because RAID level 0 configurat ions provide no data redundancy , if one drive fails, then the data on the other drive is also inacc essible. Therefore, ensure that yo u perform regular backups when you use a RAID level 0 configuration. RAID Level 1 Configuration R A ID level 1 uses a data-redundancy s[...]

30 Setting Up and Using Y our Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com and the Intel Matrix Storage Console. Both me thods requir e that you set your computer to R A ID-enabled mode before starting any of the R AID configuration procedures in this document. Setting Y our Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode 1 Enter system setup (see page 113). 2 P ress t[...]

Setting Up and Using Y our Computer 31 8 Select the desired capacity for the volume, an d pr ess <Enter>. The default value is the maximum available size. 9 P ress <Enter> to create the volume. 10 P ress <y> to confirm that you want to create the R AID volume. 11 Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the ma[...]

32 Setting Up and Using Y our Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com 4 P ress <y> to confirm the deletion of the R AID volume. 5 P ress <Esc> to exit the Intel R AID Option ROM utility . Configuring for RAID Using the Intel ® Application Accelerator If you already have one har d driv e with the operating system install ed on it, and[...]

Setting Up and Using Y our Computer 33 NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your comp uter to RAID-enabled mode (see page 30). 3 On the Actions menu, select Create R AID V olume to launch the Create R AID V olume W izard. 4 Click Next at the first screen. 5 Confirm the volume name, select R AID 1 as the R AID level, [...]

34 Setting Up and Using Y our Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com 6 F rom the drop-down box, select R A ID 0 as the R AID level . NOTE: Select the strip size closes t to the size of the average file you want to store on the RAID volume. If you do not know the average file size, choose 128 KB as your strip size. 7 Select the appropriate strip [...]

Setting Up and Using Y our Computer 35 Creating a Spare Hard Drive A spare har d drive may be created with a R AID level 1 configuration. The spare hard drive will not be recognized by the operating system, but you will be able to see the spar e drive from within Disk Manager or the Intel R AID Opti on ROM utility . When a member of the R AID level[...]

36 Setting Up and Using Y our Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com Using Intel ® V iiv™ Quick Resume T echnology (Optional) When running in the Intel Viiv Quick Resume T e chnology (QR T) mode, your power button is used as a quick on/off feature. P ressing the power button once causes the dis play to go blank and the audio to mute. In this [...]

Solving Problems 37 Solving Problems T roubleshooting T ips F ollow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer: • If you added or removed a part befor e the prob lem started, review the installation procedures and ensure that the part is corr ectly installed. • If a peripheral device does not work, ensu re that the device is properly connec[...]

38 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com Drive Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, foll ow the safety inst ructions in the Product Information Guide . CD and DVD drive problems NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a defect in the drive or[...]

Solving Problems 39 Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive Hard drive problems E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog tel ephone jack only . The modem d oes not operate while it is con[...]

40 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com C HECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION — C HECK THE TELEPHONE JACK — C ONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK — U SE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE — • V erify that the telephone line is c onnected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label or a connector -shap[...]

Solving Problems 41 Error Messages If the message is not listed, see the documentatio n for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared. A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS : / : * ? “ < > | — Do not use these characters in filenames. A REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUND — The pro[...]

42 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com Media Card Reader Problems Keyboard Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, foll ow the safety inst ructions in the Product Information Guide . N O DRIVE LETTER IS ASSIGNED — When Microsoft W indows XP detects the Media Card Reader , the device is automaticall[...]

Solving Problems 43 Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . The computer does not start up The computer stops responding NOTICE: Y ou might lose data if you are unable to perform an oper ating sy stem shutdown. A program stops r[...]

44 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating sy stem A solid blue screen appears Other software problems R UN THE P ROGRAM C OMPATIBILITY W IZARD — The P rogram Compatibility Wi zard configures a program so it runs in an environment similar to non- W indows XP operating system environ[...]

Solving Problems 45 Memory Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . Mouse Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . I F YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEM[...]

46 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com Network Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, foll ow the safety inst ructions in the Product Information Guide . R ESTART THE COMPUTER — 1 Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the Start menu. 2 Ty p e u , press the k eyboard arrow keys to[...]

Solving Problems 47 Power Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . I F THE POWER LIGHT IS GREEN AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT RESPONDING — See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 56. I F THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING GREEN — The computer is in standb y [...]

48 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com Printer Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, foll ow the safety inst ructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer , contact the pr inter’ s manufacturer . Scanner Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any [...]

Solving Problems 49 Sound and Speaker Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . No sound from speakers NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players override s the Windows volume s etting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, ensure that you did no[...]

50 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com No sound from headphones V ideo and Monitor Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, foll ow the safety inst ructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTE: See the monitor docume ntation for troubles hooting procedures. If the screen is blank T EST THE ELECTRI[...]

Solving Problems 51 If the screen is difficult to read T EST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. C HECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See page 53. C HECK THE MONITOR SETTINGS — See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, [...]

52 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com[...]

T roubleshooting T ools 53 T roubleshooting T ools Diagnostic Lights CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . T o help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "1," "2," "3," and "4" on the front[...]

54 T r oubleshooting T ool s www .dell.com | support.dell.com A possible graphics card failur e has occurred. • If the computer has a graphics card, remove the car d (see page 76), r einstall it, and then restart the computer . • If the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the computer . • If the probl[...]

T roubleshooting T ools 55 A possible expansion car d failure has occurred. 1 Determine if a conflict exists by removing a car d (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer (see page 76). 2 If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you r e moved, remove a different car d, and then restart the computer . 3 Repeat this process for each c[...]

56 T r oubleshooting T ool s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Dell Diagnostics CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, foll ow the safety inst ructions in the Product Information Guide . If you experience a problem with your computer , perform the checks in "Solving P roblems" on page 37 and run the Dell Diagnost[...]

T roubleshooting T ools 57 3 If you run a test from the Custom T est or Symptom T ree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information. 4 Close the test screen to r eturn to the Main Menu screen. T o exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer , close the Main Menu screen. Drivers What Is a Driver? A dri[...]

58 T r oubleshooting T ool s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Identifying Drivers If you experience a problem with any device, iden tify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary , update the driver . Windows XP 1 Click the Start button and click Control P anel . 2 Under Pick a Category , click P erformance and Maintenance [...]

T roubleshooting T ools 59 Manually Reinstalling Drivers 1 After copying the requir ed driver files to your hard drive, click the Start button and right-click My Computer . 2 Click P roperties . 3 Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager . 4 Double-click the type of device fo r which you are installing the driver. 5 Double-click the name of [...]

60 T r oubleshooting T ool s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Using Microsoft Windows XP Sy stem Restore The Microsoft W indows XP operating system prov ides System Restore to allow you to r eturn your computer to an earlier oper ating state (without affecting da ta files) if changes to the hardwar e, software, or other system settings have left th[...]

T roubleshooting T ools 61 Undoing the Last Sy stem R estore NOTICE: Before you undo the last sy stem restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter , open, or delete any files or programs until the sy stem restoration is complete. 1 Click the Start button, point to All P rograms → Accessories → System T ools , [...]

62 T r oubleshooting T ool s www .dell.com | support.dell.com 4 On the next scr een, click Confirm . The restor e process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete. 5 When prompted, click Fi n i s h to reboot the computer . NOTE: Do not manually shut do wn the computer . Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot. 6 When prompted, cli[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 63 Removing and Installing Parts Before Y ou Begin This chapter provides procedures for r emoving and installing the components in your computer . Unless otherwise noted, each procedure a ssumes that the following conditions e xist: • Y ou have performed the steps in "T urn Off Y our Computer" and "Bef[...]

64 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com Before W orking Inside Y our Computer Use the following safety guidelines to help protec t your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety . CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the sa fety instructions in the Product[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 65 Front V iew of the Computer 1 cover latch release Use this latch to re move the cover . See "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 68. 2 CD or DVD activity light The drive light is on when the computer reads data from the CD or D VD drive. 3 CD or DVD eject button P ress to eject a disc from the CD or DVD d[...]

66 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 5 IEEE 1394 connector (optional) Use the optional IEEE 1394 co nnector for high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices. 6 vents F or adequate cooling, do not block any of the vents. NOTICE: Ensure that there is a mi nimum of two inches of space [...]

Removing and Installing Parts 67 Back V iew of the Computer 2 3 1 5 4 1 power connector Insert the power cable. 2 sound card connectors (5) • Line-in connector — Use the blue line-i n connector to attach a recor d/playback device such as a cassette player , CD player , or VCR. • Line-out connector — Use the green line -out connector to atta[...]

68 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com Removing the Computer Cover CAUTION: Before you begin any of th e procedures in this section, follow the safety ins tructions in the Product Information Guide . CAUTION: T o guard against electrical sh ock, alway s unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the c[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 69 5 Locate the three hinge tabs on the bottom edge of the computer . 6 Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up. 7 Lift the cover away and set it aside in a secure location. computer cover cover latch release back of computer hinge tabs (3)[...]

70 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com Inside V iew of Y our Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of th e procedures in this section, follow the safety ins tructions in the Product Information Guide . hard drive power supply sy stem board *floppy drive CD or DVD drive *may not be present on all computers[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 71 Sy stem Board Components memory module connectors (1, 2, 3, 4) main power connector processor and heat sink connector fan connector (CPU F AN) processor power connector battery socket (BA TTERY) SA T A connectors (4) (SA T A0, SA T A1, SA T A2, SA T A3) IDE drive connector floppy drive connector (FLOPPY) front panel[...]

72 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com Memory Y ou can incr ease your computer memory by instal ling memory modules on the system board.F or information on the type of memory supported by your computer , see "Specifications." Memory Overview • Memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory s ize[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 73 NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is co vered under your computer warranty . NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules fr om the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original m[...]

74 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com Installing Memory CAUTION: Before you begin any of th e procedures in this section, follow the safety ins tructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTICE: T o prevent static damage to co mponents inside your computer , discharge static electricity from your body before you touch [...]

Removing and Installing Parts 75 5 Align the notch on the bottom of the mo dule with the crossbar in the connector . NOTICE: T o avoid damage to the memo ry module, press the module straight down into the connector while you apply equal force to each end of the module. 6 Insert the module into the connector unt il the module snaps into position. If[...]

76 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com NOTICE: T o connect a network cable, first plug the cabl e into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer . 8 Connect your computer and devices to elec trical outlets, and turn them on. 9 Right-click the My Computer icon and click P roperties . 10 Click the General tab[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 77 PCI Cards If you are installing or r eplacing a card, follow th e procedures in the ne xt section. If you are removing but not r eplacing a card, s ee ""Removing a PCI Card" on page 80". If you are r eplacing a card, r emove the current driver for the card from the operating system. If you are in[...]

78 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 3 P ush the two release tabs on the car d retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because the door is captive, it w ill remain in the open position. 4 If your computer includes a card r etention mechanis m, to secure the x16 car d in place from the top: a Pivot the mec[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 79 CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when the y are connected to a network. T o guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your comp uter from its electrical outlet before installing any cards. 8 Place the card in the connector and pr ess down fi rmly . Ensure that the car d is full[...]

80 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 10 Close the card r etention door by snapping it into place to secure the car d(s). NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables ro uted over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing proper ly or cause damage to the equipment. 11 Connect any cables t[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 81 NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot op enings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer . The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer . NOTICE: T o connect a network cable, fi rst plug the cable in to the network device and then plug the cable into the computer . 4 Re[...]

82 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com Installing a PCI Express Card 1 F ollow the procedures in "Befor e Y ou Begin" on page 63. 2 If present on your computer , rotate the lever on the chassis wall upwar d. 3 P ush the two release tabs on the car d retentio n door toward each other and pivot the door open. Beca[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 83 4 If your computer includes a card r etention mechanism: a Pivot the mechanism upwar d and gently s queeze in on the sides to release the mechanism from the two tab slots holding it in place. b Set the retention mechanism aside in a secur e location. NOTE: For full-length PCI-E cards, if a "piano" bracket [...]

84 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 7 P ull the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its connector . 8 P repare the car d for installation. See the documentation that came with the car d for information on configuring the car d, making internal connections, or otherwi se customizing [...]

Removing and Installing Parts 85 11 Ensure that: • The tops of all cards and filler brac k ets are flush with the alignment bar . • The notch in the top of the card or filler brack et fits around the alignment guide. 12 If you removed a car d retention mechanism, sn ap it into place, securing the x16 PCI-E car d. NOTICE: Do not route card cable[...]

86 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 15 If you installed an add-in network adapter a nd want to disable the integrated network adapter: a Enter system setup select Integrated NIC Controller , and then change the setting to Off . b Connect the network cable to the add-in ne twork adapter ’s connectors. Do not connect t[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 87 4 P u sh the two release tabs on the car d retentio n door towar d each other and pivot the door open. Because the door is captive, it will remain in the open position. 5 If your computer includes a card r etention mechanism, to remove the x16 car d: a Pivot the mechanism upwar d and gently s queeze in on the sides [...]

88 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com NOTICE: Ensure that you release the securing tab to unseat the card. If the ca rd is not removed correctly , the sy stem board may be damaged. 6 Release the securing tab on the card slot to unseat the car d. 7 If you are r emoving the card permanently , in stall a filler bracket in t[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 89 Drive Panels CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . CAUTION: T o guard against ele ctrical shock, alway s un plug your computer fr om the electrical outlet before removing the cover . Removing the Drive Panel 1 F ollow the p[...]

90 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 3 P ush from the inside and pivot the drive panel to the left to release the panel from its side hinges. 4 Set the drive panel aside in a secure location. Removing the Drive-Panel Insert 1 T urn the drive panel sideways and find the tip of the drive-panel insert tab that latches over[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 91 1 Slide the tab on the left side of the driv e-panel insert under the center drive panel tab. 2 Rotate the drive-panel insert into place and snap the drive-panel insert tab over the corresponding tab on the drive panel. 3 Ensure that the drive-panel insert is corr ectly seated in the drive panel. Replacing the Drive[...]

92 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com Drives Y our computer supports: • T wo hard drives (Serial A T A) • T wo FlexBay drives (can contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader) • T wo CD or DVD drives General Installation Guidelines Connect hard drives to the connector labele d "SA T A" [...]

Removing and Installing Parts 93 NOTICE: T o avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard sur face. Instead, s et the drive on a surface, such as a fo am pad, that will s ufficiently cushion it. 1 If you are r eplacing a hard drive that contains da ta you want to k eep, back up your files before you begin this procedure. 2 F ollow the procedu[...]

94 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com Installing a Hard Drive 1 Unpack the replacement har d drive, and prepar e it for installation. 2 Check the documentation for the drive to veri fy that the drive is configured for your computer . 3 If your replacement har d drive does not have the hard drive brack et attached, remove[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 95 NOTICE: T o connect a network cable, firs t plug the cable in to the network wall jack and then plug the cable in to the computer . 9 Connect your computer and devices to el ectrical outlets, and turn them on. See the documentation that came with the hard drive for instructions about installing any software r equire[...]

96 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 8 Check all connectors to be certain that th ey are properly cabled and firmly seated. 9 Replace the computer cover (page 107). NOTICE: T o connect a network cable, first plug the cabl e into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer . 10 Connect your computer and devi[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 97 5 P u ll the sliding plate to the right and hold in place. 6 Slide the floppy drive out of the floppy drive bay . power cable floppy drive cable floppy drive sliding plate sliding plate lever[...]

98 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com Installing a Floppy Drive 1 If you are installing a new floppy drive, r emove the shoulder screws from the inside of the drive-panel insert and attach the screws to the new drive. 2 Slide the floppy drive into the floppy drive bay until the sliding plate clicks into place and the dri[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 99 Media Card Reader F or information on using the Media Card Reader , see "Using a Media Car d Reader (Optional)" on page 20. Removing a Media Card Reader CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTICE: T o prevent st[...]

100 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 5 Disconnect the USB cable on the back of th e Media Card Reader to the front panel USB connector on the system board (see page 71) a nd route the cable through the clip on the shroud. 6 While pushing on the back of the drive, re move the Media Car d Reader by sliding and holding th[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 101 Installing a Media Card Reader CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTICE: T o prevent static damage to co mponents inside your computer , discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer[...]

102 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 7 Connect the FlexBay USB cable to the back of the Media Car d Reader and to the Media Card Reader connector on the system board (see page 71). 8 Insert the Media Card Reader into the bay and s lide the drive in to seat it in the computer . 9 Route the USB cable through the cable ro[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 103 Removing a CD/DVD Drive 1 F ollow the procedures in "Befor e Y ou Begin" on page 63. 2 Remove the computer cover (see page 68). 3 Disconnect the power cable from the back of the drive and the CD/D VD drive cable from the back of the drive and the system board. power cable CD/D VD drive cable system board[...]

104 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 4 Slide the drive release mechanism to the right to r elease the shoulder screw and slide the drive out to remove it from the drive bay . Installing a CD/DVD Drive 1 If you are installing a new drive, unpack the drive and pr epare it for installation. Check the documentation that ac[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 105 3 Slide the drive into the drive bay until the drive clicks into position. 4 Connect the power cable to the drive and the CD/D VD cable to the drive and system board. 5 If you are installing a new CD/D VD drive rath er than replacing a drive, r emove the front panel inserts. 6 Check all cable connections, and fold [...]

106 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com Battery Replacing the Battery CAUTION: Before you begin any of th e procedures in this section, follow the safety ins tructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTICE: T o prevent static damage to co mponents inside your computer , discharge static electricity from your body befo[...]

Removing and Installing Parts 107 7 Replace the computer cover . NOTICE: T o connect a network cable, firs t plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer . 8 Connect your computer and devices to el ectrical outlets, and turn them on. 9 Enter system setup and restor e the settings you recorded in step 1. 10 P roperly di [...]

108 Removing and Installing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com[...]

Appendix 109 Appendix Specifications Processor P r ocessor type Intel ® Pe n t i u m ® 4 Socket- T with Hyper- Threading technology Cache 1 MB or 2 MB Memory T y pe dual-channel 400-, 533-, and 667-MHz DDR2 Memory connectors four Memory capacities 256 MB, 512 MB, or 1 GB Minimum memory 512 MB Maximum memory 4 GB BIOS address F0000h Computer Infor[...]

110 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com Expansion Bus Bus type PCI 32 bit PCI Express x1, x4, and x16 Bus speed PCI: 33 MHz PCI Express:100 MHz Bus throughput PCI Express: x1 slot bidirectional speed - 500 MB/s x4 slot bidirectional speed - 2 GB/s x16 slot bidirectional speed - 8 GB/s PCI connectors three connector size 120 pins connector dat[...]

Appendix 111 Drives Externally accessible: two 3.5-inch drive bays (FlexBay) two 5.25-inch drive bays Available devices serial A T A drives (2), floppy driv e, USB memory devices, CD drive, CD-RW drive, DVD drive, D VD-RW drive, Media Car d Reader , and D VD/CD-RW combo drive Internally accessible: two 3.5-inch hard-drive bays Connectors External c[...]

112 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com Controls and Lights P ower control push button P ower light green light — Blinking gr een in sleep state; solid green for power -on state. amber light — Blinking amber indi cates a problem with the power supply inside the computer . If th e system cannot boot and there is a solid amber light, this i[...]

Appendix 113 Sy stem Setup Overview Use system setup as follows: • T o change the system configuration information after you add, change, or r emove any hardwar e in your computer • T o set or change a user -selectable option such as the user password • T o r ead the current amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed Before you [...]

114 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com Entering Sy stem Setup 1 T urn on (or restart) your computer . 2 When the blue DELL™ logo is displayed, yo u must watch for the F2 prompt to appear . 3 Once this F2 prompt appears, press <F2> immediately . NOTE: The F2 prompt indicates that the keyboard has init ialized. This prompt can appear v[...]

Appendix 115 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 hardwar e, power conservation, and security features. Scroll up and down the list with the up- and down-arrow keys. As an option is hig[...]

116 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com Sy stem Setup Options NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devic es, the items listed in this section may not appear , or may not app ear exactly as listed. System System Info Lists system information such as the computer name, the BIOS version number and date, system tags, and other system-sp[...]

Appendix 117 USB for FlexBay This field enables and disables the internal USB for FlexBay . Off = Internal USB for FlexBay is disabled. On = Internal USB for FlexBay is enabled. No Boo t = Internal USB for FlexBay is enabled but not bootable. The factory default setting is No Boot . NOTE: This USB option app ears only if a FlexBay device is install[...]

118 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com Power Management AC Recovery Determines what happens when AC power is r estored to the computer . Auto Power On Sets the computer to automa tically turn on. Choices ar e every day or every Monday through F riday . The default setting is Off . This feature does not work if you turn off your computer usin[...]

Appendix 119 Boot Sequence This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices. NOTICE: If you modify any boot sequence settings, save the new se ttings to avoid losing the changes. Option Settings NOTE: The computer attempts to boot from all bootable devices but if no bootable device is found, the computer generates an error message th[...]

120 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com 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 W indows desktop. Then shut down your computer (see page 63) and try again. The Boot Device Men[...]

Appendix 121 Clearing Forgotten Passwords CAUTION: Before you begin any of the pr ocedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . 1 F ollow the procedures in "Befor e Y ou Begin" on page 63. 2 Locate the 3-pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board (see page 71), and attach the jumper plug t[...]

122 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com 10 Close the computer cover (see page 107). NOTICE: T o connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer . 11 Connect your computer and devices to elec trical outlets, and turn them on. Clearing CMOS Settings CAUTION: Before you begin any of th e p[...]

Appendix 123 Mouse If your screen cursor skips or moves abnormally , clean the mouse. T o clean a non-optical mouse: 1 T urn the retainer ring on the underside of your mouse counterclockwise, and then remove the ball. 2 W ipe the ball with a clean, lint-free cloth. 3 Blow carefully into the ball ca ge to dislodge dust and lint. 4 If the rollers ins[...]

124 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com the verification of appropriate f unctionality of the computer and all Dell-installed hardwar e. In addition to this technician-assisted technical su pport, online technical support is available at support.dell.com . Additional technical support option s may be available for purchase. Dell provides limi[...]

Appendix 125 This device complies with P art 15 of the FCC R ules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not cause harmful interference. This device must accept any interference r eceiv ed, including interference that may cause undesir ed operation. Class A This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the [...]

126 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com FCC Identification Information The following information is provided on the de vice or devices covered in this document in compliance with FCC regulations: • Model number: DCT A Company name: Dell Inc. One Dell W ay Round Rock, T e xas 78682 USA 512-338-4400 Contacting Dell T o contact Dell electronic[...]

Appendix 127 Argentina (Buenos Aires) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 54 City Code: 11 W ebsite: www .dell.com.ar E-mail: us_latin_services@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 T ech Suppo[...]

128 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com Barbados General Support 1-800-534-3066 Belgium (Brussels) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 32 City Code: 2 W ebsite: support.euro.dell.com E-mail for F rench-speaking Customers: support.euro .dell.com/be/fr/emaildell/ T echnical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only 02 481 92 96 T echnical[...]

Appendix 129 Canada (North Y ork, Ontario) International Access Code: 011 Online Order Status: www .dell.ca/ostatus AutoT ech (automated technical support) toll-free: 1-800-247-9362 Customer Care (Home Sales/Small Business) toll-free: 1-800-847-4096 Customer Care (med./lar ge business, government) toll-free: 1-800-326-9463 T echnical Support (Home [...]

130 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com China (Xiamen) Country Code: 86 City Code: 592 T echnical Support website: support.dell.com.cn T echnical Support E-mail: cn_support@dell.com Customer Care E-mail: customer_cn@dell.com T echnical Support F ax 592 818 1350 T echnical Support (Dell™ Dimension™ and Inspiron) toll-free: 800 858 2969 T e[...]

Appendix 131 Czech Republic (P rague) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 420 W ebsite: support.euro.dell.com E-mail: czech_dell@dell.com T echnical Support 22537 2727 Customer Care 22537 2707 Fa x 22537 2714 T ech F ax 22537 2728 Switchboard 22537 2711 Denmark (Copenhagen) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 45 W ebsite: support.eu[...]

132 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com F rance (P aris) (Montpellier) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 33 City Codes: (1) (4) W ebsite: support.euro.dell.com E-mail: support.euro .dell. com/fr/fr/emaildell/ Home and Small Business T echnical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only 0825 387 129 T echnical Support for all other Dell[...]

Appendix 133 Greece International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 30 W ebsite: support.euro.dell.com E-mail: support.euro .dell.com/gr/en/emaildell/ T echnical Support 00800-44 14 95 18 Gold Service T echnical Support 00800-44 14 00 83 Switchboard 2108129810 Gold Service Switchboard 2108129811 Sales 2108129800 Fa x 2108129812 Grenada General Support [...]

134 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com Ireland (Cherrywood) International Access Code: 16 Country Code: 353 City Code: 1 W ebsite: support.euro.dell.com E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com T echnical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only 1850 200 722 T echnical Support for all other Dell computers 1850 543 543 U.K. T echnical Support (dia[...]

Appendix 135 Japan (Kawasaki) International Access Code: 001 Country Code: 81 City Code: 44 W ebsite: support.jp.dell.com T echnical Support (servers) toll-free: 0120-198-498 T echnical Support outside of Japan (servers) 81-44-556-4162 T echnical Support (Dimension and Inspiron) toll-free: 0120-198-226 T echnical Support outside of Japan (Dimension[...]

136 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com Latin America Customer T echnical Support (Austin, T e xas, U.S.A.) 512 728-4093 Customer Service (Austin, T e xas, U.S.A.) 512 728-3619 F ax (T echnical Support and Customer Service) (Austin, T e xas, U.S.A.) 512 728-3883 Sales (Austin, T e xas, U.S.A.) 512 728-4397 SalesF ax (Austin, T exas, U.S.A.) 5[...]

Appendix 137 Mexico International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 52 Customer T echnical 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 General Support toll-free: 1-866-278-6822 Netherlands Antilles General Support 001[...]

138 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com Nicaragua General Support 001-800-220-1006 Norway (L ysaker) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 47 W ebsite: support.euro.dell.com E-mail: support.euro .dell.com/no/no/emaildell/ T echnical Support 671 16882 Relational Customer Care 671 17575 Home/Small Business Customer Care 23162298 Switchboa[...]

Appendix 139 Singapore (Singapore) International Access Code: 005 Country Code: 65 W ebsite: support.ap.dell.com T echnical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and Electronics and Accessories) toll-free: 1800 394 7430 T echnical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell P recision) toll-free: 1800 394 7488 T echnical Support (P owerApp, P owerEdge, P owerCon[...]

140 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com Spain (Madrid) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 34 City Code: 91 W ebsite: support.euro.dell.com E-mail: support.euro .dell.com/es/es/emaildell/ Home and Small Business T echnical Support 902 100 130 Customer Care 902 118 540 Sales 902 118 541 Switchboard 902 118 541 Fa x 902 118 539 Corporat[...]

Appendix 141 Ta i w a n International Access Code: 002 Country Code: 886 W ebsite: support.ap.dell.com E-mail: ap_support@dell.com T echnical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, Inspiron, Dimension, and Electronics and Accessories) toll-free: 00801 86 1011 T echnical Support (P owerApp, P owerEdge, P owerConnect, and P owerV ault) toll-free: 00801 60 1256[...]

142 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com U.K. (Bracknell) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 44 City Code: 1344 W ebsite: support.euro.dell.com Customer Care website: support.euro .dell.com/uk/en/ECare/F orm/Home.asp E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com T echnical Support (Corporate/P referred Accounts/P AD [1000+ employees]) 0870 908[...]

Appendix 143 U.S.A. (Austin, T exas) International Access Code: 011 Country Code: 1 Automated Or der-Status Service toll-free: 1-800-433-9014 AutoT ech (portable and desktop computers) toll-free: 1-800-247-9362 Consumer (Home and Home Office) T echnical Support toll-free: 1-800-624-9896 Customer Service toll-free: 1-800-624-9897 DellNet™ Service [...]

144 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com[...]

Index 145 Index A audio . See sound B battery problems, 3 7 replacing, 1 0 6 BIOS, 113 boot sequence a b o u t , 119 c h a n g i n g , 119-120 option settings, 1 1 9 booting to a USB device, 1 1 9 C car ds installing PCI Express, 8 2 PCI Express, 8 1 removing PCI, 8 0 removing PCI Expr ess, 8 6 slots, 6 8 CD/D VD drive activity light, 6 5 eject but[...]

146 Index 146 Index D VD drive problems, 3 8 DV D s, 1 8 playing, 1 6 E e-mail problems, 3 9 error messages diagnostic lights, 5 3 troubleshooting, 4 1 F F iles and Settings T ransfer Wi z a r d , 2 7 F inding Information, 9 Flex Bay drive Media Card Reader , 6 5 H hard drive activity light, 6 6 problems, 3 9 hardwar e Dell Diagnostics, 5 6 drives,[...]

Index 147 N network connector , 6 8 Network Setup W izard, 2 4 problems, 4 6 setting up, 2 3 Network Setup W izard, 24 O operating system reinstalling W indows XP , 6 0 P passwor d clearing, 1 2 1 jumper , 1 2 1 PC Restore, 61 PCI cards removing, 8 0 PCI Express car ds installing, 8 2 removing, 8 6 playing CDs and DVDs, 16 power button, 6 6 connect[...]

148 Index 148 Index software Hyper - Thr eading, 2 7 p r o b l e m s , 43-44 sound problems, 4 9 volume, 4 9 sound connectors, 67 speaker problems, 4 9 volume, 4 9 specifications a u d i o , 109 computer information, 1 0 9 connectors, 1 1 1 controls and lights, 1 1 2 drives, 1 1 1 environmental, 1 1 3 expansion bus, 1 1 0 memory , 1 0 9 p h y s i c[...]