Dell??? Dimension??? 3100/E310

Owner???s Manual

Model DCSM

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

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

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

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

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

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. ?? 2004???2006 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp, DellNet, and PowerConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

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

Model DCSM

Contents

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

1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Contents 3

2 Solving Problems

4 Contents

3 Advanced Troubleshooting

4 Removing and Installing Parts

Contents 5

5 Appendix

6 Contents

Contents 7

Finding Information

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

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

???Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

???Safety instructions

???Regulatory information

???Ergonomics information

???End User License Agreement

10 Finding Information

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Setting Up a Printer

NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.

See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:

???Obtain and install updated drivers

???Connect the printer to the computer

???Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge

???Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance

Printer Cable

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

Connecting a USB Printer

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

1Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so.

2Install the printer driver, if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

3Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors only fit into the ports when correctly oriented.

USB connector on computer

USB printer cable

USB connector on printer

Connecting to the Internet

NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.

To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:

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

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

???Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable TV line.

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

14 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an AOL or MSN connection:

1Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

2Double-click the MSN Explorer or AOL icon on the Microsoft?? Windows?? desktop.

3Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

If you do not have an MSN Explorer or AOL icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP:

1Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

2Click the Start button and click Internet Explorer. The New Connection Wizard appears.

3Click Connect to the Internet.

4In the next window, click the appropriate option:

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

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

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

5Click Next.

If you selected Set up my connection manually, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.

6Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and then click Next.

7Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on page 33. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.

Playing CDs and DVDs

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

NOTICE: Do not move the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs.

1Press the eject button on the front of the drive.

2Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray.

3 Press the eject button or gently push in the tray.

To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came with your computer.

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

A CD player includes the following basic buttons:

Play

Move backward within the current track

Pause

Move forward within the current track

Stop

Go to the previous track

16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Adjusting the Picture

If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth are using too much memory and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display properties:

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2Under Pick a category, click Appearance and Themes.

3Under Pick a task..., click Change the screen resolution.

4In the Display Properties window, click and drag the bar in Screen resolution to change the setting to 800 by 600 pixels.

5Click the drop-down menu under Color quality, and then click Medium (16 bit).

6Click OK.

Copying CDs and DVDs

NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copyright laws when creating CDs or DVDs.

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

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

The following instructions explain how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD. You can also use Sonic DigitalMedia for other purposes, such as creating music CDs from audio files stored on your computer or backing up important data. For help, open Sonic DigitalMedia and then click the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of the window.

How to Copy a CD or DVD

NOTE: CD-RW/DVD combo drives cannot write to DVD media. If you have a CD-RW/DVD combo drive and you experience recording problems, check for available software patches on the Sonic support website at www.sonic.com.

The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell??? computers can write to and read DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW and DVD+R DL (dual layer) media, but cannot write to and may not read DVD-RAM or DVD-R DL media.

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

1Click the Start button, point to All Programs??? Sonic??? DigitalMedia Projects, and then click Copy.

2Under the Copy tab, click Disc Copy.

18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

3To copy the CD or DVD:

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

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

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

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

Using Blank CDs and DVDs

CD-RW drives can write to CD recording media only (including high-speed CD-RW) while DVD-writable drives can write to both CD and DVD recording media.

Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs to write to CDs or to erase, rewrite, or update data on CDs.

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

CD-Writable Drives

Helpful Tips

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

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

???You cannot create audio DVDs with Sonic DigitalMedia.

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

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

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

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

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

Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)

Use the Media Card Reader to transfer data directly to your computer.

The Media Card Reader supports the following memory types:

???xD-Picture Card

???SmartMedia (SMC)

???CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II)

???MicroDrive Card

???SecureDigital Card (SD)

???MultiMediaCard (MMC)

???Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro)

20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

For information on installing a Media Card Reader, see "Installing a Media Card Reader" on page 89.

Memory Stick

(MS/MS Pro)

SecureDigital Card (SD)/

MultiMediaCard (MMC)

To use the Media Card Reader:

1Check the media or card to determine the proper orientation for insertion.

2Slide the media or card into the appropriate slot until it is completely seated in the connector.

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

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter

NOTICE: Plug the network cable into the network adapter connector on the computer. Do not plug the network cable into the modem connector on the computer.

NOTICE: Do not plug a network cable into a telephone wall jack.

1Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer. Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is secure.

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

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.

1Click the Start button, point to All Programs??? Accessories??? Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.

2On the welcome screen, click Next.

3Click Checklist for creating a network.

NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP.

4Complete the checklist and required preparations.

5Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.

Power Management

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

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

22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Standby Mode

Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a time-out. When the computer exits from standby mode, it returns to the operating state it was in before it entered standby mode.

To set standby mode to automatically activate after a defined period of inactivity:

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.

3Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.

To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click the Start button, click

Turn Off Computer, and then click Stand by.

To exit from standby mode, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.

NOTICE: If your computer loses power while in standby mode, it may lose data.

Hibernate Mode

Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits from hibernate mode, the desktop is restored to the state it was in before it entered hibernate mode.

To activate hibernate mode:

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.

3Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.

4Define your hibernate settings on the Power Schemes tab, Advanced tab, and Hibernate tab.

To exit from hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit from hibernate mode. Pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse does not bring the computer out of hibernation, because the keyboard and the mouse do not function when the computer is in hibernate mode.

Because hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to store the contents of the computer memory, Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file before shipping the computer to you. If the computer???s hard drive becomes corrupted, Windows XP recreates the hibernate file automatically.

Power Options Properties

Define your standby mode settings, hibernate mode settings, and other power settings in the Power Options Properties window. To access the Power Options Properties window:

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.

3Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.

4Define your power settings on the Power Schemes tab, Advanced tab, and Hibernate tab.

Power Schemes Tab

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

The Power schemes drop-down menu displays the following schemes:

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

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

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

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

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

If you want to change the default settings for a scheme, click the drop-down menu in the Turn off monitor, Turn off hard disks, System stand by, or System hibernates field, and then select a time- out from the displayed list. Changing the time-out for a scheme field permanently changes the default settings for that scheme, unless you click Save As and enter a new name for the changed scheme.

NOTICE: If you set the hard drive (hard disk) to time-out before the monitor does, your computer may appear to be locked up. To recover, press any key on the keyboard or click the mouse. To avoid this problem, always set the monitor to time-out before the hard drive.

Advanced Tab

The Advanced tab allows you to:

???Place the power options icon in the Windows taskbar for quick access.

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

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

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

24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Hibernate Tab

The Hibernate tab allows you to enable hibernate mode. If you want to use the hibernate settings you defined on the Power Schemes tab, click the Enable hibernate support check box on the

Hibernate tab.

For more information on power management options:

1Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2In the Help and Support window, click Performance and maintenance.

3In the Performance and maintenance window, click Conserving power on your computer.

About RAID Configurations

This section provides an overview of the RAID configuration that you might have selected when you purchased your computer. Of the several RAID configurations available in the computer industry for different types of uses, Dell offers RAID level 1 on your computer. This configuration is recommended for users that desire a higher level of data integrity.

The Intel RAID controller on your computer can only create a RAID configuration using two physical drives. The drives should be the same size to ensure that the larger drive does not contain unallocated (and therefore unusable) space.

NOTE: RAID levels do not represent a hierarchy. A RAID level 1 configuration is not inherently better or worse than a RAID level 0 configuration.

Using RAID with Hard Drive Passwords

If you are using a hard-drive security option available in system setup (see page 104), you should not use a RAID configuration. Using a RAID configuration requires that the hard drive password be cleared to allow data access.

RAID Level 1

RAID level 1 uses a data-redundancy storage technique known as "mirroring." When data is written to the primary drive, the data is then duplicated???or mirrored???on the other drive. A RAID level 1 configuration sacrifices high-data access rates for its data redundancy advantages.

serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 1

If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the surviving drive. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data from the surviving drive. Also, because data is duplicated on both drives, two 120-GB RAID level 1 drives collectively have a maximum of 120-GB on which to store data.

Configuring Your Computer for RAID

You may want to configure your computer for RAID at some point, if you did not select a RAID configuration when you purchased your computer. You must have at least two hard drives installed in your computer to set up a RAID configuration. For instructions on how to install a hard drive, see "Hard Drive" on page 79.

You can use one of two methods to configure RAID hard drive volumes. One method uses the Intel RAID Option ROM utility and is performed before you install the operating system onto the hard drive. The second method uses the Intel Matrix Storage Manager, or Intel Matrix Storage Console, and this method is performed after you have installed the operating system and the Intel Matrix Storage Console. Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before starting any of the RAID configuration procedures in this document.

Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode

1Enter system setup (see page 103).

2Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight Drives, and press <Enter>.

3Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight SATA Operation, and press <Enter>.

26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

4Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight RAID On, press <Enter>, and then press <Esc>.

NOTE: For more information about RAID options, see "System Setup Options" on page 104.

5Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight Save/Exit, and press <Enter> to exit system setup and resume the boot process.

Configuring Your Computer for RAID Using the Intel?? RAID Option ROM Utility

NOTE: Although any size drives may be used to create a RAID configuration when using the Intel RAID Option ROM utility, ideally the drives should be of equal size. In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the configuration will be the smaller of the two drives used.

Creating a RAID Level 1 Configuration

1Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 26).

2Press <Ctrl><i> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.

3Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight Create RAID Volume and press <Enter>.

4Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default and press <Enter>.

5Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select RAID1(Mirror) and press <Enter>.

6If there are more than two hard drives available, press the up- and down-arrow keys and spacebar to select the two drives you want to use to make up your volume, and then press <Enter>.

7Select the desired capacity for the volume, and press <Enter>. The default value is the maximum available size.

8Press <Enter> to create the volume.

9Press <y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.

10Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main Intel RAID Option ROM utility screen.

11Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select Exit and press <Enter>.

12Install the operating system (see "Using Microsoft?? Windows?? XP System Restore" on page 55).

Deleting a RAID Volume

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

NOTE: If your computer currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume in the Intel RAID Option ROM utility, your computer will become unbootable.

1Press <Ctrl><i> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.

2Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight Delete RAID Volume, and press <Enter>.

3Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the RAID volume you want to delete, and press <Delete>.

4Press <y> to confirm the deletion of the RAID volume.

5Press <Esc> to exit the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.

Configuring Your Computer for RAID Using the Intel Matrix Storage Manager

If you already have one hard drive with the operating system installed on it, and you want to add a second hard drive and reconfigure both drives into a RAID volume without losing the existing operating system and any data, you need to use the migrating option for a RAID level 1 configuration (see page 29).

Create a RAID level 1 volume only when you already have a two-hard drive computer configured into a volume, but you still have some space left on the volume that you want to designate as a second RAID volume.

Creating a RAID Level 1 Configuration

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

1Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 26).

2Click the Start button and point to Programs??? Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager??? Intel Matrix Storage Console to launch the Intel?? Storage Utility.

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

mode (see page 26).

3On the Actions menu, select Create RAID Volume to launch the Create RAID Volume Wizard.

4Click Next at the first screen.

5Confirm the volume name, select RAID 1 as the RAID level, and then click Next to continue.

6On the Select Volume Location screen, click the first hard drive you want to use to create your RAID level 1 volume, and then click the right arrow. Click a second hard drive until two drives appear in the Selected window, and then click Next.

7In the Specify Volume Size window, select the Volume Size desired and click Next.

8Click Finish to create the volume, or click Back to make changes.

9Follow Microsoft Windows procedures for creating a partition on the new RAID volume.

Deleting a RAID Volume

NOTE: While this procedure deletes the RAID 1 volume, it also splits the RAID 1 volume into two non- RAID hard drives with a partition, and leaves any existing data files intact.

1Click the Start button and point to Programs??? Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager??? Intel Matrix Storage Console to launch the Intel Storage Utility.

28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

2Right-click the Volume icon of the RAID volume you want to delete, and select Delete Volume.

3On the Delete RAID Volume Wizard screen, click Next.

4Highlight the RAID volume you want to delete in the Available box, click the right-arrow button to move the highlighted RAID volume into the Selected box, and then click Next.

5Click Finish to delete the volume.

Migrating to a RAID Level 1 Configuration

1Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 26).

2Click the Start button and point to All Programs??? Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager??? Intel Matrix Storage Console to launch the Intel Storage Utility.

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

mode (see page 26).

3On the Actions menu, click Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard Drive to launch the Migration Wizard.

4Click Next on the first Migration Wizard screen.

5Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default.

6From the drop-down box, select RAID 1 as the RAID level.

NOTE: Select the hard drive that you want to use as your source hard drive (it should be the hard drive containing the data or operating system files that you want to keep on the RAID volume).

7On the Select Source Hard Drive screen, double-click the hard drive from which you want to migrate, and click Next.

8On the Select Member Hard Drive screen, double-click the hard drive to select the member drive that you want to act as the mirror in the configuration, and click Next.

9On the Specify Volume Size screen, select the volume size you want, and click Next.

NOTE: In step 10, all data contained on the member drive will be removed.

10Click Finish to start migrating, or click Back to make changes. You can use your computer normally during migration process.

Rebuilding a Degraded RAID Level 1 Configuration

If your computer has reported a degraded RAID level 1 volume, you can manually rebuild the computer???s redundancy mirror to a new hard drive:

1Click the Start button and point to Programs??? Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager??? Intel Matrix Storage Console to launch the Intel Storage Utility.

2Right-click the available hard drive to which you want to rebuild the RAID level 1 volume, and click Rebuild to this Disk.

3You can use your computer while the computer is rebuilding the RAID level 1 volume.

Hyper-Threading

NOTE: Not all processors support hyper-threading technology.

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 later operating system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of Hyper-Threading technology. While many programs can benefit from Hyper-Threading, some programs have not been optimized for Hyper-Threading and may require an update from the software manufacturer. Contact the software manufacturer for updates and information about using Hyper-Threading with your software.

To determine if your computer is using Hyper-Threading technology:

1Click the Start button, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.

2Click Hardware and click Device Manager.

3In the Device Manager window, click the plus (+) sign next to Processors. If Hyper-Threading is enabled, the processor is listed twice.

You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through system setup. For more information on accessing system setup, see page 103. For more information on Hyper-Threading, search the Knowledge Base on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips

Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer:

???If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures and ensure that the part is correctly installed.

???If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.

???If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. This message may help technical support personnel diagnose and fix the problem.

???If an error message occurs in a program, see the program???s documentation.

Battery Problems

CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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

REPLACE THE BATTERY ??? If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see page 95). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see page 114).

Drive Problems

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

ENSURE THAT MICROSOFT?? WINDOWS?? RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE ??? Click the Start button and click My Computer. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.

TEST THE DRIVE ???

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

???Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.

CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK ??? See "Cleaning Your Computer" on page 110.

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER ??? See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 54.

RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS ??? See page 51.

CD and DVD drive problems

NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD or DVD.

NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL ???

???Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.

???Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up.

???Ensure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked.

CHECK THE SPEAKERS AND SUBWOOFER ??? See "Sound and Speaker Problems" on page 43.

Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive

CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS ??? The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the CD/DVD-RW.

TURN OFF STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A CD/DVD-RW DISC ??? Search for the keyword standby in Windows Help.

32 Solving Problems

Hard drive problems

RUN CHECK DISK ???

1 Click the Start button and click My Computer. 2 Right-click Local Disk C:.

3 Click Properties.

4 Click the Tools tab.

5Under Error-checking, click Check Now.

6Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.

7Click Start.

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

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

NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is connected to a digital telephone network.

CHECK THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK?? EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS ??? If you cannot open your e-mail attachments:

1 In Outlook Express, click Tools, click Options, and then click Security. 2 Click Do not allow attachments to remove the checkmark.

CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION ???

CHECK THE TELEPHONE JACK ???

CONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK ???

USE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE ???

???Verify that the telephone line is connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label or a connector-shaped icon next to it.)

???Ensure that you hear a click when you insert the telephone line connector into the modem.

???Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.

???If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the telephone to connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack. If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.

RUN THE MODEM HELPER DIAGNOSTICS ??? Click the Start button, point to All Programs, and then click Modem Helper. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is not available on all computers.)

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS ???

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2 Click Printers and Other Hardware.

3 Click Phone and Modem Options.

4 Click the Modems tab.

5 Click the COM port for your modem.

6 Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.

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

ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET ??? Ensure that you have subscribed to an Internet provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact your Internet service provider.

Error Messages

If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.

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

use these characters in filenames.

A.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.

drive letter :\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY ??? The drive cannot read the disk. Insert a disk into the drive and try again.

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

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

34 Solving Problems

NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. CLOSE SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN ??? Close all windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you might have to restart your computer to restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first.

OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND ??? Contact Dell (see page 114).

Media Card Reader Problems

NO DRIVE LETTER IS ASSIGNED ???

When Microsoft Windows XP detects the Media Card Reader, the device is automatically assigned a drive letter as the next logical drive after all other physical drives in the system. If the next logical drive after the physical drives is mapped to a network drive, Windows XP does not automatically assign a drive letter to the Media Card Reader.

To manually assign a drive for the Media Card Reader:

1 Right-click My Computer and select Manage. 2 Select the Disk Management option.

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

4 Select Drive Letter and Paths.

5 From the drop-down list, select the new drive letter assignment for the Media Card Reader. 6 Click OK to confirm your selection.

NOTE: Each slot in the Media Card Reader is mapped to a drive letter. A Media Card Reader slot only appears as a mapped drive when a media card is installed in it. If you attempt to access a drive that is mapped to an empty Media Card Reader slot, you are prompted to insert media.

FLEXBAY DEVICE IS DISABLED ???

There is a FlexBay disable option in the BIOS setup that appears only when the FlexBay device is installed. If the FlexBay device is physically installed, but it is not running, check to see if it is enabled in the BIOS setup.

Keyboard Problems

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

CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE ???

???Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to the computer.

???Shut down the computer (see page 57), reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer, and then restart the computer.

???Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent pins.

???Remove keyboard extension cables and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.

TEST THE KEYBOARD ??? Connect a properly working keyboard to the computer; then try using the keyboard.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER ??? See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 54.

Lockups and Software Problems

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

The computer does not start up

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS ??? See page 47.

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

ELECTRICAL OUTLET

The computer stops responding

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

TURN THE COMPUTER OFF ??? If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer.

36 Solving Problems

A program stops responding

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.

A program crashes repeatedly

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

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

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system

RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD ???

The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so it runs in an environment similar to non- Windows XP operating system environments.

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs??? Accessories, and then click Program Compatibility Wizard.

2 In the welcome screen, click Next.

3 Follow the instructions on the screen.

A solid blue screen appears

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.

Other software problems

CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR

TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ???

???Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.

???Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation for information.

???Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.

???Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.

???If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY

USE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, OR CDS

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

START MENU

Memory Problems

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 ???

???Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the problem.

???See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional memory (see page 67).

???Reseat the memory modules (see page 67) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

???Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 51).

38 Solving Problems

IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS ???

???Reseat the memory modules (see page 67) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

???Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see page 67).

???Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For more information about the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 65.

???Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 51).

Mouse Problems

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

CLEAN THE MOUSE ??? For instructions on cleaning the mouse, see "Mouse" on page 111.

CHECK THE MOUSE CABLE ???

1 Remove mouse extension cables, if used, and connect the mouse directly to the computer. 2 Reconnect the mouse cable as shown in the setup diagram for your 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 on the setup diagram for your computer.

4 Start the computer.

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

CHECK THE MOUSE SETTINGS ???

1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.

2 Click Mouse.

3 Try adjusting the settings.

REINSTALL THE MOUSE DRIVER ??? See "Reinstalling Drivers" on page 53.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER ??? See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 54.

Network Problems

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

CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR ??? Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network port or device.

CHECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF THE COMPUTER ??? If the link integrity light is off, that indicates no network communication exists. Replace the network cable. For a description of network lights, see "Controls and Lights" on page 101.

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND LOG ON TO THE NETWORK AGAIN

CHECK YOUR NETWORK SETTINGS ??? Contact your network administrator or the person who set up your network to verify that your network settings are correct and that the network is functioning.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER ??? See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 54.

Power Problems

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

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

on page 47.

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING GREEN ??? The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.

40 Solving Problems

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

???Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.

???If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned on. Also bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.

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

???Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see page 65).

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

???Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see page 67).

???Remove and then reinstall any cards (see page 69).

IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING AMBER ??? The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.

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

???Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the system board (see page 65).

ELIMINATE INTERFERENCE ??? Some possible causes of interference are:

???Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables

???Too many devices on a power strip

???Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet

Printer Problems

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

NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer???s manufacturer.

CHECK THE PRINTER DOCUMENTATION ??? See the printer documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.

ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON

CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS ???

???See the printer documentation for cable connection information.

???Ensure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer (see "Setting Up a Printer" on page 13).

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.

Scanner Problems

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

NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, contact the scanner???s manufacturer.

CHECK THE SCANNER DOCUMENTATION ??? See the scanner documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.

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

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND TRY THE SCANNER AGAIN

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS ???

???See the scanner documentation for cable connection information.

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

42 Solving Problems

VERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT WINDOWS ???

1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.

2Click Scanners and Cameras.

If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.

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

Sound and Speaker Problems

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

No sound from speakers

NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume down or off.

CHECK THE SPEAKER CABLE CONNECTIONS ??? Ensure that the speakers are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If you purchased a sound card, ensure that the speakers are connected to the card.

ENSURE THAT THE SUBWOOFER AND THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED ON ??? See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate distortion.

ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL ??? Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

DISCONNECT HEADPHONES FROM THE HEADPHONE CONNECTOR ??? Sound from the speakers is automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer???s front-panel headphone connector.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET ??? Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE ??? Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.

REINSTALL THE SOUND DRIVER ??? See "Reinstalling Drivers" on page 53.

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER ??? See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 54.

No sound from headphones

CHECK THE HEADPHONE CABLE CONNECTION ??? Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted into the headphone connector (see page 59).

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.

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.

NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.

If the screen is blank

CHECK THE MONITOR CABLE CONNECTION ???

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

???If you are using a graphics extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is defective.

???Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.

???Check the connector for bent or broken pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have missing pins.)

CHECK THE MONITOR POWER LIGHT ??? If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that the monitor is turned on. If the power light is lit or blinking, the monitor has power. If the power light is blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET ??? Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS ??? See page 47.

44 Solving Problems

If the screen is difficult to read

CHECK THE MONITOR SETTINGS ??? See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test.

MOVE THE SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE MONITOR ??? If your speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor.

MOVE THE MONITOR AWAY FROM EXTERNAL POWER SOURCES ??? Fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, and other electrical devices can cause the screen image to appear "shaky." Turn off nearby devices to check for interference.

ROTATE THE MONITOR TO ELIMINATE SUNLIGHT GLARE AND POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE

???

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.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Lights

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

Your computer has four lights labeled "1," "2," "3," and "4" on the front panel to help you troubleshoot problems (see page 59). When the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts successfully, all four lights turn off. If the computer malfunctions, the color and sequence of the lights identify the problem.

48 Advanced Troubleshooting

connected to the system board from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive (see "System Board Components" on page 65).

??? If there is an error message on your screen identifying a problem with a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive), check the device to ensure that it is functioning properly.

??? The operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive); check system setup (see "System Setup" on page 103) to make sure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.

??? If the problem persists, contact Dell for technical assistance.

50 Advanced Troubleshooting

Dell Diagnostics

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

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" (see page 31) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell??? computers.

1Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2When the DELL??? logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft?? Windows?? desktop. Then shut down your computer (see page 57) and try again.

3When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.

4When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run (see page 51).

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

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

2If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see page 114).

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.

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

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

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed???no further installation or configuration is needed.

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft?? Windows?? operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:

???Upgrade your operating system.

???Reinstall your operating system.

???Connect or install a new device.

52 Advanced Troubleshooting

Identifying Drivers

If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.

Windows XP

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.

3Click System.

4In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.

5Click Device Manager.

6Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the device icon.

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

Reinstalling Drivers

NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com provides approved drivers for Dell??? computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback

If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.

3Click System.

4In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.

5Click Device Manager.

6Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties.

7Click the Drivers tab.

8Click Roll Back Driver.

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.

Manually Reinstalling Drivers

1After copying the required driver files to your hard drive, click the Start button and right-click

My Computer.

2Click Properties.

3Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.

4Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver.

5Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.

6Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver.

7Click Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click Next.

8Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously extracted the driver files.

9When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.

10Click Finish and restart your computer.

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

1Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.

3Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.

4In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and click Next.

Restoring Your Operating System

You can restore your operating system in the following ways:

???Microsoft Windows XP System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files.

???Dell PC Restore by Symantec restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications installed after you received the computer.

54 Advanced Troubleshooting

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.

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

NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not work if you set your Dell??? computer to the Windows Classic view.

Creating a Restore Point

1Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2Click System Restore.

3Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see page 53) to resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.

NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1Click the Start button, point to All Programs??? Accessories??? System Tools, and then click System Restore.

2Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.

3Click 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.

4Select 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.

5Click Next.

The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts.

6After the computer restarts, click OK.

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

Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1Click the Start button, point to All Programs??? Accessories??? System Tools, and then click System Restore.

2Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.

Enabling System Restore

If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2Click Performance and Maintenance.

3Click System.

4Click the System Restore tab.

5Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.

Using Dell??? PC Restore by Symantec

NOTE: Dell PC Restore is not available in all countries.

Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system. PC Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since you received your computer??? including data files???are permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos, music files, and so on. If possible, back up all data before using PC Restore.

NOTICE: Using PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC Restore.

To use PC Restore:

1Turn on the computer and watch the keyboard status lights.

2Immediately upon seeing the lights flash, press <Ctrl><F11>.

If you do not press <Ctrl><F11> in time, let the computer finish restarting, and then restart the computer again.

NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.

3On the next screen that appears, click Restore.

4On the next screen, click Confirm.

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

56 Advanced Troubleshooting

5 When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.

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

6When prompted, click Yes.

The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the screens that appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the computer was turned on.

7Click Next.

The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.

8After the computer restarts, click OK.

Removing Dell PC Restore

NOTICE: Removing Dell PC Restore from the hard drive permanently deletes the PC Restore utility from your computer. After you have removed Dell PC Restore, you will not be able to use it to restore your computer???s operating system.

Dell PC Restore enables you to restore your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased your computer. It is recommended that you do not remove PC Restore from your computer, even to gain additional hard-drive space. If you remove PC Restore from the hard drive, you cannot ever recall it, and you will never be able to use PC Restore to return your computer???s operating system to its original state.

To remove PC Restore:

1Log on to the computer as a local administrator.

2In Windows Explorer, go to c:\dell\utilities\DSR.

3Double-click the filename DSRIRRemv2.exe.

NOTE: If you do not log on as a local administrator, a message appears stating that you must log on as administrator. Click Quit, and then log on as a local administrator.

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

4Click OK to remove the PC Restore partition on the hard drive.

5Click Yes when a confirmation message appears.

The PC Restore partition is deleted and the newly available disk space is added to the free space allocation on the hard drive.

6Right-click Local Disk (C) in Windows Explorer, click Properties, and verify that the additional disk space is available as indicated by the increased value for Free Space.

7Click Finish to close the PC Restore Removal window.

8Restart the computer.

Removing and Installing Parts

Before You Begin

This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:

???You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" (see page 57) and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" (see page 58).

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

NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, a component can be replaced or???if purchased separately???installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.

Recommended Tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

???Small flat-blade screwdriver

???Phillips screwdriver

???Flash BIOS update program floppy disk or CD

Turning Off Your Computer

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

1Shut 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.

bIn the Turn off computer window, click Turn off.

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

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

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.

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

CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.

NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.

NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

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

1 Turn off your computer (see page 57).

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

2Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

3Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

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

4 Remove the computer cover (see page 62).

NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

58 Removing and Installing Parts

Front View of the Computer

1

11

2

10

9

3

60 Removing and Installing Parts

Back View of the Computer

1

2

3

4

5

6

It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices.

NOTE: Although your computer has 4 card slot openings, it supports a maximum of 3 cards; the bottom slot cannot be used.

Removing the Computer Cover

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

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

1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 57.

NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the removed cover???at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space.

NOTICE: Ensure that you are working on a level, protected surface to avoid scratching either the computer or the surface on which it is resting.

2Lay your computer on its side with the computer cover facing up.

3Pull back the cover release latch located on the top panel.

62 Removing and Installing Parts

cover latch release

computer cover

back of computer

bottom hinges

4Locate the three hinge tabs on the bottom edge of the computer.

5Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up, using the bottom hinges as leverage points.

6Release the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside in a secure location.

Inside View of Your Computer

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

CD or DVD drive

*floppy drive

hard drive

bay for optional second hard drive

*May not be present on all computers.

64 Removing and Installing Parts

System Board Components

Memory

If your computer only has one memory module installed on the system board, you can increase your computer memory by installing an additional memory module.

Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For additional information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Specifications" on page 99.

DDR2 Memory Overview

DDR2 memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology. If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. See the label on the module to determine the module???s capacity.

NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.

The recommended memory configuration consists of a pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2

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

??? If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200) and DDR2 533-MHz (PC2-4300) memory, the modules function at the slower installed speed.

??? Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM connector 1, the connector closest to the processor, before you install a module in the other connector.

1

2

matched pair of memory modules in DIMM connectors 1 and 2

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

66 Removing and Installing Parts

Cards

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

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer???s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

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

???Two PCI card slots

???One PCI Express x1 card slot

PCI card

PCI Express

x1 card

PCI Express

x1 card slot

If you are installing or replacing an expansion card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing an expansion card, see "Removing an Expansion Card" on page 72.

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

Installing an Expansion Card

1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 57.

release tab

card retention door

alignment bar

alignment guide

filler bracket

2Gently push the release tab on the inside of the card retention door to pivot the door open. Because the door is captive, it will remain in the open position.

3If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 5.

4If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card.

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

5Prepare the card for installation.

See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer.

CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any cards.

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

70 Removing and Installing Parts

not fully seated card

bracket

within slot

fully seated card

alignment guide

bracket caught outside of slot

alignment bar

7Before you close the card retention door, ensure that:

???The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.

???The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.

release tab

card retention door

8 Close the card retention door by snapping it into place.

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

9Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

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

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

10Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

11If you installed a sound card:

a Enter system setup, select Audio Controller, and then change the setting to Off (see page 103).

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.

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

a Enter system setup, select Network Controller, and then change the setting to Off (see page 103).

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

13Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.

Removing an Expansion Card

1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 57.

2Gently push the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because the door is captive, it will remain in the open position.

3If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.

If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see page 114).

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.

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

72 Removing and Installing Parts

Removing the Drive Panel

1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 57.

sliding plate lever

sliding plate

drive panel

2Grasp the sliding plate lever and push it towards the base of the computer until the drive panel snaps open.

NOTE: This sliding plate secures and releases the drive panel and helps to secure the drives.

3Pivot the drive panel outward and lift it from its side hinges.

4Set the drive panel aside in a secure location.

74 Removing and Installing Parts

Removing the Drive-Panel Insert

drive-panel

insert latch

drive panel

drive-panel insert

1Remove the drive panel.

2Press the drive-panel insert latch inwards to unlatch it from the drive panel.

3Pivot the drive-panel insert out and away from the drive panel.

4Set the drive-panel insert aside in a secure location.

Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert

1Slide the drive-panel insert tab under the center drive-panel tab.

2Rotate the drive-panel insert into place and snap the drive-panel insert latch over the corresponding tab on the drive panel.

Replacing the Drive Panel

1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 57.

sliding plate lever

sliding plate

drive panel

2Align the drive panel tabs with the side-door hinges.

3Rotate the drive panel toward the computer until it snaps into place on the front panel.

4Grasp the sliding plate lever and pull it towards the top of the computer, snapping it into the closed position to secure the drive panel.

Drives

Your computer supports a combination of these devices:

???Up to two serial ATA hard drives

???One FlexBay drive (floppy drive or Media Card Reader)

???Up to two CD or DVD drives

76 Removing and Installing Parts

Drive Interface Connectors

Most interface connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin on one connector matches a tab or a filled-in hole on the other connector. Keyed connectors ensure that the pin-1 wire in the cable (indicated by the colored stripe along one edge of the IDE cable???serial ATA 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.

NOTICE: When you connect an IDE interface cable, do not place the colored stripe away from pin 1 of the connector. Reversing the cable prevents the drive from operating and could damage the controller, the drive, or both.

Serial ATA Connector

interface cable

interface connector

Power Cable Connector

To connect a drive using the power cable, locate the power input connector on the system board.

power cable

power input connector

78 Removing and Installing Parts

Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables

When removing an IDE drive data cable, grasp the colored pull tab and pull until the connector detaches.

When connecting and disconnecting a serial ATA data cable, hold the cable by the black connector at each end.

Like IDE connectors, the serial ATA interface connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin on one connector matches a tab or a filled-in hole on the other connector.

Hard Drive

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

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

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.

NOTICE: If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before you begin this procedure.

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

Removing a Hard Drive

1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 57.

2Disconnect the power and hard-drive cables from the drive.

serial ATA data cable

power cable

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

tabs (2)

hard drive

80 Removing and Installing Parts

Installing a Hard Drive

1Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation.

2Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.

NOTE: If your replacement hard drive does not have the plastic guide bracket attached, remove the bracket from the old drive by unsnapping it from the drive. Snap the bracket onto the new drive.

drive

bracket rails (2)

3Gently slide the drive into place until you hear a click or feel the drive securely installed.

4Connect the power and hard-drive cables to the drive.

5Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.

6Replace the computer cover (page 96).

Floppy Drive

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

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

NOTE: If you are adding a floppy drive, see "Installing a Floppy Drive" on page 85.

Removing a Floppy Drive

1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 57.

2Remove the drive panel (see page 74).

3Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the floppy drive.

4Grasp the sliding plate lever and push it towards the base of the computer; then, hold it in place while you slide the drive from the computer.

sliding plate lever sliding plate

floppy drive

84 Removing and Installing Parts

Installing a Floppy Drive

NOTE: In the event that the replacement or new floppy drive does not have the shoulder screws, use the screws located within the drive panel insert.

drive

screws (4)

1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 57.

2Remove the drive panel (see page 74).

3If you are installing a new floppy drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the drive panel insert where you want the drive to be installed, and then attach the shoulder screws located in the back of the drive panel insert to the drive (see page 75).

4Gently slide the drive into place until you hear a click or feel the drive securely installed.

5Attach the power and data cables to the floppy drive.

6Connect the other end of the data cable to the connector labeled "FLOPPY" on the system board (see page 65) and route the cable through the clip on the shroud.

power cable

data cable

7Check all cable connections and fold cables out of the way, to avoid blocking the fan and cooling vents.

8Replace the drive panel (see page 76).

9Replace the computer cover (see page 96).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network port or device, and then plug it in to the computer.

10Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

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

11Enter system setup (see page 103) and select the appropriate Diskette Drive option.

12Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 51).

86 Removing and Installing Parts

Media Card Reader

For information on using the Media Card Reader, see "Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)" on page 20.

Removing a Media Card Reader

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

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer???s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 57.

2Remove the drive panel (see page 74).

cable

*Media Card Reader

*Not present on all computers.

3Disconnect the USB cable on the back of the Media Card Reader from the FlexBay USB connector on the system board (see page 65) and route the cable through the clip on the shroud.

sliding plate lever

sliding plate

Media Card Reader

4Grasp the sliding plate lever and push it towards the base of the computer; then, hold it in place while you slide the Media Card Reader from the computer.

5Replace the drive panel (see page 76).

6Replace the computer cover (see page 96).

88 Removing and Installing Parts

Installing a Media Card Reader

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

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer???s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 57.

Media Card

Reader

screws

2Remove the drive panel (see page 74).

3Remove the Media Card Reader and bracket from its packaging.

4Gently slide the Media Card Reader (which should not yet be connected to the FlexBay cable) into place until you hear a click or feel the Media Card Reader is securely installed.

5Connect the USB cable on the back of the Media Card Reader to the front panel USB connector on the system board (see page 65).

6Connect the FlexBay USB cable to the back of the Media Card Reader.

FlexBay cable

Media Card Reader

7Route the USB cable through the cable routing clip.

8Replace the computer cover (see page 96).

CD/DVD Drive

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

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

90 Removing and Installing Parts

Removing a CD/DVD Drive

1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 57.

2Remove the drive panel (see page 74).

3Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the CD/DVD drive.

data cable

power cable

4Grasp the sliding plate lever and push it towards the base of the computer; then, hold it in place while you slide the CD/DVD drive from the computer.

sliding plate lever

sliding plate

CD/DVD drive

Installing a CD/DVD Drive

1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 57.

2If you are installing a new CD/DVD drive rather than replacing a CD/DVD drive, remove the drive-panel insert (see page 75).

92 Removing and Installing Parts

3Gently slide the drive into place until you hear a click or feel the CD/DVD drive securely installed.

drive

screws

4 Connect the power and data cables to the drive.

data cable

power cable

5Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to avoid blocking the fan and cooling vents.

6Replace the computer cover (see page 96).

7Replace the drive panel (see page 76).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network port or device, and then plug it in to the computer.

8Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

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

9Enter system setup (see page 103) and select the appropriate Drive option.

10Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 51).

94 Removing and Installing Parts

Battery

Replacing the Battery

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

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer???s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

A coin-cell battery maintains computer configuration, date, and time information. The battery can last several years.

If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, replace the battery.

CAUTION: A new battery can explode if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer???s instructions.

To replace the battery:

1Record all the screens in system setup (see page 103) so that you can restore the correct settings in step 8.

2Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 57.

3Locate the battery socket (see page 65).

NOTICE: If you pry the battery out of its socket with a blunt object, be careful not to touch the system board with the object. Ensure that the object is inserted between the battery and the socket before you attempt to pry out the battery. Otherwise, you may damage the system board by prying off the socket or by breaking circuit traces on the system board.

4Remove the battery by carefully prying it out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt, nonconducting object such as a plastic screwdriver.

5Insert the new battery into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing up, and snap the battery into place.

battery

battery socket

6 Replace the computer cover (see page 96).

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

7Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

8Enter system setup (see page 103) and restore the settings you recorded in step 1.

9Properly dispose of the old battery. See the Product Information Guide for battery disposal information.

Replacing the Computer Cover

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

1Ensure 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.

2Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer.

3Align the bottom of the cover with the tabs located along the bottom edge of the computer.

4Using the tabs as leverage, rotate the cover downward and close.

5Snap the cover into place by pulling back on the cover release latch, and then releasing the latch when the cover is seated.

96 Removing and Installing Parts

6 Ensure that the cover is seated correctly before setting the computer upright.

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

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

Appendix

Specifications

Processor

Appendix 99

Video

100 Appendix

Connectors

External connectors:

Appendix 101

Power

DC power supply:

102 Appendix

Environmental (continued)

System Setup

Overview

Use system setup as follows:

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

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

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

Before you use system setup, it is recommended that you write down the system setup screen information for future reference.

NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings for this program. Certain changes can make your computer work incorrectly.

Entering System Setup

1Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2When the blue DELL??? logo is displayed, you must watch for the F2 prompt to appear.

3Once this F2 prompt appears, press <F2> immediately.

NOTE: The F2 prompt indicates that the keyboard has initialized. This prompt can appear very quickly, so you must watch for it to display, and then press <F2>. If you press <F2> before you are prompted, this keystroke will be lost.

4If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft?? Windows?? desktop. Then, shut down your computer (see page 57) and try again.

System Setup Screen

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.

Appendix 103

System Setup Options

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

System

104 Appendix

Appendix 105

Performance

106 Appendix

Boot Sequence

This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices.

Option Settings

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

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

???CD 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.

Appendix 107

???USB Flash Device ??? Insert the memory device into a USB port and restart the computer. When F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F12>. The BIOS detects the device and adds the USB flash option to the boot menu.

NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure that your device is bootable, check the device documentation.

Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot

You can use this feature, for example, to restart your computer to a USB device such as a floppy drive, memory key, or CD-RW drive.

NOTE: If you are booting to a USB floppy drive, you must first set Diskette Drive to OFF in system setup (see page 103).

1If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector (see page 101).

2Turn on (or restart) your computer.

3When F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F12>.

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer (see page 57) and try again.

The Boot Device Menu appears, listing all available boot devices. Each device has a number next to it.

4At 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 Flash Device and press <Enter>.

NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that a device is bootable, check the device documentation.

Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots

1Enter system setup (see page 103).

2Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot Sequence menu option and press <Enter> to access the menu.

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

3Press the up- and down-arrow keys to move through the list of devices.

4Press the spacebar to enable or disable a device (enabled devices have a checkmark).

5Press plus (+) or minus (???) to move a selected device up or down the list.

108 Appendix

Clearing Forgotten Passwords

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

1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 57.

2Locate the 3-pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board (see page 65), and attach the jumper plug to pins 2 and 3 to clear the password.

NOTE: When you receive your computer, the jumper plug is attached to pins 1 and 2.

3Close the computer cover (see page 96).

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

5After the Microsoft?? Windows?? desktop appears on your computer, shut down the computer (see page 57).

6Turn off the monitor and disconnect it from the electrical outlet.

7Disconnect the computer power cable from the electrical outlet, and press the power button to ground the system board.

8Open the computer cover (see page 62).

9Locate the 3-pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board (see page 65) and attach the jumper to pins 1 and 2 to reenable the password feature.

10Replacing the computer cover (see page 96).

Appendix 109

Mouse

If your screen cursor skips or moves abnormally, clean the mouse. To clean a non-optical mouse:

1Turn the retainer ring on the underside of your mouse counterclockwise, and then remove the ball.

2Wipe the ball with a clean, lint-free cloth.

3Blow carefully into the ball cage to dislodge dust and lint.

4If the rollers inside the ball cage are dirty, clean the rollers with a cotton swab moistened lightly with isopropyl alcohol.

5Recenter the rollers in their channels if they are misaligned. Ensure that fluff from the swab is not left on the rollers.

6Replace the ball and retainer ring, and turn the retainer ring clockwise until it clicks into place.

Floppy Drive

NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You might accidentally misalign the heads, which prevents the drive from operating.

Clean your floppy drive using a commercially available cleaning kit. These kits contain pretreated floppy disks to remove contaminants that accumulate during normal operation.

CDs and DVDs

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

If you notice problems, such as skipping, with the playback quality of your CDs or DVDs, try cleaning the discs.

1 Hold the disc by its outer edge. You can also touch the inside edge of the center hole.

NOTICE: To prevent damaging the surface, do not wipe in a circular motion around the disc.

2With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the unlabeled side) in a straight line from the center to the outer edge of the disc.

For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild soap. You can also purchase commercial products that clean discs and provide some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are safe to use on DVDs.

Appendix 111

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

Technician-assisted technical support requires the cooperation and participation of the customer in the troubleshooting process and provides for restoration of the operating system, software programs, and hardware drivers to the original default configuration as shipped from Dell, as well as the verification of appropriate functionality of the computer and all Dell-installed hardware. In addition to this technician-assisted technical support, online technical support is available at support.dell.com. Additional technical support options may be available for purchase.

Dell provides limited technical support for the computer and any "Dell-installed" software and peripherals1. Support for third-party software and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer, including those purchased and/or installed through Dell Software and Peripherals, Readyware, and Custom Factory Integration2.

1Repair services are provided pursuant to the terms and conditions of your limited warranty and any optional support service contract purchased with the computer.

2All Dell-standard components included in a Custom Factory Integration (CFI) project are covered by the stan- dard Dell limited warranty for your computer. However, Dell also extends a parts replacement program to cover all nonstandard, third-party hardware components integrated through CFI for the duration of the com- puter???s service contract.

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals

Dell-installed software includes the operating system and some of the software programs that are installed on the computer during the manufacturing process (Microsoft?? Office, Norton Antivirus, and so on).

Dell-installed peripherals include any internal expansion cards, or Dell-branded module bay or PC Card accessories. In addition, any Dell-branded monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, microphones for telephonic modems, docking stations/port replicators, networking products, and all associated cabling are included.

Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

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

FCC Notices (U.S. Only)

Most Dell computer systems are classified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as Class B digital devices. To determine which classification applies to your computer system, examine all FCC registration labels located on the bottom, side, or back panel of your computer, on card-mounting brackets, and on the cards themselves. If any one of the labels carries a Class A rating, your entire system is considered to be a Class A digital device. If all labels carry an FCC Class B rating as distinguished by either an FCC ID number or the FCC logo, (), your system is considered to be a Class B digital device.

112 Appendix

Once you have determined your system???s FCC classification, read the appropriate FCC notice. Note that FCC regulations provide that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Dell could void your authority to operate this equipment.

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

This device may not cause harmful interference.

This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Class A

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. 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 harmful interference with radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case you will be required to correct the interference at your own expense.

Class B

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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. 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 communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

???Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

???Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

???Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

???Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

Appendix 113

FCC Identification Information

The following information is provided on the device or devices covered in this document in compliance with FCC regulations:

???Product name: Dell Dimension 3100/E310

Model number: DCSM Company name:

Dell Inc. One Dell Way

Round Rock, Texas 78682 USA 512-338-4400

Contacting Dell

To contact Dell electronically, you can access the following websites:

???www.dell.com

???support.dell.com (technical support)

???premiersupport.dell.com (technical support for educational, government, healthcare, and medium/large business customers, including Premier, Platinum, and Gold customers)

For specific web addresses for your country, find the appropriate country section in the table below.

NOTE: Toll-free numbers are for use within the country for which they are listed.

NOTE: In certain countries, technical support specific to Dell XPS portable 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 portable computers, you may contact Dell through the technical support number listed and your call will be routed appropriately.

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.

114 Appendix

Appendix 115

116 Appendix

Appendix 117

118 Appendix

Appendix 119

120 Appendix

Appendix 121

122 Appendix

Appendix 123

124 Appendix

Appendix 125

126 Appendix

Appendix 127

128 Appendix

Appendix 129

130 Appendix

Appendix 131

Index 133

134 Index

Index 135

136 Index

Windows XP (continued)

reinstalling, 54

scanner, 43

System Restore, 53-54

wizards

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, 30

Network Setup Wizard, 22 Program Compatibility

Wizard, 37

Index 137