Dell™ Dimension™ 9100 Service Manual Before You Begin About Your Computer Removing the Computer Cover Technical Overview Specifications Advanced Troubleshooting System Setup Removing and Installing Parts Replacing the Computer Cover 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.
Back to Contents Page About Your Computer Dell™ Dimension™ 9100 Service Manual Front View of the Computer Back View of the Computer Front View of the Computer 1 cover latch release Use this latch to remove the cover. See "Removing the Computer Cover." 2 CD or DVD activity light The drive light is on when the computer reads data from the CD or DVD drive. 3 CD or DVD eject button Press to eject a disc from the CD or DVD drive. 4 Floppy drive bay Can contain an optional floppy drive.
13 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program. 14 Service Tag Used to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or call technical support. Back View of the Computer 1 power connector 2 sound card connectors (5) Insert the power cable.
Back to Contents Page Advanced Troubleshooting Dell™ Dimension™ 9100 Service Manual Power Lights Diagnostic Lights Beep Codes Power Lights CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. The power button light located on the front of the computer illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states: l l l If the power light is green and the computer is not responding, see "Diagnostic Lights.
l l A possible graphics card failure has occurred. l l l If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see "Memory"). If the problem persists, contact Dell. If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card (see "Cards"), reinstall it, and then restart the computer. If the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the computer. If the problem persists, contact Dell. A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has occurred.
3-1-1 Slave DMA register failure 3-1-2 Master DMA register failure 3-1-3 Master interrupt mask register failure 3-1-4 Slave interrupt mask register failure 3-2-2 Interrupt vector loading failure 3-2-4 Keyboard Controller Test failure 3-3-1 NVRAM power loss 3-3-2 NVRAM configuration 3-3-4 Video Memory Test failure 3-4-1 Screen initialization failure 3-4-2 Screen retrace failure 3-4-3 Search for video ROM failure 4-2-1 No time tick 4-2-2 Shutdown failure 4-2-3 Gate A20 failure 4-2-4 Unexpected interrupt in pr
system board failed to POST. to be replaced. Invalid Boot Diskette The operating system cannot be located on drive A or drive C. Enter the system setup program and confirm that drive A or drive C is properly identified. Keyboard Error The BIOS has detected a stuck key. Ensure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the keyboard. KB/Interface Error An error occurred with the keyboard connector.
Back to Contents Page Before You Begin Dell™ Dimension™ 9100 Service Manual Getting Started Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer Getting Started This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist: l You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" and "Before Working Inside Your Computer.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network port or device. 2. Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer. 3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board. 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.
Back to Contents Page Replacing the Computer Cover Dell™ Dimension™ 9100 Service Manual CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. 1. Ensure that all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way. Gently pull the power cables toward you so that they do not get caught underneath the drives. 2. Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer. 3. Close the cover: a. Pivot the cover down. b.
Back to Contents Page Removing the Computer Cover Dell™ Dimension™ 9100 Service Manual CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover. NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer.
Back to Contents Page Removing and Installing Parts Dell™ Dimension™ 9100 Service Manual Memory CD/DVD Drive Cards Power Supply Drive Panels Processor Drives I/O Panel Hard Drive Battery Floppy Drive System Board Media Card Reader Memory You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Specifications.
NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty. NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the connector while you apply equal force to each end of the module. 6. Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position. If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module. 7. Close the computer cover. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it into the computer. 8.
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.
5. If your computer includes a card retention mechanism: a. b. Grasp the end of the card retention mechanism and, while pressing the release tab down with your thumb, rotate the mechanism towards the base of the computer. Detach the mechanism from its retaining tabs and set it aside in a secure location. 6. If a "piano" bracket (for full-length PCI-E cards) is present on your computer, rotate it upward by pressing the tabs on the side of the bracket toward each other. 7.
12. 13. Ensure that: l The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar. l The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide. Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the card(s). 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. 14.
. If you removed or installed a sound card or a network adapter, see "Network Adapter and Sound Card Settings." 19. Add or remove drivers: a. If you removed a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system. b. If you installed a card, install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation. Network Adapter and Sound Card Settings If you installed a sound card: 1.
2. Grasping the lever on the sliding plate, pull the sliding plate to the right and hold in place. NOTE: The sliding plate secures and releases the drive panel and helps to secure the drives. 3. Push from the inside and pivot the drive panel to the left to release the panel from its side hinges. 4. Set the drive panel aside in a secure location. Removing the Drive-Panel Insert NOTICE: Drive-panel inserts may contain screws on the inside.
3. Ensure that the drive-panel insert is correctly seated in the drive panel. Replacing the Drive Panel 1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin." 2. Align the drive panel tabs with the side-door hinges. 3. Rotate the drive panel toward the computer until the sliding plate lever clicks into place and the drive panel snaps into place on the front panel.
When you connect two IDE devices to a single IDE interface cable and configure them for the cable select setting, the device attached to the last connector on the interface cable is primary or the boot device (drive 0), and the device attached to the middle connector on the interface cable is the secondary device (drive 1). See the drive documentation in your upgrade kit for information on configuring devices for the cable select setting.
2. Press the tabs on each side of the drive towards each other and slide the drive up and out. Installing a Hard Drive 1. Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation. 2. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. 3. If your replacement hard drive does not have the hard drive bracket attached, remove the bracket from the old hard drive by unsnapping it from the drive. 4.
7. Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated. 8. Close the computer cover. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network port or device and then plug the cable in to the computer. 9. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. See the documentation that came with the hard drive for instructions about installing any software required for the operation of the hard drive. 10.
NOTE: If your replacement hard drive does not have the hard drive bracket attached, remove the bracket from the old hard drive by unsnapping it from the drive. Snap the bracket onto the new hard drive. 6. Gently slide the drive into place until you feel a click or feel the drive securely installed. 7. Connect the power and SATA data cables to the drive. 8. Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated. 9. Replace the computer cover.
5. Pull the sliding plate to the right and hold in place. 6. Slide the floppy drive out of the floppy drive bay. Installing a Floppy Drive 1. If you are installing a new floppy drive, remove the shoulder screws from the inside of the drive-panel insert and attach the screws to the new drive. 2. Slide the floppy drive into the floppy drive bay until the sliding plate clicks into place and the drive snaps into position. 3. Attach the power and floppy-drive cables to the floppy drive. 4.
See the documentation that came with the floppy drive for instructions on installing any software required for the operation of the drive. 8. Enter system setup and select the appropriate Diskette Drive option. 9. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics. Media Card Reader Removing a Media Card Reader CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
6. While pushing on the back of the drive, remove the Media Card Reader by sliding and holding the sliding plate. 7. Replace the drive panel. 8. Replace the computer cover. Installing a Media Card Reader CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
10. Replace the computer cover. CD/DVD Drive CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. Removing a CD/DVD Drive 1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin." 2. Remove the computer cover. 3.
3. Slide the drive into the drive bay until the drive clicks into position. 4. Connect the power cable to the drive and the CD/DVD cable to the drive and system board. 5. If you are installing a new CD/DVD drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the front panel inserts. 6. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents. 7. Close the computer cover.
3. Remove any cables from the cable routing clip on the power supply. 4. Remove the four screws that attach the power supply to the back of the computer frame. 5. Press the release button located on the floor of the computer frame. 1 release button 2 power supply 3 screws (4) 4 AC power connector 6. Slide the power supply approximately 1 inch closer to the front of the computer. 7. Lift the power supply out of the computer.
Removing the Processor 1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin." 2. Remove the computer cover. 3. If your computer includes a card retention mechanism to secure the x16 card in place from the top: 4. a. Pivot the mechanism upward and gently press the release tab downward to release the mechanism from the two tab slots holding it in place. b. Set the retention mechanism aside in a secure location.
1 processor cover 2 processor 3 socket 4 release lever 7. Release the release lever and lift the processor cover. NOTICE: When the release lever is freed, the processor may shift in place. Before securing the processor cover after it has been opened, ensure that the notches on the processor are aligned with the notches on the socket. NOTICE: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket. 8.
1 processor cover 6 release lever 2 securing tab 7 front alignment notch 3 processor 8 socket and processor pin-1 indicator 4 processor socket 9 rear alignment notch 5 center cover latch NOTICE: To avoid damage, ensure that the processor aligns properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when you install the processor. 5. Set the processor lightly in the socket and ensure that the processor is positioned correctly. 6.
9. Replace the computer cover. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug the cable into the computer. 10. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. I/O Panel CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
b. 4. Set the retention mechanism aside in a secure location. Use a long Phillips screwdriver to loosen the two captive screws on each side of the heat-sink assembly. CAUTION: Despite having a plastic shield, the heat-sink assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Be sure that it has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it. 5. Rotate the heat-sink assembly towards the rear of the computer, and remove it from the computer.
1 heat sink and fan shroud assembly 2 captive screw housing (2) 3 drive panel 9. Lift the fan release lever, then slide the fan toward the back of the computer to release it from the bottom cover. 10. Remove the fan from the computer. 11. Disconnect the control-panel cable from the I/O panel connector by pulling with the cable loop. 12. Remove the drive panel. 13. If an optional sound card is installed, disconnect the cable from the edge of the I/O panel. 14.
1. Record all the screens in system setup so that you can restore the correct settings in step 9. 2. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin." 3. Remove the computer cover. 4. Locate the battery socket. 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.
5. Remove the computer cover. 6. Remove any components that restrict access to the system board (CD/DVD drive(s), floppy drive, hard drive, I/O panel). 7. Remove the heat-sink assembly and processor. 8. Disconnect all cables from the system board. 1 system board 2 screws (10) 9. Remove the 10 screws from the system board. 10. Slide the system board assembly toward the front of the computer, and then lift the board away. 11.
Back to Contents Page Dell™ Dimension™ 9100 Service Manual 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.
Back to Contents Page Specifications Dell™ Dimension™ 9100 Service Manual Processor Drives Memory Connectors Computer Information Controls and Lights Video Power Audio Physical Expansion Bus Environmental Processor Processor type Intel® Pentium® 4 Socket-T with Hyper-Threading or Dual-Core support Cache 1 MB or 2 MB Memory Type dual-channel 400-, 533-, and 667-MHz DDR2 Memory connectors four Memory capacities 256 MB, 512 MB, or 1 GB Minimum memory 512 MB Maximum memory 4 GB BIOS a
connector data width (maximum) 4 PCI Express lanes PCI Express connector one x16 connector size 164 pins connector data width (maximum) 16 PCI Express lanes Drives Externally accessible: two 3.5-inch drive bays (FlexBay) two 5.25-inch drive bays Available devices serial ATA drives (2), floppy drive, USB memory devices, CD drive, CD-RW drive, DVD drive, DVD-RW drive, Media Card Reader, and DVD/CD-RW combo drive Internally accessible: two 3.
Heat dissipation 1280 BTU/hr Voltage (See the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide for important voltage setting information.) 90 to 135 V and 180 to 265 V at 50/60 Hz Backup battery 3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell Physical Height 44.45 cm (17.5 inches) Width 16.764 cm (6.6 inches) Depth 44.45 cm (17.5 inches) Weight 12.
Back to Contents Page System Setup Dell™ Dimension™ 9100 Service Manual Clearing Forgotten Passwords Clearing CMOS Settings Overview Use system setup as follows: l To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computer l To set or change a user-selectable option such as the user password l 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 set
NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not appear, or may not appear exactly as listed. System System Info Displays the System name, BIOS Version number, Service Tag, Express Service Code, and Asset Tag.
HDD Acoustic Mode NOTE: Switching to performance mode will cause the drive heads to move faster, causing the hard drive to be noisier. However, some drives may not see an increase in data transfer rates. NOTE: Changing the acoustics setting does not alter your hard drive image. Security This section displays available system security options. Admin Password Displays the current status of the system setup password security feature and allows a new system setup password to be assigned and verified.
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 the floppy drive to OFF in system setup. 1. If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector (see "Back View of the Computer"). 2. Turn on (or restart) your computer. 3. When F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press .
4. Close the computer cover. 5. Connect your computer and monitor to electrical outlets, and turn them on. 6. After the Microsoft® Windows® desktop appears on your computer, shut down the computer. 7. Turn off the monitor and disconnect it from the electrical outlet. 8. Disconnect the computer power cable from the electrical outlet, and press the power button to ground the system board. 9. Open the computer cover. 10.
Back to Contents Page Technical Overview Dell™ Dimension™ 9100 Service Manual Inside View of Your Computer System Board Components Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments Inside View of Your Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments DC Power Connector P1
Pin Number Signal Name Color Wire Gauge 1 +3.3 VDC Orange 18-AWG 2 +3.3 VDC Orange 18-AWG 3 COM Black 18-AWG 4 +5 VDC Red 18-AWG 5 COM Black 18-AWG 6 +5 VDC Red 18-AWG 7 COM Black 18-AWG 8 POK Gray 18-AWG 9 +5 VFP Purple 18-AWG 10 +12 VB DC White 18-AWG 11 +12VB DC White 18-AWG 12 +3.3 VDC Orange 18-AWG 13 +3.
1 +3.3 VDC Orange 2 COM Black 3 +5 VDC Red 4 COM Black 5 +12 VB DC White DC Power Connector P4 Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire 1 N/C N/C 2 COM Black 3 COM Black 4 +3.
Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire 1 +12 VB DC White 2 COM Black 3 COM Black 4 +5V DC Red DC Power Connector P12 Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire 1 +12 B VDC White 2 +12 B VDC White 3 +12 B VDC White 4 COM Black 5 COM Black 6 COM Black Back to Contents Page
