Dell™ Dimension™ 2300C front door breakaway hinges power button IEEE 1394 connector* hard-drive light CD or DVD drive light PC Card connectors (2)** USB 2.0 connectors (2) headphone connector * On computers with integrated IEEE 1394 connectors. ** On computers with integrated PC Card connectors. parallel connector mouse connector serial connector video connector diagnostic lights (4) network connector keyboard connector USB 2.
Hints, Notices, and Cautions HINT: A HINT indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. Abbreviations and Acronyms For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help file. To access help files, see page 36.
Contents CAUTION: Safety Instructions General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 When Using Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . When Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge 10 . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Copying CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using Easy CD Creator Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs Helpful Tips 27 28 . . . . . . . . 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 How to Copy a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 PC Card Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Scanner Problems Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front View . Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Reattaching the Front Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Opening the Computer Cover Looking Inside Your Computer System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CAUTION: Safety Instructions Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect your computer and working environment from potential damage. General • Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service technician. Always follow installation instructions closely. • To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and device power cables into properly grounded electrical outlets.
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m CAUTION: Safety Instructions (continued) 8 • To avoid shorting out your computer when disconnecting a network cable, first unplug the cable from the network adapter on the back of your computer, and then from the network jack. When reconnecting a network cable to your computer, first plug the cable into the network jack, and then into the network adapter.
When Using Your Computer As you use your computer, observe the following safe-handling guidelines. CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on) removed.
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m When Using Your Computer (continued) When Working Inside Your Computer Before you open the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated. CAUTION: Do not attempt to service the computer yourself, except as explained in your online Dell™ documentation or in instructions otherwise provided to you by Dell. Always follow installation and service instructions closely.
When Using Your Computer (continued) • 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 microprocessor chip by its edges, not by its pins. 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. Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste.
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m When Using Your Computer (continued) Battery Disposal Your computer uses a lithium coin-cell battery. The lithium coin-cell battery is a long-life battery, and it is very possible that you will never need to replace it. However, should you need to replace it, see page 93. Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your local waste disposal agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site.
Finding Information for Your Computer What Are You Looking For? Find it Here • • • • ResourceCD A diagnostic program for my computer Drivers for my computer My computer documentation My device documentation You can use this CD to access documentation and reinstall drivers (see page 61).
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m What Are You Looking For? Find it Here • Express Service Code and Service Tag Number • Microsoft® Windows® License Label Express Ser vice Code and Product Key Located on your computer. • How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD If you reinstall your operating system, use the ResourceCD to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.
What Are You Looking For? Find it Here • How to set up my computer Setup Diagram • Tips on using Windows • How to clean my computer • How to use my mouse and keyboard Te l l M e H o w H e l p F i l e 1 Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support. 2 Click User and system guides, and then click User’s guides. 3 Click Tell Me How. • How to use Windows XP • Documentation for my computer and devices Windows XP Help and Support Center 1 Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support.
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l .
1 SECTION 1 Setting Up and Using Yo u r C o m p u t e r Connecting the AC Adapter Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand Setting Up a Printer Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device (Optional) Transferring Information to a New Computer Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to the Internet Copying CDs Turning Off the Computer
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Connecting the AC Adapter 1 Connect the AC adapter to the plug on the AC power cable. CAUTION: If you decide to connect the green ground wire to an electrical outlet, do not permit contact between the green ground wire and power leads because electrical shock, fire, or damage to your computer can occur (see the following figure). 2 If you decide not to connect the green ground wire to the electrical outlet, go to step 4.
Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand To attach the stand: 1 Rotate the computer to an upside-down position. 2 Insert the screw into the bottom of the stand. 3 Align the two tabs and the screw on the stand with the tab holes and screw hole in the bottom of the computer. screw HINT: Place your computer on a soft surface to prevent scratching the top cover. screw hole tabs (2) tab holes (2) 4 Tighten the screw. 5 Place the computer in the upright position.
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m To remove the stand: 20 1 Turn the computer over so that the stand is at the top. 2 Loosen the screw and lift the stand away. 3 Place the computer in a horizontal position until you reattach the stand.
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 either a USB cable or a parallel cable.
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m screws (2) parallel connector on computer connector on printer clips (2) parallel printer cable notches (2) 4 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel. 5 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer. Connecting a USB Printer HINT: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.
USB connector on the computer USB connector on printer USB printer cable Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device (Optional) IEEE 1394 devices can move large amounts of data between computers and devices and are ideal for use with multimedia devices, such as digital video cameras. Your computer provides an IEEE 1394 connector on both the front and back panels. (See "Front and Back View of the Computer" on page 70 for locations.
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m HINT: The connector can accept six-pin IEEE 1394 devices with the use of an adapter. IEEE 1394 connector IEEE 1394 cable Transferring Information to a New Computer Windows XP provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data, such as e-mails, window sizes, toolbar settings, and Internet bookmarks, from one computer to another. First you collect the data from the source computer, and then you import the data to the new computer.
Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to a Network Adapter Before you connect your computer to a network, it must have a network adapter installed and a network cable connected to it. To connect a network cable: 1 Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer. 2 Connect the other end of the network cable to a network connection device. HINT: Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is secure.
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m HINT: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP. 4 Complete the checklist and required preparations, and then return to the Network Setup Wizard. 5 Follow the instructions on the screen. Connecting to the Internet To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN.
4 Click Set up or change your Internet connection. 5 In the Internet Properties window, click Setup and then click Next. The New Connection Wizard appears. 6 Click Connect to the Internet. 7 In the next window, click the appropriate option: 8 • 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.
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m HINT: The information in this section also applies to using Easy CD Creator Basic with a DVD+RW or a DVD+R drive. HINT: Some music and game CDs are copyprotected. If you have a CD that cannot be copied, you must use the original CD for everyday use. To burn CDs, you need to use CD-burner software. Roxio Easy CD Creator Basic is your computer's CD-burner software.
Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs Your CD-RW drive writes to two different types of recording media—CD-R and CD-RW discs. Use blank CD-R (CD-Recordable) disks to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R disc, you cannot write to that disc again without changing your method of recording (see the Roxio documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RW (CD-ReWritable) discs when you want to write, erase, rewrite, and update your files onto CDs.
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m How to Copy a CD HINT: If you have a DVD/CD-RW combo drive and experience recording problems, first check for available software patches at the Dell Support website at support.dell.com and if necessary, the Roxio support website at support.roxio.com. This procedure assumes that your computer is equipped with a single CD-RW drive (without an additional CD drive).
Turning Off the Computer NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must turn off your computer through the Start menu rather than by pressing the power button. 1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs. 2 Click the Start button and then click Turn off Computer. 3 Click Turn off. HINT: If you are having difficulty turning off your computer, see "General Problems" on page 42. The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes.
Setting Up and Using Yo ur Computer w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l .
2 SECTION 2 Solving Problems Finding Solutions Finding Help Information Battery Problems Drive Problems E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems Error Messages General Problems IEEE 1394 Problems Keyboard Problems Mouse Problems Network Problems PC Card Problems Power Problems Printer Problems Scanner Problems Sound and Speaker Problems Video and Monitor Problems
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Finding Solutions Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out where to go for answers. Use this chart to help you quickly find the answers to your questions. See page 49. Press a key or move the mouse. See the Tell Me How help file for information on standby mode. Get technical assistance from Dell. See page 95. See page 41.
See page 54. See page 53. See page 51. See page 39. See page 46. See page 45. See page 37. See page 48. See page 52. See page 41. See page 42. See page 39. See page 39. See page 42.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Finding Help Information TO A C C E S S T H E Tell Me How H E L P F I L E 1 Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support. 2 Click User and system guides, and then click User’s guides. 3 Click Tell Me How. TO A C C E S S W I N D O W S H E L P 1 Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem, and then click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem.
Drive Problems CD drive problems A D J U S T T H E W I N D O W S V O L U M E C O N T R O L — 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. HINT: High-speed CD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise. This does not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m DVD drive problems HINT: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives. TE S T T H E D R I V E W I T H A N O T H E R DVD — Insert another DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original DVD is defective. E N S U R E T H A T W I N D O W S R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E — Double-click My Computer on the desktop.
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems C H E C K T H E T E L E P H O N E L I N E C O N N E C T I O N — 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. HINT: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is connected to a digital telephone network.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m TU R N O F F C A L L W A I T I N G ( C A T C H - P H O N E ) — See your telephone directory for instructions on deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up networking connection properties. 1 Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel. 2 Click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Phone and Modem Options. 3 Click your connection type to highlight it. 4 Click the Dialing Rules tab, and then click Edit.
Error Messages A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING C H A R A C T E R S : \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not use these characters in filenames. A R E Q U I R E D .DLL F I L E W A S N O T F O U N D — 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. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Add or Remove Programs. 4 Select the program you want to remove. 5 Click the Change or Remove Program icon.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m General Problems A program stops responding END THE PROGRAM 1 Press simultaneously. 2 Click Applications. 3 Click the program that is no longer responding. 4 Click End Task. TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F — If your computer locks up and 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.
A solid blue screen appears TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F — If the computer does not respond to a keystroke or a proper shutdown, press the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Press the power button again to restart the computer. The chkdsk program automatically runs during the start-up process. Follow the instructions on the screen.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Other technical problems G O T O T H E D E L L S U P P O R T W E B S I T E — Go to support.dell.com for help with general usage, installation, and troubleshooting questions.The support website offers several different tools to help you, such as Dell Forum—a chat room where you can communicate with other Dell customers about their computers and gain access to technical support through e-mail.
CHECK YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION FOR ADDITIONAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION C H E C K F O R I N T E R R U P T R E Q U E S T C O N F L I C T S — See page 64. IEEE 1394 Problems C H E C K T H E IEEE 13 94 D E V I C E — Ensure that the IEEE 1394 device is properly inserted into the connector. E N S U R E T H A T T H E I EEE 1394 D E V I C E I S R E C O G N I Z E D B Y WINDOWS® 1 Click the Start button. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Printers and Other Hardware.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE • Shut down the computer (see page 31), reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the setup diagram for your computer, and then restart the computer. • Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to 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.
I F Y O U C O N N E C T E D T H E M O U S E A F T E R T U R N I N G O N T H E C O M P U T E R, REMOVE THE POWER CABLE, AND THEN RECONNECT THE MOUSE C A B L E — If the mouse is connected after the power is turned on, the mouse appears to be nonfunctional. To make the mouse function properly: 1 While your computer is on, remove the power cable from the back of the computer. 2 Connect the mouse to the computer. 3 Reconnect the power cable. 4 Turn on your computer.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Network Problems C H E C K T H E N E T W O R K C A B L E C O N N E C T O R — Ensure that the network cable is connected as shown on page 25. CHECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF THE COMPUTER — No light indicates that there is no network communication. Try replacing the network cable.
PC Card Problems C H E C K T H E P C C A R D — Ensure that the PC Card is properly inserted into the connector. HINT: Your computer is designed for 16-bit PCMCIA cards only. Do not use a 32-bit CardBus. E N S U R E T H A T T H E C A R D I S R E C O G N I Z E D B Y W I N D O W S ® — Doubleclick the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon in the Windows taskbar. Ensure that the card is listed. I F Y O U H A V E P R O B L E M S W I T H A PC C A R D N O T P R O V I D E D B Y D E L L — Contact the PC card manufacturer.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S O F F — The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power. • Ensure that the power cable is firmly inserted 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.
E L I M I N A T E I N T E R F E R E N C E — Electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating near the computer can cause interference. Other causes of interference are: • Power extension cables • Keyboard and mouse extension cables • Too many devices on a power strip • Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet Printer Problems C H E C K T H E P R I N T E R D O C U M E N T A T I O N — See the printer documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Scanner Problems HINT: Dell does not cover the scanner’s warranty. If you need technical assistance for your scanner, call the scanner’s manufacturer. See the scanner documentation for the correct phone number. C H E C K T H E S C A N N E R D O C U M E N T A T I O N — See the scanner documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.
Sound and Speaker Problems C H E C K T H E S P E A K E R C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N S — Ensure that the speakers are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. ENSURE THAT THE SUBWOOFER AND THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED O N — See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate distortion. HINT: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows® volume setting.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Video and Monitor Problems If the screen is blank HINT: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures. C H E C K T H E M O N I T O R P O W E R L I G H T — 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. P R E S S T H E M O N I T O R P O W E R B U T T O N — Firmly press the button to ensure that the monitor is turned on.
If the screen is difficult to read C H E C K T H E M O N I T O R S E T T I N G S — See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test. M O V E T H E S U B W O O F E R A W A Y F R O M T H E M O N I T O R — If your speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor.
So l vi n g Pro b l em s w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l .
3 SECTION 3 Advanced Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g Diagnostic Lights Drivers Using System Restore Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Diagnostic Lights To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer is equipped with four lights on the back panel labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" (see page 72). These lights can be yellow or green. When the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts, the lights remain green. If the computer malfunctions, the color and sequence of the lights identify the problem.
Diagnostic Code G Y Y Y A B C D Y G Y Y A B C D G G G Y A B C D Definition Corrective Action No memory modules are detected. • Reinstall all memory modules (see page 82) and restart the computer. • To eliminate the possibility of a faulty memory connector, remove all memory modules, install one memory module (see page 82), and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, move the memory module to a different connector and restart the computer.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m 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 the programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes. Many drivers such as the keyboard driver come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system.
Reinstalling Drivers NOTICE: The Dell Support website and your Dell Dimension ResourceCD provide 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.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Using the Dell Dimension ResourceCD If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore (see page 62) does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the Dell Dimension ResourceCD: 1 With the Windows desktop displayed, insert the ResourceCD into the CD or DVD drive. If this is your first time to use the ResourceCD, go to step 2. If not, go to step 5.
Creating a Restore Point 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Click System Restore. 3 Follow the instructions on the screen. Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State If problems occur after installing a device driver, first try using Device Driver Rollback (see page 13) 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 all open files and close all open programs.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Undoing the Last System Restore NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and close all open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete. 1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs—> Accessories—> System Tools, and then click System Restore. 2 Select Undo my last restoration and click Next. 3 Click Next.
3 Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager. 4 In the Device Manager list, check for conflicts with the other devices. Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) beside the conflicting device or a red X if the device has been disabled. 5 Double-click any conflict to display the Properties window. If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties window reports the cards or devices that share the device's IRQ.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After the reinstallation is complete, you need to reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software. NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive.
5 Press to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and then follow the instructions on the screen. The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer restarts multiple times. HINT: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of your computer. Completing the GUI Setup NOTICE: When the computer restarts, the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Completing the Operating System Setup NOTICE: When the computer restarts, the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD. Do not press any key when this message appears. 1 When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click Next. 2 When the How will this computer connect to the Internet? message appears, click Skip.
4 SECTION 4 A d d i n g Pa r t s Front and Back View of the Computer Reattaching the Front Door Opening the Computer Cover Looking Inside Your Computer Adding PC Cards (Optional) Adding Other Cards Adding Memory Closing the Computer Cover
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Front and Back View of the Computer Front View HINT: The front door does not close when you are using certain PC Cards or the IEEE 1394, USB, or headphone connector(s). 1 9 8 7 2 3 4 5 6 1 breakaway hinges (2) To prevent damage to your computer, the front door is designed to "break away" if it is opened too far. To reattach the front door, see page 73.
5 USB 2.0 connectors (2) For quick connections, Dell recommends using the front USB connectors for USB devices such as digital cameras, gaming controllers, and scanners. Use the back-panel USB connectors for USB devices that are seldom disconnected, such as USB mouse and keyboard devices. NOTICE: This computer supports the use of a USB hub. However, do not connect two or more USB hubs to a USB connector. Doing so may cause the computer to unexpectedly restart.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Back View 1 15 14 2 13 12 3 11 10 4 5 9 8 7 6 1 parallel connector Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector. 2 mouse connector Plug a standard mouse into the green mouse connector. Turn off the computer and any attached devices before you connect a mouse to the computer. If you have a USB mouse, plug it into a USB connector.
5 power connector The connection for the power cable. 6 voltage selection switch (may not be available on all computers) Your computer is equipped with either an auto-sensing voltage selector or a manual voltage selection switch. See page 9 for more information. 7 IEEE 1394 connector Use the IEEE 1394 connector (available on computers with an IEEE 1394 option) for high-speed data transfer between your computer and a device, such as a digital camera.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m HINT: The top hinge arm clicks when it is moved to the closed position—the bottom hinge arm does not. 3 Move the hinge arms to the closed position. 4 Align the two clips on the inside of the front door with the two hinge arms. 5 Press inward on the front door until it clips to both hinge arms.
2 Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets. 3 Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board. 4 Remove the computer stand (see page 19). NOTICE: Ensure that there is sufficient space to support the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space. 5 Press the two release buttons until the cover is free to swing up. NOTICE: Open the cover slowly to ensure that you do not damage any cables.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Looking Inside Your Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do not inadvertently disconnect cables from the system board.
System Board CD drive connector (IDE2) drive connector (DSKT) battery socket (BATTERY) page 93 front panel switch connector (FRONTPANEL) hard drive connector (IDE1) standby power light (AUX_PWR) configuration jumper (PSWD) page 92 main power connector (POWER) microprocessor fan connector (FAN) memory module connectors (DIMM A, DIMM B) page 82 microprocessor connector (CPU) PCI2 card connector (PCI2) page 80 PCI1 card connector (PCI1) page 80 microprocessor power connector (12VPOWER) CD audio connector
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Adding PC Cards (Optional) You can add PC Cards to computers with integrated PC Card connectors. PC Card Types HINT: "Type" of card refers to its thickness, not its functionality. HINT: Your computer is designed for either 5-V or 3.3-V 16-bit PCMCIA cards. Some cards are keyed for 3.3 V only but will not fit into the PC slot. Cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion into the slot.
3 If you encounter too much resistance when you insert the card, do not force the card. Check the card's orientation, and try again. 4 Your computer recognizes most PC Cards and automatically loads the appropriate device driver for use with the computer. If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, install them with the CD that accompanied the PC Card.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Adding Other Cards CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. NOTICE: You must use low-profile cards for your computer. A full-size card can cause damage to the computer or the card.
7 If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create an empty card-slot opening. If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector. 8 Prepare the card for installation.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Adding Memory CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board.
memory connector closest to microprocessor securing clips (2) connector 8 Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector. notch memory module cutouts (2) crossbar 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. 9 Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m 10 Close the computer cover (see page 84). 11 Attach the computer stand (see page 19). NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 12 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. 13 Right-click the My Computer icon and then click Properties. 14 Click the General tab.
5 SECTION 5 Appendix Specifications Standard Settings Clearing Forgotten Passwords Replacing the Battery Dell Technical Support Policy Contacting Dell Regulatory Information
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l .
Memory Architecture DDR SDRAM Memory connectors two Memory capacities 128-, 256-, and 512-MB non-ECC DDR SDRAM Minimum memory 128 MB NOTE: Between 32 and 64 MB of system memory may be allocated to support graphics, depending on system memory size and other factors.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l .
Physical Height x Width x Depth 32.3 x 9.5 x 35.6 cm (12.7 x 3.8 x 14.0 inches) (With stand) 33.8 x 18.0 x 35.6 cm (13.3 x 7.1 x 14.0 inches) Weight 7.43 kg (16.4 lbs) Environmental Temperature: Operating Storage Relative humidity 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F) NOTE: At 35°C (95°F), the maximum operating altitude is 914 m (3000 ft). –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) 20% to 80% (noncondensing) Maximum vibration: Operating 0.25 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1/2 octave/min Storage 0.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Standard Settings The system setup program contains the standard settings for your computer. NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user, don’t change the settings for this program. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly. See the following figure for an example of the main program screen.
Viewing Settings 1 Turn on (or restart) your computer. 2 When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press immediately. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again. System Setup Program Screens The system setup program screens display the current configuration information for your computer.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Clearing Forgotten Passwords CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7. If you forget your user or setup password, you cannot operate your computer or change settings in the system setup program until you clear the forgotten password(s). NOTICE: This process erases both the system and setup passwords. 1 Shut down the computer (see page 31).
14 Attach the computer stand (see page 19). NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 15 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. Turning on your computer with the PSWD jumper installed reenables the password feature. Replacing the Battery CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m NOTICE: To avoid damage to the system board while you pry the battery loose, be sure to insert the plastic screwdriver between the battery and the socket (not the system board). battery battery socket (BATTERY) 6 Insert the new battery into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing up and snap it into place. 7 Attach the computer stand (see page 19).
Contacting Dell When you need to contact Dell, use the telephone numbers, codes, and electronic addresses provided in the following table. If you need assistance in determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international operator. HINT: Toll-free numbers are for use within the country for which they are listed. See the Service and Support Guide supplied with your computer for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.
w w w. j p . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . j p . d e l l . c o m Regulatory Information Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is any signal or emission, radiated in free space or conducted along power or signal leads, that endangers the functioning of a radio navigation or other safety service or seriously degrades, obstructs, or repeatedly interrupts a licensed radio communications service.
Index A internal parts, 76 opening cover, 74 specifications, 86 turning off, 31 audio. See sound BIOS, 90 conflicts drivers, 60 resolving software and hardware incompatibilities, 64 C cover closing, 84 opening, 74 cards adding, 80 connectors, 77 D B battery replacing, 93 E electrostatic discharge.
Index start-up error messages, 41 video and monitor, 54 front door reattaching, 73 M memory adding, 82 connectors, 77 messages start-up, 41 H hard drive fixing problems, 38 hardware drivers, 60 Hardware Troubleshooter, 64 help file accessing, 36 I IEEE 1394, 23, 45 Internet fixing problems, 39 Internet connection about, 26 options, 26 setting up, 26 modem fixing problems, 39 monitor fixing problems, 54 motherboard.
specifications, 86 system board, 77 System Restore, 62 scanner, 52 shutdown, 31 System Restore, 62 system setup program, 90 T Tell Me How help file accessing, 36 troubleshooting, 34 conflicts, 64 Device Driver Rollback, 61 diagnostic lights, 58 drivers, 60 Hardware Troubleshooter, 64 reinstalling Windows XP, 65 System Restore, 62 turning off the computer, 31 V video fixing problems, 54 video memory connector, 77 volume adjusting, 53 W Windows XP Device Driver Rollback, 61 Hardware Troubleshooter, 64 He
Index 100 Index