Dell™ Optiplex™ 960 Setup and Quick Reference Guide This guide provides a features overview, specifications, and quick setup, software, and troubleshooting information for your computer. For more information about your operating system, devices, and technologies, see the Dell Technology Guide at support.dell.com. Models DCSM, DCNE, DCCY w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l .
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.
Contents 1 About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Mini Tower — Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Mini Tower — Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mini Tower — Back Panel Connectors . . . . . . . . . . Desktop — Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Desktop — Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Desktop — Back Panel Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Small Form Factor— Front View . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transferring Information to a New Computer . ® . . . . . 25 . . . . . . 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 ® Microsoft Windows Vista Operating System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Microsoft Windows® XP 3 Specifications 4 Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the Hardware Troubleshooter. Tips . 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 7 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Obtaining Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Fast Call for Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Loading iAMT drivers on installation . . . . . . . . 61 DellConnect™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Online Services . 61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AutoTech Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents
About Your Computer Mini Tower — Front View 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 11 1 hard drive activity light 2 link integrity light 3 WiFi (optional) light 4 diagnostic lights 5 power button, power light 6 optical drive About Your Computer 7
7 optical-drive eject button 8 optical-drive filler panel 9 flex bay (for optional floppy drive or memory card reader) 10 USB 2.
5 power connector 6 7 expansion-card slots (4) back-panel connectors Mini Tower — Back Panel Connectors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 14 13 12 10 11 1 PS2 mouse connector 2 parallel (printer) connector 3 serial connector 4 network-activity light 5 network adapter connector 6 link-integrity light 7 space for optional wireless connector 8 line-out connector 9 line-in/microphone connector 10 USB 2.
Desktop — Front View 1 3 2 4 12 11 10 9 10 8 7 6 5 1 power button, power light 2 optical drive 3 optical-drive tray eject button 4 Dell™ badge 5 USB 2.0 connectors (2) 6 microphone connector 7 headphone connector 8 flex bay (for optional floppy drive, memory card reader, or second 3.
Desktop — Back View 2 1 4 3 6 7 5 1 expansion card slots (4) 2 power supply check button 3 power supply check light 4 cover-release latch and padlock ring (security screw also an option) 5 security cable slot 6 power connector 7 back-panel connectors About Your Computer 11
Desktop — Back Panel Connectors 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 14 12 13 12 11 10 1 PS2 mouse connector 2 parallel (printer) connector 3 serial connector 4 network-activity light 5 network adapter connector 6 link-integrity light 7 space for optional wireless connector 8 line-out connector 9 line-in/microphone connector 10 USB 2.
Small Form Factor— Front View 2 1 3 4 12 11 10 9 8 7 5 6 1 power button, power light 2 optical-drive (slim-line) 3 optical-drive eject button 4 slim-line flex bay (for optional floppy drive or memory card reader) 5 Dell badge 6 headphone connector 7 microphone connector 8 USB 2.
Small Form Factor— Back View 1 2 7 14 4 3 6 5 1 expansion-card slots (2) 2 power supply check button 3 power supply check light 4 cover-release latch and padlock ring (security screw also an option) 5 security cable slot 6 power connector 7 back-panel connectors About Your Computer
Small Form Factor— Back Panel Connectors 1 2 4 3 5 6 7 8 9 14 13 12 11 10 1 PS2 mouse connector 2 parallel (printer) connector 3 serial connector 4 network-activity light 5 network adapter connector 6 link-integrity light 7 space for optional wireless connector 8 line-out connector 9 line-in/microphone connector 10 USB 2.
About Your Computer
Setting Up Your Computer Quick Setup CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer. NOTE: Some devices may not be included if you did not order them. 1 Your computer comes with VGA and DisplayPort connectors for video (Desktop back panel shown here).
NOTE: Connection of a DisplayPort monitor or adapter will result in the x16 PCI-Express slot being disabled. This is not a valid configuration. Remove the PCI-Express card. Alternatively you may use the VGA port to connect a display device if the PCI-Express card is not a graphics card. 3 Connect the monitor using a VGA cable. 4 Connect a USB device, such as a keyboard or mouse.
5 Connect the network cable. 6 Connect the modem (if your computer has this option).
7 Connect the power cable(s). 8 Press the power buttons on the monitor and the computer.
9 Connect to your network. 4 5 3 2 6 1 1 Internet service 2 cable or DSL modem 3 wireless router (not necessary if your computer has the optional WiFi capability) 4 desktop computer with network adapter 5 desktop computer with USB wireless adapter 6 USB wireless adapter The Dell™ Wireless Antenna, if purchased, connects to the wireless connector.
NOTE: For security, the Wireless Antenna uses special screws to connect to the system that can only be removed using the key provided in the kit. The screws do not need to be attached for the wireless antenna to function. Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure Installing your computer in an enclosure can restrict the airflow and impact your computer’s performance, possibly causing it to overheat. Follow the guidelines below when installing your computer in an enclosure.
• The enclosure should be designed so that the ambient air entering the system meets the operating temperature requirements of the system. The enclosure design should be designed to minimize the temperature increase of the air entering the system by: – Implementing enclosure venting that allows at least 30% airflow (front and back) – Implementing enclosure ventilation that aligns well with the system ventilation to allow direct airflow into the system.
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). If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall connector before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular phone service for setup instructions.
NOTE: If you cannot connect to the Internet, see the Dell Technology Guide. If you 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. NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, consult the Connect to the Internet wizard. 1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial connection, or you can store it on removable media, such as a writable CD, for transfer to the new computer. NOTE: You can transfer information from an old computer to a new computer by directly connecting a serial cable to the input/output (I/O) ports of the two computers.
6 On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer and click Next. After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears. 7 Click Finish. To transfer data to the new computer: 1 On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next. 2 On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your settings and files and click Next.
To copy data from the old computer: 1 On the old computer, insert the wizard disk, and click Start→ Run. 2 In the Open field on the Run window, browse to the path for fastwiz (on the appropriate removable media) and click OK. 3 On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next. 4 On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer→ Next. 5 On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you prefer.
Specifications NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the configuration of your computer, click Start→ Help and Support and select the option to view information about your computer.
Memory (continued) Memory capacities 667 MHz 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB NOTE: 512 MB DIMMS are available for use only in the 667-MHz memory configurations.
Expansion Bus (continued) Bus speed x1-slot bidirectional speed — 500 MB/s (PCI Express) x16-slot bidirectional speed — 16 GB (PCI Express) 1.5 Gbps and 3.0 Gbps (SATA) 480-Mbps high speed, 12-Mbps full speed, 1.
Expansion Bus (continued) PCIE_WLS connector one x1(available in all platforms) connector size 36 pins use for optional wireless and WLAN cards Drives Hard Disk Drives Mini Tower: two 3.5-inch hard disk drives (HDDs) or two 2.5-inch HDDs Desktop: two 3.5-inch HDDs or two 2.5-inch HDDs Small Form Factor: one 3.5-inch HDD or two 2.5-inch HDDs Available device configurations Mini Tower: two external 5.25-inch bays, one external 3.5-inch bay, two internal 3.5-inch bays Desktop: one external 5.
Connectors External connectors: Video VGA and DisplayPort connectors Network adapter RJ-45 connector USB 2.
Connectors (continued) Expansion slots Mini Tower: four full-height slots Desktop: four half-height slots without riser, two full-height slots, two half-height slots with riser Small Form Factor: two half-height slots PCI Express Mini Tower and Desktop: one x16 connector and one x1 connector Small Form Factor: one x16 connector Front panel USB Mini Tower: two 10-pin connectors Desktop: one 10-pin connectors Small Form Factor: one 10-pin connectors Processor one 775-pin connector Front panel control
Controls and Lights (continued) Network link light blue WiFi (optional) link light blue Rear of computer: Power supply light solid green — The power supply is turned on and is functional. The power cable must be connected to the power connector (on back of the computer) and the electrical outlet. A test button and LED are on the side of the unit where the AC plug is located. Customers can test the health of the power system by pressing the test button.
Power Input voltage (see the safety 115/230 VAC information that shipped with your computer for important voltage setting information) Input frequency 50/60 Hz Input amperage Mini Tower: 3.6 A/1.8 A Desktop: 4.0 A/2.0 A Small Form Factor: 3.5 A/1.8 A Coin-cell battery CR2032 lithium coin cell Physical Mini Tower Height 40.8 cm (16.06 in) Width 18.7 cm (7.36 in) Depth 43.1 cm (16.96 in) Weight at least 11.5 kg (25.3 lbs) Desktop Height 39.7 cm (15.61 in) Width 10.9 cm (4.30 in) Depth 34.
Environmental Temperature: Operating 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F) Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) Relative humidity 20% to 80% (noncondensing) Maximum vibration: Operating 5 to 350 Hz at 0.0002 G2/Hz Storage 5 to 500 Hz at 0.001 to 0.01 G2/Hz Maximum shock: Operating 40 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2 msec +/- 10% (equivalent to 20 in/sec [51 cm/sec]) Storage 105 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2 msec +/- 10% (equivalent to 50 in/sec [127 cm/sec]) Altitude: Operating –15.
Specifications
Troubleshooting Tips CAUTION: Always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. NOTE: For detailed troubleshooting information, including responding to system messages, see your Service Manual on support.dell.com. Using the Hardware Troubleshooter 1 Click the Windows Vista Start button , and click Help and Support. 2 Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press to start the search.
NOTE: The diagnostic lights will blink when the power button is amber or off, and will not when it is blue. This has no other significance. Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution The computer is either turned off or not receiving power. • Reseat the power cable in the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet. • Bypass power strips, power extension cables, and other power protection devices to verify that the computer turns on properly.
Light Pattern Blinking Amber Problem Description A possible motherboard, power supply, or peripheral failure has occurred. No CPU present. Steady Amber Suggested Resolution 1 Power off computer, leaving the computer plugged in. Press and hold the power supply test button on the rear of the power supply unit. If the LED next to the switch illuminates, the problem may be with your motherboard. Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 66).
Light Pattern Steady Amber Problem Description Suggested Resolution Memory modules are • If two or more memory modules are detected, but a installed, remove the modules, then memory power failure reinstall one module and restart the has occurred. computer. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution Power connector not installed properly. • Reseat the 2x2 power connector from the power supply unit. • If the system still fails to boot, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 66). Possible peripheral card or motherboard failure has occurred. • Remove all peripheral cards from the PCI and PCI-E slots and restart the computer. If the computer boots, add the peripheral cards back one by one until you find the bad one.
Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution A possible processor failure has occurred. • Reseat the processor (see Processor information for your computer). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 66). Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred. • If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see your service manual), then reinstall one module (see your service manual and restart the computer.
Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution No memory modules are detected. • If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see your service manual), then reinstall one module (see your service manual) and restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
Light Pattern Steady Blue Problem Description A possible expansion card failure has occurred. Another failure has occurred. Steady Blue 46 Troubleshooting Tips Suggested Resolution 1 Determine if a conflict exists by removing an expansion card (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer (see the "Cards" section for your computer). 2 If the problem persists, reinstall the card you removed, then remove a different card and restart the computer.
Light Pattern Blinking Blue Problem Description Suggested Resolution The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.
Lockups and Software Problems NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic view. The computer does not start up Ensure that the power cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the electrical outlet A program stops responding END THE PROGRAM — 1 Press simultaneously to access the Task Manager, and click the Applications tab.
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.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Dell Drivers and Utilities Media NOTE: The Dell Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your computer. 1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities media. 2 Shut down and restart the computer. When the DELL logo appears, press immediately. NOTE: 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.
Reinstalling Software Drivers Identifying Drivers 1 Locate the list of devices for your computer. a Click the Windows Vista Start button™ Computer. b Click Properties→ Device Manager. , and right-click NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue. 2 Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the device icon.
Returning to a Previous Device Driver Version 1 Click the Windows Vista Start button , and right-click Computer. 2 Click Properties→ Device Manager. NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to enter the Device Manager. 3 Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties. 4 Click the Drivers tab→ Roll Back Driver.
5 At the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next. The drivers that are used by your computer are automatically displayed in the My Drivers—The ResourceCD has identified these components in your system window. 6 Click the driver that you want to reinstall and follow the instructions on the screen. If a particular driver is not listed, that driver is not required by your operating system, or you must find the drivers that came with the specific device.
• Dell Factory Image Restore returns your hard drive to the same operating state as when you purchased the computer. The program deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any programs installed after you received the computer. • If you received the Operating System media with your computer, you can use it to restore your operating system. However, using the Operating System media deletes all data on the hard drive.
photos, and music files) on the hard drive and removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using Dell Factory Image Restore. NOTE: Dell Factory Image Restore may not be available in certain countries or on certain computers. 1 Turn on the computer. 2 When the Dell logo appears, press several times to access the Vista Advanced Boot Options window. 3 Select Repair Your Computer. The System Recovery Options window appears.
• Microsoft System Restore (see "Using Microsoft® Windows® System Restore" on page 54) NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files from your primary hard drive to another media. For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer. To reinstall Windows, you need the Dell™ Operating System media and the Dell Drivers and Utilities media.
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. Document/Media/Label Contents Service Tag/Express Service Code • Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com or contact support. The Service Tag/Express Service Code is located on your computer.
Document/Media/Label Contents Safety, Regulatory, Warranty, and Support Documentation • Warranty information This type of information may have shipped with your computer. For additional regulatory information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage on www.dell.com at the following location: www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. • Safety instructions Service Manual • How to remove and replace parts The Service Manual for your computer can be found at support.dell.com.
Getting Help Obtaining Assistance CAUTION: If you need to remove the computer cover, first disconnect the computer power and modem cables from all electrical outlets. Follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer. If you experience a problem with your computer, you can complete the following steps to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem: 1 See "Tips" on page 39 for information and procedures that pertain to the problem your computer is experiencing.
NOTE: Some of the following services are not always available in all locations outside the continental U.S. Call your local Dell representative for information on availability. Fast Call for Help If your system administrator has configured your system with Intel® Active Management Technology (iAMT), help can be obtained by using Fast Call for Help. Fast Call for Help alerts the IT department to your problem and allows IT to take control of your system so they can fix it remotely.
4 Select Dell™ Systems Management Administrator’s Guide for Intel iAMT setup and configuration information. Technical Support and Customer Service Dell's support service is available to answer your questions about Dell™ hardware. Our support staff uses computer-based diagnostics to provide fast, accurate answers. To contact Dell's support service, see "Before You Call" on page 64, and then see the contact information for your region or go to support.dell.com.
• Dell Support e-mail addresses: mobile_support@us.dell.com support@us.dell.com la-techsupport@dell.com (Latin America and Caribbean countries only) apsupport@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only) • Dell Marketing and Sales e-mail addresses: apmarketing@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only) sales_canada@dell.com (Canada only) • Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP): ftp.dell.
Product Information If you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if you would like to place an order, visit the Dell website at www.dell.com. For the telephone number to call for your region or to speak to a sales specialist, see "Contacting Dell" on page 66.
Before You Call NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell’s automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently. You may also be asked for your Service Tag (located on the back or bottom of your computer). Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 65). If possible, turn on your computer before you call Dell for assistance and call from a telephone at or near the computer.
Diagnostics Checklist Name: Date: Address: Phone number: Service Tag (bar code on the back or bottom of the computer): Express Service Code: Return Material Authorization Number (if provided by Dell support technician): Operating system and version: Devices: Expansion cards: Are you connected to a network? Yes No Network, version, and network adapter: Programs and versions: See your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the system’s start-up files.
Contacting Dell For customers in the United States, call 800-WWW-DELL (800-999-3355). NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: 1 Visit support.
Index C Dell Technology Guide, 58 Client Initiated Remote Access, 60 DellConnect, 61 connecting Internet, 24 modem, 19 monitor, 18 network, 21 network cable, 19 power cables, 20 diagnostics Dell, 49 contacting Dell, 59, 66 D Dell contacting, 59, 66 software updates, 49 Support Utility, 49 technical support and customer service, 61 Technical Update Service, 49 Dell Diagnostics, 49 starting from the Drivers and Utilities media, 50 starting from your hard drive, 49 Dell Systems Management Administrator’
F N Fast Call for Help, 60 networks, 21 connecting, 21 Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, 25 finding information, 57 I Intel Active Management Technology (iAMT) documentation, 58 enabling, 60 Fast Call for Help, 60 Internet connecting, 24 setting up, 24 O operating system Dell Factory Image Restore, 54 media, 55 reinstalling, 57 System Restore, 53 Operating System media, 57 operating system product key, 58 P phone numbers, 66 L license label, 58 problems restore to previous state, 54 M media Driv
S safety information, 58 Service Manual, 58 Service Tag, 57 setup computer, 17 installing your computer in an enclosure, 22 Internet, 24 quick setup, 17 software problems, 48 reinstalling, 51 troubleshooting, 48-49 updates, 49 specifications all, 29 audio, 30 connectors, 33 controls and lights, 34 drives, 32 environmental, 37 expansion bus, 30 memory, 29 physical, 36 power, 35 processor, 29 system information, 29 video, 30 support, 59 contacting Dell, 66 DellConnect, 61 support (continued) online services,
V view back, 8, 14 back panel connectors, 7-9 front, 7 W warranty information, 58 Windows License label, 58 Windows Vista Dell Factory Image Restore, 54 Device Driver Rollback, 52 Program Compatibility wizard, 48 reinstalling, 57 returning to a previous device driver version, 52 System Restore, 53-54 Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, 25 reinstalling, 57 System Restore, 53-54 wizards Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, 25 Program Compatibility wizard, 48 70 Index
