Dell™ Dimension™ 4500 Technical Overview Controls and Lights Solving Problems Advanced Troubleshooting Technical Specifications System Setup Program Adding Parts Documentation 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.
Back to Contents Page Advanced Troubleshooting Dell™ Dimension™ 4500 Diagnostic Codes Beep Codes System Messages Using System Restore Reinstalling Drivers Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Reinstalling Windows® XP Diagnostic Codes Your computer is equipped with four diagnostic lights, which are labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the back of the computer. Each of the four lights can be yellow, green, or off as shown in the following table.
one memory module (if the computer supports a single module), and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, move the memory module to a different connector and restart the computer. Continue until you have identified a faulty connector or reinstalled all modules without error. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance. System board failure.
Message Possible Cause Corrective Action 8042 Gate-A20 error The keyboard controller failed its test. If you receive this message after making changes in the system setup program, enter the program and restore the original value(s). Address Line Short! Error in the address decoding circuitry in the memory. Reseat the memory modules. C: Drive Error The hard drive is not working or is not configured correctly.
NOTICE: Before restoring the computer to an earlier operating state, 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. Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected, and then click Next. 3. Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.
Using the Dell Dimension ResourceCD If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore 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. 2. When the ResourceCD installation program starts, follow the prompts on the screen. 3.
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling your Windows XP operating system. The options can potentially overwrite files installed by Dell and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, Dell does not recommend that you reinstall your operating system unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.
Back to Contents Page Documentation Dell™ Dimension™ 4500 Finding Information for Your Computer Printed Documentation Online Documentation Finding Information for Your Computer What Are You Looking For? l l l l A diagnostic program for my computer Drivers for my computer My computer documentation My device documentation Find it Here ResourceCD You can use this CD to access documentation, reinstall drivers, or run diagnostics tools.
l l l l Upgrades — upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system Customer Care — contact information, order status, warranty, and repair information Downloads — drivers, patches, and software updates Reference — computer documentation, product specifications, and white papers l How to set up my computer Start Here setup diagram l Tips on using Windows How to clean my computer How to use my mouse and keyboard Tell Me How help file How to use Microsoft®
4. Type regsvr32 hhactivex.dll and then press . 5. Click OK when the installation is complete. 6. Right-click the following link to the file: Dell Dimension 4500 Tell Me How (.chm) (1.02 MB). 7. Click Save Target As in Microsoft Internet Explorer or Save Link As in Netscape Navigator, and specify a location on your hard drive. Viewing the Tell Me How Help File 1. Click the Start button on the Windows desktop, point to Programs, and then click Windows Explorer. 2.
Back to Contents Page Adding Parts Dell™ Dimension™ 4500 Safety Instructions Adding a Second Hard Drive Shutting Down the Computer Adding Other Drives Reattaching the Front Door and Hinge Arms Replacing the Microprocessor Opening the Computer Cover Removing the Front I/O Panel Adding Cards Replacing the Power Supply Removing Cards Replacing the System Board Adding Memory Closing the Computer Cover Replacing an AGP Card Safety Instructions Use the following safet
l Do not push any objects into the openings of your computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components. Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on a bed, sofa, or rug. When Working Inside Your Computer Before you open the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.
Shutting Down the Computer NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must turn off your computer through the Start menu rather than by pressing the power button. HINT: If you are having difficulty turning off your computer, see "General Problems." Windows XP 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. The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes.
5. Lift both hinge arms to the horizontal position. 6. Use the two view slots to align the pivot bar with the two pivot-bar slots. NOTICE: Using excessive force to pull the hinge arms into place may damage the arms or the front panel. 7. Pull the arms toward you until they snap into place. If the hinge arms don't snap back into place on the first attempt, slightly reposition the arms and try again. 8.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack. 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. NOTICE: Ensure that there is sufficient space to support the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space. 4.
8. 9. Lower the plastic securing lever. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card. See the documentation that came with the card for information about the card cable connections. 10. Close the computer cover. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 11. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on. 12.
If the card is difficult to remove, gently ease the card back and forth to remove it from the connector. HINT: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer. 8. If you are not replacing the card, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening. If you are adding a card, see "Adding Cards." 9. 10. Lower the securing lever.
8. Align the notches on the bottom of the module with the crossbars in the connector. NOTICE: To avoid breaking the memory module, do not press near the middle of the module. 9. Insert the module straight down into the connector, ensuring that it fits into the vertical guides at each end of the connector. Press firmly on the ends of the module until it snaps into place. During most installations, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.
NOTICE: Visually inspect the position of the securing clips on the memory connectors and make sure that they are secured in the vertical position in the cutouts on the ends of the memory modules. Otherwise, the securing clips may prevent the AGP card from being properly reinstalled. 6. To replace the AGP card, gently press it down into the slot connector until it clicks into place. Press the card clip lever while inserting the card into the slot connector. 7. Close the computer cover.
b. Press in the two green rail tabs and pull the first hard drive out of the upper bay. NOTICE: Do not install any drive into the lower hard-drive bay until after you have removed the green drive rails from the inside of the hard-drive cage. 9. c. Gently slide the first hard drive into the lower bay until you hear a click. d. Reconnect the power cable and the data cable to the back of the first hard drive. Gently slide the new hard drive into the upper bay until you hear a click.
Your computer includes a floppy drive and a CD or DVD drive. You can add other devices, such as a Zip drive, a CD-RW drive, or a tape drive. 5.25-Inch Devices CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions." 1. Shut down the computer. NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack. 2.
10. Connect a power cable to the drive. See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on connecting a drive cable to the drive and system board. HINT: Your computer uses cable-select drive cables. This means that the device connected to the end connector of the drive cable is the master device and the device connected to the middle connector is the slave device.
These rails are not attached to the computer cover with screws. To remove the rails, firmly pull the rails from the drive cage. 9. Attach the rails to the drive using the screws supplied with the drive. Ensure that the rail tabs are positioned at the back of the drive. 10. Gently slide the drive into the bay until you hear a click. 11. Carefully replace the drive bay cover. You do not need to replace the cover insert. 12. 13. Close the computer cover. Connect a power cable to the drive.
4. Open the computer cover. 5. Disconnect the cooling fan power cable from the CR3F1 connector on the system board. 6. Disconnect the +12-VDC P2 DC power cable from the J4B1 connector on the system board. 7. Lift up the airflow shroud. 8. Remove the heat sink. a. Press and lower the green lever on the retention mechanism until it is parallel to the system board. NOTICE: Gently rock the heat sink and then lift it to remove it. 9. Lift the heat sink away from the microprocessor.
11. Remove the microprocessor from the socket. Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new microprocessor. Installing the Microprocessor NOTICE: You must position the microprocessor package correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the microprocessor and the computer. 1. If the release lever on the ZIF socket is not extended to the release position, move it to that position. 2.
7. Raise the retention lever and press until the heat sink is secured. You will feel the lever pause once it is at a 90-degree angle. Keep pressing the lever another 30 degrees, ensuring that it is in the locked position 8. Lower the airflow shroud over the heat sink. 9. Reconnect the cooling fan power cable to the CR3F1 connector on the system board. 10. Plug the +12-VDC P2 DC power cable into the J4B1 connector on the system board. 11. Close the computer cover.
6. Remove all cables that are connected to the front I/O panel. 7. From inside the computer cover, remove the mounting screw that secures the front I/O panel to the computer. 8. Remove the front I/O panel from the computer. 9. Reinstall the front I/O panel by reversing steps 5 through 7. 10. Close the computer cover. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 11.
6. Remove the two screws that secure the power supply to the back of the computer. 7. Press the "PUSH" button located on the floor of the computer frame. 8. Slide the power supply toward the front of the system approximately 1 inch. 9. Lift the power supply up and out of the computer. Replacing the Power Supply 1. Slide the power supply into place. 2. Replace the two screws that secure the power supply to the back of the computer frame. 3. Reconnect the DC power cables. 4.
1. Transfer components from the existing system board to the replacement system board: a. Remove the memory modules and install them on the replacement board. CAUTION: The microprocessor package and heat sink assembly can get hot. To avoid burns, be sure that the package and assembly have had sufficient time to cool before you touch them. b. 2. Remove the fan/heat sink assembly and microprocessor package from the existing system board and transfer them to the replacement system board.
Back to Contents Page Solving Problems Dell™ Dimension™ 4500 Finding Help Information Mouse Problems Battery Problems Network Problems Drive Problems Power Problems E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems Printer Problems Error Messages Scanner Problems General Problems Sound and Speaker Problems Keyboard Problems Video and Monitor Problems Finding Help Information To access the Tell Me How help file 1. 2. 3.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You may accidentally misalign the heads, which can render the drive inoperable. Clean the drive — Use a commercially available cleaning kit. CD drive problems HINT: High-speed CD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise. This does not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD. Adjust the Windows volume control — Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.
HINT: 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 telephone line connection — 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.
to turn on the computer. You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown. A program stops responding End the program 1. 2. 3. 4. Press simultaneously. Click Task Manager, and click Applications. Click the program that is no longer responding. Click End Task. A program crashes repeatedly HINT: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.
"Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for the correct number to call). See "Dell Technical Support Policy" in the Dell Owner's Manual for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell. General hardware problems If your computer exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, a device conflict may exist: l Your computer locks up, particularly while using a specific device. l A recently added device does not work. l A sound card emits noise or demonstrates other problems.
Pressing the power button does not clear the computer's settings and does not restore mouse functionality. Check the mouse cable l l Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten bent pins. Ensure that the cable is firmly connected to the computer. Test the mouse — Connect a mouse that works properly to the computer, and try using the mouse. If the new mouse works, the original mouse was faulty. Check the mouse settings 1. 2. 3.
interference are: l l l l 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 HINT: Dell does not cover the printer's warranty. If you need technical assistance for your printer, call the printer's manufacturer. See the printer documentation for the correct phone number. Check the printer documentation — See the printer documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.
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.
4. Try different settings for Screen resolution and Color quality. Restore the recommended settings — Restore the original resolution and refresh rate settings. See the Tell Me How help file for instructions.
Back to Contents Page Technical Specifications Dell™ Dimension™ 4500 Microprocessor Microprocessor type Intel® Pentium® 4 microprocessor that runs at 1.60, 1.70, 1.80, 1.90, 2.00, 2.20, or 2.40 GHz internally and 400 MHz externally; and 2.26, 2.40, 2.53, 2.66, or 2.80 GHz internally and 533 MHz externally.
Headphone front-panel miniature connector Audio1 three miniature connectors for line-in, line-out, and microphone Internally accessible: 1 Primary IDE channel 40-pin connector on PCI local bus Secondary IDE channel 40-pin connector on PCI local bus Floppy drive 34-pin connector Present only on computers with integrated audio capabilities. Audio2 Audio controller 2 ADI 1981A Present only on computers with integrated audio capabilities.
Back to Contents Page System Setup Program Dell™ Dimension™ 4500 Overview Entering the System Setup Program Main Screen Advanced Screen Security Screen Power Screen Boot Screen Exit Screen Clearing Forgotten Passwords Enabling the Processor Serial Number Overview Each time you turn on or restart your computer system, the computer compares the hardware installed in the computer to the hardware listed in the configuration information stored in NVRAM on the system board.
Option Function BIOS Version Displays the version of the BIOS being used. Processor Type Displays the type of microprocessor installed. Processor Speed Displays the internal speed of the microprocessor. System Bus Frequency Displays the external speed of the microprocessor. Cache RAM Displays the cache random access memory. Service Tag Displays the service tag for the computer. Total Memory Displays the total computer memory.
IDE Configuration Displays the IDE Configuration submenu. Diskette Configuration Displays the Diskette Configuration submenu. Event Log Configuration Displays the Event Log Configuration submenu. Video Configuration Displays the Video Configuration submenu. Boot Configuration Submenu Option Function Plug and Play OS Determines whether the computer is configured to support Plug and Play devices from the operating system or from the system BIOS.
l Base I/O Address l Interrupt If the port is set to Enabled, available I/O addresses are 3F8, 3E8, 2F8, and 2E8. If the port is set to Enabled, available interrupts are IRQ3 and IRQ4. Parallel Port Configures the parallel port. Set this option to Auto (default), Enabled, or Disabled. Depending on the port setting, you can set the following additional options: l Mode If the port is set to Auto or Enabled, available modes are Output Only, Bi-Directional (default), ECP, and EPP.
Option Function Drive Installed Displays the primary IDE device type. Type Specifies the type of hard drive. Settings for this option are User, Auto, CD-ROM, ATAPI Removable, Other ATAPI, IDE Removable, and None. Maximum Capacity Displays the maximum capacity of the primary IDE device. LBA Mode Displays whether LBA mode control is enabled or not on the primary IDE device. Block Mode Displays the multi-sector transfer setting of the primary IDE device.
Option Function Event Log Displays the space available for the event log. View Event Log Press to view the event log. Clear Event Log Clears all event logs when the computer restarts if set to Yes. Retains the event log information if set to No (default). Event Logging Enables or disables event logging. Mark Events As Read Press , and then select Yes or No to mark DMI events as either read or unread.
Option Function Supervisor Password Indicates whether a supervisor password has been assigned. User Password Indicates whether a user password has been assigned. Set Supervisor Password Sets and confirms a supervisor password. If a supervisor password is set, a User Access Level option appears that enables you to set the user access level as Full (default), Limited, No Access, or View Only. Set User Password Sets and confirms a user password.
Computer turns on when power is restored. Boot Screen Option Function Silent Boot Enabled (default) displays the DELL logo during POST. Disabled displays the normal POST messages. Quick Boot When set to Enabled, this option shortens POST by eliminating some tests. If set to Disabled (default), all POST tests occur. The system setup program automatically checks the configuration of a Simple Boot Flag-compatible operating system at POST.
Load Optimal Defaults Discards any changes you have made and reverts all options to their defaults, but does not exit the system setup program. Load Custom Defaults Discards any changes you have made and reverts all options to their defaults, but does not exit the system setup program. Save Custom Defaults Saves any changes you have made, but does not exit the system setup program.
Back to Contents Page Technical Overview Dell™ Dimension™ 4500 Internal View System Board Connectors and Sockets Power Supply DC Power Connectors IDE Interface Cable Connections for Dell-Installed Drives Placement of Dell-Installed Cards Internal View CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, read "Safety Instructions." NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do not inadvertently disconnect cables from the system board.
Power Supply The 250-W power supply can operate from an AC power source of 115 VAC at 60 Hz or 230 VAC at 50 Hz. The power supply provides the DC operating voltages and currents listed in the following table. Output Voltage1 Regulation Minimum Current (A) Maximum Current (A)2 +12 VDC +/–5% 0.0 14.03 +5 VDC +/–5% 1.0/0.2 4 22.0 +3.3 VDC +/–5% 0.1/0.05 18.0 –12 VDC +/–10% 0.0 1.0 +5 VFP +/–5% 0.0 2.
DC Power Connector P1 Pin Number Signal name 18-AWG Wire 1 +3.3 VDC Orange 2 +3.3 VDC Orange 3 COM Black 4 +5 VDC Red 5 COM Black 6 +5 VDC Red 7 COM Black 8 POK Gray 9 +5 VFP Purple 10 +12 VDC Yellow 11 +3.
Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire 1 COM Black 2 COM Black 3 +12 VDC Yellow 4 +12 VDC Yellow DC Power Connectors P3, P5, P6, P8, and P9 Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire 1 +12 VCD Yellow 2 COM Black 3 COM Black 4 +5 VDC Red DC Power Connector P7 Pin Number Signal Name 22-AWG Wire 1 +5 VCD Red 2 COM Black 3 COM Black 4 +12 VDC Yellow IDE Interface Cable Connections for Dell-Installed Drives IDE Channel IDE Connector Location DellInstalled Drive Primary IDE
Card Connector Card Description AGP connector Video PCI1 connector Network adapter, wireless network adapter, or swap box PCI2 connector Modem PCI3 connector Sound PCI4 connector 1394 (FireWire) Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page Controls and Lights Dell™ Dimension™ 4500 Front View Back View Front View CD Activity Light The CD activity light is on when the computer reads data from the CD drive. CD Drive Eject Button Press this button to eject your CD from the CD drive. Floppy Drive Eject Button Press this button to eject a disk from the floppy drive. Hard-Drive Light The hard-drive light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to your hard drive.
USB 2.0 Connectors 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 reboot. HINT: If you attach a USB device that was not included in your original computer order, you may need to install a specific driver to make the device work. Check the documentation that came with the device or contact the USB device manufacturer for more information.
set for 230 V. HINT: The voltage selection switch must be set to the 115V position even though the AC supply in Japan is 100 V. 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. Serial Connector Connect a serial device, like a handheld device, to the serial connector. Mouse Connector Plug a standard mouse into the green mouse connector. If you have a USB mouse, plug it into a USB connector.
Back to Contents Page Dell™ Dimension™ 4500 Hints, Notices, and Cautions Abbreviations and Acronyms 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.
