Dell Dimension L___cx User Manual

www.dell.comsupport.dell.comDell™ Dimension™ L Series Systems

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7-12 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideGermany(Langen)Langen)Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

support.dell.com Getting Help 7-133Italy(Milan)Home and Small BusinessTechnical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .02. . . .

7-14 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideKorea(Seoul)Technical Supportpport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

support.dell.com Getting Help 7-15MexicoNOTE: Customers in Mexico call the U.S.A. for access to S.A. for access to the Automated Order-Status Sys-tem

7-166 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuidePoland(Warsaw)Technical SupportSupport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

support.dell.com Getting Help 7-17Southeast Asian/Pacific Countries(excluding Austra-Austra-lia, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malays

7-18 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideSwitzerland(Geneva)Technical Support (Home and Small Business) . . . . . . . .

support.dell.com Getting Help 7-19U.S.A.(Austin, Texas)Automated Order-Status System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .toll free: 1-800-433-901

7-200 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

support.dell.com System Specifications A-1 Table A-1. Technical Specifications MicroprocessorMicroprocessor type:Dimension Lmension Lxxxr. . . . . .

xiiiChapter 1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1Hardware Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A-2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideExpansion BusBus type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PCI (

support.dell.com System Specifications A-3DrivesExternally accessiblenally accessible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . one 5.25-inch bay and two 3.5-

A-4 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuidePowerDC power supply:Wattage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

support.dell.com System Specifications A-5Environmental (continued)Altitude::Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . –15.2 to 3048 m (–50

A-66 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

support.dell.com System Setup Program B-1This appendix describes the system setup program, which you can use to configure bes the system setup program

B-2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideUsing the System Setup ProgramTable B-1 lists the keys you use to view or chang

support.dell.com System Setup Program B-3System Setup Screens and OptionsThe system setup screens are organized as follows:• At the top is a menu bar

B-4 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideMain Screen Figure B-1. Main Screen MenuTable B-2. Main Screen Menu OptionsOp

support.dell.com System Setup Program B-55Advanced Screen Figure B-2. Advanced Screen MenuTable B-3. Advanced Screen Menu OptionsOption FunctionBoot

xivPCI Expansion Card Upgrades xpansion Card Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10Installing E

B-6 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideBoot Configuration SubmenuFigure B-3. Boot Configuration SubmenuTable B-4. Bo

support.dell.com System Setup Program B-7Peripheral Configuration SubmenuFigure B-4. Peripheral Configuration SubmenuTable B-5. Peripheral Configura

B-8 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideIDE Configuration SubmenuFigure B-5. IDE Configuration SubmenuLegacy USB Suppo

support.dell.com System Setup Program B-99Primary IDE Master SubmenuFigure B-6. Primary IDE Master SubmenuPrimary IDE MasterIdentifies the first driv

B-10 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideDiskette Configuration SubmenuFigure B-7. Diskette Configuration SubmenuTable

support.dell.com System Setup Program B-11Event Log Configuration SubmenuFigure B-8. Event Log Configuration SubmenuTable B-8. Diskette Configuratio

B-12 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideVideo Configuration SubmenuFigure B-9. Video Configuration SubmenuTable B-10.

support.dell.com System Setup Program B-133Security ScreenFigure B-10. Security Screen MenuTable B-11. Security Screen Menu OptionsOption FunctionSu

B-14 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideBoot Screen Figure B-11. Boot Screen MenuTable B-12. Boot Screen Menu Option

support.dell.com System Setup Program B-151st Boot Device Determines which device the system tries to boot from first. Use the up- or down-arrow key t

xvUsing the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B-166 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideExit Screen Figure B-12. Exit Screen MenuTable B-13. Exit Screen Menu Optio

support.dell.com System Setup Program B-17Disabling a Forgotten Password If you forget your user or setup password, you will be unable to operate your

B-18 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideClearing NVRAM To clear NVRAM for all devices and restart the system, VRAM for

support.dell.com Diagnostic Codes, Beep Codes, and System MessageMessages C-1Your application programs, the operating system, and the computer itself

C-2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideTable C-1. Diagnostic Codes Diagnostic Code Definition Corrective ActionPower

support.dell.com Diagnostic Codes, Beep Codes, and System Messages C-33Recovery mode from BIOS failure.Set the configuration jumper to Maintenance mod

C-4 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideA PCI bus failure has occurred.Remove all expansion cards and restart the syste

support.dell.com Diagnostic Codes, Beep Codes, and System Messages C-5POST Beep CodesIf the monitor cannot display errors or problems, during POST the

C-66 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideCache MemoryBad, Do NotEnable Cache!Cache RAM is notoperating. Refer to Chapte

support.dell.com Diagnostic Codes, Beep Codes, and System Messages C-7Invalid BootDisketteThe operating system cannot be located on d on drive A or dr

xviProduct Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44Returning Items for Warra

C-8 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

support.dell.com Regulatory NoticesNotices D-1Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is any signal or emission, radiated in free space or conducted along

D-2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideInformation Technology Equipment (ITE), including peripherals, expansion cards,

support.dell.com Regulatory Notices D-3instruction manual, may cause harmful interference with radio communications. Oper-ation of this equipment in a

D-4 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guidechanges or modifications not expressly approved by Dell Computer Corporation co

support.dell.com Regulatory Notices D-5EN 55022 Compliance (Czech Republic Only)VCCI Notice (Japan Only)Most Dell computer systems are classified by t

D-6 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideFigure D-1. VCCI Class A ITE Regulatory Mark Class B ITEThis is a Class B prod

support.dell.com Regulatory Notices D-7NOM Information (Mexico Only)The following information is provided on the device(s) described in this document

D-88 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideInformación para NOM (únicamente para México)La información siguiente se propo

support.dell.com Limited Warranty and Return Policy E-1Three-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only)Dell Computer Corporation (“Dell”) manufactures its hard

xviiVCCI Notice (Japan Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5Class A ITEA ITE. . . . . . .

E-2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guidefreight prepaid if you use an address in the continental U.S., where applicable

support.dell.com Limited Warranty and Return Policy E-3SOME STATES (OR JURISDICTIONS) DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW NS) DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON

E-44 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide(including those sold through the DellWare program) are not covered. Batteries

support.dell.com Limited Warranty and Return Policy E-5General ProvisionsDELL MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS BEYOND THOSE WARRANTIES OR CON

E-6 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guidenormal use, for a period of one year from the original purchase date. Products

support.dell.com Limited Warranty and Return Policy E-7Dell Computer de Colombia CorporationCarrera 7 #115-33 Oficina 6037 #115-33 Oficina 603Bogota,

E-88 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

support.dell.com Index 1AAdvanced screen, system setup program, B-5assistancetechnical, 7-1telephone numbers, 7-6warranty repair or credit, 7-4Auto

2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guidediagnosing problems, 4-1, 7-1diagnostic codes, C-1Diagnostics Checklist, 7-5diagn

support.dell.com Index 3help toolsAutoTech service, 7-3Internet, 7-2TechFax service, 7-3Iinstallingexpansion cards, 2-11memory, 2-14interface cable

xviiiFigure 3-6. Locating Rails for the Upper 3.5-Inch Drive BayUpper 3.5-Inch Drive Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8Figure 3-7. Installing th

4 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuidePeripheral Component Interconnect. See PCI expansion cardsPOST beep codes, C-5pow

support.dell.com Index 5Ttape drivesbacking up data, 1-4installing, lling, 3-8TechFax service, 7-3technical assistanceobtaining, 7-1warranty repair

6 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

support.dell.com Introduction 1-1Dell™ Dimension™ L Series computer systems are high-speed personal computers high-speed personal computers that inclu

1-2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideNOTE: The system memory value reported by the operating system is 1 or 2 MB les

support.dell.com Introduction 1-3• Video drivers provided with your computer for supporting video resolutions greater than 640 x 480 pixels. Before ch

____________________Information in this document is subject to change without notice.© 1999–2001 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.Reprod

1-44 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuidePreventive MaintenanceThe following sections contain maintenance procedures th

support.dell.com Introduction 1-5Cleaning System ComponentsAs it draws in air to cool the computer, the power supply fan also draws dust and other par

1-6 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideCleaning the MouseIf the screen cursor skips or moves abnormally, clean your mo

support.dell.com Introduction 1-7Surge protectors do not offer protection against brownouts, which occur when the voltage drops more than 20 percent b

1-8 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System BoardBoard 2-1This chapter describes how to install expansion cards and system memory as well as re

2-2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideInstallation Guidelines Keep a static-sensitive component in its antistatic pac

support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-3Figure 2-1. Removing the Computer CoverCAUTION: To prevent cuts, keep your hands clear of

2-44 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideRotating the Power Supply Away From the System BoardTo access components on th

support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-5Figure 2-3. Cable Placement Inside Your ComputerFigure 2-4 shows the computer with its co

vUse the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer system from poten-tial damage and to ensure your own personal safety.When Using You

2-6 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideFigure 2-4. Inside the Computerrelease latch and padlock ringdrive baydrive ba

support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-7System BoardFigure 2-5 shows the system board connectors and sockets, and Table 2-1 descri

2-8 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guideference and Troubleshooting GuideJ3J1 Fan connectorJ5H1 Microprocessor socket J

support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-9JumpersJumpers are small blocks on the system board with two or more pins emerging from th

2-10 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuidePCI Expansion Card Upgrades NOTE: This system does not support older expansion

support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-114. Click Device Manager.5. Click View, then Resources by connectionby connection.6. Doubl

2-12 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideFigure 2-8. Installing an Expansion Card7. When the card is firmly seated in

support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-13Figure 2-9. Correctly Installed Expansion Card8. Connect any cables required for the car

2-144 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide6. If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket o

support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-15Figure 2-10. Installing a DIMMNOTICE: Do not press near the middle of the DIMM. Doing so

vi• Be sure nothing rests on your computer system’s cables and that the cables are not located where they can be stepped on or tripped over.• Do not s

2-16 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideRemoving a DIMMTo remove a DIMM, perform the following steps:1. Remove the com

support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-17CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Rep

2-18 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideGuide

support.dell.com Installing Drives 3-1This chapter provides instructions for removing and replacing the bezel and front-panel inserts, configuring dri

3-2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideFigure 3-1. Removing the Bezel3. Swing the bezel away from the chassis, diseng

support.dell.com Installing Drives 3-3Removing and Replacing a 3.5-Inch Front-Panel Insert Empty drive bays in the drive cage are covered by a front-p

3-4 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideConfiguring DrivesBefore you install your drive, check the documentation that c

support.dell.com Installing Drives 3-5Figure 3-4. Drive Interface Connector When attaching the interface cable to a drive, be sure to match the color

3-6 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideGuide5. Remove the rails from each side of the existing drive, and install them

support.dell.com Installing Drives 3-72. Remove the bezel according to the instructions in “Removing and Replacing the Bezel” found earlier in this ch

viiWhen Working Inside Your ComputerBefore you remove the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.NOTICE: Do not attempt

3-8 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideFigure 3-6. Locating Rails for the Upper 3.5-Inch Drive Bay7. Slide the drive

support.dell.com Installing Drives 3-912. Make sure that no cable connections were loosened during the procedure. g the procedure. Arrange cables so t

3-10 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideNOTICE: Match the colored strip on the cable with pin 1 on the interface conne

support.dell.com Installing Drives 3-11Figure 3-7. Installing the Hard-Disk Drive5. Install the new drive in the bay.Orient the new drive with its ci

3-12 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide11. Reconnect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn

support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 4-1This chapter guides you through some initial checks and procedures that can solve basic computer problems. I

4-2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideIf you were trying to install new hardware, double-check configuration settings

support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 4-35. Reseat the video-interface cable connectors (blue) to the video connector on the (blue) to the video conn

4-4 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideEnvironmental FactorsA number of external factors, including temperature extrem

support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 4-5• If you have not already done so, plug the monitor directly into an electrical outlet, bypassing any power

viiiIn addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:• When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief lo

4-6 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide• Change the display type to standard video graphics array (VGA) as follows: Re

support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 4-7• Plug a telephone cable into the telephone jack (the jack with a telephone icon) on the modem and listen fo

4-8 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideHard-Disk DrivesIf you have hard-disk drive problems, perform the following che

support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 4-992. Check the network connections.a. Check the network connector for physical damage.b. Ensure that both end

4-10 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guidecheck your computer's hardware. If you find a problem you cannot solve by

support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 4-113. Turn on the computer.4. When the boot screen appears, select Start Computer with CD-ROM SupportROM Suppo

4-12 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guideto select options from a menu. From this screen, you can enter two other types

support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 4-13Using the Dell DiagnosticsThe online Help in the Dell Diagnostics provides instructions on how to use the p

4-14 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideTestTe st provides a thorough explanation of the subtest highlighted for a se

support.dell.com Software Solutionware Solutions 5-1This chapter describes software procedures, such as reinstalling drivers, that can often solve pro

ixAbout This GuideThis guide is intended for anyone who uses a Dell Dimension L Series cSeries computer system. It can be used by both first-time and

5-2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideThe Power Schemes tab allows you to select the power scheme (Always On, Home/Of

support.dell.com Software Solutions 5-3Your System’s DriversThe device drivers that can be reinstalled on your system are listed below:• Intel 800 Ser

5-4 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide9. Select the model of your computer in the System Model list.10. Select your c

support.dell.com Software Solutions 5-57. Double-click the icon for the specific device in the expanded list.The Properties window appears. 8. If ther

5-6 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideReinstalling Windows 98NOTICE: The operating system CD provides options for rei

support.dell.com Software Solutions 5-714. Type the Windows product key in the fields provided, and then click Windows product key in the fields provi

5-88 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide4. Select Boot From CD-ROM, and then press <Enter>.If you wait too long

support.dell.com Software Solutions 5-920. Click Finish. Windows Setupws Setup installs additional files, and then restarts the system. 21. Select Boo

5-10 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide12.2. Enter your name and organization in the Personalize Your Software screen

support.dell.com Checking Inside Your ComputerYour Computer 6-1This chapter describes troubleshooting procedures for expansion cards, memory, drives,

xWarranty and Return Policy InformationDell Computer Corporation (“Dell”) manufactures its hardware products from parts and components that are new or

6-2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideFigure 6-1. Expansion-Card InstallationFigure 6-2. Incorrect Expansion-Card I

support.dell.com Checking Inside Your Computer 6-33ModemIn general, modem malfunctions may be caused by any of the following problems:• Incorrectly se

6-4 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideSound CardsIf you completed the basic speaker checks (refer to “Speakers” in Ch

support.dell.com Checking Inside Your Computer 6-556. Check the network connections if the network hardware is functional.heck the network connections

6-6 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide3. Check the DIMMs and DIMM sockets for broken tabs and damaged connectors.If a

support.dell.com Checking Inside Your Computer 6-7CD-ROM DriveIf you completed the basic drive checks (refer to “Drives” in Chapter 4Chapter 4 and thi

6-88 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide6. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD-ROM drive.Insert the Micro

support.dell.com Checking Inside Your Computer 6-9If Your Computer Gets WetLiquids from spills, splashes, and excessive humidity can damage your compu

6-1010 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide12. Type q to quickly test your computer system.If the tests do not complete

support.dell.com Getting Help 7-1This chapter describes the tools Dell provides to help you when you have a problem with your computer. It also tells

xiTypographical ConventionsThe following list defines (where appropriate) and illustrates typographical conven-tions used as visual cues for specific

7-2 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideHelp ToolsDell provides a number of tools to assist you. These tools are descri

support.dell.com Getting Help 7-3AutoTech ServiceDell’s automated technical support service—AutoTech—provides recorded answers to the questions most f

7-44 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideProduct InformationIf you need information about additional products available

support.dell.com Getting Help 7-5Figure 7-1. Diagnostics ChecklistName: ______________________________________________________________Date: ________

7-6 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideDell Contact Numbers When you need to contact Dell, use the telepho

support.dell.com Getting Help 7-7Table 7-1. International Dialing CodesCountry (City)InternationalAccess Code Country Code City CodeAustralia (Sydney

7-8 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideSouth Africa (Johannesburg) 09/091 27 11Spain (Madrid)Madrid) 00 34 91Sweden (U

support.dell.com Getting Help 7-99Belgium(Brussels)Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .022. . . . . . . . . . . . .

7-10 Dell Dimension L Series Systems Reference and Troubleshooting GuideChile(Santiago)NOTE: Customers in Chile call the U.S.A for sales, cus-tomer, a

support.dell.com Getting Help 7-11Finland(Helsinki)Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .09. . . . . . . . . . . . . .