Dell XPS 8300 (Late 2010) User Manual

SETUP GUIDE

8Setting Up Your XPS Desktop Connect the DisplayIf you purchased the optional discrete graphics card, connect the display using the connector on the d

9Setting Up Your XPS Desktop See the following table to identify the connectors on your computer and display. Connection Type Computer Cable DisplayV

10Setting Up Your XPS Desktop Connect the Keyboard and MouseConnect the USB keyboard and mouse to the USB connectors on the back panel of your compute

11Setting Up Your XPS Desktop Connect the Network Cable (Optional)A network connection is not required to complete your computer setup, but if you hav

12Setting Up Your XPS Desktop Connect the Power Cable Press the Power Button

13Setting Up Your XPS Desktop Set Up the Operating SystemYour Dell computer is preconfigured with the Microsoft Windows operating system. To set up Wi

14Setting Up Your XPS Desktop Create System Recovery Media (Recommended)NOTE: It is recommended that you create a system recovery media as soon as you

15Setting Up Your XPS Desktop Set Up the TV Tuner (Optional)NOTE: Availability of the TV tuner may vary by region.To set up the TV tuner:1. Connect th

16Setting Up Your XPS Desktop Setting Up a Wireless ConnectionNOTE: To set up your wireless router, see the documentation that shipped with your route

17Setting Up Your XPS Desktop To set up your Internet connection:1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.2. Click Start → Control

18Using Your XPS DesktopThis section provides information about the features available on your XPS desktop. Front View Features198723456

19Using Your XPS Desktop 1 Media Card Reader light — Indicates if a media card is inserted.2 Media Card Reader — Provides a fast and convenient way to

20Using Your XPS Desktop Top View Features 1365427

21Using Your XPS Desktop 1 Service Tag and Express Service Code— Used to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or call tech

22Using Your XPS Desktop 6 USB 2.0 connector — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.7 USB 2.0 co

23Using Your XPS Desktop

24Using Your XPS Desktop Back View Features643215

25Using Your XPS Desktop 1 Power connector — Connects to the power cable. The appearance of this connector may vary.2 Power supply light — Indicates p

26Using Your XPS Desktop Back Panel Connectors12345678 91011121 S/PDIF connector — Connects to amplifiers, speakers, or TVs for digital audio output t

27Using Your XPS Desktop 7 Rear L/R surround connector— Connects to rear L/R surround speakers.8 Microphone connector — Connects to amicrophone for

SETUP GUIDERegulatory model: D03M Regulatory type: D03M004

28Using Your XPS Desktop Software FeaturesProductivity and CommunicationYou can use your computer to create presentations, brochures, greeting cards,

29Using Your XPS Desktop DellDockThe Dell Dock is a group of icons that provides easy access to frequently‑used applications, files, and folders. You

30Using Your XPS Desktop Dell DataSafe Online BackupNOTE: Dell DataSafe Online may not be available in all regions.NOTE: A broadband connection is rec

31This section provides troubleshooting information for your computer. If you cannot solve your problem using the following guidelines, see “Using Sup

32Solving Problems Network ProblemsWireless ConnectionsIf the network connection is lost — The wireless router is offline or wireless has been disable

33Solving Problems Power ProblemsIf the power light is off — The computer is in hibernate mode, turned off, or is not receiving power. •Press the pow

34Solving Problems If the power light is blinking amber — The computer has detected an error during POST. There might be a problem with the system boa

35Solving Problems If you experience other memory problems — •Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see the Service Manua

36Solving Problems If the computer stops responding or a solid blue screen appears — CAUTION: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an oper

37Solving Problems If you have other software problems — •Back up your files immediately.•Use a virus‑scanning program to check the hard drive or CD

Notes, Cautions, and WarningsNOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates

38Dell Support CenterAll the support you need – one convenient location.The Dell Support Center provides system alerts, performance improvement offers

39Using Support Tools Detailed System Information — View detailed information about your hardware and operating system configurations; access copies o

40Using Support Tools System MessagesIf your computer has an issue or error, it may display a system message that will help you identify the cause and

41Using Support Tools No boot device available — No bootable partition on hard drive, the hard drive cable is loose, or no bootable device exists.•If

42Using Support Tools Hardware TroubleshooterIf a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly confi

43Using Support Tools Starting Dell DiagnosticsWhen you run Dell diagnostics, the computer invokes the Pre‑boot System Assessment (PSA). The PSA inclu

44Using Support Tools 8. If you are experiencing memory issues, press <y>, otherwise press <n>. The following message appears: “Pre-boot S

45You can restore the operating system on your computer using any of the following options:CAUTION: Using Dell Factory Image Restore or the Operating

46Restoring Your Operating System System RestoreThe Microsoft Windows operating systems provide a System Restore option which allows you to return yo

47Restoring Your Operating System Undoing the Last System RestoreNOTE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exi

3 Setting Up Your XPS Desktop . . . . . . .5Lifting Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Before Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . 7Conn

48Restoring Your Operating System NOTE: If Dell DataSafe Local Backup is not available on your computer, use Dell Factory Image Restore (see “Dell Fa

49Restoring Your Operating System 6. Select Dell DataSafe Restore and Emergency Backup from the System Recovery Options menu and follow the instructi

50Restoring Your Operating System System Recovery MediaCAUTION: Although the system recovery media is designed to preserve the data files on your com

51Restoring Your Operating System Dell Factory Image RestoreCAUTION: Using Dell Factory Image Restore to restore your operating system permanently de

52Restoring Your Operating System 3. Select Repair Your Computer. The System Recovery Options window appears.4. Select a keyboard layout and click N

53If you experience a problem with your computer, you can complete the following steps to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem:1. See “Solving Proble

54Getting Help Technical Support and Customer ServiceDell’s support service is available to answer your questions about Dell hardware. Our support sta

55Getting Help Online ServicesYou can learn about Dell products and services on the following websites: •www.dell.com•www.dell.com/ap (Asian/Pacific

56Getting Help Automated Order-Status ServiceTo check on the status of any Dell products thatyou have ordered, you can go to support.dell.com, or yo

57Getting Help Returning Items for Repair Under Warranty or for CreditPrepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows:NOTE:

4 Contents Using Support Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38My Dell Downloads . . . . . . .

58Getting Help 5. Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing materials.NOTE: You are responsible for paying shipping ex

59Getting Help Before You CallNOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell’s automated‑support telephone system direc

60Getting Help Remember to fill out the following Diagnostics Checklist. If possible, turn on your computer before you call Dell for assistance and ca

61Getting Help See your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the computer’s start‑up files. If the computer is connected to a p

62Finding More Information and ResourcesIf you need to: See:reinstall your operating system “System Recovery Media” on page 50run a diagnostic progra

63Finding More Information and Resources If you need to: See:find safety best practices information for your computer review Warranty information, Te

64This section provides information that you may need when setting up, updating drivers for, and upgrading your computer.NOTE: Offerings may vary by r

65Specifications MemoryMemory module connectorsfour user‑accessible connectorsMemory module capacities1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GBMemory type 1333 MHz DDR3 non

66Specifications Internal ConnectorsMini‑PCIe one mini slotPCI Express x1 three 36‑pin connectorsPCI Express x16 one 164‑pin connectorSATA four 7‑pin c

67Specifications BatteryType 3 V CR‑2032 lithium coin‑cellPowerDC Power SupplyWattage 460 WInput voltage 115/230 VACInput frequency 50/60 HzOutput cur

5This section provides information about setting up your Dell XPS 8300 desktop.WARNING: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, read t

68Specifications Computer EnvironmentTemperature range:Operating 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F)Storage –40°C to 65°C (–40°F to 149°F)Relative humidity (

69AppendixInformation for NOM, or Official Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico)The following information is provided in the device(s) described in this

70Ccalling Dell 59CDs, playing and creating 28computer capabilities 28connect(ing)display 8optional network cable 11to the Internet 15Contacting

71Index Hhard drive activity light 19hardware problemsdiagnosing 42Hardware Troubleshooter 42HDMI connector 26helpgetting assistance and support

72Index shipping productsfor return or repair 57software features 28software problems 35solving problems 31specifications 64support e‑mail addres

www.dell.com | support.dell.comwww.dell.com | support.dell.comPrinted in the U.S.A.

6Setting Up Your XPS Desktop Lifting Your ComputerTo ensure safety and to avoid any damage to your computer, lift it by holding the lift points in the

7Setting Up Your XPS Desktop Before Setting Up Your Computer When positioning your computer, ensure that you allow easy access to a power source, adeq