Dell Dimension 3100C User Manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.comDell™ Dimension™ 3100COwner’s ManualFlexBay for optionalfloppy drive or Media Card Readerhard drive activity lightpower

10 Finding Informationwww.dell.com | support.dell.com• Service Tag and Express Service Code • Microsoft Windows License LabelService Tag and Microsoft

100 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comCDs and DVDs NOTICE: Always use compressed air to clean the lens in the DVD drive, and follow the instruct

Appendix 101Definition of "Third-Party" Software and PeripheralsThird-party software and peripherals include any peripheral, accessory, or s

102 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comharmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off

Appendix 103Country (City)International Access Code Country CodeCity CodeDepartment Name or Service Area,Website and E-Mail AddressArea Codes,Local Nu

104 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comAustria (Vienna)International Access Code: 900Country Code: 43City Code: 1Website: support.euro.dell.comE-m

Appendix 105BruneiCountry Code: 673Customer Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia)604 633 4966Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)604 633 4949Transaction

106 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comChina (Xiamen)Country Code: 86City Code: 592Technical Support website: support.dell.com.cnTechnical Support

Appendix 107Czech Republic (Prague)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 420Website: support.euro.dell.comE-mail: [email protected] Su

108 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFrance (Paris) (Montpellier)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 33City Codes: (1) (4)Website: suppor

Appendix 109GreeceInternational Access Code: 00Country Code: 30Website: support.euro.dell.comE-mail: support.euro.dell.com/gr/en/emaildell/Technical S

Finding Information 11• How to use Windows XP• How to work with programs and files• How to personalize my desktopWindows Help and Support Center1Click

110 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comIreland (Cherrywood)International Access Code: 16Country Code: 353City Code: 1Website: support.euro.dell.co

Appendix 111Japan (Kawasaki)International Access Code: 001Country Code: 81City Code: 44Website: support.jp.dell.comTechnical Support (servers)toll-fre

112 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comLatin America Customer Technical Support (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)512 728-4093Customer Service (Austin, Texas

Appendix 113MexicoInternational Access Code: 00Country Code: 52Customer Technical Support001-877-384-8979or 001-877-269-3383Sales50-81-8800or 01-800-8

114 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comNicaragua General Support001-800-220-1006Norway (Lysaker)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 47Websi

Appendix 115Singapore (Singapore)International Access Code: 005Country Code: 65Website: support.ap.dell.comTechnical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and

116 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comSpain (Madrid)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 34City Code: 91Website: support.euro.dell.comE-mai

Appendix 117Tai wanInternational Access Code: 002Country Code: 886Website: support.ap.dell.comE-mail: [email protected] Support (OptiPlex,

118 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comU.K. (Bracknell)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 44City Code: 1344Website: support.euro.dell.comC

Appendix 119U.S.A. (Austin, Texas)International Access Code: 011Country Code: 1Automated Order-Status Servicetoll-free: 1-800-433-9014AutoTech (portab

12 Finding Informationwww.dell.com | support.dell.com

120 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.com

Glossary 121GlossaryTerms in this Glossary are provided for informational purposes only and may or may not describe features included with your partic

122 Glossarywww.dell.com | support.dell.comBUS SPEED — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how fast a bus can transfer information.BYTE — The basi

Glossary 123DISK STRIPING — A technique for spreading data over multiple disk drives. Disk striping can speed up operations that retrieve data from di

124 Glossarywww.dell.com | support.dell.comEXPRESS SERVICE CODE — A numeric code located on a sticker on your Dell™ computer. Use the Express Service

Glossary 125HZ — hertz — A unit of frequency measurement that equals 1 cycle per second. Computers and electronic devices are often measured in kilohe

126 Glossarywww.dell.com | support.dell.comMBPS — megabits per second — (written as Mbps) One million bits per second. This measurement is typically u

Glossary 127PARTITION — A physical storage area on a hard drive that is assigned to one or more logical storage areas known as logical drives. Each pa

128 Glossarywww.dell.com | support.dell.comlower end of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum and are more likely to have interference than the highe

Glossary 129SXGA — super-extended graphics array — A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1280 x 1024.SXGA+

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 13Setting Up and Using Your ComputerSetting Up a Printer NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you co

130 Glossarywww.dell.com | support.dell.comVIRUS — A program that is designed to inconvenience you or to destroy data stored on your computer. A virus

Index 131IndexAaudio connectors, 57audio. See soundBbatteryproblems, 27replacing, 83BIOS, 91boot sequenceabout, 95changing, 96option settings, 95booti

132 Index132 Indexdocumentation (continued)Product Information Guide, 9regulatory, 9safety, 9warranty, 9drive panel, 56driversabout, 47identifying, 48

Index 133Microsoft Windows label, 10modemproblems, 29monitorblank, 40hard to read, 41motherboard. See system boardmouseproblems, 35Nnetworkconnector,

134 Index134 IndexSsafety instructions, 9SATA. See serial ATAscannerproblems, 38serial ATA, 73Service Tag, 10, 56settingssystem setup, 91softwareHyper

14 Setting Up and Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comConnecting to the Internet NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.To connec

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15Setting Up Your Internet ConnectionTo set up an AOL or MSN connection:1Save and close any open files, and exit an

16 Setting Up and Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comPlaying CDs and DVDs NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when you ope

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17A DVD player includes the following basic buttons:For more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click Help on the

18 Setting Up and Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comAdjusting the PictureIf an error message notifies you that the current resolution

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 193To copy the CD or DVD:•If you have one CD or DVD drive, ensure that the settings are correct and click the Disc

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

20 Setting Up and Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comHelpful Tips• Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21For information on installing a Media Card Reader, see "Installing a Media Card Reader" on page 81.To u

22 Setting Up and Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comSetting Up a Home and Office NetworkConnecting to a Network Adapter NOTICE: Plug

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23Power ManagementThe Microsoft® Windows® XP power management features can reduce the amount of electricity your co

24 Setting Up and Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comBecause hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25Advanced TabThe Advanced tab allows you to:• Place the power options icon in the Windows taskbar for quick acce

26 Setting Up and Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.com

Solving Problems 27Solving ProblemsTroubleshooting TipsFollow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer:• If you added or removed a part before t

28 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comCD and DVD drive problems NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise,

Solving Problems 29Hard drive problemsE-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow th

Contents 3ContentsFinding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerSetting U

30 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comError MessagesIf the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the pr

Solving Problems 31Media Card Reader ProblemsNOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. CLOSE SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN — Close all windows and open the progr

32 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comKeyboard Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safet

Solving Problems 33A program stops respondingA program crashes repeatedly NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentat

34 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comOther software problemsMemory Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this sect

Solving Problems 35Mouse Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Prod

36 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comNetwork Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety

Solving Problems 37Printer Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Pro

38 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comScanner Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety

Solving Problems 39Sound and Speaker Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located

4 ContentsDrive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27CD and DVD drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

40 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comNo sound from headphonesVideo and Monitor Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures

Solving Problems 41If the screen is difficult to readCHECK THE MONITOR SETTINGS — See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the cont

42 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.com

Advanced Troubleshooting 43Advanced TroubleshootingDiagnostic Lights CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safe

44 Advanced Troubleshootingwww.dell.com | support.dell.comA possible graphics failure has occurred. If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 10

Advanced Troubleshooting 45A possible expansion card failure has occurred. 1Determine whether a conflict exists by removing a card and restarting the

46 Advanced Troubleshootingwww.dell.com | support.dell.comDell Diagnostics CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow th

Advanced Troubleshooting 473If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table f

48 Advanced Troubleshootingwww.dell.com | support.dell.comIdentifying DriversIf you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver

Advanced Troubleshooting 49Manually Reinstalling Drivers 1After copying the required driver files to your hard drive, click the Start button and right

Contents 5Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47What Is a Driver?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

50 Advanced Troubleshootingwww.dell.com | support.dell.comUsing Microsoft® Windows® XP System RestoreThe Microsoft Windows XP operating system provide

Advanced Troubleshooting 51Undoing the Last System Restore NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit an

52 Advanced Troubleshootingwww.dell.com | support.dell.com5When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer. NOTE: Do not manually shut down the co

Removing and Installing Parts 53Removing and Installing PartsBefore You BeginThis chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the componen

54 Removing and Installing PartsBefore Working Inside Your ComputerUse the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential da

Removing and Installing Parts 55Front View of the Computer2345910867111

56 Removing and Installing Parts1 cover latch release Use this latch to remove the cover. See "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 58.2 DV

Removing and Installing Parts 57Back View of the Computer2315461 power connector Insert the power cable.2 audio connectors (3)• Line-in connector — Us

58 Removing and Installing PartsRemoving the Computer Cover CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instru

Removing and Installing Parts 59Inside View of Your Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instr

6 ContentsMedia Card Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Removing a Media Card Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . .

60 Removing and Installing Parts1 drives bay (CD/DVD, floppy, and hard drive)3 system board 5 heat sink assembly2 power supply 4 card slots 6 front I/

Removing and Installing Parts 61System Board Components12456101183713151216914

62 Removing and Installing PartsMemoryIf your computer only has one memory module installed on the system board, you can increase your computer memory

Removing and Installing Parts 63 NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty. NOTICE: If you remove your original memory

64 Removing and Installing PartsInstalling Memory CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions loc

Removing and Installing Parts 653Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memor

66 Removing and Installing PartsRemoving Memory CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions locat

Removing and Installing Parts 67If you are installing or replacing an expansion card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing b

68 Removing and Installing Parts CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a network. To guard again

Removing and Installing Parts 698Close the card retention door by snapping it into place. NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards.

Contents 7Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

70 Removing and Installing Parts12If you installed an add-in network adapter and want to disable the integrated network adapter:aEnter system setup, s

Removing and Installing Parts 71DrivesYour computer supports a combination of these devices:• One serial ATA hard drive• One FlexBay drive (floppy dri

72 Removing and Installing PartsDrive Interface ConnectorsMost interface connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin

Removing and Installing Parts 73Connecting and Disconnecting Drive CablesWhen removing an IDE drive data cable, grasp the colored pull tab and pull un

74 Removing and Installing Parts4Press in on the two plastic securing clips on each side of the drive and slide the drive towards the back of the comp

Removing and Installing Parts 754Place the replacement hard drive in the bracket and press it in until it clicks into place.1 hard drive 2 release tab

76 Removing and Installing Parts5Connect the power and hard-drive cables to the drive.6Locate the correct slot for the drive, and slide the drive into

Removing and Installing Parts 77Floppy Drive CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located

78 Removing and Installing PartsInstalling a Floppy Drive1If you are installing a new drive:aUse a small flat-edge screw driver on the back side of th

Removing and Installing Parts 796Replace the DVD drive.7Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and

8 Contents

80 Removing and Installing Parts2Remove the DVD drive (see "Removing a DVD Drive" on page 82) and carefully set it aside. NOTICE: Do not pu

Removing and Installing Parts 81Installing a Media Card Reader CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety ins

82 Removing and Installing PartsRemoving a DVD Drive1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53. NOTICE: Do not pull the drive

Removing and Installing Parts 833If you are replacing an existing drive:aPress the two snaps on the top of the drive-panel insert and rotate the inser

84 Removing and Installing Parts4Remove the battery by carefully prying it out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt, nonconducting object s

Removing and Installing Parts 853To replace the cover:aAlign the bottom of the cover with the hinge tabs located along the bottom edge of the computer

86 Removing and Installing Parts

Appendix 87AppendixSpecificationsProcessorProcessor type Intel® Pentium® or Celeron® processorsLevel 1 (L1) cache 32 KBLevel 2 (L2) cache 256K, 1, MB,

88 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comAudioType HDA 2Expansion BusBus type PCI 2.3PCI Express x1Bus speed PCI: 33 MHzPCI Express: 500 MB/s bidirec

Appendix 89System board connectors:Primary IDE drive40-pin connector on PCI local busSerial ATAone 7-pin connectorFlexBay DriveUSB 10-pin header for o

Finding Information 9Finding Information NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may

90 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comVoltage (see the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide for important voltage setting

Appendix 91System SetupOverviewUse system setup as follows: • To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hard

92 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comSystem Setup Options NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this secti

Appendix 93Boot Sequence The computer attempts to boot from the sequence of devices specified in this list.NOTE: If you insert a boot device and resta

94 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comPerformanceHyperThreading If your computer’s processor supports Hyper-Threading, this option appears in the

Appendix 95Boot SequenceThis feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices.Option Settings•Diskette Drive — The computer attempts to boot

96 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comChanging Boot Sequence for the Current BootYou can use this feature, for example, to restart your computer t

Appendix 97Clearing Forgotten Passwords and CMOS Settings CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instruct

98 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comClearing Password Settings1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.2Locate the 3-pi

Appendix 99Cleaning Your Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Prod