Dell Dimension 4550 User Manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.comDell™ Dimension™ 4550 SeriesCD or DVD activity lightCD or DVD drive eject buttonfloppy drive light*floppy drive eject b

10 CAUTION: Safety Instructionswww.dell.com | support.dell.com• To avoid shorting out your computer when disconnecting a network cable, first unplug t

100 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comAdding a Floppy Drive CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safe

Adding Parts 1014 From outside the computer, pull the insert away from the computer’s front panel. floppy-drive bayinsert release tab

102 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.com5 Remove the insert from the insert frame by pressing on the four tabs.6 Reattach the empty insert fram

Adding Parts 1034 Check all cable connections and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.5 Close the computer cov

104 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comClosing the Computer Cover1 Ensure that all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way. Ensur

5SECTION 5AppendixSpecificationsStandard SettingsClearing Forgotten PasswordsReplacing the BatteryDell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)Contacting

106 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comSpecificationsMicroprocessorMicroprocessor type Intel® Pentium® 4L1 cache 8 KB first-levelL2 cache integrat

Appendix 107MemoryArchitecture DDR SDRAM Memory connectors twoMemory capacities 128-, 256-, and 512-MB non-ECC DDR SDRAMMinimum memory 128 MBMaximum m

108 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comPorts and Connectors (continued)Audio1three miniature connectors for line-in, line-out, and microphoneInter

Appendix 109PowerDC power supply:Wattage 250 WHeat dissipation 853 BTU (fully loaded computer without monitor)Voltage (see page 11 for important volta

When Using Your Computer 11When Using Your ComputerAs you use your computer, observe the following safe-handling guidelines. CAUTION: Do not operate

110 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comStandard SettingsThe system setup program contains the standard settings for your computer. NOTICE: Unless

Appendix 111Viewing Settings1 Turn on (or restart) your computer.2 When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press <F2> immediately. If you wait too lon

112 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comClearing Forgotten Passwords CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the s

Appendix 11311 Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets. NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug th

114 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.com4 Remove the battery by carefully prying it out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt, nonconduct

Appendix 115online technical support is available at support.dell.com. Additional technical support options may be available for purchase.Dell provide

116 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comContacting Dell HINT: Toll-free numbers are for use within the country for which they are listed.To contact

Appendix 117Australia (Sydney)International Access Code: 0011Country Code: 61City Code: 2E-mail (Australia): [email protected] (New Zeala

118 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comBermuda General Support 1-800-342-0671Bolivia General Support toll-free: 800-10-0238BrazilInternational Acc

Appendix 119China (Xiamen)Country Code: 86City Code: 592Tech Support website: support.ap.dell.com/chinaTech Support E-mail: [email protected] Su

12 When Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comWhen Working Inside Your ComputerBefore you open the computer cover, perform the following s

120 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comDenmark (Copenhagen)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 45 Website: support.euro.dell.comE-mail Supp

Appendix 121France (Paris) (Montpellier)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 33City Codes: (1) (4)Website: support.euro.dell.comE-mail: support.

122 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comHong KongInternational Access Code: 001Country Code: 852Technical Support (Dimension™ and Inspiron™) 296 93

Appendix 123Italy (Milan)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 39City Code: 02Website: support.euro.dell.comE-mail: support.euro.dell.com/it/it/e

124 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comJapan (Kawasaki)International Access Code: 001Country Code: 81City Code: 44Website: support.jp.dell.comTech

Appendix 125Latin America Customer Technical Support (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)512 728-4093Customer Service (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-3619Fax (Tech

126 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comMexicoInternational Access Code: 00Country Code: 52Customer Technical Support 001-877-384-8979or 001-877-26

Appendix 127New ZealandInternational Access Code: 00Country Code: 64E-mail (New Zealand): [email protected] (Australia): au_tech_support@

128 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comPortugalInternational Access Code: 00Country Code: 35E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/es/es/emaildell/Technica

Appendix 129Spain (Madrid)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 34City Code: 91Website: support.euro.dell.comE-mail: support.euro.dell.com/es/es/

When Using Your Computer 13• Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by

130 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comSwitzerland (Geneva)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 41City Code: 22Website: support.euro.dell.co

Appendix 131U.K. (Bracknell)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 44City Code: 1344Website: support.euro.dell.comCustomer Care website: dell.co.u

132 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comU.S.A. (Austin, Texas)International Access Code: 011Country Code: 1Automated Order-Status Service toll-free

Appendix 133Returning Items for Warranty Repair or CreditPrepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows:1 Call Dell to obt

134 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comElectromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is the ability of items of electronic equipment to function properly to

Appendix 135NOM Information (Mexico Only)The following information is provided on the device(s) described in this document in compliance with the requ

136 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.com

Limited Warranties and Return Policy 137Limited Warranties and Return PolicyDell-branded hardware products purchased in the U.S. or Canada come with e

138 Limited Warranties and Return Policywww.dell.com | support.dell.comSOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUEN

Limited Warranties and Return Policy 139If we determine that the product is not covered under this warranty, we will notify you and inform you of serv

14 When Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comBattery DisposalYour computer uses a lithium coin-cell battery. The lithium coin-cell batter

140 Limited Warranties and Return Policywww.dell.com | support.dell.comWhat do I do if I am not satisfied?We pride ourselves on our great customer ser

Limited Warranties and Return Policy 141• Reconditioned or Refurbished Dell-Branded Hardware Products and Parts — All reconditioned or refurbished Del

142 Limited Warranties and Return Policywww.dell.com | support.dell.comCONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY O

Limited Warranties and Return Policy 143What will Dell do?During the first year of all limited warranties: During the first year of all limited warran

144 Limited Warranties and Return Policywww.dell.com | support.dell.comWhat do I do if I am not satisfied?We pride ourselves on our great customer ser

Limited Warranties and Return Policy 145disk(s) or CD(s) is unopened. Returned products must be in as-new condition, and all of the manuals, floppy di

146 Limited Warranties and Return Policywww.dell.com | support.dell.comOne-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee (Latin America and the Caribbean Only)

Limited Warranties and Return Policy 147Dell Computer de Colombia CorporationCarrera 7 #115-33 Oficina 603Bogota, ColombiaDell Computer de Mexico SA d

148 Limited Warranties and Return Policywww.dell.com | support.dell.comIntel Pentium® and Celeron® Processors are backed by a three-year limited warra

Index 149IndexAaudio. See soundBbatterydisposal, 14fixing problems, 38replacing, 113BIOS, 110booting to a USB device, 34Ccardsconnectors, 85installing

Finding Information for Your Computer 15Finding Information for Your ComputerWhat Are You Looking For? Find it Here• A diagnostic program for my compu

150 Index150 IndexFFiles and Settings Transfer Wizard, 25finding information, 15finding solutions, 36fixing problemsbattery, 38Dell Diagnostics, 62dri

Index 151printer (continued)parallel, 20setting up, 20troubleshooting, 53USB, 21problemscomputer crashes, 45computer stops responding, 45error message

152 Index152 Index

16 Finding Information for Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.com• How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD If you reinstall you

Finding Information for Your Computer 17• How to set up my computer Setup diagram• Tips on using Windows• How to clean my computer• How to use my mou

18 Finding Information for Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.com

1SECTION 1Setting Up and Using Your ComputerSetting Up a PrinterConnecting Two MonitorsTransferring Information to a New ComputerSetting Up a Home and

Hints, Notices, and Cautions HINT: A HINT 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.comSetting Up a Printer NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connec

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 214 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.

22 Setting Up and Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comConnecting Two MonitorsIf you purchased a video card that supports dual monitors,

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23 HINT: If you are connecting two flat-panel monitors, at least one of them must have a VGA connector.If one monit

24 Setting Up and Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.com3 Restart the computer.The Microsoft® Windows® desktop displays on the primary mon

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 254 Click OK to continue.The screen temporarily blacks out, and then the same image displays on both monitors.5 Cli

26 Setting Up and Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comTo prepare the new computer for the file transfer: 1 Click the Start button, point

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 272 On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your settings and

28 Setting Up and Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comNetwork Setup WizardWindows XP provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you throug

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 29Setting Up Your Internet ConnectionTo set up an AOL or MSN connection:1 Save and close any open files, and exit a

Contents 3ContentsCAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

30 Setting Up and Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comCopying CDs HINT: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs.Th

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 31Using Easy CD Creator BasicSee the Easy CD Creator Basic documentation for instructions on how to use the program

32 Setting Up and Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.com• Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc to its maximum capacity; for example, do

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 33 HINT: Yo u m u s t us e CD-R discs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RW discs do

34 Setting Up and Using Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comBooting to a USB Device HINT: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable

2SECTION 2Solving ProblemsFinding SolutionsFinding Help InformationBattery ProblemsDrive ProblemsE-Mail, Modem, and Internet ProblemsError MessagesKey

36 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comFinding SolutionsSometimes it’s difficult to figure out where to go for answers. Use this chart to h

Solving Problems 37See page 57.See page 55.See page 53.See page 42.See page 49.See page 48.See page 39.See page 50.See page 45.See page 54.See page 44

38 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comFinding Help InformationBattery Problems CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if i

Solving Problems 39Drive ProblemsFloppy drive problemsENSURE THAT WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE — Click the Start button, and then double-click My Com

4 ContentsCopying CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Using Easy CD Creator Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Us

40 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.com NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You may accidentally misalign the heads, w

Solving Problems 41Problems writing to a CD-RW drive HINT: If you disable standby mode to write to a CD-RW drive, remember to reenable standby mode wh

42 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comHard drive problemsE-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems HINT: Connect the modem to an analog telepho

Solving Problems 43VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS®—1 Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.2 Click Printers and O

44 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comError MessagesA FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | —

Solving Problems 45General ProblemsA program stops respondingA program crashes repeatedly HINT: Software usually includes installation instructions in

46 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comA solid blue screen appearsOther software problemsTURN THE COMPUTER OFF — If the computer does not r

Solving Problems 47Other technical problemsGeneral hardware problemsIf your computer exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, a device conflict

48 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comKeyboard ProblemsCHECK YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION FOR ADDITIONAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATIO

Solving Problems 49Mouse ProblemsRESTART THE COMPUTER —1 Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the Start menu.2 Ty p e u, press th

Contents 5Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

50 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comNetwork ProblemsIF THE MOUSE IS WIRELESS, REPLACE THE MOUSE BATTERY —See the wireless mouse docum

Solving Problems 51Power Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 9. HINT: If

52 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comIF THE POWER LIGHT IS OFF — The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.• Ensure th

Solving Problems 53Printer Problems HINT: Dell does not cover the printer’s warranty. If you need technical assistance for your printer, call the prin

54 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comScanner Problems HINT: Dell does not cover the scanner’s warranty. If you need technical assistance

Solving Problems 55Sound and Speaker ProblemsNo sound from speakers HINT: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows® volume setting

56 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comNo sound from headphonesRUN THE SPEAKER DIAGNOSTICS — Some speaker systems have self- diagnostics.

Solving Problems 57Video and Monitor ProblemsIf the screen is blank HINT: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.CHECK THE MONIT

58 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comIf the screen is difficult to readCHECK THE MONITOR SETTINGS — See the monitor documentation for ins

3SECTION 3Advanced TroubleshootingDiagnostic LightsDell DiagnosticsDriversUsing System RestoreResolving Software and Hardware IncompatibilitiesReinsta

6 ContentsReinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Before You Reinstall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Rein

60 Advanced Troubleshootingwww.dell.com | support.dell.comDiagnostic LightsTo help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer is equipped with four lig

Advanced Troubleshooting 61Other failure. • Ensure that the cables are properly connected from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive to the system b

62 Advanced Troubleshootingwww.dell.com | support.dell.comDell DiagnosticsWhen to Use the Dell DiagnosticsIf you experience a problem with your comput

Advanced Troubleshooting 63Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive1 Shut down and restart the computer.2 When the DELL™ logo appears, press

64 Advanced Troubleshootingwww.dell.com | support.dell.comDell Diagnostics Main Menu1 After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appear

Advanced Troubleshooting 654 When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the ResourceCD, remove the CD.5 Close the test

66 Advanced Troubleshootingwww.dell.com | support.dell.comIdentifying Drivers 1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.2 Under Pick a Category

Advanced Troubleshooting 67If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see page 69) to return your computer to th

68 Advanced Troubleshootingwww.dell.com | support.dell.comUsing System RestoreThe Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides System Restore to a

Advanced Troubleshooting 695 Click Next.The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data, and then the computer a

Contents 75 AppendixSpecifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106Standard Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

70 Advanced Troubleshootingwww.dell.com | support.dell.comResolving Software and Hardware IncompatibilitiesWindows XP IRQ conflicts occur if a device

Advanced Troubleshooting 71If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see page 68) to return your operating syst

72 Advanced Troubleshootingwww.dell.com | support.dell.com3 If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current Win

Advanced Troubleshooting 737 If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional, you may be prompted to provide further network information regarding you

74 Advanced Troubleshootingwww.dell.com | support.dell.com

4SECTION 4Adding PartsFront and Back View of the ComputerReattaching the Front Door and Hinge ArmsOpening the Computer CoverLooking Inside Your Comput

76 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comFront and Back View of the ComputerFront ViewThe front-panel door is removable; if you remove it or acci

Adding Parts 771 CD or DVD volume control dialMove the dial to adjust the volume of your audio CD or DVD disc.2 CD or DVD drive activity lightThe driv

78 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comBack View21312109*8*6*471413511*On computers with integrated audio.

Adding Parts 791 power connector The connection for the power cable.2 voltage selection switch (may not be available on all computers)Set the switch f

8 Contents

80 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comReattaching the Front Door and Hinge ArmsTo prevent damage to your computer, the front-panel door is des

Adding Parts 815 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

82 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.com10 Reconnect the computer power cable to the electrical outlet.11 Reattach the front door (see page 80).

Adding Parts 83Opening the Computer Cover CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 9.

84 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comLooking Inside Your Computer HINT: The AGP card is removed from the following illustration to provide a

Adding Parts 85System Boardmemory module connectors (DIMM 0, DIMM 1) page 92floppy drive connector (FLOPPY)hard drive connector (PRI IDE)battery socke

86 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comInstalling and Removing Cards CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow t

Adding Parts 876 Press the tab on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.7 If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to

88 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.com10 Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the sl

Adding Parts 89 NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing pr

CAUTION: Safety Instructions 9CAUTION: Safety InstructionsUse the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help prot

90 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comRemoving a Card CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety inst

Adding Parts 917 If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.If you need a filler bracket, conta

92 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comAdding Memory CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instru

Adding Parts 93Adding a Memory Module1 Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.2 Align the notch on the bottom of the m

94 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.com NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it in

Adding Parts 95Card Removal1 Some AGP cards require a power cable. If the card has a power cable attached to it, disconnect the cable from the card.2

96 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comCard Installation1 To add or replace the card, gently press it down into the slot connector until it cli

Adding Parts 97Adding a Second Hard Drive CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 9.

98 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.com10 Remove the first hard drive from the upper bay and install it in the lower bay: a Disconnect the powe

Adding Parts 99"cable select" (see the documentation that came with the drive for information).14 Close the computer cover (see page 104). N