Dell XPS 420 (Late 2007) User Manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.comDell™ XPS™ 420 Owner’s ManualModel DC01Lbook.book Page 1 Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:29 AM

10 ContentsAutoTech Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197Automated Order-Status Service . . . . . . . . . 197Problems With Your Order. . .

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

Removing and Installing Parts 101Removing the Computer Cover CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety ins

102 Removing and Installing Parts5Locate the three hinge tabs on the bottom edge of the computer.6Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the c

Removing and Installing Parts 103System Board Components1518 1926491110871312141531716book.book Page 103 Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:29 AM

104 Removing and Installing PartsMemoryYou can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. Memory Overview• Memory

Removing and Installing Parts 105 NOTE: Always install memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.The recommended memory configuration

106 Removing and Installing PartsAddressing Memory With 8-GB ConfigurationsYour computer supports a maximum of 8 GB of memory when you use four 2-GB D

Removing and Installing Parts 1075Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memo

108 Removing and Installing Parts6Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position.If you insert the module correctly, the se

Removing and Installing Parts 1093Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.4Grasp the module and pull up.If the module i

Finding Information 11Finding Information NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media ma

110 Removing and Installing PartsInstalling a PCI Card NOTE: Dell offers an optional customer kit for Audigy II and IEEE 1394 PCI add-in-cards that i

Removing and Installing Parts 1113Push the two release tabs on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because the door is hin

112 Removing and Installing Parts8Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.9Before you

Removing and Installing Parts 11310Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the card(s). NOTICE: Do not route card cables ov

114 Removing and Installing Parts15Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.16If yo

Removing and Installing Parts 1156If you removed a sound card:aEnter system setup, select Integrated Audio Controller, and then change the setting toO

116 Removing and Installing PartsInstalling a PCI Express Card1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 99.2If present on your co

Removing and Installing Parts 1174If your computer includes a card retention mechanism to secure the x16 card, press the release tab downward gently a

118 Removing and Installing Parts7Pull the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its connector.8Prepare the card fo

Removing and Installing Parts 11911Ensure that:• The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.• The notch in the top of

12 Finding Information• Warranty information• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)• Safety instructions• Regulatory information• Ergonomics information• E

120 Removing and Installing Parts NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer co

Removing and Installing Parts 12115If you installed an add-in network adapter and want to disable the integrated network adapter:aEnter system setup,

122 Removing and Installing Parts3If present on your computer, rotate the lever on the chassis wall upward.4Push the two release tabs on the card rete

Removing and Installing Parts 123 NOTICE: Ensure that you release the securing tab to unseat the card. If the card is not removed correctly, the syst

124 Removing and Installing PartsDrive Panels CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in th

Removing and Installing Parts 1253Grasping the lever on the sliding plate, pull the sliding plate downward and hold in place. NOTE: The sliding plate

126 Removing and Installing PartsReplacing the Drive-Panel Insert1Align the notches on the drive-panel insert to the corresponding slots on the drive

Removing and Installing Parts 127Replacing the Drive Panel1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 99.2Remove the computer cover

128 Removing and Installing PartsDrivesYour computer supports:• Two hard drives (Serial ATA)• Two FlexBay drives (can contain an optional floppy drive

Removing and Installing Parts 129Hard Drive CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Finding Information 13• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, and frequently asked questions• Communi

130 Removing and Installing Parts4Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out.5Replace the computer cover (see "

Removing and Installing Parts 1315If your replacement hard drive does not have the hard-drive bracket attached, remove the bracket from the old hard d

132 Removing and Installing Parts9Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.10Replace the computer cover (see

Removing and Installing Parts 1335Snap the hard-drive bracket onto the new hard drive. NOTICE: Do not install any drive into the lower hard-drive bay

134 Removing and Installing Parts9Replace the computer cover ("Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 172). NOTICE: To connect a network cab

Removing and Installing Parts 1353Remove the drive panel (see "Removing the Drive Panel" on page 124).4Remove the shoulder screws from the i

136 Removing and Installing Parts1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 99.2Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the

Removing and Installing Parts 1376Pull the sliding plate down and hold in place.7Slide the floppy drive out of the floppy drive bay.1 power cable 2 fl

138 Removing and Installing Parts8If you are not replacing the drive, replace the drive-panel insert (see "Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert"

Removing and Installing Parts 1397Slide the floppy drive into the floppy drive bay until the sliding plate clicks into place and the drive snaps into

14 Finding Information• How to use your Windows™ operating system• How to work with programs and files• How to personalize my desktopWindows Help and

140 Removing and Installing PartsMedia Card ReaderFor information on using the Media Card Reader, see "Using a Media Card Reader" on page 47

Removing and Installing Parts 1415Disconnect the USB cable on the back of the Media Card Reader. Disconnect the other end of the cable from the USB co

142 Removing and Installing PartsInstalling a Media Card Reader CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety

Removing and Installing Parts 1438Gently slide the drive into place till it clicks in securely. NOTE: Ensure that the Media Card Reader is installed

144 Removing and Installing PartsCD/DVD Drive CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in th

Removing and Installing Parts 1455Slide the drive release mechanism to the right to release the shoulder screw and slide the drive out to remove it fr

146 Removing and Installing PartsInstalling a CD/DVD Drive1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 99.2Remove the computer cover

Removing and Installing Parts 1478Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.9Replac

148 Removing and Installing PartsProcessor Airflow Shroud CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, follow the safety instructions located in the P

Removing and Installing Parts 149 NOTICE: The processor heat sink is attached to the processor airflow shroud. When you remove the airflow shroud, la

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15Setting Up and Using Your ComputerFront and Back View of the ComputerFront View1161715345268141312710911book.book

150 Removing and Installing Parts5Lift and hold the release tab present on the bottom of the fan cage, press down on the top of the cage and slide it

Removing and Installing Parts 151Removing the Processor Fan1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 99.2Remove the computer cove

152 Removing and Installing PartsInstalling the Processor Fan1With the fan power cable oriented downward, align the rubber grommets in the fan with th

Removing and Installing Parts 1536One by one, carefully pull on each corner of the fan to detach the four rubber grommets securing the fan to the fan

154 Removing and Installing PartsInstalling the Card Fan NOTICE: Ensure the fan cable is correctly routed through the opening in the lower-right corn

Removing and Installing Parts 1554Remove the airflow shroud (see "Removing the Processor Airflow Shroud Assembly" on page 148).5Push down an

156 Removing and Installing Parts3Align the pin-1 corner of the processor and socket. NOTICE: Socket pins are delicate. To avoid damage, ensure that

Removing and Installing Parts 1579Close the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 172). NOTICE: To connect a network c

158 Removing and Installing PartsInstalling the System Board NOTICE: The system board and metal tray are connected and are installed as one piece. NO

Removing and Installing Parts 1596Replace the processor airflow shroud (see "Installing the Processor Airflow Shroud Assembly" on page 149)

16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer1 cover release latch Use this latch to remove the cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 101

160 Removing and Installing PartsPower Supply CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Removing and Installing Parts 161375-W Power Supply 425-W Power SupplyPin Number Signal name 18-AWG Wire ColorSignal name 18-AWG Wire Color1 +3.3VDC O

162 Removing and Installing PartsDC Power Connector P2DC Power Connector P3 and P5375-W Power Supply 425-W Power SupplyPin Number Signal name 18-AWG W

Removing and Installing Parts 163DC Power Connector P7 DC Power Connectors P8, P9, P13, and P14375-W Power Supply 425-W Power SupplyPin Number Signal

164 Removing and Installing PartsDC Power Connectors P10DC Power Connectors P12375-W Power Supply 425-W Power SupplyPin Number Signal name 18-AWG Wire

Removing and Installing Parts 165DC Power Connector P15 (For 425-W PSU Only) NOTE: The P15 connector is intended for use with the PCI Express graphic

166 Removing and Installing Parts5Press and hold the metal release tab at the bottom of the power supply unit, push the power supply towards the front

Removing and Installing Parts 1674Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 172). NOTICE: To connect a network

168 Removing and Installing PartsRemoving the Front I/O Panel CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety ins

Removing and Installing Parts 1698Remove the two screws that hold the I/O panel assembly to the front of the chassis.9Gently ease out the lower end of

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 179 USB connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as flash memory

170 Removing and Installing Parts3Align the screw holes on the I/O panel with the screw holes on the chassis, and replace the two screws.4Reconnect th

Removing and Installing Parts 171To replace the battery:1Enter the system setup program and record the values for all the screens (see "Entering

172 Removing and Installing Parts NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer

Appendix 173AppendixSpecificationsProcessorProcessor type Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme (dual-core processor) Intel® Core™ 2 Quad (quad-co

174 AppendixMemory speed667/800 MHzNIC Integrated Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000System clock 800/1066/1333 MHz (depending on processor)VideoType PCI Exp

Appendix 175Bus throughput16 GB/sPCI Express Connectorone x8 (electrically configured for an x4 card)Connector size98 pinsConnector data width (maximu

176 AppendixSystem board connectors:Serial ATAfive 7-pin connectorsFlexBay 2 port USB headeruDOC1 port USB headerLCDDell proprietary USB based LCD hea

Appendix 177Activity light (on integrated network adapter)yellow blinking light when there is activity on the network; if there is not any network act

178 AppendixSystem SetupOverviewUse system setup as follows: • To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any har

Appendix 179Entering System Setup1Turn on (or restart) your computer.2When the DELL logo appears, press <F2> immediately. NOTE: Keyboard failur

18 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerFront I/O Connectors1 microphone connectorUse the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone f

180 AppendixSystem Setup Options NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not appear, or may not

Appendix 181SATA Drives 0 through 4(On default)Enables or disables drives attached to the SATA connectors on the system board.•Off — A device attached

182 Appendix1394 Controller(On default)Enables or disables the integrated IEEE 1394 controller.•Off — The 1394 controller is disabled.•On — The 1394 c

Appendix 183SpeedStep(Off default)Specifies whether Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® technology is enabled for all supported processors in the system.•Off —

184 AppendixExecute Disable(On default)Enables or disables Execute Disable Memory Protection technology.•Off — Execute Disable Memory Protection techn

Appendix 185Suspend Mode(S3 default)Specifies the power management suspend mode.•S1 — The computer resumes more quickly from sleep mode.•S3 — The comp

186 AppendixBoot SequenceThis feature allows you to set the order in which the BIOS will search devices when trying to find an operating system. NOTI

Appendix 187•Onboard or USB CD-ROM Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the CD drive. If no CD is in the drive, or if the CD has no operating sy

188 AppendixChanging Boot Sequence for Future Boots1Enter system setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 179).2Use the arrow keys to high

Appendix 1893Locate the RTCRST_PSWD jumper on the system board (see "System Board Components" on page 103), then remove the jumper plug (loc

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19Back View1 power connector Insert the power cable. The appearance of this connector may differ from what is pictu

190 Appendix11Replace the computer cover (see "Replacing the Computer Cover" on page 172). NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug t

Appendix 191Cleaning Your Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Inf

192 Appendix5Recenter the rollers in their channels if they are misaligned. Ensure that fluff from the swab is not left on the rollers.6Replace the ba

Appendix 193FCC Notices (U.S. Only)Most Dell computer systems are classified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as Class B digital devices

194 AppendixClass BThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rule

Appendix 195Getting HelpObtaining Assistance CAUTION: If you need to remove the computer cover, first disconnect the computer power and modem cables

196 AppendixTechnical Support and Customer ServiceDell's support service is available to answer your questions about Dell™ hardware. Our support

Appendix 197• Dell Marketing and Sales e-mail [email protected] (Asian/Pacific countries only)[email protected] (Canada only)• Anonymo

198 AppendixReturning Items for Warranty Repair or CreditPrepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows:1Call Dell to obta

Appendix 199Diagnostics ChecklistName:Date:Address:Phone number:Service Tag (bar code on the back or bottom of the computer):Express Service Code:Retu

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 ComputerBack I/O Connectors6 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express cards.NOTE: Some connector

200 AppendixContacting Dell NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packin

Glossary 201GlossaryTerms in this Glossary are provided for informational purposes only and may or may not describe features included with your partic

202 GlossaryBbattery life span — The length of time (years) during which a portable computer battery is able to be depleted and recharged.battery oper

Glossary 203L1 cache — Primary cache stored inside the processor.L2 cache — Secondary cache which can either be external to the processor or incorpora

204 GlossaryDDDR SDRAM — double-data-rate SDRAM — A type of SDRAM that doubles the data burst cycle, improving system performance.DDR2 SDRAM — double-

Glossary 205dual display mode — A display setting that allows you to use a second monitor as an extension of your display. Also referred to as extende

206 GlossaryExpress Service Code — A numeric code located on a sticker on your Dell™ computer. Use the Express Service Code when contacting Dell for a

Glossary 207GHz — gigahertz — A measurement of frequency that equals one thousand million Hz, or one thousand MHz. The speeds for computer processors,

208 Glossaryinfrared sensor — A port that allows you to transfer data between the computer and infrared-compatible devices without using a cable conne

Glossary 209LED — light-emitting diode — An electronic component that emits light to indicate the status of the computer.local bus — A data bus that p

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 215 link integrity light• Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer.• Orange — A

210 GlossaryMini-Card — A small card designed for integrated peripherals, such as communication NICs. The Mini-Card is functionally equivalent to a st

Glossary 211partition — A physical storage area on a hard drive that is assigned to one or more logical storage areas known as logical drives. Each pa

212 GlossaryRRAID — redundant array of independent disks — A method of providing data redundancy. Some common implementations of RAID include RAID 0,

Glossary 213SSAS — serial attached SCSI — A faster, serial version of the SCSI interface (as opposed to the original SCSI parallel architecture).SATA

214 GlossaryStrikeZone™ — Reinforced area of the platform base that protects the hard drive by acting as a dampening device when a computer experience

Glossary 215TPM — trusted platform module — A hardware-based security feature that when combined with security software enhances network and computer

216 Glossaryvideo memory — Memory that consists of memory chips dedicated to video functions. Video memory is usually faster than system memory. The a

Glossary 217write-protected — Files or media that cannot be changed. Use write-protection when you want to protect data from being changed or destroye

218 Glossarybook.book Page 218 Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:29 AM

Index 219IndexAaudio. See soundBbatteryproblems, 61replacing, 170beep codes, 81BIOS, 178boot sequenceabout, 186changing, 187-188option settings, 186bo

22 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerInstalling Your Computer in an EnclosureInstalling your computer in an enclosure can restrict the airflow and imp

220 Indexcoverreplacing, 172CPU overclocking, 59DDellcontacting, 193, 200support site, 13Dell Diagnostics, 86Dell Premier Support website, 12DellConne

Index 221GGraphicsDual Graphics, 59Hhard driveproblems, 63hardwarebeep codes, 81conflicts, 93Dell Diagnostics, 86drives, RAID configuration, 30Hardwar

222 Indexmemoryproblems, 68messageserror, 64system, 83Microsoft Windows label, 12modemproblems, 63monitorblank, 73clone mode, 30connect DVI, 24, 26con

Index 223printercable, 52connecting, 52problems, 71setting up, 52USB, 52problemsbattery, 61beep codes, 81blue screen, 67CD-RW drive, 62computer crashe

224 Indexsettingssystem setup, 178sleep modeabout, 56SLISee Scalable Link Interface technologysoftwareconflicts, 93problems, 66-67soundproblems, 72vol

Index 225Wwarranty information, 12Windows VistaFactory Image Restore, 95Help and Support, 14hibernate mode, 57Network Setup Wizard, 55reinstalling, 14

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Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23• Leave a 10.2 centimeter (4 inch) minimum clearance on all vented sides of the computer to permit the airflow re

24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer• Do not install your computer in an enclosure that does not allow airflow. Restricting the airflow impacts your

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25Connecting a Monitor (Without an Adapter) CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, fol

26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer4Connect the DVI or VGA connector of your monitor to the appropriate connector on the back of the computer:To con

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 273Ensure that the computer and all attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not

28 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerConnecting Two or More Monitors CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the sa

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 29Connecting a TV CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instruction

Contents 3ContentsFinding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Setting Up and Using Your Computer . . . 15Front and Back View of

30 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerChanging the Display Settings1After you connect the monitor(s) or TV, turn on the computer.The Microsoft® Windows

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 31Another advantage of a RAID level 0 configuration is that it utilizes the full storage capacities of the drives.

32 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerIf a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the surviving drive. A replacemen

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 33Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode NOTICE: Back up any data you want to keep before entering the RAID-En

34 Setting Up and Using Your Computer5Press the up- and down-arrow keys to select RAID0 (Stripe), then press <Enter>.6If there are more than two

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 357Select the desired capacity for the volume, then press <Enter>. The default value is the maximum available

36 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerUsing the Intel® Application AcceleratorIf you already have one hard drive with the operating system installed on

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 376In the Specify Volume Size window, click the Volume Size desired, then click Next.7Click Finish to create the vo

38 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerDeleting a RAID Volume NOTE: While this procedure deletes the RAID 1 volume, it also splits the RAID 1 volume in

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 398On the Select Source Hard Drive screen, double-click the hard drive from which you want to migrate, and click Ne

4 ContentsIntel® Viiv™ Technology (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . 41Using Intel Viiv Quick Resume Technology (QRT). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

40 Setting Up and Using Your Computer9On the Specify Volume Size screen, select the volume size you want, then click Next. NOTICE: The next step will

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 41Dell DataSafe (Optional)Dell DataSafe is a solution to help you protect your data against unfortunate events such

42 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerEnabling the QRT Feature in System SetupThe QRT drivers must be installed before the Quick Resume feature becomes

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 43To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came with your comp

44 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerThese controls may not exist on all players in the system. For more information on playing CDs, DVDs, or BDs, cli

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 45 NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using Roxio Creator Plus.1Open Roxio

46 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerCD-Writable DrivesDVD-Writable DrivesHelpful Tips• Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a C

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 47• Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD recording until you are familiar with CD recording techniques. If you make a m

48 Setting Up and Using Your Computer1Inspect the media card to determine the proper orientation for insertion.2Slide the media card into the appropri

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 49Understanding the Media Xcelerator™ (Optional)The Dell Media Xcelerator™ is an internal USB 2.0 bus-powered devic

Contents 5Power Management Options in Windows Vista . . . . 56Sleep Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Hybrid Sleep . . . . . . . . .

50 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerUnderstanding Windows® SideShow™ and the LCD displayYour LCD display device is located at the top of the system.P

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 51Configuring the LCD displayThe LCD display is configured to start whenever your system is powered on. However, th

52 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerSetting Up a Printer NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.Se

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 533Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. 4Your operating system includes a printer wizard to help you

54 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerConnecting to the Internet NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.To connect to the Internet, you need a m

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 55If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different I

56 Setting Up and Using Your ComputerTransferring Information to a New ComputerYou can use your operating system "wizards" to help you trans

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 57Hibernate ModeHibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then

58 Setting Up and Using Your Computerbook.book Page 58 Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:29 AM

Optimizing for Greater Performance 59Optimizing for Greater PerformanceUnderstanding Intel™ SpeedStep® TechnologySpeedStep technology controls your co

6 ContentsSystem Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83Dell Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86When to Use Dell

60 Optimizing for Greater Performancebook.book Page 60 Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:29 AM

Troubleshooting 61TroubleshootingSolving ProblemsFollow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer:• If you added or removed a part before the pro

62 TroubleshootingDrive Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Infor

Troubleshooting 63Hard drive problemsRUN CHECK DISK —1Click Windows Vista Start and click Computer.2Right-click Local Disk C:.3Click Properties →Tool

64 TroubleshootingRUN THE MODEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL —1Click Start → All Programs→ Modem Diagnostic Tool. 2Follow the instructions on the screen to identi

Troubleshooting 65NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. CLOSE SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN — Close all windows and open the program that you want to use. In

66 TroubleshootingTEST THE KEYBOARD — Connect a properly working keyboard to the computer, then try using the keyboard.WORKING WITH AN USB KEYBOARD —

Troubleshooting 67A program crashes repeatedly NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk, CD, o

68 TroubleshootingMemory Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Info

Troubleshooting 693After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram.4Turn on the computer.TEST THE MOUSE — Conne

Contents 7Inside View of Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102System Board Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103Memory . . . . . . . .

70 TroubleshootingIF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING BLUE —• The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the p

Troubleshooting 71Printer Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Inf

72 TroubleshootingVERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT WINDOWS —1Click Start → Control Panel→ Hardware and Sound→ Scanners and Cameras.2

Troubleshooting 73No sound from headphonesCHECK THE HEADPHONE CABLE CONNECTION — Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted into the headpho

74 TroubleshootingCHECK THE MONITOR POWER LIGHT —• If the power light is lit or blinking, the monitor has power.• If the power light is off, firmly pr

Troubleshooting 75Power Lights CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Informa

76 Troubleshooting• If the power light is steady amber, a device may be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.– Remove and then reinstall the memory

Troubleshooting 77Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.• If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (se

78 TroubleshootingNo memory modules are detected.• If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see "Removing Memory" on

Troubleshooting 79A possible expansion card failure has occurred.1Determine if a conflict exists by removing an expansion card (not a graphics card) a

8 ContentsCD/DVD Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144Removing a CD/DVD Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . 144Installing a CD/DVD Drive

80 TroubleshootingAnother failure has occurred.• Ensure that all hard drive and optical drive cables are properly connected to the system board (see &

Troubleshooting 81Beep CodesYour computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series o

82 Troubleshooting3-2-4 Keyboard Controller Test failure3-3-1 NVRAM power loss3-3-2 Invalid NVRAM configuration3-3-4 Video Memory Test failure3-4-1 Sc

Troubleshooting 83System Messages NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the table, see the documentation for either the operating system

84 TroubleshootingCMOS Battery State Low CMOS Checksum FailureCMOS System Options Not SetCMOS Display Type Mismatch CMOS Memory Size MismatchCMOS Time

Troubleshooting 85FDD Controller FailureHDD Controller FailureThe BIOS cannot communicate with the floppy drive or hard drive controller.Ensure that t

86 TroubleshootingDell Diagnostics CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Inf

Troubleshooting 87Starting Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive1Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is known to be wor

88 TroubleshootingStarting Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media1Insert the Drivers and Utilities media.2Shut down and restart the com

Troubleshooting 892After you have selected the Test System option from the main menu, the following menu appears: NOTE: It is recommended that you se

Contents 9Coin-Cell Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery . . . . . . . . . . 170Replacing the Compute

90 Troubleshooting5When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the

Troubleshooting 91Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft Windows operating system. You may need to install drivers if you

92 Troubleshooting3Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties.4Click Drivers and click Roll Back Driver.If Dev

Troubleshooting 93If a particular driver is not listed, that driver is not required by your operating system. NOTE: It is recommended, for optimized

94 TroubleshootingRestoring Your Operating SystemYou can restore your operating system in the following ways:• System Restore returns your computer to

Troubleshooting 95In the event that System Restore did not resolve the issue, you may undo the last system restore.Undoing the Last System Restore NO

96 Troubleshooting4To access the recovery options, log on as a local user. To access the command prompt, type administrator in the User name field, th

Troubleshooting 97To reinstall Windows, you need the following items:•Dell™ Operating System media•Dell Drivers and Utilities media NOTE: The Dell D

98 TroubleshootingTroubleshooting LCD Display ProblemsLCD display includes a built in self-test which allows the user to diagnose and troubleshoot any

Removing and Installing Parts 99Removing and Installing PartsBefore You BeginThis chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the componen