Owner's Manual
Page 2
... Mode 40 Power Options Properties 40 2 Optimizing Performance 43 Understanding Hyper-Threading 43 Understanding PCI Express Cards 43 Understanding Dual Graphics Technology 44 Understanding CPU Over-Clocking 44 3 Solving Problems 45 Troubleshooting Tips 45 Battery Problems 45 Drive Problems 45 CD and DVD drive problems 46 Hard drive problems 47 E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems 47 Error...
... Mode 40 Power Options Properties 40 2 Optimizing Performance 43 Understanding Hyper-Threading 43 Understanding PCI Express Cards 43 Understanding Dual Graphics Technology 44 Understanding CPU Over-Clocking 44 3 Solving Problems 45 Troubleshooting Tips 45 Battery Problems 45 Drive Problems 45 CD and DVD drive problems 46 Hard drive problems 47 E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems 47 Error...
Owner's Manual
Page 3
...Problems 53 Network Problems 53 Power Problems 54 Printer Problems 55 Scanner Problems 56 Sound and Speaker Problems 56 No sound from speakers 56 No sound from headphones 57 Video and Monitor Problems 58 The screen is blank 58 The screen is difficult to read 58 3-D image quality is poor 59 4 Advanced Troubleshooting 61 Diagnostic Lights 61 Dell... Diagnostics 64 When to Use the Dell Diagnostics 64 Drivers 67 What Is a Driver 67 Identifying Drivers 67 Reinstalling Drivers 67 Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore 69 Creating ...
...Problems 53 Network Problems 53 Power Problems 54 Printer Problems 55 Scanner Problems 56 Sound and Speaker Problems 56 No sound from speakers 56 No sound from headphones 57 Video and Monitor Problems 58 The screen is blank 58 The screen is difficult to read 58 3-D image quality is poor 59 4 Advanced Troubleshooting 61 Diagnostic Lights 61 Dell... Diagnostics 64 When to Use the Dell Diagnostics 64 Drivers 67 What Is a Driver 67 Identifying Drivers 67 Reinstalling Drivers 67 Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore 69 Creating ...
Owner's Manual
Page 12
...damage to place it into the appropriate connectors (see "Front I/O Connectors" on page 54). NOTE: The color of a CD/DVD drive. There may exist (see "Power Problems" on page 15). Use to ensure maximum system stability. The self-tending doors open automatically when the eject button is pressed and the drive tray...is turned off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. The computer is in system setup (see "System Setup" on page 132). An internal power problem may be installed at all times to eject the drive tray of the front panel LEDs can be adjusted in...
...damage to place it into the appropriate connectors (see "Front I/O Connectors" on page 54). NOTE: The color of a CD/DVD drive. There may exist (see "Power Problems" on page 15). Use to ensure maximum system stability. The self-tending doors open automatically when the eject button is pressed and the drive tray...is turned off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. The computer is in system setup (see "System Setup" on page 132). An internal power problem may be installed at all times to eject the drive tray of the front panel LEDs can be adjusted in...
Owner's Manual
Page 39
...change the default settings for a scheme, click the drop-down menu in the fields below the scheme name. The Power schemes drop-down menu and click OK. To avoid this problem, always set the hard drive to time-out before the hard drive. To program these functions, click an option... from the displayed list. If your computer is a portable computer and you want your computer to run your computer with minimal power conservation. • Max ...
...change the default settings for a scheme, click the drop-down menu in the fields below the scheme name. The Power schemes drop-down menu and click OK. To avoid this problem, always set the hard drive to time-out before the hard drive. To program these functions, click an option... from the displayed list. If your computer is a portable computer and you want your computer to run your computer with minimal power conservation. • Max ...
Owner's Manual
Page 44
... the computer. TU R N O F F S T A N D B Y M O D E I N W I N D O W S B E F O R E W R I T I S K - See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 56. Problems writing to the CD/DVD-RW. Try closing all programs before you write to a CD/DVD-RW drive C L O S E O T H E R P R O G R A M S - NOTE: Because of your screen... E A N T H E D R I V E O R D I N G T O A C D / D V D - See "Cleaning Your Computer" on power management modes. 46 Solving Problems ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL - • Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of different regions worldwide and different disc formats...
... the computer. TU R N O F F S T A N D B Y M O D E I N W I N D O W S B E F O R E W R I T I S K - See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 56. Problems writing to the CD/DVD-RW. Try closing all programs before you write to a CD/DVD-RW drive C L O S E O T H E R P R O G R A M S - NOTE: Because of your screen... E A N T H E D R I V E O R D I N G T O A C D / D V D - See "Cleaning Your Computer" on power management modes. 46 Solving Problems ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL - • Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of different regions worldwide and different disc formats...
Owner's Manual
Page 48
... Incompatibilities" on page 61. See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 71. TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F - ENSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET The computer stops responding NOTICE: You may lose data if you are unable... begin any keyboard extension cables and connect the keyboard directly to 10 seconds, until the computer turns off, and then restart your computer. 50 Solving Problems R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R - CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE - • Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to ...
... Incompatibilities" on page 61. See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 71. TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F - ENSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET The computer stops responding NOTICE: You may lose data if you are unable... begin any keyboard extension cables and connect the keyboard directly to 10 seconds, until the computer turns off, and then restart your computer. 50 Solving Problems R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R - CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE - • Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to ...
Owner's Manual
Page 49
... at least 8 to 10 seconds, until the computer turns off, and then restart your mouse, press and hold the power button for an earlier Windows operating system RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD - A program is no longer responding. 4 Click End...by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your computer. Solving Problems 51 C H E C K T H E S O F T W A R E D O C U M E N T A T I O N - A program crashes repeatedly NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments. 1 Click Start, point to All Programs→...
... at least 8 to 10 seconds, until the computer turns off, and then restart your mouse, press and hold the power button for an earlier Windows operating system RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD - A program is no longer responding. 4 Click End...by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your computer. Solving Problems 51 C H E C K T H E S O F T W A R E D O C U M E N T A T I O N - A program crashes repeatedly NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments. 1 Click Start, point to All Programs→...
Owner's Manual
Page 52
...S E T T I N G - I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S G R E E N A N D T H E C O M P U T E R I S N O T R E S P O N D I N G S - See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 71. Power Problems . The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem may exist. • Ensure that the voltage selection switch is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. • Ensure that all components ... (see "System Board Components" on page 79). 54 Solving Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any power strips being used are plugged into an electrical outlet and are ...
...S E T T I N G - I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S G R E E N A N D T H E C O M P U T E R I S N O T R E S P O N D I N G S - See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 71. Power Problems . The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem may exist. • Ensure that the voltage selection switch is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. • Ensure that all components ... (see "System Board Components" on page 79). 54 Solving Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any power strips being used are plugged into an electrical outlet and are ...
Owner's Manual
Page 53
... printer documentation for cable connection information. • Ensure that the processor power cable is set to the following port(s): is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. Solving Problems 55 Some possible causes of the procedures in this section, follow the...Cards" on page 81). • Remove and then reinstall any of interference are securely connected to the same electrical outlet Printer Problems CAUTION: Before you need technical assistance for setup and troubleshooting information. A device may be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed. •...
... printer documentation for cable connection information. • Ensure that the processor power cable is set to the following port(s): is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. Solving Problems 55 Some possible causes of the procedures in this section, follow the...Cards" on page 81). • Remove and then reinstall any of interference are securely connected to the same electrical outlet Printer Problems CAUTION: Before you need technical assistance for setup and troubleshooting information. A device may be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed. •...
Owner's Manual
Page 56
... or blinking, the monitor has power. • If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it is normal for your computer came with another device, such as a lamp. Video and Monitor Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any... video extension cables and connect the monitor directly to the computer. • Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the monitor's power cable is blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move...
... or blinking, the monitor has power. • If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it is normal for your computer came with another device, such as a lamp. Video and Monitor Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any... video extension cables and connect the monitor directly to the computer. • Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the monitor's power cable is blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move...
Owner's Manual
Page 57
... the Settings tab. 3 Adjust Screen resolution and Color quality settings, as needed. 3-D image quality is poor C H E C K T H E G R A P H I C S C A R D P O W E R C A B L E C O N N E C T I T O R - C H E C K T H E M O N I T O R S E T T I T O R A W A Y F R O M E X T E R N A L P O W E R S O U R C E S - If your speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the power cable for the graphics card(s) is positioned at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor. Solving...
... the Settings tab. 3 Adjust Screen resolution and Color quality settings, as needed. 3-D image quality is poor C H E C K T H E G R A P H I C S C A R D P O W E R C A B L E C O N N E C T I T O R - C H E C K T H E M O N I T O R S E T T I T O R A W A Y F R O M E X T E R N A L P O W E R S O U R C E S - If your speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the power cable for the graphics card(s) is positioned at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor. Solving...
Owner's Manual
Page 59
... operating system. If the computer malfunctions, the sequence of the same type into a working electrical outlet (see "Power Problems" on page 54). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Front View" on page 145). Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution The computer is in the Product Information Guide. The diagnostic lights are installed, remove...
... operating system. If the computer malfunctions, the sequence of the same type into a working electrical outlet (see "Power Problems" on page 54). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Front View" on page 145). Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution The computer is in the Product Information Guide. The diagnostic lights are installed, remove...
Owner's Manual
Page 60
...more memory modules are using is supported by your computer (see "Memory" on page 127). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 145). 62 Advanced Troubleshooting occurred. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one...No memory modules are detected. Reinstall all USB devices and check all power and data cables. A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has Reseat all cable connections. Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution A possible graphics card failure has occurred. • ...
...more memory modules are using is supported by your computer (see "Memory" on page 127). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 145). 62 Advanced Troubleshooting occurred. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one...No memory modules are detected. Reinstall all USB devices and check all power and data cables. A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has Reseat all cable connections. Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution A possible graphics card failure has occurred. • ...
Owner's Manual
Page 127
...Serial ATA Floppy drive Fan PCI PCI Express x1 PCI Express x8 PCI Express x16 Controls and Lights Power control Power light Hard-drive access light Serial ATA drive, floppy drive, memory devices, CD drive, CD-RW ... bays four 3.5-inch drive bays for poweron state. amber light - green Appendix 129 Blinking amber indicates a problem with an installed device; solid green for hard drives front and back-panel 6-pin serial connectors RJ45 connector ... button green light - solid amber indicates an internal power problem (see "Power Problems" on page 54). Blinking green in sleep state;
...Serial ATA Floppy drive Fan PCI PCI Express x1 PCI Express x8 PCI Express x16 Controls and Lights Power control Power light Hard-drive access light Serial ATA drive, floppy drive, memory devices, CD drive, CD-RW ... bays four 3.5-inch drive bays for poweron state. amber light - green Appendix 129 Blinking amber indicates a problem with an installed device; solid green for hard drives front and back-panel 6-pin serial connectors RJ45 connector ... button green light - solid amber indicates an internal power problem (see "Power Problems" on page 54). Blinking green in sleep state;
Owner's Manual
Page 167
...during POST, the computer continues the start-up and down your screen's horizontal lines are Plug and Play compliant. If no problems are arranged in Hz, at the slower speed. Any software that processes data for Management) standard that allows networked computers that...to as video, drives, and networks. Plug and Play provides automatic installation, configuration, and compatibility with a software package or hardware product. power-on a display screen. The primary temporary storage area for PC Cards. A file can have not yet been documented. Glossary 169 personal ...
...during POST, the computer continues the start-up and down your screen's horizontal lines are Plug and Play compliant. If no problems are arranged in Hz, at the slower speed. Any software that processes data for Management) standard that allows networked computers that...to as video, drives, and networks. Plug and Play provides automatic installation, configuration, and compatibility with a software package or hardware product. power-on a display screen. The primary temporary storage area for PC Cards. A file can have not yet been documented. Glossary 169 personal ...
Owner's Manual
Page 168
...more likely to save energy. When you can open its contents after it has stopped responding. If you call Dell for errors. shutdown - A power management mode that is on your Windows desktop and double-click the icon, you place a shortcut on or off...monitor. serial connector - The process of 10 kHz to your computer that protects the hard drive by the computer. A jumper on computers equipped for troubleshooting problems. S ScanDisk - SDRAM - read-only memory - RPM - RTCRST - Service Tag - The setup.exe or install.exe program comes with a processor ...
...more likely to save energy. When you can open its contents after it has stopped responding. If you call Dell for errors. shutdown - A power management mode that is on your Windows desktop and double-click the icon, you place a shortcut on or off...monitor. serial connector - The process of 10 kHz to your computer that protects the hard drive by the computer. A jumper on computers equipped for troubleshooting problems. S ScanDisk - SDRAM - read-only memory - RPM - RTCRST - Service Tag - The setup.exe or install.exe program comes with a processor ...
Owner's Manual
Page 171
...139 option settings, 138 booting to a USB device, 138 C cards slots, 16 CD/DVD drive problems, 46 CD-RW drive problems, 46 CDs, 34 operating system, 12 playing, 32 Check Disk, 47 CMOS settings clearing, 141 computer... 18 IEEE, 15, 18 keyboard, 17 line-in, 18 line-out, 18 mouse, 17 network adapter, 17 power, 16 serial, 18 sound, 18 USB, 15, 18 copying CDs general information, 34 helpful tips, 35 how ...helpful tips, 35 how to, 34 cover closing, 125 D Dell contacting, 143, 145 support policy, 141 support site, 11 Dell Diagnostics, 64 Dell Premier Support website, 9 diagnostic lights, 61 diagnostics...
...139 option settings, 138 booting to a USB device, 138 C cards slots, 16 CD/DVD drive problems, 46 CD-RW drive problems, 46 CDs, 34 operating system, 12 playing, 32 Check Disk, 47 CMOS settings clearing, 141 computer... 18 IEEE, 15, 18 keyboard, 17 line-in, 18 line-out, 18 mouse, 17 network adapter, 17 power, 16 serial, 18 sound, 18 USB, 15, 18 copying CDs general information, 34 helpful tips, 35 how ...helpful tips, 35 how to, 34 cover closing, 125 D Dell contacting, 143, 145 support policy, 141 support site, 11 Dell Diagnostics, 64 Dell Premier Support website, 9 diagnostic lights, 61 diagnostics...
Owner's Manual
Page 172
... F Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, 32 G Graphics Dual Graphics, 44 H hard drive activity light, 15 problems, 47 hardware Dell Diagnostics, 64 drives, RAID configuration, 25 Hardware Troubleshooter, 71 headphone connector, 15, 18 Help and Support Center, 11 help file Windows ... computer, 61 hard drive activity, 15 link integrity, 17 network, 17 network activity, 17 power, 14 M media card reader using, 36 memory 4-GB configurations, 82 DDR2 overview, 81 installation guidelines, 81 installing, 82 problems, 52 removing, 84 type supported, 81 messages error, 48 Microsoft Windows label, 10 modem...
... F Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, 32 G Graphics Dual Graphics, 44 H hard drive activity light, 15 problems, 47 hardware Dell Diagnostics, 64 drives, RAID configuration, 25 Hardware Troubleshooter, 71 headphone connector, 15, 18 Help and Support Center, 11 help file Windows ... computer, 61 hard drive activity, 15 link integrity, 17 network, 17 network activity, 17 power, 14 M media card reader using, 36 memory 4-GB configurations, 82 DDR2 overview, 81 installation guidelines, 81 installing, 82 problems, 52 removing, 84 type supported, 81 messages error, 48 Microsoft Windows label, 10 modem...
Owner's Manual
Page 173
...XP, 71 Operating System CD, 12 P password clearing, 139 jumper, 139 playing CDs, 32 playing DVDs, 32 power button, 14 connector, 16 conserving, 39 power (continued) hibernate mode, 40-41 light, 14 managing, 39 options, 40 options, schemes, 41 problems, 54 standby mode, 39 power light conditions, 54 power options properties, 40 printer problems, 55 problems... battery, 45 blue screen, 51 CD drive, 46 CD-RW drive, 46 computer crashes, 50-51 computer stops responding, 50 Dell ...
...XP, 71 Operating System CD, 12 P password clearing, 139 jumper, 139 playing CDs, 32 playing DVDs, 32 power button, 14 connector, 16 conserving, 39 power (continued) hibernate mode, 40-41 light, 14 managing, 39 options, 40 options, schemes, 41 problems, 54 standby mode, 39 power light conditions, 54 power options properties, 40 printer problems, 55 problems... battery, 45 blue screen, 51 CD drive, 46 CD-RW drive, 46 computer crashes, 50-51 computer stops responding, 50 Dell ...
Owner's Manual
Page 174
..., 129 drives, 129 environmental, 131 specifications (continued) expansion bus, 128 memory, 127 physical, 131 power, 130 processor, 127 technical, 127 video, 127-128 standby mode, 39 support contacting Dell, 143, 145 policy, 141 support website, 11 System Restore, 69 system setup, 132 entering, 132..., 45 TV connect to computer, 20 U USB booting to devices, 138 connector, 18 connectors, 15 V video problems, 58 volume adjusting, 57 W warranty information, 9 Windows XP Device Driver Rollback, 68 Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, 32 Hardware Troubleshooter, 71 Help and Support Center, 11 Hyper...
..., 129 drives, 129 environmental, 131 specifications (continued) expansion bus, 128 memory, 127 physical, 131 power, 130 processor, 127 technical, 127 video, 127-128 standby mode, 39 support contacting Dell, 143, 145 policy, 141 support website, 11 System Restore, 69 system setup, 132 entering, 132..., 45 TV connect to computer, 20 U USB booting to devices, 138 connector, 18 connectors, 15 V video problems, 58 volume adjusting, 57 W warranty information, 9 Windows XP Device Driver Rollback, 68 Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, 32 Hardware Troubleshooter, 71 Help and Support Center, 11 Hyper...