User manual DELL DIMENSION 4300

2H930bk1.book Page 1 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM DellTM DimensionTM 4300 Solutions Guide w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 2H930bk1.book Page 2 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM Hints, Notices, and Cautions HINT: A HINT indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. Abbreviations and Acronyms For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help file. To access help files, see page 24. ____________________ Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2001 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dimension, Inspiron, Latitude, OptiPlex, Dell Precision, DellPlus, and DellNet are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own. This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited. November 2001 P/N 2H930 Rev. A01 2H930bk1.book Page 3 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM Contents Safety Instructions ......................... ................... .................. .............. ........... 9 9 10 12 13 When Using Your Computer Ergonomic Computing Habits When Working Inside Your Computer Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge 1 Setting Up Connecting a Printer Parallel Printer USB Printer ........................ 16 16 17 18 18 19 20 20 20 ......................... .......................... ................... Installing the Printer Driver Transferring Information to a New Computer (Windows XP Only) Setting Up a Home and Office Network (Windows XP Only) Turning Off the Computer Windows XP ... ..................... .......................... ................ Windows Me and Windows 2000 2 Solving Problems Finding Solutions .......................... ........................ 22 24 25 25 26 Accessing Help Files Power Problems . .......................... ...................... .................... Start-Up Error Messages Video and Monitor Problems Contents 3 2H930bk1.book Page 4 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM If the screen is blank ...................... ................ 26 27 28 29 29 30 31 32 34 35 35 35 36 37 37 38 38 39 40 40 40 41 41 41 42 42 43 43 If the screen is difficult to read . Sound and Speaker Problems Printer Problems ................... ......................... .......... If you cannot print to a parallel port printer If you cannot print to a USB printer Scanner Problems Modem Problems Mouse Problems .............. ......................... ......................... .......................... ........................ Keyboard Problems Drive Problems .......................... ............ . If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk If you cannot play a DVD movie If you have a hard drive problem Network Problems If you cannot play a music CD or install a program from a CD If the CD-RW drive stops writing . ................ ............... ................ ......................... .............. Microsoft® Windows® Error Messages General Program Problems A program crashes .................... ....................... .................. ......... A program stops responding A solid blue screen appears A program error causes the system to lock up .................. A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system Internet Connection Problems .................. ...... If you have a problem with your Internet connection E-Mail Problems .......................... ............... Resolving Other Technical Problems 4 Conte n ts 2H930bk1.book Page 5 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM Reinstalling Drivers ......................... ......... ....... 44 45 46 46 47 48 49 51 51 52 53 55 57 Using the Windows XP Device Driver Rollback Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Windows XP Windows Me .......................... .......................... ......................... ....................... .................... ...... Windows 2000 Using System Restore Creating a Restore Point Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State Undoing the Last System Restore Reinstalling Windows XP ................ ...................... ..................... .................... Reinstalling Windows Me . Reinstalling Windows 2000 3 Adding Parts Front and Back View of the Computer ............... ........... 60 62 62 63 65 67 68 69 72 74 76 77 Reattaching the Front Door and Hinge Arms Reattaching the Front Door Reattaching the Hinge Arms Opening the Computer Cover Looking Inside Your Computer System Board Adding Cards ................... .................. ................... ................... .......................... ............................ .......................... .......................... ...................... .................... Removing Cards Adding Memory . Replacing the AGP Card Adding a Second Hard Drive Contents 5 2H930bk1.book Page 6 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM Adding Other Drives 3.5-Inch Devices ........................ ....................... 81 81 84 87 5.25-Inch Devices ........................ ................... Closing the Computer Cover 4 Appendix Specifications ........................... ......................... ........................ ................ 90 94 95 95 95 97 98 98 99 100 100 114 115 116 118 118 119 119 120 122 126 129 132 134 Standard Settings Viewing Settings System Setup Program Screens Clearing Forgotten Passwords Replacing the Battery ................... ....................... ............ .... ..... Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals Contacting Dell .......................... ................ ........ Contact Numbers and Addresses Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . Regulatory Information Battery Disposal ...................... .................... FCC Notices (U.S. Only) ........................ ................ ....... NOM Information (Mexico Only) Información para NOM (únicamente para México) Limited Warranties and Return Policy .............. ............ ............ ........... ............ ........... ........... One-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only) Two-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only) Three-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only) Four-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only) One-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) Two-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) 6 Conte n ts 2H930bk1.book Page 7 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM Three-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) ......... ... 137 141 "Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (U.S. and Canada Only) One-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee (Latin America and the Caribbean Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 .................................. 144 Index .................................. 145 Contents 7 2H930bk1.book Page 8 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM 8 Conte n ts 2H930bk1.book Page 9 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM Safety Instructions As you use your computer, observe the following safe-handling guidelines. When Using Your Computer CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including the computer cover, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on) removed or opened. · To help avoid damaging your computer, be sure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power available at your location: ­ ­ ­ 115 V/60 Hz in most of North and South America and some Far Eastern countries such as South Korea and Taiwan 100 V/50 Hz in eastern Japan and 100 V/60 Hz in western Japan 230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East Also be sure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location. · To avoid shorting out your computer when disconnecting a network cable, first unplug the cable from the network adapter on the back of your computer, and then from the network jack. When reconnecting a network cable to your computer, first plug the cable into the network jack, and then into the network adapter. To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting or connecting a non-USB device from the computer. · 9 2H930bk1.book Page 10 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m · To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and device power cables into properly grounded power sources. These cables are equipped with 3-prong plugs to help ensure proper grounding. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from a cable. If you must use an extension cable, use a 3-wire cable with properly grounded plugs. To help protect your computer from sudden, transient increases and decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or uninterruptible power supply. Be sure that nothing rests on your computer's cables and that the cables are not located where they can be stepped on or tripped over. Do not spill food or liquids on your computer. If the computer gets wet, contact Dell (see page 100). Do not push any objects into the openings of your computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components. Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on a bed, sofa, or rug. · · · · · Ergonomic Computing Habits CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury. CAUTION: Viewing the monitor screen for extended periods of time may result in eye strain. For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines when setting up and using your computer: · Position your computer so that the monitor and keyboard are directly in front of you as you work. Special shelves are available (from Dell and other sources) to help you correctly position your keyboard. Set the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance (usually 510 to 610 millimeters [20 to 24 inches] from your eyes). Make sure the monitor screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor. · · 10 2H930bk1.book Page 11 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM · Adjust the tilt of the monitor, its contrast and brightness settings, and the lighting around you (such as overhead lights, desk lamps, and the curtains or blinds on nearby windows) to minimize reflections and glare on the monitor screen. Use a chair that provides good lower back support. Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position while using the keyboard or mouse Always leave space to rest your hands while using the keyboard or mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Sit erect with your feet resting on the floor and your thighs level. When sitting, make sure the weight of your legs is on your feet and not on the front of your chair seat. Adjust your chair's height or use a footrest, if necessary, to maintain proper posture. Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not have to type for extended periods of time. When you stop typing, try to do things that use both hands. · · · · · · · 11 2H930bk1.book Page 12 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m monitor screen at or below eye level wrists relaxed and flat computer positioned directly in front of user arms at desk level feet flat on the floor When Working Inside Your Computer Before you open the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated. CAUTION: Do not attempt to service the computer yourself, except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell documentation. Always follow installation and service instructions closely. 1 2 Turn off the computer (see page 20). Turn off all devices. 12 2H930bk1.book Page 13 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM 3 Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface at the back of the computer before touching anything inside your computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components. 4 Disconnect any devices connected to the computer, including the monitor, from their electrical outlets to reduce the potential for personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer. Disconnect the power cable to your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board. When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector, not on the cable itself. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any pins. Also, before you connect a cable, make sure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned. Handle components and cards with care. Don't touch the components on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal bracket. CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. 5 In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate: · · Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch anything inside your computer and periodically while you work inside the computer. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer. You can also take the following steps to prevent static damage: · Do not remove items from their antistatic packing material until you are ready to install them in your computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your body. When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or packaging. · 13 2H930bk1.book Page 14 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 14 2H930bk1.book Page 15 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM SECTION 1 Setting Up Connecting a Printer Transferring Information to a New Computer (Windows XP Only) Setting Up a Home and Office Network (Windows XP Only) Turning Off the Computer w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 2H930bk1.book Page 16 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Connecting a Printer See the documentation that came with the printer for any recommended preparation procedures, such as: · · · Removing the packaging Installing the toner or ink cartridge Loading paper Then follow the instructions that came with the printer to connect it to the computer. If no information is provided, see the following sections. Parallel Printer Follow the instructions that came with the parallel printer to connect it to the computer. If no information is provided, then follow the instructions in this section. 1 Turn off the computer (see page 20). NOTICE: Use only a standard IEEE parallel cable measuring 3 m (10 ft) or less to connect the printer to the computer. Use of a nonstandard cable may prevent the printer from working. 2 Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the computer and tighten the two screws. Attach the cable to the parallel connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the two notches. screws (2) parallel connector on computer parallel connector on printer parallel printer cable clips (2) notches (2) 16 S e tt i n g U p 2H930bk1.book Page 17 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM 3 4 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel. Install the printer driver if necessary (see "Installing the Printer Driver" on page 18). USB Printer Follow the instructions that came with the USB printer to connect it to the computer. If no information is provided, then follow the instructions in this section. 1 2 Install the printer driver if necessary (see the following section). Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connector on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors only fit one way. USB connector HINT: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on. HINT: Your computer has two USB connectors on the back panel (see page 61) and two USB connectors inside the door on the front panel (see page 61). USB printer cable USB connector on printer Sett ing Up 17 2H930bk1.book Page 18 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Installing the Printer Driver Follow the instructions that came with the printer to install printer drivers. If no information was provided with the printer, then refer to the following instructions. If you need to install a printer driver, insert the printer installation CD into the CD or DVD drive. Then follow the prompts on the screen using the instructions that came with the printer. If your printer installation CD does not automatically run, click the Start button on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop, click Run, and type x:\setup.exe (where x is the letter of your CD or DVD drive [usually drive D]). Then click OK and follow the prompts on your screen. If your printer installation CD still does not run, check the documentation that came with your printer for instructions on how to start the printer installation CD. If you connect an older printer and it doesn't work after you install the driver, access the system setup program (see page 94) and ensure that the parallel port is set to operate in bidirectional mode. To check if your printer driver is installed on a computer running the Windows XP operating system, click the Start button, click Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click View installed printers or fax printers. If your computer runs either Windows 2000 or Windows Millennium Edition (Me), click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Printers. If your printer is listed in the Printers window, the printer is ready to use. Transferring Information to a New Computer (Windows XP Only) Windows XP provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data, such as e-mails, window sizes, toolbar settings, and Internet bookmarks, from one computer to another. First you collect the data from the source computer, and then you import the data to the new computer. 18 S e tt i n g U p 2H930bk1.book Page 19 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM If the source computer uses another Windows operating system, the wizard can be launched from the Windows XP operating system CD or from a floppy disk created on the Windows XP computer. You may transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial connection, or you may store it on a removable medium, such as a floppy disk, a Zip disk, or a writable CD. 1 On the Windows XP computer, click the Start button, point to All Programs--> Accessories--> System Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. On the welcome screen, click Next. On the Which computer is this? screen, select New Computer, and then click Next. Follow the instructions on the screen. 2 3 4 HINT: The CD that you need to place in your CD or DVD drive is titled Operating System. Setting Up a Home and Office Network (Windows XP Only) Windows XP provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a home or small office. 1 2 3 4 5 Click the Start button, point to All Programs--> Accessories--> Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard. On the welcome screen, click Next. Click checklist for creating a network. Complete the checklist and required preparations, and then return to the Network Setup Wizard. Follow the instructions on the screen. HINT: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP . Sett ing Up 19 2H930bk1.book Page 20 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Turning Off the Computer NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must turn off your computer through the Start menu rather than by pressing the power button. HINT: If you are having difficulty turning off your computer, see "General Program Problems" on page 40. Windows XP 1 2 3 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs. Click the Start button and then click Turn off Computer. Click Turn off. The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes. 4 Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power. Windows Me and Windows 2000 1 2 3 4 Save and exit any programs and files you have open. Click the Start button, and then click Shut Down. Click the pull-down menu under What do you want the computer to do?. Click Shut down and then click OK. The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes. 5 Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power. 20 S e tt i n g U p 2H930bk1.book Page 21 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM SECTION 2 Solving Problems Finding Solutions Accessing Help Files Power Problems Start-Up Error Messages Video and Monitor Problems Sound and Speaker Problems Printer Problems Scanner Problems Modem Problems Mouse Problems Keyboard Problems Drive Problems Network Problems Microsoft® Windows® Error Messages General Program Problems Internet Connection Problems E-Mail Problems Resolving Other Technical Problems Reinstalling Drivers Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Using System Restore Reinstalling Windows XP Reinstalling Windows Me Reinstalling Windows 2000 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 2H930bk1.book Page 22 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Finding Solutions Sometimes it's difficult to figure out where to go for answers. Use this chart to help you quickly find the answers to your questions. See page 25. Get technical assistance from Dell. See page 100. See page 25. 22 So lv ing Pr o ble m s 2H930bk1.book Page 23 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM See page 26. See page 28. See page 29. See page 32. See page 34. See page 35. See page 35. See page 38. See page 31. See page 39. See page 40. See page 42. See page 43. See page 43. S o lv ing Pr o ble m s 23 2H930bk1.book Page 24 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Accessing Help Files TO A C C E S S T H E Tell Me How H E L P F I L E Microsoft® Windows® XP 1 Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support. 2 Click User and system guides, and then click User's guides. 3 Click Tell Me How. Windows Millennium Edition (Me) and Windows 2000 Click the Start button, point to Programs, point to User's Guides, and then click Tell Me How. TO A C C E S S H E L P I N W I N D O W S X P 1 Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem, and then click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem, and then click Display. 4 Follow the instructions shown on the screen. TO A C C E S S H E L P I N W I N D O W S M E 1 Click the Start button, and then click Help. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem in the Search box, and then click Go. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem, and then click Display. 4 Follow the instructions shown on the screen. TO A C C E S S H E L P I N W I N D O W S 2 000 1 Click the Start button, and then click Help. 2 Click the Search tab. 3 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem, and then click List Topics. 4 Click the topic that describes your problem, and then click Display. 5 Follow the instructions shown on the screen. 24 So lv ing Pr o ble m s 2H930bk1.book Page 25 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM Power Problems CH E C K T H E P O W E R L I G H T -- When the power light is lit or blinking, the computer has power. If the power light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode--press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse. If the power light is off, the computer is either not turned on or is not receiving electrical power. TEST T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T -- Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. CH E C K T H E P O W E R C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N -- Be sure that the power cable is firmly inserted into the electrical outlet and the computer power connector. CO N N E C T T H E C O M P U T E R D I R E C T L Y T O A N E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T -- Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on. SWA P T H E C O M P U T E R A N D M O N I T O R P O W E R C A B L E S -- Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective. CH E C K F O R I N T E R F E R E N C E -- Electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating near the computer can cause interference. Other causes of interference: power extension cables, keyboard and mouse extension cables, too many devices on a power strip, or multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet. CH E C K T H E PO W E R PR O P E R T I E S -- See the Tell Me How help file or search for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center in Windows XP and Windows Me (Help in Windows 2000). To access help files, see page 24. HINT: See the Tell Me How help file for information on the standby mode. Start-Up Error Messages OP E R A T I N G S Y S T E M N O T F O U N D -- Call Dell for technical assistance (see page 100). S o lv ing Pr o ble m s 25 2H930bk1.book Page 26 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m I N S E R T B O O T A B L E M E D I A -- The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD. N O N -SY S T E M D I S K E R R O R -- There is a floppy disk in the floppy drive. Remove the floppy disk and restart the computer. Video and Monitor Problems If the screen is blank HINT: See the documentation that come with your monitor for fault indications and troubleshooting procedures specific to your monitor. CH E C K T H E V I D E O C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N -- Check for bent pins (most video cable connectors have missing pins, but not bent pins). Ensure that the video cable is connected as shown on the START HERE sheet for your computer. PR E S S T H E M O N I T O R P O W E R B U T T O N -- Be sure that you firmly pressed the monitor power button. CH E C K T H E P O W E R L I G H T -- When the power light is lit or blinking, the monitor has power. If the power light is blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse. TEST T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T -- Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. SWA P T H E C O M P U T E R A N D M O N I T O R P O W E R C A B L E S -- Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective. TEST T H E V I D E O E X T E N S I O N C A B L E ( I F U S E D )-- If you are using a video extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is defective. TEST T H E M O N I T O R -- If another monitor is available, connect it to the computer. 26 So lv ing Pr o ble m s 2H930bk1.book Page 27 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM CH E C K T H E B A C K P A N E L L I G H T S -- If all four lights below the serial connector (see page 61) are not green, call Dell for technical assistance (see page 100). CH E C K T H E PO W E R PR O P E R T I E S -- See the Tell Me How help file or search for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center in Windows XP and Windows Me (Help in Windows 2000). To access help files, see page 24. If the screen is difficult to read AD J U S T T H E C O N T R A S T A N D B R I G H T N E S S -- See the documentation that came with your monitor for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness. MOV E T H E S U B W O O F E R A W A Y F R O M T H E M O N I T O R -- If your speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 2 ft (60 cm) away from the monitor. MOV E T H E M O N 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 -- Fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, and other electrical devices can cause the screen image to appear "shaky." Turn off nearby devices to check for interference. RO T A T E T H E M O N I T O R T O F A C E A D I F F E R E N T D I R E C T I O N -- Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality. DE G A U S S (D E M A G N E T I Z E ) T H E M O N I T O R -- See the documentation that came with your monitor. R U N T H E M O N I T O R S E L F -T E S T -- See the documentation that came with your monitor. RESTO R E T H E R E C O M M E N D E D S E T T I N G S -- Restore the original resolution and refresh rate settings. See the Tell Me How help file for instructions. To access help files, see page 24. S o lv ing Pr o ble m s 27 2H930bk1.book Page 28 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m CH E C K F O R A D D I T I O N A L A D J U S T M E N T S -- See the documentation that came with your monitor for any additional adjustments that your monitor may require. AD J U S T T H E WI N D O W S D I S P L A Y S E T T I N G S Windows XP 1 Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel. 2 Click Appearance and Themes. 3 Click Display, and then click the Settings tab. 4 Try different settings for Screen resolution and Color quality. Windows Me and Windows 2000 1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2 Double-click the Display icon, and then click the Settings tab. 3 Try different settings for Colors and Screen area. CH E C K F O R I N T E R R U P T R E Q U E S T C O N F L I C T S -- See page 46. Sound and Speaker Problems HINT: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, make sure that you did not turn the player volume down or off. EN S U R E T H A T T H E S U B W O O F E R A N D T H E S P E A K E R S A R E T U R N E D O N -- See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. AD J U S T T H E S P E A K E R C O N T R O L S -- If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate distortion. VER I F Y T H E S P E A K E R C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N S -- Ensure that the speakers are connected as shown on the START HERE sheet for your computer and the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. BE S U R E T H A T H E A D P H O N E S A R E N O T C O N N E C T E D T O T H E F R O N T P A N E L H E A D P H O N E J A C K -- Sound from the speakers is automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer's front-panel headphone jack. 28 So lv ing Pr o ble m s 2H930bk1.book Page 29 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM AD J U S T T H E WI N D O W S V O L U M E C O N T R O L -- In Windows XP click the , speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. In Windows Me or 2000, double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Be sure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. R U N T H E S P E A K E R D I A G N O S T I C S -- Some speaker systems have selfcontained diagnostics. See the speaker documentation for diagnostics instructions. ELI M I N A T E P O S S I B L E I N T E R F E R E N C E -- Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference. TEST T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T -- Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. REI N S T A L L T H E S O U N D ( A U D I O ) D R I V E R -- See page 44. CH E C K F O R I N T E R R U P T R E Q U E S T C O N F L I C T S -- See page 46. Printer Problems If you cannot print to a parallel port printer VER I F Y T H E P R I N T E R C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N S -- Ensure that the printer cable is connected as described on page 16. EN S U R E T H A T T H E P R I N T E R I S T U R N E D O N -- See the documentation supplied with the printer. HINT: If you need technical assistance for your printer, call the printer's manufacturer (see the documentation that came with the printer for the correct phone number). Dell does not cover the printer's warranty. S o lv ing Pr o ble m s 29 2H930bk1.book Page 30 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m VER I F Y T H A T T H E P R I N T E R I S R E C O G N I Z E D B Y WI N D O W S Windows XP 1 Click the Start button. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Printers and Other Hardware. 4 Click View installed printers or fax printers. If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon. 5 Click Properties, and then select the Ports tab. Ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port). Windows Me and Windows 2000 1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Printers. If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon. 2 Click Properties, and then select the Details tab in Windows Me and the Ports tab in Windows 2000. Ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port). TEST T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T -- Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. REI N S T A L L T H E P R I N T E R D R I V E R -- See page 18. CH E C K F O R I N T E R R U P T R E Q U E S T C O N F L I C T S -- See page 46. If you cannot print to a USB printer VER I F Y T H E P R I N T E R C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N S -- Ensure that the printer cable is connected as described on page 17. EN S U R E T H A T T H E P R I N T E R I S T U R N E D O N -- See the documentation supplied with the printer. 30 So lv ing Pr o ble m s 2H930bk1.book Page 31 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM VER I F Y T H A T T H E P R I N T E R I S R E C O G N I Z E D B Y WI N D O W S Windows XP 1 Click the Start button. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Printers and Other Hardware. 4 Click View installed printers or fax printers. If the printer is listed, right-click the printer name. 5 Click Properties, and then select the Ports tab. Ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is USB. Windows Me and Windows 2000 1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Printers. If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon. 2 Click Properties, and then select the Details tab in Windows Me and the Ports tab in Windows 2000. Ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is USB. TEST T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T -- Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. REI N S T A L L T H E P R I N T E R D R I V E R -- See page 18. CH E C K F O R I N T E R R U P T R E Q U E S T C O N F L I C T S -- See page 46. Scanner Problems CH E C K T H E P O W E R C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N -- If your scanner has a power cable, ensure that the power cable is firmly connected to a working electrical power source and that the scanner is turned on. CH E C K T H E S C A N N E R C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N -- Ensure that the scanner cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the scanner. U N L O C K T H E S C A N N E R -- Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a locking tab or button. HINT: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, call the scanner's manufacturer (see the documentation that came with the scanner for the correct phone number). Dell does not cover the scanner's warranty. S o lv ing Pr o ble m s 31 2H930bk1.book Page 32 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m REI N S T A L L T H E S C A N N E R D R I V E R -- Reinstall the scanner driver. See the scanner documentation for instructions. CH E C K F O R I N T E R R U P T R E Q U E S T C O N F L I C T S -- See page 46. Modem Problems HINT: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is connected to a digital telephone network. CH E C K T H E C O N N E C T I O N -- Verify that the telephone line is connected to the green jack on the modem. (The green line-in jack has either a LINE IN label or a connector-shaped icon next to it.) Make sure you hear a click when you insert the telephone line connector. CH E C K T H E T E L E P H O N E J A C K -- Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone. CO N N E C T T H E M O D E M D I R E C T L Y T O T H E T E L E P H O N E W A L L J A C K -- If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack with the telephone line. CH E C K T H E T E L E P H O N E L I N E -- Try using a different telephone line. If you are using a line that is 10 ft (3 m) or more in length, try a shorter one. 32 So lv ing Pr o ble m s 2H930bk1.book Page 33 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM VER I F Y T H A T T H E M O D E M I S C O M M U N I C A T I N G W I T H WI N D O W S Windows XP 1 Click the Start button. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Network and Internet Connections. 4 Click Internet Options. 5 Click Network Diagnostics and perform the connectivity test. Windows Me 1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. 2 In the Control Panel, double-click Modems. If multiple entries appear for the same modem, or if modems are listed that are not installed, delete the entries and restart the computer. 3 Click the Diagnostics tab. 4 Click the COM port for your modem. 5 Click More Info to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows. If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly. Windows 2000 1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2 Double-click Phone and Modems. If multiple entries for the same modem or modems are listed but not installed, delete the entries, restart the computer, and repeat steps 1 and 2. 3 Click the Modems tab. 4 Click the COM port for your modem. 5 Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows. If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly. BE S U R E T H A T Y O U H A V E S U B S C R I B E D T O A N I N T E R N E T S E R V I C E P R O V I D E R -- Contact an Internet service provider to subscribe. CH E C K F O R I N T E R R U P T R E Q U E S T C O N F L I C T S -- See page 46. S o lv ing Pr o ble m s 33 2H930bk1.book Page 34 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Mouse Problems IF YOU CONNECTED THE MOUSE BEFORE TURNING ON THE C O M P U T E R, R E C O N N E C T T H E M O U S E C A B L E 1 Press to display the Start menu. 2 In Windows XP type the letter u, and then type the letter u again. In , Windows Me and Windows 2000, use the keyboard arrow keys to highlight Shut Down, and then press the key. 3 After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the START HERE sheet for your computer. 4 Start the computer. I F Y O U C O N N E C T E D T H E M O U S E A F T E R T U R N I N G O N T H E C O M P U T E R, REMOVE THE POWER CABLE, AND THEN RECONNECT THE MOUSE C A B L E -- If the mouse is connected after the power is turned on, the mouse will appear to be nonfunctional. To make the mouse function properly: 1 While your computer is on, remove the power cable from the back of the computer. 2 Connect the mouse to the computer. 3 Reconnect the power cable. 4 Turn on your computer. Pressing the power button does not clear the computer's settings and does not restore mouse functionality. CH E C K T H E M O U S E S E T T I N G S Windows XP 1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware. 2 Click Mouse. Try adjusting the settings. Windows Me and Windows 2000 1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2 Double-click the Mouse icon. Try adjusting the settings. 34 So lv ing Pr o ble m s 2H930bk1.book Page 35 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM IF A WIRELESS DEVICE BEGINS TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY AND A US B D E V I C E I S C O N N E C T E D T O A F R O N T -PA N E L U SB C O N N E C T O R, R E C O N N E C T T H E US B D E V I C E T O T H E F R O N T -PA N E L U SB C O N N E C T O R -- Any USB device(s) connected to the front-panel USB connector(s) can cause interference with a wireless device. CH E C K F O R I N T E R R U P T R E Q U E S T C O N F L I C T S -- See page 46. Keyboard Problems RECO N N E C T T H E K E Y B O A R D C A B L E -- Shut down the computer (see page 20), reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the START HERE sheet for your computer, and then restart the computer. IF A WIRELESS DEVICE BEGINS TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY AND A US B D E V I C E I S C O N N E C T E D T O A F R O N T -PA N E L U SB C O N N E C T O R, R E C O N N E C T T H E US B D E V I C E T O T H E F R O N T -PA N E L U SB C O N N E C T O R -- Any USB device(s) connected to the front-panel USB connector(s) can cause interference with a wireless device. CH E C K F O R I N T E R R U P T R E Q U E S T C O N F L I C T S -- See page 46. Drive Problems If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk EN S U R E T H A T WI N D O W S R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E -- In Windows XP , Click the Start button, and then click My Computer. In Windows Me and Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop. If the floppy drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive. S o lv ing Pr o ble m s 35 2H930bk1.book Page 36 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m TEST T H E D R I V E W I T H A N O T H E R F L O P P Y D I S K -- Insert another floppy disk to eliminate the possibility that the original floppy disk is defective. CA N N O T S A V E F I L E S T O A F L O P P Y D I S K -- Ensure that the floppy disk is not full or write-protected (locked). See the following illustration. back of floppy disk write-protected not writeprotected If you cannot play a music CD or install a program from a CD HINT: High-speed CD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise. This does not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD. EN S U R E T H A T WI N D O W S R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E -- In Windows XP, click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. In Windows Me or 2000, double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. If the floppy drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive. TEST T H E D R I V E W I T H A N O T H E R CD -- Insert another CD to eliminate the possibility that the original CD is defective. CL E A N T H E D I S C -- See the Tell Me How help file for instructions. To access help files, see page 24. 36 So lv ing Pr o ble m s 2H930bk1.book Page 37 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM AD J U S T T H E WI N D O W S V O L U M E C O N T R O L -- In Windows XP click the , speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. In Windows Me or 2000, double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Be sure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. IF HEADPHONES ARE CONNECTED TO THE FRONT-PANEL HEADPHONE J A C K , C H E C K F O R S O U N D F R O M T H E H E A D P H O N E S -- Sound from the speakers is automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer's front-panel headphone jack. CH E C K F O R I N T E R R U P T R E Q U E S T C O N F L I C T S -- See page 46. If you cannot play a DVD movie EN S U R E T H A T WI N D O W S R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E -- In Windows XP , Click the Start button, and then click My Computer. In Windows Me and Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop. If the floppy drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive. TEST T H E D R I V E W I T H A N O T H E R DVD -- Insert another DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original DVD is defective. CLE A N T H E D I S C -- See the Tell Me How help file for instructions. HINT: Because of different worldwide file types, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives. If the CD-RW drive stops writing HINT: If you disable standby mode to write to a CD-RW drive, remember to reenable standby mode when you finish writing to the CD. TU R N O F F S T A N D B Y I N WI N D O W S B E F O R E W R I T I N G T O A CD - RW D I S C -- See the Tell Me How help file or search for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center in Windows XP and Windows Me (Help in Windows 2000). To access help files, see page 24. S o lv ing Pr o ble m s 37 2H930bk1.book Page 38 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m CH A N G E T H E W R I T E S P E E D T O A S L O W E R R A T E -- The CD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Closing all programs before writing to the CD-RW may also alleviate the problem. If you have a hard drive problem R UN SCANDISK Windows XP and Windows 2000 1 In Windows XP click the Start button, and then click My Computer. In Windows 2000 double-click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop. 2 Right-click on the drive letter (local disk) that you want to scan for errors, and then click Properties. 3 Click the Tools tab. 4 Under Error-checking, click Check Now. 5 Click Start. Windows Me Click the Start button, point to Programs--> Accessories--> System Tools, and then click ScanDisk. CH E C K F O R I N T E R R U P T R E Q U E S T C O N F L I C T S -- See page 46. Network Problems CH E C K T H E N E T W O R K C A B L E C O N N E C T O R -- Ensure that the network cable connector is firmly connected to the connector on the computer and the network wall jack as shown on the START HERE sheet for your computer. CH E C K T H E N E T W O R K L I G H T S O N T H E B A C K O F T H E C O M P U T E R -- A green light indicates a 10-Mbps network connection, and an orange light indicates a 100-Mbps network connection. The light blinks amber when there is any network traffic. If the light is dark, try replacing the network cable. 38 So lv ing Pr o ble m s 2H930bk1.book Page 39 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM RESTA R T T H E C O M P U T E R -- Try to log on to the network again. CO N T A C T Y O U R N E T W O R K A D M I N I S T R A T O R -- Verify that your network settings are correct and that the network is functioning. CH E C K F O R I N T E R R U P T R E Q U E S T C O N F L I C T S -- See page 46. Microsoft® Windows® Error Messages x: \ I S N O T A C C E S S I B L E . TH E the drive and try again. D E V I C E I S N O T R E A D Y -- Insert a disk into A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING C H A R A C T E R S : \ / : * ? " < > | -- Do not use these characters in filenames. NOT ENOUGH MEMOR Y OR RESOURCES. CLOSE SOME PROGRAMS AND T R Y A G A I N -- You have too many programs open. Close all windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you might have to restart your computer to restore computer resources. If so, try running the program that you want to use first. TH E F I L E B E I N G C O P I E D I S T O O L A R G E F O R T H E D E S T I N A T I O N D R I V E -- The file that you are trying to copy is too large to fit on the disk. Try copying the file to a blank disk or use a larger-capacity disk. S o lv ing Pr o ble m s 39 2H930bk1.book Page 40 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m A R E Q U I R E D .D LL F I L E W A S N O T F O U N D -- The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program: Windows XP 1 Click the Start button. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Add or Remove Programs. 4 Select the program you want to remove. 5 Click the Change or Remove Program icon. 6 See the program documentation for installation instructions. Windows Me and Windows 2000 1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2 Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. 3 Select the program that you want to remove. 4 Click Add/Remove (click Change/Remove in Windows 2000) and follow the prompts on the screen. 5 See the program documentation for installation instructions. General Program Problems A program crashes SE E T H E S O F T W A R E D O C U M E N T A T I O N -- Many software manufacturers maintain websites with information that may help you to solve the problem. A program stops responding EN D T H E P R O G R A M 1 Simultaneously press . 2 In Windows XP and Windows 2000, click the Applications tab, and then select the program that is no longer responding. In Windows Me, just select the program that is no longer responding. 3 Click the End Task button. 40 So lv ing Pr o ble m s 2H930bk1.book Page 41 Tuesday, November 20, 2001 5:02 PM A program error causes the system to lock up HINT: ScanDisk may run when you restart the computer. Follow the instructions on the screen. TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F -- If your computer locks up and you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then press the power button again to turn on the computer. You might lose data if you are unable to perform a Microsoft Windows shutdown. A solid blue screen appears HINT: ScanDisk may run when you restart the computer. Follow the instructions on the screen. TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F -- If your computer locks up and you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then press the power button again to turn on the computer. The solid blue screen appears because you were not able to perform a proper Windows shutdown. You might lose data if you are unable to perform a Microsoft Windows shutdown. A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system R U N T H E PR O G R A M C O M P A T I B I L I T Y WI Z A R D Windows XP provides a Program Compatibility Wizard that configures a program to run in an environment more similar to older Windows operating system environments. 1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs--> Accessories, and then click Program Compatibility Wizard. 2 On the welcome screen, click Next. Follow the instructions on the screen. S o lv ing Pr o ble m s 41