User manual DELL DIMENSION 8100

DellTM DimensionTM 8100 www.dell.com support.dell.com 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 potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. For a complete listing of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary in the Tell Me How help file. To open the file, click the Start button on the Windows desktop, point to Programs--> User's Guides, and then click TellMe How. ____________________ Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2000-2001 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, Dell Precision, OptiPlex, Latitude, DellPlus, DellNet, and DellWare are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; 3Com is a registered trademark of 3Com 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. September 2001 P/N 65JDG Rev. A04 Safety Instructions ......................... ................... .............. ........... 7 7 8 9 When Using Your Computer When Working Inside Your Computer Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge 1 Setting Up Connecting a Printer Parallel Printer USB Printer ........................ 12 12 13 13 14 14 14 ......................... .......................... ................... Installing the Printer Driver Turning Off the Computer ..................... ......... Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) and Windows Millennium Edition (Me) . . . . . . . . . . . Windows 2000 ......................... 2 Solving Problems Finding Solutions Help Files .......................... 16 18 18 19 20 20 21 .............................. .......................... ...................... .................... Power Problems . Start-Up Error Messages Video and Monitor Problems If the screen is blank ...................... ................. If the screen is difficult to read Contents 3 Sound and Speaker Problems Printer Problems ................... 22 23 23 23 24 24 25 26 26 26 27 27 28 28 28 29 30 30 30 30 30 31 31 32 33 ......................... .......... 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 music CD or install a program from a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If you cannot play a DVD movie If you have a hard drive problem Network Problems If the CD-RW drive stops writing . ................ ............... ................ ......................... ..................... .................... Windows Error Messages General Program Problems A program crashes ....................... .................. .................. .................. A program stops responding A solid blue screen appears Internet Connection Problems E-Mail Problems .......................... ............... Resolving Other Technical Problems Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities Reinstalling Windows 98 ................. ..................... 4 Contents Reinstalling Windows Me Reinstalling Windows 2000 ..................... .................... 35 37 3 Adding Parts Removing the Computer Cover . Looking Inside Your Computer System Board .................. 40 42 43 44 45 46 47 49 49 51 52 57 ................... .......................... ..................... ............. Rotating the Power Supply Removing and Replacing the Front Panel Adding Cards ............................ ........................ Installing a Card Removing Cards .......................... .............. Removing and Replacing the AGP Card Adding Memory . .......................... ................. Adding or Replacing Other Drives Replacing the Computer Cover ................... 4 Appendix Specifications . ........................... ......................... ........................ ..................... .................. 60 64 64 65 65 66 Standard Settings Viewing Settings System Setup Screens . Replacing the Battery Clearing Forgotten Passwords ...................... Contents 5 Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) ............ ..... 67 67 68 68 82 82 84 86 87 88 88 Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals Contacting Dell ...... .......................... ........ 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) Warranty and Return Policy Information ............. Index ................................... 89 6 Contents Use the following safety guidelines to protect yourself and your computer. For comfort and efficiency, observe the ergonomic guidelines provided in the Tell Me How help file. 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. · To help avoid damaging your computer, the power voltage is automatically sensed to match the AC power available at your location. If your computer does not automatically sense the power voltage, please set it to the proper voltage for your location. 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 NIC on the back of your computer, and then from the network jack on the wall. When reconnecting a network cable to your computer, first plug the cable into the network jack, and then into the NIC. 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. 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 68). · · · · · Safety Instr uctions 7 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m · · 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. When Working Inside Your Computer Before you remove the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated. NOTICE: 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 your computer and all devices. 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. 3 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. 4 In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate: · 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. · 8 Safety Instr uctions 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. · Safety Instr uctions 9 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 10 Safety Instr uctions w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m SECTION 1 Turning Off the Computer Connecting a Printer w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 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 1 Turn off the computer (see page 14). NOTICE: Use only a standard IEEE 1284 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. parallel connector on computer screws (2) parallel connector on printer clips (2) parallel printer cable notches (2) 12 Setting Up 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 page 13). USB Printer 1 2 Install the printer driver if necessary (see page 13). Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connector on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors only fit one way. HINT: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on. USB connector on computer USB printer cable USB connector on printer Installing the Printer Driver If you need to install a printer driver, insert the 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 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. HINT: Dell installs drivers for some new printers. 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. Setting Up 13 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m If you connect an older printer and it doesn't work after you install the driver, access the system setup program (see page 64) and ensure that the parallel port is set to operate in bidirectional mode. NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must perform the Microsoft® Windows shutdown procedure. Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) and Windows Millennium Edition (Me) 1 2 3 Save and exit any programs and files you have open. Click the Start button, and then click Shut Down. In the Shut Down Windows window, click Shut down and then click OK. The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes. 4 Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power. 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. 14 Setting Up SECTION 2 Finding Solutions 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 Windows Error Messages General Program Problems Internet Connection Problems E-Mail Problems Resolving Other Technical Problems Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities Reinstalling Windows 98 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 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 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 18. Get technical assistance from Dell. See page 68. See page 29. 16 Solving Pr oblems See page 20. See page 22. See page 23. See page 24. See page 25. See page 26. See page 26. See page 28. See page 24. See page 29. See page 30. See page 30. See page 31. See page 31. Solving Pr oblems 17 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 C C E S S T H E TE L L M E H O W H E L P F I L E 1 Click the Start button, point to Programs--> User's Guides, and then click Tell Me How. ACCESS MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® 2000 HELP 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. A C C E S S W I N D O W S M I L L E N N I U M E D I T I O N ( ME ) H E L P 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. HINT: See the Tell Me How help file for information on standby mode. C H 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. TE S T 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. C H 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. 18 Solving Pr oblems CONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET-- Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on. SWAP 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. C H 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. C H E C K T H E PO W E R P R O P E R T I E S -- See Windows Help. To access Windows Help: 1 Click the Start button and then click Help. 2 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click the Search tab. 3 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, type standby and then click List Topics. For Windows Me, type standby and then click Go. 4 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click To change the elapsed time before your computer automatically goes on standby. For Windows Me, click Changing the elapsed time before computer goes on standby or hibernate. O P 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 68). 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 -SYSTEM 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. Solving Pr oblems 19 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m If the screen is blank HINT: See the monitor documentation for fault indications and troubleshooting procedures specific to your monitor. P R 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. C H 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. TE S T 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. S W A 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. TE S T 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 removing the video extension cable solves the problem, the cable is defective. TE S T T H E M O N I T O R -- If another monitor is available, connect it to the computer. C H 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 port are not green, call Dell for technical assistance (see page 68). C H E C K T H E PO W E R P R O P E R T I E S I F T H E M O N I T O R S C R E E N O C C A S I O N A L L Y T U R N S B L A N K -- See Windows Help. To access Windows Help: 1 Click the Start button and then click Help. 2 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click the Search tab. 3 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, type standby and then click List Topics. For Windows Me, type standby and then click Go. 4 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click To change the elapsed time before your computer automatically goes on standby. For Windows Me, click Changing the elapsed time before computer goes on standby or hibernate. 20 Solving Pr oblems If the screen is difficult to read A D 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 monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness. M O V 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. E L I 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. 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. D E 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 monitor documentation. R U N T H E M O N I T O R S E L F -T E S T -- See the monitor documentation. RE S T O 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 monitor documentation for instructions. C H 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 monitor documentation for any additional adjustments that your monitor may require. A D J U S T T H E W I N D O W S D I S P L A Y S E T T I N G S -- Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. Double-click the Display icon and then click the Settings tab. Try different settings for Colors and Screen area. Solving Pr oblems 21 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 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. VERIFY 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. TE S T 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. E N S U R E T H A T 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. A D J U S T T H E S P E A K E R C O N T R O L S -- Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion. A D J U S T T H E W I N D O W S V O L U M E C O N T R O L -- Double-click the yellow 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. TE S T T H E S P E A K E R S -- Plug the speaker audio cable into the headphone jack of the CD drive. Ensure that the headphone volume control is turned up. Play a music CD. R U N T H E S P E A K E R S E L F -T E S T -- Some speaker systems have a self-test button on the subwoofer. See the speaker documentation for self-test instructions. M O V 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 (6 cm) away from the monitor. E L I 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. REINSTALL T H E S O U N D (A U D I O ) D R I V E R -- See page 32. 22 Solving Pr oblems If you cannot print to a parallel port printer VERIFY 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 12. 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. E N 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. VERIFY 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 W I N D O W S 1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Printers. If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon, click Properties, and then select the Details tab. 2 Ensure that the Print to the following port: setting is LPT1 (Printer Port). RE I N S T A L L T H E P R I N T E R D R I V E R -- See page 13. If you cannot print to a USB printer VERIFY 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 13. 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. E N 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. VERIFY 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 W I N D O W S -- Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Printers. If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon, click Properties, and then select the Details tab. Solving Pr oblems 23 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m REINSTALL T H E P R I N T E R D R I V E R -- See page 13. C H 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 -- Ensure that the scanner power cable is firmly connected to a working electrical power source and that the scanner is turned on. C H 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. REINSTALL 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. NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. Connecting the modem to a digital telephone network damages the modem. C H 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. C O 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. C H 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.) 24 Solving Pr oblems C H 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. VERIFY 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 W I N D O W S 1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. 2 In the Control Panel, double-click Modems. If there are multiple entries for the same modem or modems 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. RE 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 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. C H E C K T H E M O U S E S E T T I N G S -- Click the Start button, select Control Panel, and then double-click the Mouse icon. Try adjusting the settings. C O N N E C T T H E MO U S E B E F O R E Y O U T U R N O N T H E C O M P U T E R -- If you connect the mouse after you power on the computer, the mouse will not work. Follow these steps to restore mouse functionality: 1 With the computer on, remove the power cable from the back of the computer. 2 Reconnect the mouse as shown on the START HERE sheet for your computer. 3 Reconnect the power cable. 4 Turn on the computer. Solving Pr oblems 25 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m RE C O 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 14), reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the START HERE sheet for your computer, and then restart the computer. If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk HINT: For information on saving files to a floppy disk, see the Tell Me How help file. E N S U R E T H A T W I N D O W S R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E -- Double-click the My Computer icon. 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. C A 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. TE S T 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. back of floppy disk write-protected not writeprotected 26 Solving Pr oblems If you cannot play a music CD or install a program from a CD E N S U R E T H A T W I N D O W S R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E -- Double-click the My Computer icon. If the CD 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 C D -- Insert another CD to eliminate the possibility that the original CD is defective. C L E A N T H E D I S C -- See the Tell Me How help file for instructions. A D J U S T T H E W I N D O W S V O L U M E C O N T R O L -- Double-click the yellow 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. HINT: High-speed CD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise. This does not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD. If you cannot play a DVD movie E N S U R E T H A T W I N D O W S R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E -- Double-click the My Computer icon. If the DVD 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 D V D -- Insert another DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original DVD is defective. C L E 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. Solving Pr oblems 27 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m If the CD-RW drive stops writing TURN O F F ST A N D B Y I N W I N D O W S B E F O R E W R I T I N G T O A C D - R W D I S K -- See Windows Help. To access Windows Help: 1 Click the Start button and then click Help. 2 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click the Search tab. 3 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, type standby and then click List Topics. For Windows Me, type standby and then click Go. 4 For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click To change the elapsed time before your computer automatically goes on standby. For Windows Me, click Changing the elapsed time before computer goes on standby or hibernate. C H 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 U N S C A N D I S K -- Click the Start button, point to Programs--> Accessories--> System Tools, and then click ScanDisk. C H 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 as shown on the START HERE sheet for your computer. CHECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF THE COMPUTER-- Green indicates that the network connection is active. If the status light is not green, try replacing the network cable. RESTART T H E C O M P U T E R -- Try to log on to the network again. 28 Solving Pr oblems C O 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. X :\ I S N O T A C C E S S I B L E . TH E D E V I C E I S N O T R E A D Y -- Insert a disk into the drive and try again. 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 MEMORY 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. 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 larger capacity disk. A R E Q U I R E D . D L L 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: 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 and follow the prompts on the screen. 5 See the program documentation for installation instructions. Solving Pr oblems 29 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 program crashes S E 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 P R E S S < CT R L > < A L T > < D E L > -- In the Close Program window, select the program that is no longer responding. Then click the End Task button. A solid blue screen appears TURN T H E C O M P U T E R O F F -- If the computer does not respond to a keystroke or a proper shutdown (see page 14), press the power button until the computer turns off. Press the power button again to restart the computer. The solid blue screen appears because you were not able to perform a proper Windows shutdown. ScanDisk will automatically run during the start-up process. Follow the instructions on the screen. RE V I E W " M O D E M P R O B L E M S " -- See page 24. 30 Solving Pr oblems TU R N O F F C A L L W A I T I N G ( C A T C H -P H O N E )-- See your telephone directory for instructions on deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up networking connection properties: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click the Modems icon. In the Modems Properties window, click the Dialing Properties button. Ensure that To disable call waiting, dial: is checked and then select the proper code according to the information in your telephone directory. Click the Apply button and then click the OK button. Close the Modems Properties window. Close the Control Panel. E N S U R E T H A T Y O U A R E C O N N E C T E D T O T H E I N T E R N E T -- With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a check next to it, click the check to remove it and connect to the Internet. G O T O T H E D E L L S U P P O R T W E B S I T E -- Go to http://support.dell.com for help with general usage, installation, and troubleshooting questions. E -M A I L D E L L -- Go to http://support.dell.com and then click E-Mail Dell in the Communicate list. Send an e-mail message to Dell about your problem; you can expect to receive an e-mail message from Dell within hours. C A L L D E L L -- If you cannot solve your problem using the Dell support website or e-mail service, call Dell for technical assistance (see page 68). Solving Pr oblems 31 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m NOTICE: The Dell support website, http://support.dell.com, and the Dell Dimension ResourceCD provide approved drivers for Dell computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly. Dell installed the following drivers on your computer: · · · · · · Intel® Chip Set Update Utility driver ­ Tells the operating system how to configure certain chips on the system board. Intel Ultra ATA Storage driver ­ Improves data transfers from storage devices like the hard drive. Integrated 3Com® controller driver ­ Enables the built-in 3Com NIC to properly communicate on a network. 3Com diagnostics driver ­ Enables diagnostics to run on the computer and diagnose any problems. Dell utilities ­ Includes Autoshutdown, Asset, and Autopower utilities. Other drivers ­ Control the devices, such as the modem, sound, and video cards that might be installed in your computer. For information on those drivers, click the Start button, point to Programs--> User's Guides, and click the appropriate guide from the list. Sometimes you can fix a device problem by reinstalling its driver: 1 From the Windows desktop, insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD or DVD drive. If this is your first time using the ResourceCD, go to step 2. If not, go to step 5. 2 3 4 5 6 When the ResourceCD Installation program starts, follow the prompts on the screen. When the InstallShield Wizard Complete window appears, remove the ResourceCD and click Finish to restart the computer. When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the ResourceCD into the CD or DVD drive. At the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next. If necessary, change the language in the Language list in the right corner of the window. 32 Solving Pr oblems 7 8 9 10 Select your computer in the System Model list. Select your operating system in the Operating System list. Select the type of device in the Device Type list. Select Drivers in the Topic list. If a particular driver is not listed, then that driver is not required by your operating system. NOTICE: The Dell Dimension ResourceCD contains drivers for devices that are not part of your computer. Only reinstall the specific drivers for hardware included in your computer. Otherwise your computer might not work correctly. 11 Click the name of the driver that you want to reinstall. NOTICE: The operating system CD provides options for reinstalling your Windows 98 Second Edition operating system. The options can potentially overwrite files installed by Dell and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, Dell does not recommend that you reinstall your operating system unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative. NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows 98, you must disable any virus protection software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows 98. 1 2 Turn on the computer and enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative (see page 64). In the system setup program Boot menu, change the boot sequence so that the CD or DVD drive boots first, as directed by a Dell technical support representative. Then place the operating system CD in the CD or DVD drive and close the drive tray. Exit the system setup program. The computer restarts. 3 4 5 6 7 At the Welcome window, click OK. Double-click Refresh Windows OS. Click OK. Click OK again. Solving Pr oblems 33 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 8 Remove the operating system CD from the CD or DVD drive and click OK to restart your computer. The Getting ready to run Windows for the first time screen appears. 9 10 11 12 If the mouse tutorial starts, press to exit and then press y. Click the regional setting closest to where you live and click Next. Click your keyboard layout and click Next. In the User Information window, type your name and, if applicable, company name, and then click Next. The Name field must be completed; the Company Name field is optional. The License Agreement window appears. 13 14 Click I accept the Agreement, and then click Next. Type the Windows product key in the fields provided, and then click Next. The product key is the bar code number found on the Microsoft Windows label, which is located on the side of your computer. 15 In the Date/Time Properties window, adjust the date and time properties, click Apply, and then click OK. Windows 98 updates the system settings and restarts your computer. 16 When the Start Wizard appears, click Finish. The Enter Windows Password window appears. To continue without creating a Windows user name and password, click OK. Otherwise, type your user name and password in the appropriate fields and then click OK. 17 If you created a Windows user name and password, type your password and click OK. NOTICE: Make sure that you reinstall the Intel Chip Set Update Utility driver before you reinstall any other drivers. 18 19 Reinstall the appropriate drivers (see page 32). Reenable your virus protection software. 34 Solving Pr oblems 20 21 Enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative. In the system setup program Boot menu, change the boot sequence so that the floppy drive boots first, as directed by a Dell technical support representative. Then, exit the system setup program. NOTICE: The operating system CD provides options for reinstalling your Windows Me operating system. The options can potentially overwrite files installed by Dell and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, Dell does not recommend that you reinstall your operating system unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative. NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows Me, you must disable any virus protection software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows Me. 1 2 Turn on the computer and enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative (see page 64). In the system setup program Boot menu, change the boot sequence so that the CD or DVD drive boots first, as directed by a Dell technical support representative. Then place the operating system CD in the CD or DVD drive and close the drive tray. Exit the system setup program. Select Boot From CD-ROM, and then press . If you wait too long to make this selection, the computer automatically boots from the hard drive. If this occurs, allow the computer to boot completely, and then restart it and try again. 3 4 5 6 7 8 Select Start Windows Setup from CD-ROM, and then press . Press again. Select Continue Setup and replace your current operating system, and then press . Press again. ScanDisk automatically starts and checks your hard drive. 9 Click Next in the Welcome to Windows Me window. Solving Pr oblems 35 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 10 Select the directory in which Windows resides. If C:\WINDOWS (recommended) is displayed, select it, and then click Next. If C:\WINDOWS.000 (recommended) is displayed, click Other, change C:\WINDOWS.000 to C:\WINDOWS, and then click Next. 11 12 13 14 15 Ensure that Typical is selected, and then click Next. Specify a computer name, workgroup, and computer description, if desired, and then click Next. Select a country in the Country/Region window, and then click Next. Specify a time zone in the Establish Time Zone window, and then click Next. Click Finish. Windows Setup installs necessary files, and then restarts the computer. 16 17 Select Boot From Hard Drive, and then press . In the User Information window, type your name and, if applicable, company name, and then click Next. The Name field must be completed; the Company Name field is optional. The License Agreement window appears. 18 19 Click I accept the Agreement, and then click Next. Type the Windows product key in the fields provided, and then click Next. The product key is the bar code number found on the Microsoft Windows label, which is located on the side of your computer. 20 Click Finish. Windows Setup installs additional files, and then restarts the computer. 21 Select Boot From Hard Drive, and then press . Windows Setup installs additional files, and then restarts the computer. 36 Solving Pr oblems 22 23 24 25 26 Select Boot From Hard Drive, and then press . Enter a password in the Enter Network Password window, if desired, and then click Next. Remove the operating system CD from the CD or DVD drive. Enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative. In the system setup program Boot menu, change the boot sequence so that the floppy drive boots first, as directed by a Dell technical support representative. Then, exit the system setup program. 1 2 3 4 5 Insert the operating system CD into the CD or DVD drive. Shut down the computer. Start the computer. Press any key when the Press any key to boot from CD message appears on the screen. When the Windows 2000 Setup screen appears, ensure that the To setup Win2000 now, press ENTER option is highlighted. Then press . Read the information in the License Agreement screen, and then press to continue. When the Windows 2000 Professional Setup screen appears, use the arrow keys to select the Windows 2000 partition option that you want. To continue, press the key specified in the partition option that you chose. When the Windows 2000 Professional Setup screen reappears, use the arrow keys to select the type of filing system that you want Windows 2000 to use, and then press . Press again to restart your computer. Click Next when the Welcome to the Windows 2000 Setup Wizard screen appears. When the Regional Settings screen appears, select the settings for your locale, and then click Next. 6 7 8 9 10 11 Solving Pr oblems 37 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 12 13 14 Enter your name and organization in the Personalize Your Software screen, and then click Next. When prompted, enter the Windows product key, which is printed on the Microsoft label on your computer. Then click Next. When the Computer Name and Administrator Password screen appears, enter a name for your computer and a password, if desired. Then click Next. Enter the date and time in the Date and Time Settings screen, and then click Next. Windows 2000 now begins to install its components and configure the computer. 15 16 When the Completing the Windows 2000 Setup Wizard screen appears, remove the CD from the drive, and then click Finish. The computer automatically restarts. 38 Solving Pr oblems SECTION 3 Removing the Computer Cover Looking Inside Your Computer Rotating the Power Supply Removing and Replacing the Front Panel Adding Cards Removing Cards Removing and Replacing the AGP Card Adding Memory Adding or Replacing Other Drives Replacing the Computer Cover w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7. NOTICE: The system board continues to receive a small amount of power when the computer is turned off and attached to an electrical outlet. To avoid damaging the system board, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet and from the back of the computer, and then press the power button before you remove the computer cover. 1 2 3 Turn off the computer and devices, and disconnect them from their electrical outlets. If a padlock is installed, remove it from the padlock ring on the back panel. Face the back of the computer and slide the outer padlock ring to the left to unlock the cover release mechanism. back of computer padlock ring 40 Adding Parts CAUTION: To prevent cuts, keep your hands clear of the metal edges on the computer as you slide back the cover. 4 Press the cover release button (located at the bottom-left corner of the front panel). front of computer cover release button 5 6 7 Rotate the bottom of the cover outward, away from the computer. Lift the cover away from the computer. Turn the computer on its right side before you begin working inside the computer. Adding Pa rts 41 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m power supply (page 44) front-panel release button (page 45) drive cage (page 52) hard drive bracket (page 52) drive cable (page 52) 42 Adding Parts System Board In the illustration, the text in parentheses indicates how items are identified on the system board. telephony connector (TAPI) parallel port connector (SER PAR) microprocessor connector (CPU_POWER) system power connector (POWER) floppy drive connector (DSKT) memory connectors (RIMM 1-4) page 51 microprocessor primary hard-drive connector (IED1) page 52 secondary hard-drive connector (IED2) page 52 control panel connector (PANEL) password jumper (PSWD) serial port connector (SER PAR) fan connector (FAN) mouse and keyboard connectors (KYBD_MSE) USB connectors (2) (USB2) NIC* and USB (2) connectors (NIC_USB) AGP connector (AGP) battery socket (BATTERY) page 66 PCI card connectors (5) (PCI 1-5) page 46 *For systems with integrated network capabilities Adding Pa rts 43 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7. To access some of the components on the system board, you may need to rotate the system power supply out of the way: