User manual DELL DIMENSION 8300

DellTM DimensionTM 8300 Series CD or DVD activity light CD or DVD drive eject button floppy drive eject button* floppy drive light* USB 2.0 connectors (2) headphone connector Service Tag hard drive light power button *On computers with an optional floppy drive. power connector voltage selection switch serial connector parallel connector diagnostic lights mouse connector surround connector line-in connector keyboard connector center/LFE connector line-out connector microphone connector USB 2.0 connectors (6) network adapter video connector optional sound card connector (see the setup diagram) w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE 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 32. If you purchased a DellTM n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable. ____________________ Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2003­2004 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, PowerVault, DellNet, Axim, and Latitude are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron 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 Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own. Model DHM March 2004 P/N M2972 Rev. A02 Contents CAUTION: Safety Instructions SAFETY: General ................... 9 9 10 10 11 11 11 13 ........................ ............. ........ ..... SAFETY: When Using Your Computer SAFETY: When Working Inside Your Computer SAFETY: Ergonomic Computing Habits SAFETY: Battery Disposal SAFETY: Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge ............ ................... ............. Finding Information for Your Computer 1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer Setting Up a Printer Printer Cable ........................ 18 18 18 19 20 22 22 22 23 23 25 25 26 26 ......................... ................. Connecting a Parallel Printer Connecting a USB Printer ................... .......... Transferring Information to a New Computer Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to a Network Adapter Network Setup Wizard . Connecting to the Internet ............. ............... .................... .................... .............. Setting Up Your Internet Connection Copying CDs and DVDs ...................... ................... ............... How to Copy a CD or DVD Helpful Tips Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs . .......................... Contents 3 Hyper-Threading .......................... .................... 26 27 Turning Off Your Computer 2 Solving Problems Finding Solutions ......................... ..................... 30 32 32 33 33 34 34 35 35 35 37 38 38 38 39 39 39 39 40 40 41 42 42 Finding Help Information Battery Problems Drive Problems ......................... .......................... ..................... Floppy drive problems CD drive problems ....................... .............. Problems writing to a CD-RW drive DVD drive problems Hard drive problems ...................... ...................... ............. E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems Error Messages .......................... ......................... ................. General Problems The computer stops responding A program stops responding A program crashes repeatedly .................. ................. ® ......... A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft Windows® operating system . . . . . . . . . A solid blue screen appears Other software problems Other technical problems .................. .................... .................... .................. ................... General hardware problems IEEE 1394 Device Problems Keyboard Problems Mouse Problems ........................ .......................... 4 Contents Network Problems Power Problems . Printer Problems Scanner Problems ......................... 44 44 46 47 48 48 49 50 50 50 .......................... .......................... ......................... ................... Sound and Speaker Problems No sound from speakers No sound from headphones Video and Monitor Problems If the screen is blank ..................... ................... .................... ...................... ................. If the screen is difficult to read 3 Advanced Troubleshooting Diagnostic Lights Dell Diagnostics . .......................... .......................... ................ 54 58 58 58 61 61 61 62 63 63 64 64 65 66 66 66 When to Use the Dell Diagnostics Starting the Dell Diagnostics Drivers .................. ............................... ........................ ....................... ....................... ................. What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers Using Windows® System Restore Creating a Restore Point .................... ...... Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State Undoing the Last System Restore ................ ....... Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP . Before You Begin Reinstalling Windows XP .............. ........................ .................... Contents 5 4 Adding Parts Front and Back View of the Computer Front View . Back View .............. 70 70 72 75 75 77 78 80 81 82 82 86 87 87 88 88 88 91 91 92 93 96 97 99 100 .......................... ........................... ........... Reattaching the Front Door and Hinge Arms Reattaching the Hinge Arms Reattaching the Front Door Opening the Computer Cover Looking Inside Your Computer System Board .................. .................. ................... .................. ......................... .................. Installing and Removing Cards Installing a Card Removing a Card . Adding Memory ........................ ....................... .......................... .................... ................ ......... DDR Memory Overview Memory Installation Guidelines Installing Memory Addressing Memory with 4-GB Configurations ....................... ................ Adding or Replacing the AGP Card Removing an AGP Card Installing an AGP Card Adding a Second Hard Drive Adding a Floppy Drive .................... .................... ................... ....................... ................ Removing the Front-Panel Insert Installing a Floppy Drive Closing the Computer Cover .................... ................... 6 Contents 5 Appendix Specifications . .......................... ........................ ....................... .................... 102 106 107 107 107 109 110 112 112 112 113 131 132 133 133 136 139 139 141 Standard Settings Viewing Settings Boot Sequence System Setup 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 ..... .......................... ........................ ............... Regulatory Notices NOM Information (Mexico Only) Limited Warranties ....................... ........ ..... Limited Warranty for Dell-Branded Hardware Products (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Limited Warranty Terms for Dell-Branded Hardware Products (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dell Software and Peripherals (Canada Only) 1-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee (Latin America and the Caribbean Only) . . ® ......... .......... ...... and Intel Warranty Statement for Celeron® Processors Only (U.S. and Canada Only) . Pentium® Index .................................. 143 Contents 7 8 Contents CAUTION: Safety Instructions Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect your computer and working environment from potential damage. SAFETY: General · · Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service technician. Always follow installation instructions closely. To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and device power cables into properly grounded electrical outlets. 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 avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not use your computer during an electrical storm. To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical storm. If your computer includes a modem, the cable used with the modem should be manufactured with a minimum wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG) and an FCC-compliant RJ-11 modular plug. Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances. To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting a device from the computer. 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 protect your computer from sudden, transient increases and decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Ensure 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 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. · · · · · · · · · · Safety Instructions 9 www.dell.com | support.dell.com SAFETY: When Using Your Computer As you use your computer, observe the following safe-handling guidelines. CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on) removed. · Your computer is equipped with one of the following: ­ A fixed-voltage power supply -- Computers with a fixed-voltage power supply do not have a voltage selection switch on the back panel and operate at only one voltage (see the regulatory label on the outside of the computer for its operating voltage). An auto-sensing voltage circuit -- Computers with an auto-sensing voltage circuit do not have a voltage selection switch on the back panel and automatically detect the correct operating voltage. A manual voltage selection switch -- Computers with a voltage selection switch on the back panel must be manually set to operate at the correct operating voltage. Set the switch to the position that most closely matches the voltage used in your location. ­ ­ NOTICE: To help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage selection switch, set the switch for the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location. For Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to the 115-V position even though the AC power available in Japan is 100 V. Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location. · Before working inside the computer, unplug the computer to help prevent electric shock or system board damage. Certain system board components continue to receive power any time the computer is connected to AC power. SAFETY: 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 your online DellTM documentation or in instructions otherwise provided to you by Dell. Always follow installation and service instructions closely. NOTICE: To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before removing a component from the system board or disconnecting a device from the computer. 1 2 3 Perform an orderly computer shutdown using the operating system menu. Turn off your computer and any devices connected to the computer. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as the metal around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer, before touching anything inside your computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components. 4 Disconnect your computer and devices, including the monitor, from their electrical outlets. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer. Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock. 10 Safety Instructions In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate: · When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before disconnecting the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned. Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a microprocessor chip by its edges, not by its pins. · 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. Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your local waste disposal agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site. SAFETY: Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Static electricity can harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components, such as the microprocessor. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis. As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated. You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD): · · · Do not remove components from their antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the component in your computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, discharge static electricity from your body. When transporting an electrostatic sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or packaging. Handle all electrostatic sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic floor pads and workbench pads. SAFETY: 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 ergonomic guidelines in the Tell Me How help file when setting up and using your computer. To access the help file, see page 32. SAFETY: Battery Disposal Your computer uses a lithium coin-cell battery. The lithium coin-cell battery is a long-life battery, and it is very possible that you will never need to replace it. However, should you need to replace it, see page 110. Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your local waste disposal agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site. Safety Instructions 11 www.dell.com | support.dell.com 12 Safety Instructions Finding Information for Your Computer What are you looking for? · · · · A diagnostic program for my computer Drivers for my computer My computer documentation My device documentation Find It Here ResourceCD Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer when shipped from Dell. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see page 62), run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 58), or access your documentation. Readme files may be included on your CD to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical-reference material for experienced users or technicians. · How to set up a printer · How to troubleshoot and solve problems · How to remove and install parts · How to contact Dell Owner's Manual · How to set up my computer Setup Diagram Finding Infor m ation for Yo ur Computer 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 What are you looking for? · Tips on using Windows · How to clean my computer · How to use my mouse and keyboard · Express Service Code and Service Tag · Microsoft® Windows® License Label Find It Here Te l l M e H o w H e l p F i l e 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Click User and system guides and click User's guides. 3 Click Tell Me How. Express Service Code and Product Key L abel These labels are located on your computer. · Latest drivers for my computer · Answers to technical service and support questions · Online discussions with other users and technical support · Documentation for my computer Dell Support Website The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including: · Solutions -- Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, and online courses · Community Forum -- Online discussion with other Dell customers · Upgrades -- Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system · Customer Care -- Contact information, order status, warranty, and repair information · Downloads -- Drivers, patches, and software updates · Reference -- Computer documentation, product specifications, and white papers Windows Help and Support Center 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem. 4 Follow the instructions on the screen. · How to use Windows XP · Documentation for my computer · Documentation for devices (such as a modem) 14 Finding Infor mation for Your Computer What are you looking for? · How to reinstall my operating system Find It Here Operating System CD After you reinstall your operating system using the Operating System Reinstallation CD, use the ResourceCD to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer. The product key for your operating system is located on your computer. Finding Infor m ation for Yo ur Computer 15 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 16 Finding Infor mation for Your Computer SECTION 1 Setting Up and Using Yo u r C o m p u t e r Setting Up a Printer Transferring Information to a New Computer Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to the Internet Copying CDs and DVDs Hyper-Threading Turning Off Your 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 Setting Up a Printer NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer. See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to: · · · · Obtain and install updated drivers. Connect the printer to the computer. Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge. Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance. Printer Cable Your printer connects to your computer with either a USB cable or a parallel cable. Your printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer box. Connecting a Parallel Printer 1 2 Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so. Turn off the computer (see page 27). NOTICE: For best results, use a 3-m (10-ft) or shorter parallel cable. 18 Setting Up and Using Yo ur Computer 3 Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the computer and tighten the two screws. Attach the cable to the connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the two notches. parallel connector on computer connector on printer screws (2) parallel printer cable clips (2) notches (2) 4 5 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 the documentation that came with your printer. Connecting a USB Printer NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on. 1 2 Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so. Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 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 3 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way. USB connector on computer USB printer cable USB connector on printer Transferring Information to a New Computer The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Files and Settings Transfer wizard to move data from the source computer to the new computer. You can move data such as: · · · · E-mails Toolbar settings Window sizes Internet bookmarks You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial connection, or you can store it on a removable medium, such as a writable CD or floppy disk. 20 Setting Up and Using Yo ur Computer To prepare the new computer for the file transfer: 1 2 3 4 5 Click the Start button, point to All ProgramsAccessoriesSystem Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next. On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer and click Next. On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CD and click Next. When the Now go to your old computer screen appears, go to your old or source computer. Do not click Next at this time. To copy data from the old computer: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 On the old computer, insert the Windows XP Operating System CD. On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform additional tasks. Under What do you want to do?, click Transfer files and settings. On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next. On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer and click Next. On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you prefer. On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer and click Next. After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears. 8 Click Finish. To transfer data to the new computer: 1 2 On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next. On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your settings and files and click Next. The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer. When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen appears. 3 Click Finished and restart the new computer. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 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 Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to a Network Adapter Before you connect your computer to a network, the computer must have a network adapter installed and a network cable connected to it. To connect a network cable: NOTE: Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is secure. 1 Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer. NOTE: Do not use a network cable with a telephone wall jack. 2 Connect the other end of the network cable to a network connection device, such as a network wall jack. network adapter connector on computer network cable network wall jack Network Setup Wizard The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system 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 Click the Start button, point to All ProgramsAccessoriesCommunications, and then click Network Setup Wizard. On the welcome screen, click Next. 22 Setting Up and Using Yo ur Computer 3 Click Checklist for creating a network. NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP . 4 5 Complete the checklist and required preparations. Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen. Connecting to the Internet NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options: · · Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a phone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections. DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing phone line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your phone on the same line simultaneously. Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable TV line. · If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions. Setting Up Your Internet Connection To set up an AOL or MSN connection: 1 2 3 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. Double-click the MSN Explorer or AOL icon on the Windows® desktop. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 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 If you do not have an MSN Explorer or AOL icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP: 1 2 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. Click the Start button and click Internet Explorer. The New Connection Wizard appears. 3 4 Click Connect to the Internet. In the next window, click the appropriate option: · · · If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click Choose from a list of Internet service providers (ISPs). If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD, click Set up my connection manually. If you have a CD, click Use the CD I got from an ISP . 5 Click Next. If you selected Set up my connection manually, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup. NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP . 6 7 Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and then click Next. Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup. If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on page 35. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later. 24 Setting Up and Using Yo ur Computer Copying CDs and DVDs NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs or DVDs. This section applies only to computers that have a CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R, or DVD/CD-RW combo drive. The following instructions show how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD. You can also use Sonic RecordNow for other purposes, including creating CDs from audio files on your computer and creating MP3 CDs. For instructions, see the Sonic RecordNow documentation that came with your computer. Open Sonic RecordNow, click the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of the window, and then click RecordNow Help or RecordNow Tutorial. How to Copy a CD or DVD NOTE: If you have a DVD/CD-RW combo drive and you experience recording problems, check for available software patches at the Sonic support website at support.sonic.com. NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using Sonic RecordNow. 1 2 3 4 Click the Start button, point to All ProgramsSonicRecordNow!RecordNow!. Click either the audio tab or the data tab, depending on the kind of CD you are planning to copy. Click Exact Copy. To copy the CD or DVD: · If you have one CD or DVD drive, ensure that the settings are correct and click Copy. The computer reads your source CD or DVD and copies it to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive. When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the CD or DVD drive and click OK. · If you have two CD or DVD drives, select the drive into which you have inserted your source CD or DVD and click Copy. The computer copies the data on the CD or DVD to the blank CD or DVD. Once you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you have created automatically ejects. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 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 Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs Your CD-RW drive can write to two different types of recording media--CD-Rs and CD-RWs. Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R, you cannot write to that CD-R again without changing your method of recording (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs to write to CDs or to erase, rewrite, or update data on CDs. Helpful Tips · · · · · Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after you start Sonic RecordNow and open a RecordNow project. You must use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs do not play in most home or car stereos. You cannot create audio DVDs with Sonic RecordNow. Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software installed. Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a 650-MB blank CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1 or 2 MB of the blank CD to finalize the recording. Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD recording until you are familiar with CD recording techniques. If you make a mistake, you can erase the data on the CD-RW and try again. You can also use blank CD-RWs to test music file projects before you record the project permanently to a blank CD-R. See the Sonic support website at support.sonic.com for additional information. · · Hyper-Threading Hyper-Threading is an Intel® technology that can enhance overall computer performance by allowing one physical microprocessor to function as two logical microprocessors, capable of performing certain tasks simultaneously. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of Hyper-Threading technology. While many programs can benefit from Hyper-Threading, some programs have not been optimized for Hyper-Threading and may require an update from the software manufacturer. Contact the software manufacturer for updates and information about using Hyper-Threading with your software. 26 Setting Up and Using Yo ur Computer To determine if your computer is using Hyper-Threading technology: 1 2 3 Click the Start button, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties. Click Hardware and click Device Manager. In the Device Manager window, click the plus (+) sign next to the processor type. If Hyper-Threading is enabled, the processor is listed twice. You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through the system setup program. For more information on accessing the system setup program, see page 107. For more information on Hyper-Threading, search the Knowledge Base on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. Turning Off Your Computer NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft® Windows® operating system shutdown, as described next, rather than by pressing the power button. 1 2 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click Turn Off Computer. In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off. The computer turns off after the shutdown process finishes. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 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 28 Setting Up and Using Yo ur Computer SECTION 2 Solving Problems Finding Solutions Finding Help Information Battery Problems Drive Problems E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems Error Messages General Problems IEEE 1394 Device Problems Keyboard Problems Mouse Problems Network Problems Power Problems Printer Problems Scanner Problems Sound and Speaker Problems Video and Monitor Problems 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 44. Press a key or move the mouse. See the Tell Me How help file for information on standby mode. For more information, see page 44. Get technical assistance from Dell. See page 113. See page 37. 30 Solving Pr oblems See page 50. See page 48. See page 46. See page 35. See page 42. See page 42. See page 33. See page 44. See page 47. See page 37. See page 38. See page 35. See page 35. See page 38. 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 Finding Help Information TO 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 and click Help and Support. 2 Click User and system guides and click User's guides. 3 Click Tell Me How. TO A C C E S S W I N D O W S H E L P -- 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem. 4 Follow the instructions shown on the screen. TO L O C A T E A D D I T I O N A L I N F O R M A T I O N F O R Y O U R C O M P U T E R -- See page 13. Battery Problems 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. CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 9. REPLACE T H E B A T T E R Y -- If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see page 110). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see page 113). 32 Solving Pr oblems Drive Problems Floppy drive problems 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 -- Click the Start button and click My Computer. 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 -- · Insert another disk to eliminate the possibility that the original floppy disk is defective. · Insert a bootable floppy disk and reboot the computer. E N S U R E T H A T T H E D I S K I S N O T F U L L O R W R I T E -P R O T E C T E D -- Ensure that the disk has available space and that it is not write-protected (locked). See the following figure. back of floppy disk write-protected not writeprotected NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You may accidentally misalign the heads, which can render the drive inoperable. C L E A N T H E D R I V E -- Use a commercially available cleaning kit. 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 CD drive problems NOTE: High-speed CD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD. 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 -- Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. · Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up. · Ensure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked. 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 H E C K T H E S P E A K E R S A N D S U B W O O F E R -- See "Sound and Speaker Problems" on page 48. 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 -- Click the Start button and click My Computer. 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. C L E A N T H E D I S C -- See the Tell Me How help file for instructions on cleaning your CDs. To access help files, see page 32. Problems writing to a CD-RW drive C L O S E O T H E R P R O G R A M S -- The CD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before writing to the CD-RW. TURN O F F ST A N D B Y M O D E I N W I N D O W S B E F O R E W R I T I N G T O A C D - R W D I S C -- For information on power conservation modes, see the Tell Me How help file or search for the keyword standby in Windows Help. To access help files, see page 32. 34 Solving Pr oblems DVD drive problems NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives. TE S T 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. 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 -- Click the Start button and click My Computer. 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. C L E A N T H E D I S C -- See the Tell Me How help file for instructions on cleaning your DVDs. To access help files, see page 32. C H 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 65. Hard drive problems RUN CHECK DISK -- 1 Click the Start button and click My Computer. 2 Right-click 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. E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is connected to a digital telephone network. C H E C K T H E T E L E P H O N E L I N E C O N N E C T I O N -- Verify that the telephone line is connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label or a connector-shaped icon next to it.) Ensure that you hear a click when you insert the telephone line connector into the modem. 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 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 use the telephone to connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack. U S E A D I F F E R E N T T E L E P H O N E L I N E -- If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one. R U N T H E MO D E M H E L P E R D I A G N O S T I C S -- Click the Start button, point to All Programs, and then click Modem Helper. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is not available on all computers.) 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 and click Control Panel. 2 Click Printers and Other Hardware. 3 Click Phone and Modem Options. 4 Click the Modems tab. 5 Click the COM port for your modem. 6 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. 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 Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2 Click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Phone and Modem Options. 3 Click your connection type to highlight it. 4 Click the Dialing Rules tab and click Edit. 5 Click the To Disable Call Waiting box to place a checkmark in it. 6 Select the disable code from the drop-down menu (for example, *70). 7 Click Apply and click OK. 36 Solving Pr oblems 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 checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE SUBSCRIBED TO AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER -- Contact an Internet service provider to subscribe. C O N T A C T Y O U R I N T E R N E T S E R V I C E P R O V I D E R -- Contact your Internet service provider for assistance. Error Messages If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared. A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? " < > | -- Do not use these characters in filenames. 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 and click Control Panel. 2 Click Add or Remove Programs. 3 Select the program you want to remove. 4 Click the Change or Remove Program icon. 5 See the program documentation for installation instructions. 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. NO N - S Y S T E M D I S K E R R O R -- A floppy disk is in the floppy drive. Remove the floppy disk and restart the computer. 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 N O T E N O U G H M E M O R Y O R R E S O U R C E S . CLOSE S O M E P R O G R A M S A N D 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, run the program that you want to use first. O P E R A T I N G S Y S T E M N O T F O U N D -- Contact Dell (see page 113). T H 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 using a larger-capacity disk. 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 -- The floppy drive cannot read the disk. Insert a floppy disk into the drive and try again. General Problems The computer stops responding 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 an operating system shutdown. A program stops responding END THE PROGRAM -- 1 Press simultaneously. 2 Click Applications. 3 Click the program that is no longer responding. 4 Click End Task. 38 Solving Pr oblems A program crashes repeatedly NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD. C H E C K T H E S O F T W A R E D O C U M E N T A T I O N -- Many software manufacturers maintain websites with information that may help you solve the problem. Ensure that you properly installed and configured the program. If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program. A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD -- Windows XP provides a Program Compatibility Wizard that configures a program so it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments. 1 Click the Start button, point to All ProgramsAccessories, and then click Program Compatibility Wizard. 2 In the welcome screen, click Next. 3 Follow the instructions on the screen. 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, press the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Press the power button again to restart the computer. The chkdsk program automatically runs during the start-up process. Follow the instructions on the screen. Other software problems CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION B A C K U P Y O U R F I L E S I M M E D I A T E L Y -- If your computer has a CD-RW drive or a zip drive installed, see the drive's documentation for instructions. E N S U R E T H A T Y O U H A V E N O T M A D E A N E R R O R W H I L E E N T E R I N G D A T A -- See the program documentation to ensure that the values or characters you are entering are valid. Solving Pr oblems 39 w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m