Related Manuals for Dell Dimension 900
Summary of Contents for Dell Dimension 900
- Page 1 Dell™ Dimension™ 900 System REFERENCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE www.dell.com support.dell.com...
- Page 2 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, Dell Precision, DellWare, Inspiron, Latitude, OptiPlex, and Dimension are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks and Celeron and MMX are trademarks of Intel Corporation;...
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Page 3: Safety Instructions
NOTICE: Your computer is designed to work only while upright in the stand shipped with it. Do not attempt to place the computer flat on a desktop, and do not set heavy objects, such as a monitor, on top of the computer. -
Page 4: Ergonomic Computing Habits
• Position your system so that the monitor and keyboard are directly in front of you as you work. Special shelves are available (from Dell and other sources) to help you correctly position your keyboard. •... -
Page 5: 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 system yourself, except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell documentation. Always follow installation and service instructions closely. Turn off your computer and all devices. -
Page 6: Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
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. -
Page 7: About This Guide
Preface About This Guide This guide is intended for anyone who uses a Dell Dimension 900 system. It can be used by both first-time and experienced computer users who want to learn about the features and operation of the systems or who want to upgrade their computers. The chapters and appendixes are summarized as follows: •... -
Page 8: Notational Conventions
The Getting Started sheet provides step-by-step instructions for setting up your computer system. • The Dell Dimension Systems Setup Guide describes how to properly set up your operating system and connect a printer. • The Dell Dimension 900 System Help describes the features and operation of your computer. -
Page 9: Typographical Conventions
Typographical Conventions The following list defines (where appropriate) and illustrates typographical conven- tions used as visual cues for specific elements of text throughout this document: • Interface components are window titles, button and icon names, menu names and selections, and other options that appear on the monitor screen or display. They are presented in bold. -
Page 11: Table Of Contents
Contents Chapter 1 Introduction....... . . 1-1 Hardware Features ..........1-1 Software Features . - Page 12 Starting the Dell Diagnostics........
- Page 13 Dell Contact Numbers ........
- Page 14 Diagnostics Menu ........3-12 Dell Diagnostics Main Screen ......3-13 Expansion-Card Installation .
- Page 15 Dell Contact Numbers ........6-6...
- Page 16 xviii...
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Page 17: Introduction
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction Dell™ Dimension™ 900 computer systems are high-speed personal computers that include an Intel Instruction, Multiple Data (SIMD) Extensions or a Celeron™ processor with MMX™ technology. These systems incorporate a high-performance Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) design, allowing a wide range of initial configurations and upgrade possibilities. -
Page 18: Software Features
PCI bus. NOTE: PCI expansion-card connector PCI1 (see Figure 2-7) is reserved for use with Dimension 900 system-specific expansion cards available only from Dell (see “Available Upgrades,” found later in this chapter). PCI expansion-card con- nector PCI2 is available for use with any one-third–length commercial PCI card. -
Page 19: Available Upgrades
(see Appendix B, “System Setup Program”). Available Upgrades The upgrades Dell offers undergo rigorous testing to ensure proper operation with your computer. You should review “PCI Expansion Card Upgrades” in Chapter 2 to be sure you have the necessary slots or resources available before purchasing such an upgrade. -
Page 20: Figure 1-1. Padlock Ring
The padlock ring allows you to secure the computer cover to the chassis with a pad- lock to prevent unauthorized access to the inside of the computer. To use the padlock ring, insert a commercially available padlock through the ring, and then lock the padlock. Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide... -
Page 21: Installing Upgrades On The System Board
Disconnect the power cable to your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board. In addition, Dell recommends that you review the safety instructions at the front of this guide. support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board... -
Page 22: Installation Guidelines
If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock. Remove the three screws that secure the cover to the back panel (see Figure 2-1). Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide... -
Page 23: Figure 2-1. Removing The Computer Cover
Check to see that no tools or extra parts (including screws) are left inside the computer. Remove the front bezel by slightly lifting the three bezel tabs (see Figure 2-2) and gently pulling the bezel away from the front panel. support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board... -
Page 24: Inside Your Computer
CAUTION: Your system is designed to work only in a vertical orientation using the stand shipped with the computer. Do not attempt to operate the system lying flat on a desktop, and do not set heavy objects such as a monitor on top of the computer. -
Page 25: Figure 2-3. Inside The Computer
Figure 2-3. Inside the Computer support.dell.com diskette drive AC power receptacle mouse connector Installing Upgrades on the System Board system board riser-board bracket expansion-card slots line-out connector USB connector video connector parallel port connector... -
Page 26: System Board
(JPX1) riser-board connector (SL1) boot-block select jumper (JP7) NVRAM jumper (JPX2) Figure 2-4. System Board Features Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide system board power indicator (LED1) password jumper (JP6) jumper (not used) DC main power input... -
Page 27: Table 2-1. System Board Connectors And Sockets
CN16 DIMMn JPX1 JPX2 LED1 NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com Description Battery socket Keyboard and mouse connectors DC main power input connector Parallel port connector (sometimes referred to as LPT1), video connector, and serial port connector... -
Page 28: Jumpers
Table 2-2 describes the settings and functions of the password jumper. Table 2-2. Password Jumper Settings Jumper Settings NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Description Enables system password features (default) Bypasses system password features... -
Page 29: Processor Mode Jumper
NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com Description Enables processor normal mode (default). Change this setting only if instructed to by Dell Technical Support. Enables processor safe mode Description Retains current NVRAM settings (default). Change this setting only if instructed to by Dell Technical Support. -
Page 30: Boot-Block Select Jumper
(see Figure 2-5). Do not grasp the bracket by its edges, which may be sharp. 2-10 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Description Normal boot setting (default). Change this setting only if instructed to by Dell Technical Support. -
Page 31: Figure 2-5. Removing The Riser-Board Bracket
Replace the riser-board screw (see Figure 2-5). Replace the computer cover according to the instructions in “Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover” found earlier in this chapter. support.dell.com diskette-drive slots and tabs (2) Installing Upgrades on the System Board... -
Page 32: Pci Expansion Card Upgrades
The riser board accommodates up to two one-third–length, 32-bit Peripheral Compo- nent Interconnect (PCI) expansion cards. PCI expansion-card connector 1 (PCI1) is reserved for use with Dimension 900 system-specific expansion cards available only from Dell (see “Available Upgrades” in Chapter 1). PCI expansion-card connector 2 (PCI2) is available for use with any one-third–length commercial PCI card. -
Page 33: Installing Expansion Cards
Choose an expansion-card connector for the card. NOTE: The PCI1 connector (see Figure 2-7) is reserved for use with Dimension 900 system-specific expansion cards available only from Dell (see “ Available Upgrades” in Chapter 1). The PCI2 connector is available for use with any one-third–length commercial PCI card. -
Page 34: Figure 2-8. Removing The Filler-Bracket Cap
Unscrew and remove the metal filler bracket that covers the card-slot opening for the expansion slot you intend to use (see Figure 2-9). Figure 2-9. Removing the Filler Bracket 2-14 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide filler-bracket cap filler bracket screw... -
Page 35: Figure 2-10. Installing An Expansion Card
Replace the filler-bracket cap and screw that you removed in step 5. 10. Connect any cables required for the card as described in the documentation that came with the card. support.dell.com card-edge connector cutout Installing Upgrades on the System Board... -
Page 36: Removing Expansion Cards
(DIMMs) in the two DIMM sockets on the system board. This system supports only non-error checking and correction (non-ECC), 100-megahertz (MHz) DIMMs. Purchas- ing memory upgrades from Dell Spare Parts ensures system compatibility; these upgrades are also covered under your system warranty. -
Page 37: Installing A Dimm
Press firmly at each end until the DIMM snaps into place (see step 2 of Figure 2-11). If you inserted the DIMM correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the DIMM (see step 3 of Figure 2-11). support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-17... -
Page 38: Removing A Dimm
To enter the system setup program, restart the computer and press <Del> when the blue Dell logo screen appears. Verify that the amount displayed for Total Memory on the System Information screen is correct. -
Page 39: Replacing The System Battery
The drive shelf is attached to the chassis with two screws—one to the right of the optical drive and one to the left of the diskette drive as you face the front of the computer (see Figure 2-13). support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-19... -
Page 40: Figure 2-13. Drive Shelf
NOTICE: Inserting the battery upside-down will damage the system board circuitry. Insert the battery into the socket with the side labeled “+” facing up (see Figure 2-14). 2-20 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide bezel tabs (3) -
Page 41: Figure 2-14. System Battery And Battery Socket
Replace the bezel, riser-board bracket, and computer cover, and reconnect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets. 10. Restart the system, press <Del> when the blue Dell logo screen appears to enter the system setup program, and restore the correct settings. - Page 42 2-22 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide...
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Page 43: Chapter 3 Basic Troubleshooting
It can also direct you to the appropriate chapter in this guide for detailed troubleshooting information and procedures to solve more complex problems. You should complete the checks in this chapter before calling Dell for tech- nical assistance; even if these checks do not provide an immediate solution, they can help support technicians diagnose and fix the problem. -
Page 44: Dellware Support
Usually reseating (disconnecting and then reconnecting) the cables corrects these problems. NOTE: See the “System Features” section of the Dell Dimension 900 System Help for the location of your computer’s external connectors and controls. To check computer connections, perform the following steps: Turn off the computer, the monitor, and all attached devices. -
Page 45: Power
You may need to restart the computer several times to complete all these checks. Table 3-1. Start-Up Routine Indications Indication You hear a series of beeps. A message is displayed on the monitor. support.dell.com Action See Table C-1. See Table C-2. Basic Troubleshooting... -
Page 46: Environmental Factors
This section lists some basic checks you can do for most monitors. Check the documentation that came with the monitor for fault indications and troubleshooting procedures specific to your monitor. If you purchased the monitor from Dell, you can also find troubleshooting information on Dell’s World Wide Web site (http://support.dell.com). - Page 47 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. Double-click the Display icon, and click the Settings tab. Try different settings for Colors and Screen area (Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000) or Desktop Area (Windows NT).
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Page 48: Speakers
For assistance, contact the ISP to which you cannot connect. Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Restart the system. see the Starting Windows ... message, and then select Safe Mode from the boot manager screen. -
Page 49: Network Cards
Remove the computer cover as described in “Removing and Replacing the Com- puter Cover” in Chapter 2. Remove the riser-board bracket as described in “Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket” in Chapter 2. support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting... -
Page 50: Diskette Drives
Check the settings on the Disk Drives option of the system setup program as described in Appendix B, “System Setup Program.” • Run the Diskette device group as described in “Running the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter. Optical Drives If you have problems with an optical drive, such as a CD-ROM drive, perform the following checks. -
Page 51: Hard-Disk Drives
Most of the common boot-sector viruses cause the optical drive to “disappear.” Use virus-scanning software to check for and remove any viruses. If Dell installed Windows 98 or Windows Me on your system, you should already have virus-scanning software. -
Page 52: Starting The Dell Diagnostics
Using this program with other computers may cause incorrect computer responses or result in error messages. The Dell Diagnostics provides a series of menus and options from which you choose particular test groups or subtests. You can also control the sequence in which the tests are run. - Page 53 MS-DOS prompt. NOTE: Before you read the rest of this section, you may want to start the Dell Diagnostics so that you can see it on the screen of your monitor.
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Page 54: Dell Diagnostics Main Screen
Information on the main screen of the diagnostics is presented in the following areas: • Two lines at the top of the screen identify the version number of the Dell Diagnostics. • On the left side of the screen, the Device Groups area lists the diagnostic test groups in the order they will run if you select All from the Run Tests menu. -
Page 55: Using The Dell Diagnostics
Ports device group. Using the Dell Diagnostics The online Help in the Dell Diagnostics provides instructions on how to use the pro- gram and explains each menu item, test group, subtest, and test and error result. To enter the Help menu, perform the following steps: Highlight Select Devices to Test in the DIAGNOSTICS MENU. -
Page 56: Keys
Keys Keys explains the functions of all the keystrokes that can be used in the Dell Diagnostics. Device Group Device Group describes the test group that is presently highlighted in the Device Groups list on the main menu screen. It also provides reasoning for using some tests. -
Page 57: Chapter 4 Software Solutions
Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000 For Windows 98, the power management features of your Dell system can be set through the Power Management Properties window. For Windows 2000 and Win- dows Me, the power management features can be set through the Power Options Properties window. -
Page 58: Reinstalling Drivers
All of your system’s drivers for Dell-installed devices are operative when you receive the system—no further installation or configuration is needed. However, if you ever need to reinstall any of these drivers, the driver files are provided on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD. -
Page 59: Your System's Drivers
Dell Documents icon on the Windows desktop, clicking System Information, and then clicking System Documentation. NOTES: If a driver does not appear under a selected operating system on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, then the driver is not required by that operating system. -
Page 60: Temporarily Disabling The Virus-Scanning Program
To check for conflicts, perform the following steps: Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. In the Control Panel, double-click the System icon. Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide... -
Page 61: Windows 2000
Double-click the icon for the specific device in the expanded list. The Properties window appears. If there is an IRQ conflict, the Device status area in the Properties window reports what expansion cards or devices are sharing the device's IRQ. Resolve the IRQ conflicts. support.dell.com Software Solutions... -
Page 62: Windows Nt
Windows 98. Turn on the computer and 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 CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive boots first, as directed by a Dell technical support representative. - Page 63 18. Reinstall the appropriate drivers. 19. Reenable your virus protection software. 20. Enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative. 21. In the system setup program Boot menu, change the boot sequence so that the diskette drive boots first, as directed by a Dell technical support representative.
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Page 64: Reinstalling Windows Me
Windows Me. Turn on the computer and 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 CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive boots first, as directed by a Dell technical sup- port representative. -
Page 65: Reinstalling Windows 2000
23. Enter a password in the Enter Network Password window, if desired, and then click Next. 24. Remove the Dell Product Recovery CD from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. 25. Enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative. - Page 66 Windows 2000 now begins to install its components and configure the computer. 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. 4-10 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide...
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Page 67: Checking Inside Your Computer
Figure 5-1 illustrates a correctly seated expansion card, and Figure 5-2 illustrates incorrect expansion-card installations. Reconnect the cable connectors to the appropriate connectors on the expansion cards. Replace the riser-board bracket. Replace the computer cover, connect all external cables, and turn on the system. support.dell.com Checking Inside Your Computer... -
Page 68: Figure 5-1. Expansion-Card Installation
Figure 5-1. Expansion-Card Installation front edge not seated bracket caught in slot Figure 5-2. Incorrect Expansion-Card Installations Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide... -
Page 69: Modem
Remove and reinstall the modem, fully seating the card in its connector (see Figure 5-1). Replace the riser-board bracket. support.dell.com Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. In the Control Panel, double-click Modems for Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows NT or double-click Phone and Modem Options for Windows 2000. -
Page 70: Network Cards
Clear nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM) as described in “Clearing NVRAM” in Appendix B. If the network hardware is functional, check the network connections as follows: Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Check the network card connector for physical damage. Ensure that the cable is inserted properly. -
Page 71: System Memory
Chapter 2. Remove the DIMMs as described in “Removing a DIMM” in Chapter 2. support.dell.com Replace the patch cable or network cable from the wall jack to the computer. If replacing the patch cable or network cable does not solve the problem, try moving the computer to a known good location on the network. -
Page 72: If Your Computer Gets Wet
If the system does not have power, see Chapter 6, “Getting Help,” for instruc- tions on obtaining technical assistance. Turn off the system, and disconnect it from the electrical outlet. Remove the computer cover. Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide... -
Page 73: If Your Computer Is Damaged
See “Installing Expansion Cards” in Chapter 2 for instructions. 11. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the optical drive. NOTES: For systems running Windows 98 or Windows Me, also insert the Microsoft Windows 98 Boot Disk or Microsoft Windows Me Boot Disk into the diskette drive. - Page 74 Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the optical drive. NOTES: For systems running Windows 98 or Windows Me, also insert the Microsoft Windows 98 Boot Disk or Microsoft Windows Me Boot Disk into the diskette drive. For systems running Windows NT, also insert the Hard Drive Diagnostics and Utilities diskette included with your computer system or any MS-DOS bootable diskette into the diskette drive.
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Page 75: Getting Help
C H A P T E R 6 Getting Help This chapter describes the tools Dell provides to help you when you have a problem with your computer. It also tells you when and how to call Dell for technical or cus- tomer assistance. Technical Assistance If you need assistance with a technical problem, perform the following steps: Complete the basic troubleshooting checks described in “Checking the Basics”... -
Page 76: Help Tools
Help Tools Dell provides a number of tools to assist you. These tools are described in the follow- ing sections. NOTE: Some of the following tools are not always available in all locations. Please call your local Dell representative for information on availability. -
Page 77: Automated Order-Status System
Automated Order-Status System You can call this automated service to check on the status of any Dell products that you have ordered. A recording prompts you for the information needed to locate and report on your order. For the telephone number to call, refer to “Dell Contact Num- bers”... -
Page 78: Returning Items For Warranty Repair Or Credit
Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (Figure 6-1). If possible, turn on your system before you call Dell for technical assistance, and call from a telephone at or near the computer. You may be asked to type some commands at the keyboard, relay detailed information during operations, or try other troubleshooting steps possible only at the computer system itself. -
Page 79: Figure 6-1. Diagnostics Checklist
Name: ______________________________________________________________Date: ______________________ Address: ________________________________________________________Phone number: _________________ Service tag (bar code on the back of the computer): _________________________________________________ Return Material Authorization Number (if provided by Dell support technician): ___________________________ Operating system and version: ____________________________________________________________________ Peripherals: ____________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Expansion cards:_________________________________________________________________________________... -
Page 80: Dell Contact Numbers
Dell Global Japan ......044 ... -
Page 81: System Specifications
PCI-to-PCI bridging ....supported NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com Microprocessor runs at an external speed of 100 MHz or an... - Page 82 BIOS address ..... . F0000h NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Expansion Bus (continued)
- Page 83 Graphics memory ....Dynamically assigned from system NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com Drives diskette drive; one 5.25-inch bay for a slim-...
- Page 84 Weight ......6.6 kg (14.5 lb) NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Video (continued) 16.7 million colors...
- Page 85 Storage ..... . . –15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft) At 35°C (95°F), the maximum operating altitude is 914 m (3000 ft). NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com Environmental velocity of 50.8 cm/sec (20 inches/sec)
- Page 86 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide...
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Page 87: Appendix B System Setup Program
• To set or change user-selectable options—for example, the user password Dell recommends that you print the system setup program screens (by pressing <Print Screen>) or write down the information for future reference. Entering the System Setup Program Enter the system setup program as follows: Turn on (or restart) your system. -
Page 88: Table B-1. System Setup Navigation Keys
Table B-1. System Setup Navigation Keys Keys Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Action Moves the highlight bar up or down to select an item. Selects the submenu for the current option. Returns to selected screen from the Key Help Guide. -
Page 89: System Setup Screens And Options
Advanced Options — Provides a menu for setting the system’s cache and Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) device options and Plug and Play operation The Main screen also allows you to load the system setup program’s default settings and to cancel all changes to the settings. support.dell.com System Setup Program... -
Page 90: Main Screen
Load Default Settings Abort Settings Change NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Function Displays the System Information screen. See “System Information Screen” found later in this appendix. -
Page 91: System Information Screen
Figure B-2. System Information Screen Menu Table B-3. System Information Screen Menu Options Option None NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com Function Displays a compilation of the present settings of the basic system configuration. System Setup Program... -
Page 92: Product Information Screen
Figure B-3. Product Information Screen Menu Table B-4. Product Information Screen Menu Options Option None NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Function Displays system product version numbers and identification codes. -
Page 93: Disk Drives Screen
Channel Master IDE Secondary Channel Slave NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com Function Selects the type of diskette drive. Valid selections are 1.44 MB, 3.5-inch (default); 2.88 MB, 3.5-inch; 720 KB, 3.5-inch; or None. -
Page 94: Ide Primary Channel Master Submenu
Mode DMA Transfer Mode NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Function Specifies the mode of device detection on the channel. Selections are Auto (default), User, and None. -
Page 95: Onboard Peripherals Screen
Base Address Parallel Port Base Address NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com Function Configures the serial port. Set this option to Enabled (default) or Disabled. If set to Enabled, you can set the fol-... - Page 96 Controller USB Legacy Mode NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. B-10 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Function If port is set to Enabled, available interrupts are 7 (default) and 5. Sets parallel port to EPP (default), ECP , Standard, or Bi-Directional mode of operation.
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Page 97: Boot Options Screen
Configures POST speed. Select Auto (default) to bypass some test procedures during POST. Select Disabled to allow full POST test procedures. Configures the Dell logo screen at boot. Selections are Enabled (default) and Disabled. System Setup Program B-11... - Page 98 Update BIOS with Boot Block NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. B-12 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Function Determines whether the keyboard’s Num Lock mode remains on after the system boots. The selections are Disabled (default) and Enabled.
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Page 99: Date And Time Screen
Table B-9. Date and Time Screen Menu Options Option Date Time NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com Function Resets the date on the computer’s internal calendar. Resets the time on the computer’s internal clock. System Setup Program B-13... -
Page 100: System Security Screen
Floppy Drive Hard Disk Drive NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. B-14 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Function Sets, changes, or cancels a supervisor password. Sets, changes, or cancels a user password. -
Page 101: Advanced Options Screen
Table B-11. Advanced Options Screen Menu Options Option Memory/Cache Options PnP/PCI Options NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com Function Displays the Memory/Cache Options screen. See “Memory/Cache Options Submenu” found later in this appendix. Displays the PnP/PCI Options screen. See “PnP/PCI Options Submenu”... -
Page 102: Memory/Cache Options Submenu
CPU Frequency Multiplier NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. B-16 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Function Sets Level 1 cache to Enabled (default) or Disabled. Sets Level 2 cache to Enabled (default) or Disabled. -
Page 103: Pnp/Pci Options Submenu
PCI IRQ Sharing VGA Palette Snoop NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com Function Allows the PCI IRQ settings to be assigned automatically if set to Auto (default) or manually if set to Manual. If set to... -
Page 104: Disabling A Forgotten Password
Remove all expansion cards according to the instructions in “Removing Expan- sion Cards” found in Chapter 2. B-18 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Function Sets the graphics aperture size to 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, or 256 MB. -
Page 105: Clearing Nvram
Attach the computer to the electrical outlet, and turn it on. After the system boots, turn it off, and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Remove the computer cover, the riser-board bracket, and all expansion cards. support.dell.com System Setup Program B-19... - Page 106 10. Move the NVRAM jumper (JPX2) to the “retain” setting described in “NVRAM Jumper” in Chapter 2. 11. Replace all expansions cards, the riser-board bracket, and the computer cover. 12. Attach the computer to the electrical outlet, and turn it on. B-20 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide...
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Page 107: Appendix C Beep Codes And System Messages
Chapter 2. Incompatible 100-MHz Replace with 100-MHz SDRAM SDRAM DIMM is installed. DIMM from Dell. See “ Adding Memory” in Chapter 2. EDO DIMM is installed with Replace EDO DIMM with an SDRAM DIMM. 100-MHz SDRAM DIMMs from Dell. -
Page 108: System Messages
Controller Error Equipment Configura- tion Error NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Possible Cause Corrective Action 66-MHz SDRAM DIMM is Replace with 100-MHz SDRAM installed. DIMMs from Dell. See “ Adding Memory”... - Page 109 The IDE drive may be Run the IDE Devices tests as faulty, type mismatched, described in “Running the Dell or not properly installed. Diagnostics” in Chapter 3. The I/O address is not Run the System Board Devices correct.
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Page 110: Memory Error
Error Pointing Device IRQ Conflict NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Possible Cause Corrective Action One or more DIMMs See “System Memory” and may be faulty or improp- “Reseating DIMMs”... - Page 111 Chapter 5. A real-time clock error Run the System Board Devices has occurred. tests as described in “Running the Dell Diagnostics” in Chapter 3. System management See “System Memory” in memory may be faulty. Chapter 5. Some system resources See “Resolving Software and...
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Page 113: Appendix D Regulatory Notices
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00450-7 or on the World Wide Web at http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Compliance/WWW/ tvibook.html. Dell computer systems are designed, tested, and classified for their intended electro- magnetic environment. These electromagnetic environment classifications generally refer to the following harmonized definitions: •... -
Page 114: Vcci Notice (Japan Only
EMC classification for the intended environment. For parallel printers, a cable is available from Dell Computer Corporation. If you prefer, you can order a cable from Dell Com- puter Corporation on the World Wide Web at http://www.dell.com/ products/dellware/index.htm. -
Page 115: Class B Ite
“Replacing the System Battery” in Chapter 2 for instructions. 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. support.dell.com Regulatory Notices... - Page 116 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide...
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Page 117: Index
2-19 beep codes, C-1 Boot Options screen, system setup program, B-11 Boot-block jumper settings, 2-10 cache memory, A-1 calling Dell, 6-6 cautions, x chassis. See computer chip set update utility driver, 4-3 support.dell.com clearing NVRAM, B-19 computer technical specifications, A-1... - Page 118 A-3 cables, 2-4 troubleshooting, 3-8 types supported, 1-2 dual in-line memory modules. See DIMMs Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide electrostatic discharge. See ESD error messages invalid configuration information, B-1 list, C-2 ESD, viii expansion cards...
- Page 119 2-10 NVRAM jumper settings, 2-9 password jumper settings, 2-8 processor mode jumper settings, 2-9 system board locations, 2-6 keys and key combinations Dell Diagnostics, 3-13 system setup program, B-2 Main screen system setup program, B-4 memory See DIMMs...
- Page 120 1-2 software features, 1-2 speakers troubleshooting, 3-6 specifications, A-1 stand removing and replacing, 2-2 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide support technical, 6-1 system. See computer system board about, 2-4 features, 1-2 system configuration information. See...
- Page 121 5-5 where to start, 3-1 typographical conventions, xi upgrade options available, 1-3 expansion cards, 2-13 memory, 2-16 unpacking, 2-2 support.dell.com video controller, 1-2 video driver, 4-3 virus-scanning programs temporarily disabling, 4-4 warranty information, ix warranty repair or credit, 6-4 Windows...
- Page 122 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide...