Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference And Troubleshooting Manual

Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference And Troubleshooting Manual

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Summary of Contents for Dell Inspiron 3000

  • Page 1 ® Š...
  • Page 2 Lotus Development 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.
  • Page 3: Safety Instructions

    Safety Instructions se the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety. hen Using Your Computer As you use your computer, observe the following safety guidelines: • When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface.
  • Page 4: Memory Modules

    Chapter 3, “Troubleshooting Your Computer.” If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not operating prop- erly, contact Dell Computer Corporation. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for the appropriate tele- phone number.) rgonomic Computing Habits WARNING: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury.
  • Page 5 computer positioned directly in front of user Turn off your computer and any attached peripherals. Disconnect your computer and peripherals from AC power to reduce the potential for personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer. Remove the main battery from the battery com- partment and, if necessary, the secondary battery from the options bay.
  • Page 6 viii...
  • Page 7 This Guide This guide is intended for anyone who uses the Dell Inspiron 3000 portable computer. It can be used by both first-time and experienced computer users who want to learn about the features of the computer. This guide also...
  • Page 8 The Dell Program Diskette Maker helps you with one of the most critical parts of setting up your system—creating program diskette sets. Look for the Dell Program Diskette Maker icon in the Dell Accessories folder. The Dell Service and Support Policies provides...
  • Page 9 • Filenames and directory names are presented in lowercase bold. Examples: autoexec.bat and c:\windows • Syntax lines consist of a command and all its possi- ble parameters. Commands are displayed in lowercase bold; variable parameters (those for which you substitute a value) are displayed in lowercase italics;...
  • Page 11: Table Of Contents

    Chapter 1 Introduction ......... . . 1-1 Hardware Features.
  • Page 12 Infrared Port ..........2-5 Parallel Port .
  • Page 13 Chapter 4 Running the Dell Diagnostics ......4-1 Features of the Dell Diagnostics ......... 4-1 When to Use the Dell Diagnostics .
  • Page 14 Completing the Dell Diagnostics ........
  • Page 15 Dell Diagnostics Program ........
  • Page 16 Dell Contact Numbers ........
  • Page 17 Appendix C Regulatory Notices ........C-1 FCC Class B Notice (U.S.
  • Page 18 Dell Contact Numbers ........5-9...
  • Page 19 Diagnostics Menu ........4-3 Figure 4-2. Main Screen of the Dell Diagnostics ......4-4 Figure 5-1.
  • Page 20 DELL CONFIDENTIAL Preliminary 2/4/98 xxiv...
  • Page 21 Dell Contact Numbers ........5-9...
  • Page 22 DELL CONFIDENTIAL Preliminary 2/4/98 xxvi...
  • Page 23: Introduction

    ® ™ he Dell Inspiron 3000 is an expandable, multi- media portable computer designed around the Intel ® Pentium microprocessor with MMX Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) technology. status display panel display close/suspend button speakers (2) keyboard touch pad touch pad...
  • Page 24: Hardware Features

    When you want to use the CD-ROM drive, turn off the computer, remove the diskette drive, and install the CD-ROM drive. For instructions and Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide AC adapter connector audio jacks (3) PC Card slots more information, see the topic titled “Options Bay”...
  • Page 25 The battery is designed to work only with Dell Inspiron 3000 computers. Do not attempt to use the battery with other computers. WARNING: Do not puncture or incinerate the battery. When your battery no longer holds a charge, call your local waste disposal agency or environmental agency for advice on disposing of the computer’s lithium ion battery.
  • Page 26: Software Features

    Then complete the installa- tion of your operating system. Next, use the Dell Program Diskette Maker in the Dell Accessories folder to create a program diskette set and back up your drivers and utilities. These diskettes can be used to reinstall or reconfigure the software if necessary.
  • Page 27: Getting Help

    If at any time you don’t understand a procedure described in this guide, or if your computer does not perform as expected, Dell provides a number of tools to help you. For more information, see Chapter 5, “Getting Help.” Introduction...
  • Page 28 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide...
  • Page 29: Customizing System Features

    Dell highly recommends that you use the Dell Program Diskette Maker in the Dell Accessories folder to back up the system utilities. If your hard-disk drive becomes cor- rupted, you can use the program diskettes to reinstall the utilities.
  • Page 30: Setup Program

    To change your system configuration information after you add, change, or remove hardware con- nected to or installed inside your computer Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Accessing the Setup Program To access the Setup program, press <F2> when prompted during start-up.
  • Page 31: System Time

    System Date: Floppy Drive: Hard Disk: Quiet Boot: Video Display Device: System Memory: Extended Memory: Visit our Web site at http://www.dell.com/ F1 Help Select Item ESC Exit Select Menu Figure 2-1. Main Menu of Setup Program System Time System Time sets the computer to the time you specify (usually the current time).
  • Page 32: System Memory

    Select Item ESC Exit Select Menu Figure 2-2. System Devices Menu of Setup Program Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Extended Memory Extended Memory displays the total amount of memory above 1 MB. Each computer comes standard with at least 16 MB of memory on the system board.
  • Page 33: Ps/2 Mouse

    If you want to use the high-speed infrared feature, see the readme.doc file on the Fast Infrared Drivers diskette that you made with the Dell Program Diskette Maker. In the Microsoft Windows 95 operating system, access the Dell Program Diskette Maker through the Dell Accesso- ries folder.
  • Page 34: Audio

    Select Item ESC Exit Select Menu Figure 2-3. Security Menu of Setup Program Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Audio Enables the audio controller. Options are PnP OS (the default), Enabled, and Disabled. It is recommended that you retain the default settings.
  • Page 35: System Password

    System Password If no system password has been set, the setting for Sys- tem Password is Clear. Otherwise, the setting displayed is Set. Set System Password Press <Enter> to set up a new system password, and then follow the instructions on your screen. This password restricts access to the Setup program settings.
  • Page 36: Power Management Mode

    NOTES: Some communications software may not work properly when Smart CPU Mode is enabled. Dell recom- mends that you set Smart CPU Mode to Off if you are using communications software.
  • Page 37: Suspend Mode

    save-to-RAM or save-to-disk suspend mode first. For instance, if Suspend Time-Out is set for 10 minutes and Standby Time-Out is set for 4 minutes, the computer enters save-to-RAM or save-to-disk suspend mode after 10 minutes of no I/O activity and then enters standby mode 4 minutes later.
  • Page 38: Exit Menu Options

    Hard Drive first causes the computer to boot only from the hard-disk drive. If it fails to boot from the hard-disk drive, the computer does not attempt to boot from the diskette drive. 2-10 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Setup Utility Security Power Boot...
  • Page 39: Save Changes And Exit

    Utilities and Drivers Dell provides software utilities and drivers that help you control certain features of your computer. If Dell installed Windows 95 on your computer, these utilities and drivers are also already installed.
  • Page 40: Reinstalling Video Drivers

    Dell portable computer with Windows 95. You may need to use these procedures under the following conditions: • Dell did not install an operating system or other sys- tem software on your computer. • You are reinstalling the version of Windows 95 that came with your computer, and you need to reinstall the drivers and utilities that Dell provides.
  • Page 41: Reinstalling Touch Pad Drivers

    To reinstall the standard infrared drivers that come with Windows 95, see your operating system documentation. To reinstall the fast infrared drivers provided by Dell, see the instructions in the readme.doc file on your Fast Infrared Drivers diskette.
  • Page 42: Reinstalling The System User's Guide

    PHDISK /DELETE /FILE at an MS-DOS prompt and press <Enter>. Reinstalling the System User’s Guide If needed, you can download the online Dell Inspiron 3000 System User’s Guide from Dell’s World Wide Web (WWW) site at http://www.dell.com/: Click the Service and Support icon.
  • Page 43: Troubleshooting Your Computer

    Troubleshooting Your Computer f your Dell Inspiron 3000 is not working as expected, this chapter provides initial checks for solving basic com- puter problems as well as detailed troubleshooting procedures. It lists system messages and beep codes, their possible causes, and actions you can take to resolve any problems indicated by a message or code.
  • Page 44: Checking Connections

    Yes. Go to step 4. No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chap- ter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.) Did you receive a system message or beep code? A single beep always sounds during the boot routine when the speaker is tested.
  • Page 45: Look And Listen

    • The secondary battery or any other optional device installed in the options bay options bay release Figure 3-3. Checking an Optional Device • Cables that connect external devices through the I/O panel on the back of the computer. connector serial port battery Figure 3-4.
  • Page 46: Setup Options

    Press the <Num Lock> key, the <Caps Lock> key, and the <Scroll Lock> key to toggle their respective indicators on and off in the status display panel. If the indicators do not appear, run the Keyboard test group in the Dell Diagnos- tics (for instructions, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics”).
  • Page 47: Messages And Codes

    If, after checking the setup options, you have not resolved the problem, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.” essages and Codes The application programs, operating system, and the computer itself are capable of identifying problems and alerting you to them. When this occurs, a message may appear on the computer’s display or an external monitor...
  • Page 48 If the problem persists, reboot the computer and press <F2> to enter the Setup program. Write down the setting for FDD Controller in the Main menu. Then call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chapter 5, “Getting Help.”) Call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chap- ter 5, “Getting Help.”)
  • Page 49: System Beep Codes

    Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause. (See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”) If you are still unable to resolve the problem, call Dell for tech- nical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
  • Page 50: Table 3-3. Beep Codes

    Run the Keyboard Controller Test in the Dell Diagnostics. (For instructions, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”) Run the RAM test group in the Dell Diagnostics. (See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics,” for instructions.) If the program does not load, call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chapter 5, “Getting Help.”)
  • Page 51: Finding Software Solutions

    You can confirm that a computer problem is caused by software by first running the System Set test group as described in Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.” If all tests in the test group complete successfully, the error condition is most likely caused by software.
  • Page 52: Input Errors

    In such cases, you may have to develop an 3-10 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide alternative method of running that particular program— for example, the creation of a boot file made especially for that program.
  • Page 53: Troubleshooting Procedures

    If the computer is connected to an alternating current (AC) power source, Dell recommends turn- ing off AC power at the circuit breaker before attempting to remove the power cables from AC power.
  • Page 54: Troubleshooting A Damaged Computer

    15. Does the computer work properly? Yes. The problem is resolved. No. If the computer is able to boot, run the Dell Diagnostics to identify computer damage. If the computer is unable to boot, see “Troubleshooting a Power Failure”...
  • Page 55: Troubleshooting A Power Failure

    “Running the Dell Diagnostics,” for instructions.) 14. If the computer does not operate properly, make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out. Then call Dell for techni- cal assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
  • Page 56: Total Power Failure When Using A Battery

    AC power indicator appear in the status display panel? Yes. Go to step 6. No. The battery is defective. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.) Is there a single bar on the far left of the battery status indicator? Yes.
  • Page 57: No Power To A Part Of The Computer

    Yes. The entire computer is receiving power; the problem is resolved. No. Adjust the brightness of the display. If the dis- play still does not show an image, call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.) NOTE: Contrast cannot be adjusted on an active- matrix color display.
  • Page 58: Troubleshooting The Hard-Disk Drive

    No. Go to step 10. 3-16 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide 10. Insert your Dell Diagnostics diskette into drive A, and reboot the computer. Then run the IDE CD-ROM Drives test group. Does your CD-ROM drive pass all the tests? Yes.
  • Page 59: Troubleshooting An External Keyboard

    9. No. Go to step 9. Call Dell for technical assistance. See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions. Troubleshooting an External Keyboard When you attach an external keyboard, the built-in key- board remains fully functional except for the embedded numeric keypad.
  • Page 60: Troubleshooting Memory

    Do the characters appear on the display? Yes. The external keyboard may be defective. Run the Keyboard test group in the Dell Diagnostics. If you cannot isolate the problem after running the diagnostics, call Dell for technical assistance.
  • Page 61: Troubleshooting An External Monitor

    “Getting Help,” for instructions.) No. If you still have a display problem but the dis- play is not completely blank, run the Video test group in the Dell Diagnostics. Then call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.) Turn off your computer, and connect an external monitor to the computer.
  • Page 62: Troubleshooting The Serial And Parallel Ports

    Disconnect all peripherals from the computer. Attach another external monitor to the computer. If you do not have another external monitor, call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.) Reboot the computer, and adjust the monitor’s brightness and contrast.
  • Page 63: Troubleshooting A Parallel Printer

    Does the self-test complete successfully? Yes. Go to step 6. No. The printer is probably defective. If you bought the printer from Dell, call Dell for technical assis- tance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.) If you purchased the printer elsewhere, take it to one of the manufacturer’s authorized ser-...
  • Page 64: Troubleshooting The Infrared Port

    Turn on the computer and the serial device. Is the problem resolved? Yes. You probably need a new device. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.) No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chap- ter 5, “Getting Help,”...
  • Page 65: Troubleshooting Audio Functions

    5, and fill it out as you complete the following procedure: Insert your diagnostics diskette into drive A, reboot the computer, and run the Audio test group in the Dell Diag- nostics. (See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”) Do the tests complete successfully? The Audio test group checks the functionality of the audio controller.
  • Page 66 3-24 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide...
  • Page 67: Running The Dell Diagnostics

    NOTE: If the computer does not boot, call Dell for tech- nical assistance. See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions. eatures of the Dell Diagnostics To troubleshoot components or devices, run the appropri- ate test (test group or subtest) in the diagnostics on your Dell Diagnostics Diskette.
  • Page 68: Before You Start Testing

    NOTE: You must have a diskette-drive cable to perform the following procedure. If you do not have a diskette- drive cable, you can order one from Dell. See Chapter 5, Getting Help,” for information on contacting Dell. Install a CD-ROM drive in the options bay.
  • Page 69: Completing The Dell Diagnostics

    Tests option. This option runs only the subtests that do not require user interaction and that do not take a long time to run. Dell recommends that you choose this option first to increase the odds of tracing the source of the prob- lem quickly.
  • Page 70: Confirming The System Configuration Information

    Main Menu: Select Display the Run Menu. * On the Dell Inspiron 3000, a CD-ROM drive installed in the options bay is recognized as IDE Drive 1. Figure 4-2. Main Screen of the Dell Diagnostics onfirming the System Configuration Information...
  • Page 71: How To Use The Menu

    One, only the highlighted subtest is run. If you choose Selected, only the selected subtests are run. If you select All, every subtest in the selected test group is run. (The subtests are run in the order they are listed.) Running the Dell Diagnostics...
  • Page 72: Select (Under Subtest)

    Options option in the Main menu. For information on this option, see “Options” found later in this section. Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Test Limits (Under Subtest) The Test Limits option in the Subtest menu functions in the same manner as the Test Limits option in the Main menu.
  • Page 73: Number Of Times To Repeat Test(S)

    Yes because they require user interaction. Set this parameter to No when you want to bypass subtests that require user interaction—such as when you run the diagnostics overnight. Running the Dell Diagnostics...
  • Page 74: Output Device For Status Messages

    Use the <Ctrl><Alt><Del> key combination to reboot the computer. If necessary, start your operating system. Insert the Dell Diagnostics Diskette into the diskette drive. Double-click The Notepad Icon. Then Select Open from the File menu. In the File Name text box, type a:\result and press <Enter>.
  • Page 75: About

    Dell Diagnostics The diagnostics is organized by components into test groups and subtests within each test group. Each subtest is designed to detect any errors that may interfere with the normal operation of a specific device of the computer.
  • Page 76: Table 4-2. Dell Diagnostics Tests

    Diskette Drives NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide. 4-10 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 4-2. Dell Diagnostics Tests Subtests Quick Test...
  • Page 77 Table 4-2. Dell Diagnostics Tests (continued) Test Groups Hard-Disk Drives (Non-SCSI) IDE CD ROM Drives Serial/Infrared Ports Parallel Ports Audio NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide.
  • Page 78: Error Messages

    • Data pattern checks, to look for RAM bits that are stuck high or low, short-circuited data lines, and 4-12 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide some data pattern problems that are internal to the memory chips • A parity check that verifies the ability of the memory subsystem to detect errors •...
  • Page 79: Subtests

    NOTE: The video subsystem of your computer’s display may support video resolutions that are not supported on an external monitor. When the video subtests are run on Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-13...
  • Page 80: Video Test Group

    Video Hardware Test Checks the cursor registers and the horizontal and vertical retrace bit registers in the video controller 4-14 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide • Text Mode Character Test Checks the video subsystem’s ability to present data in text modes •...
  • Page 81: Subtests

    Keyboard test group. (Clear them from memory by booting the computer from the Dell Diagnostics Diskette.) When these possibilities have been eliminated, and if the following symptoms occur, you should run one or more of the subtests in the Keyboard test group: •...
  • Page 82: Why Run A Diskette Drives Test

    You must have a diskette-drive cable to perform the fol- lowing procedure. If you do not have a diskette-drive cable, you can order one from Dell. See Chapter 5, “Get- ting Help,” for information on contacting Dell. Why Run a Diskette Drives Test? Very often, a diskette drive problem may first appear to be a diskette problem.
  • Page 83: Subtests

    You must have a diskette-drive cable to perform the fol- lowing procedure. If you do not have a diskette-drive cable, you can order one from Dell. See Chapter 5, “Get- ting Help,” for information on contacting Dell. The Audio Output Test requires a CD with audio tracks;...
  • Page 84: Serial/Infrared Ports Test Group

    Serial/Infrared Ports test group. 4-18 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Subtests The four subtests in the Serial/Infrared Ports test group confirm the following port functions: •...
  • Page 85: Subtests

    IRQ line configured for that controller • DMA Test Tests for the presence of a DMA channel on the sys- tem chip set, and determines if the DMA controller and the audio controller can exchange signals Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-19...
  • Page 86 Type y if you hear the tones; otherwise, type n. 4-20 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide The third interactive test, the Record and Playback Test, checks the computer’s built-in microphone and speaker(s).
  • Page 87: Getting Help

    “AutoTech Service” found later in this chapter If the preceding steps have not resolved the prob- lem and you need to talk to a Dell technician, you can call Dell’s customer technical support service. Before you call Dell, have your express service code ready.Your express service code is printed at the bot-...
  • Page 88: Technical Specifications

    You Call” found later in this chapter. elp Tools Dell provides a number of tools to assist you. Table 5-1 lists subjects you may want information about, tasks you may want to perform, and the tool(s) you can use for help.
  • Page 89: Dell Q&A

    Dell Q&A The Dell Q&A, a Windows-based online help file that answers questions that are often asked by Dell computer users, is included with certain Dell systems that were pur- chased with the Dell-installed Microsoft Windows 95 operating system. To view the Dell Q&A, open the Dell Accessories folder and double-click the Dell Q&A icon.
  • Page 90: Techfax Service

    Dell’s industry-leading hardware technical support ser- vice is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At any hour of any day, a Dell technical expert is ready with the answers to your questions about Dell hardware. Our technical support staff pride themselves on their...
  • Page 91: Problems With Your Order

    If you must return a piece of hardware to Dell, a technician will assign a Return Material Authorization Number. Record the number on the checklist, and include the completed checklist in the shipping box.
  • Page 92: Figure 5-1. Diagnostics Checklist

    See your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the system’s start-up files. If the computer is connected to a printer, print each file. Otherwise, record the contents of each file before calling Dell. Error message or beep code: ______________________________________________________________________...
  • Page 93: Dell Contact Numbers

    Contact Numbers When you need to contact Dell, use the telephone num- bers and codes provided in Tables 5-2 and 5-3. Table 5-2 provides the various codes required to make long- distance and international calls. Table 5-3 provides local...
  • Page 94: Table 5-2. International Dialing Codes

    Macau Malaysia (Penang) Mexico (Colonia Granada) Netherlands (Amsterdam) New Zealand Norway (Lysaker) Poland (Warsaw) Singapore (Singapore) South Africa (Johannesburg) Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 5-2. International Dialing Codes International Access Code Country Code 0011 — — —...
  • Page 95: Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers

    (353-1) 204 4008 or (353-1) 286 5908 (English only—the call is rerouted to the U.S.A.). International Access Code Country Code Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers ® (Dell Dimension ....toll free: 1-800-808-378...
  • Page 96 TechConnect BBS ......02 ....66710274 5-10 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers (continued) (Other systems) (Penang, Malaysia) .
  • Page 97 Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers (continued) Country (City) Department Name or Service Denmark Customer Care, Technical Support, and Sales....toll free: 800 171 62...
  • Page 98 (353-1) 204 4008 or (353-1) 286 5908 (English only—the call is rerouted to the U.S.A.). 5-12 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers (continued) ........810 4949...
  • Page 99 Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers (continued) Country (City) Department Name or Service Latin America Customer Technical Support Customer Service NOTE: Customers in Latin America call the (Technical Support and Customer Service) U.S.A. for sales, (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) customer, and technical assistance.
  • Page 100 New Zealand Technical Support (Dell Dimension systems only) ($2.50 + GST per call) Technical Support Customer Service ..........0800 444 617 Sales .
  • Page 101 Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers (continued) Country (City) Department Name or Service Singapore Technical Support (Singapore) (Dell Dimension systems only) (Penang, Malaysia) Technical Support NOTE: Customers in Sin- gapore call Malaysia for Customer Service technical assistance for Dell Dimension systems Transaction Sales .
  • Page 102 (353-1) 204 4008 or (353-1) 286 5908 (English only—the call is rerouted to the U.S.A.). 5-16 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers (continued) ........810 4949 (Penang, Malaysia) .
  • Page 103: Technical Specifications

    Internal cache memory ... . . 32 KB External cache memory: Dell Inspiron 3000 M166ST ..256-KB pipelined-burst SRAM Dell Inspiron 3000 M200ST and M233XT ....512-KB pipelined-burst SRAM Math coprocessor .
  • Page 104 USB......one 4-pin connector NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide. Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide PC Card or one type III card)
  • Page 105 Table A-1. Technical Specifications (continued) Audio type..... . . Sound Blaster Pro-compatible voice and Audio controller ....Crystal 4237B Conversion .
  • Page 106 Layout ......QWERTY/AZERTY/Kanji NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide. Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Display (SVGA) (continued) combinations...
  • Page 107 Table A-1. Technical Specifications (continued) Interface ......PS/2-compatible X/Y position resolution (graphics table mode) ....20 points/mm (500 points/inch) Size: Thickness .
  • Page 108 NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide. Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Main Battery (continued) 5 to 7 hours with two batteries...
  • Page 109 Storage ..... . –20 to 50 C (–4 to 122 F) Physical (Dell Inspiron 3000 M166ST and M200ST) Height ......42 mm (1.65 inches) Width .
  • Page 110 Measured with the hard-disk drive in head-parked position. NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide. Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Environmental (Computer) simulates air shipment...
  • Page 111: Appendix B Diagnostic Video Tests

    Diagnostic Video Tests he Video Test Group of the Dell Diagnostics consists of the following eight tests, each of which verifies a particular video function or group of functions on your built-in display or on an external monitor: • Video Memory Test — Checks the integrity of char- acters generated from data in the video memory •...
  • Page 112: Character Attributes Subtest (80

    Figure B-1. 80-Column x 25-Line Character Set Subtest Screen Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Character Attributes Subtest (40 x 25) The 40-column x 25-line character attributes subtest displays four lines of text, in 40-column by 25-line...
  • Page 113: Text Mode Color Test

    ext Mode Color Test The Text Mode Color Test contains three subtests that check the video subsystem’s ability to present color in text modes. The following subsections describe these subtests. Color Attributes Subtest (80 x 25) The 80-column x 25-line color attributes subtest displays a pattern of 16 rows and 16 columns in 80-column by 25-line text mode.
  • Page 114: Color Attributes Subtest (40

    The following subsections describe the Graphics Mode Test screens in the order in which they appear. Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide 320 x 200 Graphics Mode Screens The Graphics Mode Test displays two successive 320- x 200-pixel graphics mode screens. The first screen displays three pyramids in red, green, and yellow.
  • Page 115: 640 X 480 16-Color Graphics Mode Screen

    Figure B-3. 640 x 480 2-Color Graphics Mode Screen 640 x 480 16-Color Graphics Mode Screen The 640- x 480-pixel 16-color graphics mode screen dis- plays a series of stars in 16 different colors with the name of the color beneath each star. Type y if all the stars are the correct colors;...
  • Page 116: Solid Colors Test

    Type y if all the squares are the correct col- ors; otherwise, type n. Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide olid Colors Test The Solid Colors Test checks whether the video sub- system is displaying the correct colors.
  • Page 117: Regulatory Notices

    A Notice About Shielded Cables: Use only shielded cables for connecting peripherals to any Dell device to reduce the possibility of interference with radio and television reception. Using shielded cables ensures that you maintain the appropriate FCC certification of this product.
  • Page 118: Modem Requirements

    Interference-Causing Equipment Standard #3 (ICES-003) as Class B digital devices. To determine which classifica- tion (Class A or B) applies to your computer (or other Dell digital apparatus), examine all registration labels located on the bottom or the back panel of your computer (or other...
  • Page 119: Canadian Modem Requirements

    Dell portable computer to the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) directive of the European Community. Such marking is indicative that this Dell portable com- puter meets or exceeds the following technical standards: • EN 55022 — “Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment.”...
  • Page 120: Vcci Notices (Japan Only

    “Safety of Information Technology Equipment including Electrical Business Equipment.” A “Declaration of Conformity” in accordance with the above standards has been made and is on file at Dell Products Europe BV, Limerick, Ireland. CCI Notices (Japan Only) Most Dell computer systems are classified by the Volun- tary Control Council for Interference (VCCI) as Class B information technology equipment (ITE).
  • Page 121: Polish Center For Testing And Certification Notice

    olish Center for Testing and Certification Notice All equipment that works together (computer, monitor, printer, and so on) should have the same power supply source. The phasing conductor of the room’s electrical installa- tion should have a reserve short-circuit protection device in the form of a fuse with a nominal value no larger than 10 amperes (A).
  • Page 122: Nom 024 Information (Mexico Only

    Frequency: 50/60 Hz Current consumption: 0.8/0.4 A Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide nformación para NOM 024 (únicamente para México) La información siguiente se proporciona en el disposi- tivo o en los dispositivos descritos en este documento, en cumplimiento con los requisitos de la Norma Oficial...
  • Page 123: Warranties And Return Policy

    Dell system after the system is shipped from Dell; accessories or parts added to a Dell system through Dell’s system integration department; accesso- ries or parts that are not installed in the Dell factory; or DellWare products. Monitors, keyboards, and mice that Appendix D are Dell-branded or that are included on Dell’s standard...
  • Page 124: Coverage During Year One

    If Dell elects to exchange a product or portion of a prod- uct, the exchange will be made in accordance with Dell’s Exchange Policy in effect on the date of the exchange.
  • Page 125: Coverage During Years Two And Three

    Dell. The process for returning replaced parts, and your obligation to pay for replace- ment parts if you do not return the replaced parts to Dell, will be in accordance with Dell’s Exchange Policy in effect on the date of the exchange.
  • Page 126: Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (U.s. And Canada Only

    If you are an end-user customer who bought products directly from a Dell company, you may return them to Dell up to 30 days from the date of invoice for a refund of the product purchase price if already paid. This refund will not include any shipping and handling charges shown on your invoice.
  • Page 127: Index

    About option in Dell Diagnostics, 4-9 AC adapter connector, 1-2 alternating current. See AC assistance technical, 5-1 telephone numbers, 5-7 warranty repair or credit, 5-5 audio functions troubleshooting, 3-23 audio jacks, 1-2 Audio test group Dell Diagnostics, 4-19 AutoTech service, 5-3 basic input/output system.
  • Page 128 See drivers diagnosing problems, 5-1 diagnostic video tests, B-1 Diagnostics Checklist, 5-6 diagnostics program. See Dell Diagnostics Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide disk. See diskette drive, hard-disk drive, CD-ROM drive diskette drive external, 1-3 failure during POST, 3-15...
  • Page 129 3-10 interrupt request. See IRQ IRQ line assignment, 3-10 keyboard about, 1-1 checking external keyboard during POST, 3-17 Keyboard test group in Dell Diagnostics, 4-14 Keyboard test group Dell Diagnostics, 4-14 Key-Help option in Dell Diagnostics, 4-9 Index...
  • Page 130 1-2 monitor (external) errors during POST, 3-19 monitor connector, 1-3 mouse, 1-3 Mouse test Dell Diagnostics, 4-15 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide nonvolatile random-access memory. See NVRAM notational conventions, x notes, x NVRAM, 2-2 operating systems reinstalling, 2-12...
  • Page 131 Program Diskette Maker, 1-4 program diskette sets, 1-4 program. See system utilities PS/2 connector, 1-3 Quit option in Dell Diagnostics, 4-9 RAM count failure during POST, 3-18 RAM test group in Dell Diagnostics, 4-12 random-access memory. See RAM regulatory notices, C-1...
  • Page 132 A-1 standby mode, 1-3 start-up files, 3-9 status display panel, 1-1 Subtest option in Dell Diagnostics, 4-5 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide super video graphics array. See SVGA support technical, 5-1 SVGA display, 1-2 system features, 1-2...
  • Page 133 B-1 testing, 4-13 video memory, A-3 video subsystem. See Video test group Video test group Dell Diagnostics, 4-13 video tests Color Palettes Test, B-5 Graphics Mode Test, B-4 Solid Colors Test, B-6 Text Mode Character Test, B-1...
  • Page 134 D-2 warranty repair or credit, 5-5 water damage, 3-11 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide XGA display, 1-2...
  • Page 135 Dell Information Development Postscript Imaging Specs JOB TITLE: Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide (Twister) LANGUAGES: English PART NUMBER: 55899 Rev. A01 PREPARED BY: Gloria Salinas PHONE NUMBER: 728-3500 Ext. 60187 EMAIL ADDRESS: Gloria_Salinas@dell.com VENDOR: EMF/IPC//APCC DATE: 11/07/97 COMPUTER SOURCE:...
  • Page 136 AppD: Index: TOTAL PAGE COUNT: SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Add blank pages needed to complete signatures. For questions or problems with files contact: Donna Moore - Graphic Development Dell Computer Corporation (512) 728-3439 Filename Page Count 55899am1.ps 2(Incl. Blank Back) 55899em1.ps 55899ap1.ps 55899tp1.ps...

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