Dell OptiPlex GX520 DCTR, OptiPlex GX520 DCNE, OptiPlex GX520 DCSM Manual

Introduction

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.

A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft^® Windows^® operating systems are not applicable.
The Quick Reference Guide, Drivers and Utilities CD, and operating system media are optional and may not ship with all computers.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary in the User's Guide.

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries.
NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
A diagnostic program for my computer Drivers for my computer My computer documentation My device documentation Desktop System Software (DSS)	Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD) NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with your computer. Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see "Using the Drivers and Utilities CD" ), run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD" ), 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 technicians or experienced users. NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com.
Operating system updates and patches	Desktop System Software (DSS) Located on the Drivers and Utilities CD and the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Warranty information Terms and Conditions (U.S only) Safety instructions Regulatory information Ergonomics information End User License Agreement	Dell™ Product Information Guide
How to remove and replace parts Specifications How to configure system settings How to troubleshoot and solve problems	User's Guide Available in the Microsoft ® Windows ® XP Help and Support Center: Click the Start button and click Help and Support. Click User's and system guides and click User's guides. The User's Guide is also available on the optional Drivers and Utilities CD.
Service Tag and Express Service Code Microsoft Windows License Label	Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License These labels are located on your computer. Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com or contact technical support. Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting technical support.
Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, frequently asked questions Community — 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, service call and order status, warranty, and repair information Service and support — Service call status and support history, service contract, online discussions with technical support Reference — Computer documentation, details on computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates Desktop System Software (DSS) — If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel ® Pentium ® M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. This software automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.	Dell Support Website — support.dell.com NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site. The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including: Troubleshooting — Hints and tips, articles from technicians, and online courses Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system Services and Warranties — Contact information, order status, warranty, and repair information Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates User guides — Computer documentation and product specifications
Service call status and support history Top technical issues for my computer Frequently asked questions File downloads Details on my computer configuration Service contract for my computer	Dell Premier Support Website — premiersupport.dell.com The Dell Premier Support website is customized for corporate, government, and education customers. This website may not be available in certain regions.
How to use Windows XP Documentation for my computer Documentation for devices (such as a modem)	Windows Help and Support Center Click the Start button and click Help and Support. Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon. Click the topic that describes your problem. Follow the instructions on the screen.
How to reinstall my operating system	Operating System CD NOTE: The Operating System CD is optional and may not ship with your computer. The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System CD. See your online User's Guide for instructions. After you reinstall your operating system, use the optional Drivers and Utilities CD to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer. Your operating system product key label is located on your computer. NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating system you ordered.
Regulatory model information and chassis type	DCTR — Mini tower chassis DCNE — Desktop chassis DCSM — Small form factor chassis

System Views

Mini Tower Computer — Front View

1	CD/DVD drive	Insert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive.
2	floppy drive	Insert a floppy disk into this drive.
3	USB 2.0 connectors (2)	Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, memory key, printer, joystick, and computer speakers into either of the USB connectors. It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back panel for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
4	LAN indicator light	This light indicates that a LAN (network) connection is established.
5	diagnostic lights	Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights".
6	power button	Press this button to turn on the computer. NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the power button for 6 seconds or longer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.
7	power light	The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different operating states: No light — The computer is turned off. Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state. Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode. Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" in your online User's Guide. To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For more information about sleep modes and exiting from a power-saving mode, see "Power Management" in your online User's Guide. See "System Lights" for a description of power light patterns that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer.
8	hard-drive activity light	This light flickers when the hard drive is in use.
9	headphone connector	Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
10	microphone connector	Use the microphone connector to attach a microphone.

Mini Tower Computer — Back View

1	cover release latch	This latch allows you to open the computer cover.
2	padlock ring	Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
3	voltage selection switch	Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch. To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the switch to the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location. NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to 115-V. Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.
4	power connector	Insert the power cable into this connector.
5	back-panel connectors	Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector.
6	card slots	You can access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.

Desktop Computer — Front View

1	USB 2.0 connectors (2)	Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, memory key, printer, joystick, and computer speakers into either of the USB connectors. It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back panel for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
2	LAN indicator light	This light indicates that a LAN (network) connection is established.
3	power button	Press this button to turn on the computer. NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the power button for 6 seconds or longer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.
4	Dell badge	The badge can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer. To rotate the badge, place your fingers around the outside of the badge, press firmly, and turn the badge. You can also rotate the badge using the slot provided near the bottom of the badge.
5	power light	This light turns on and blinks or remains solid to indicate different operating states: No light — The computer is turned off. Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state. Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode. Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" in your online User's Guide. To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For more information about sleep modes and exiting from a power-saving mode, see "Power Management" in your online User's Guide. See "System Lights" for a description of power light patterns that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer.
6	diagnostic lights	Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights".
7	hard-drive activity light	This light flickers when the hard drive is in use.
8	headphone connector	Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
9	microphone connector	Use the microphone connector to attach a microphone.
10	floppy drive	Insert a floppy disk into this drive.
11	CD/DVD drive	Insert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive.

Desktop Computer — Back View

1	card slots	You can access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
2	back-panel connectors	Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector.
3	power connector	Insert the power cable into this connector.
4	voltage selection switch	Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch. To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the switch to the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location. NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to 115-V. Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.
5	padlock ring	Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
6	cover release latch	Use this latch to open the computer cover.

Small Form Factor Computer — Front View

1	USB 2.0 connectors (2)	Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, memory key, printer, joystick, and computer speakers into either of the USB connectors. It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back panel for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
2	power button	Press this button to turn on the computer. NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the power button for 6 seconds or longer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.
3	Dell badge	The badge can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer. To rotate the badge, place fingers around the outside of the badge, press firmly, and turn the badge. You can also rotate the badge using the slot provided near the bottom of the badge.
4	LAN indicator light	This light indicates that a LAN (network) connection is established.
5	diagnostic lights	Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights".
6	hard-drive activity light	This light flickers when the hard drive is in use.
7	power light	Turns on and blinks or remains solid to indicate different operating states: No light — The computer is turned off. Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state. Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode. Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" in your online User's Guide. To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For more information about sleep modes and exiting from a power-saving mode, see "Power Management" in your online User's Guide. See "System Lights" for a description of power light patterns that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer.
8	headphone connector	Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
9	microphone connector	Use the microphone connector to attach a microphone.
10	floppy drive	Insert a floppy disk into this drive.
11	CD/DVD drive	Insert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive.

Small Form Factor Computer — Back View

1	card slots	You can access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
2	back-panel connectors	Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector.
3	power connector	Connect the power cable to this connector.
4	voltage selection switch	Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch. To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the switch to the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location. NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to 115-V. Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.
5	padlock ring	Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
6	cover release latch	Use this latch to open the computer cover.

Back-Panel Connectors

1	parallel connector	Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector. NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically disabled if the computer detects an installed card containing a parallel connector configured to the same address. For more information, see "System Setup Options" in your online User's Guide.
2	link integrity light	Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer. Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer. Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1-Gbps (or 1000-Mbps) network and the computer. Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
3	network adapter connector	To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a network cable to either a network jack or your network or broadband device. Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back panel of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached. NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector. On computers with a network adapter card, use the connector on the card. It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation.
4	network activity light	This light flashes yellow when the computer is transmitting or receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.
5	line-in connector	Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
6	line-out connector	Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
7	microphone connector	Use the pink microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program. On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.
8	USB 2.0 connectors (6)	Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, memory key, printer, joystick, and computer speakers into any of the USB connectors.
9	video connector	Plug the cable from your VGA-compatible monitor into the blue connector. NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be covered by a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics card. Do not remove the cap. NOTE: If you are using a graphics card that supports dual monitors, use the y-cable that came with your computer.
10	serial connector	Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. The default designations are COM1 for serial connector 1 and COM2 for serial connector 2. For more information, see "System Setup Options" in your online User's Guide.

Removing the Computer Cover

Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.

Before You Begin

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your computer.

1. Shut down the operating system:
   1. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click Turn Off Computer.
   2. In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off.
   The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.
2. Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, turn them off now.

Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.

Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
NOTICE: 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 you disconnect 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.

To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.

1. Turn off your computer if it is not already turned off.
   NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
2. Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
4. Remove the computer stand, if it is attached.
   
   To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
   NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

Mini Tower Computer
NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin".
2. If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.
3. Lay the computer on its side as shown in the following illustration.
   

1. security cable slot
2. cover release latch
3. padlock ring
4. computer cover

4. Slide the cover release latch back as you lift the cover.
5. Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.
6. Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a clean, nonabrasive surface.

Desktop Computer
NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin".
2. If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.
3. Slide the cover release latch back as you lift the cover.
4. Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.
5. Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a clean, nonabrasive surface.
   

1. security cable slot
2. cover release latch
3. padlock ring
4. computer cover

Small Form Factor Computer
NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin".
2. If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.
3. Slide the cover release latch back as you lift the cover.
4. Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.
5. Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a clean, nonabrasive surface.
   

1. security cable slot
2. cover release latch
3. padlock ring
4. computer cover

Inside Your Computer

Mini Tower Computer

1. CD/DVD drive
2. floppy drive
3. power supply
4. chassis intrusion switch

5. system board
6. heat sink assembly
7. hard drive

Desktop Computer

1. drives bay (CD/DVD, floppy, or hard drive)
2. power supply
3. chassis intrusion switch
4. system board

5. two low-profile PCI card slots Optionally, you can install a PCI riser card that converts one lowprofile PCI slot to two full-height slots. A total of three card slots are available: one low-profile and two full-height card slots.
6. heat sink assembly
7. front I/O panel

Small Form Factor Computer

1. CD/DVD drive
2. power supply and fan
3. hard drive

4. system board
5. heat sink assembly

Setting Up Your Computer

Before performing any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: If your computer has an expansion card installed (such as a modem card), connect the appropriate cable to the card, not to the connector on the back panel.
NOTICE: To help allow the computer to maintain proper operating temperature, ensure that you do not place the computer too close to a wall or other storage compartment that might prevent air circulation around the chassis.
You must complete all the steps to properly set up your computer. See the appropriate figures that follow the instructions.

1. Connect the keyboard and mouse.
   NOTICE: Do not attempt to operate a PS/2 mouse and a USB mouse simultaneously.
2. Connect the modem or network cable.
   Insert the network cable, not the telephone line, into the network connector. If you have an optional modem, connect the telephone line to the modem.
   NOTICE: Do not connect a modem cable to the network adapter connector. Voltage from telephone communications can cause damage to the network adapter.

3. Connect the monitor.
   Align and gently insert the monitor cable to avoid bending connector pins. Tighten the thumbscrews on the cable connectors.
   NOTE: Some monitors have the video connector underneath the back of the screen. See the documentation that came with your monitor for its connector locations.
4. Connect the speakers.
5. Connect power cables to the computer, monitor, and devices and connect the other ends of the power cables to electrical outlets.
6. Verify that the voltage selection switch is set correctly for your location. Your computer has 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.
   NOTICE: To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the switch to the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location.
   NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to 115-V.
   NOTE: Before you install any devices or software that did not ship with your computer, read the documentation that came with the device or software, or contact the vendor to verify that the device or software is compatible with your computer and operating system.
   NOTE: Your computer may vary slightly from the following illustrations.

Set Up Your Keyboard and Mouse

Set Up Your Monitor

Power Connections

Solving Problems

Dell provides a number of tools to help you if your computer does not perform as expected. For the latest troubleshooting information available for your computer, see the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
If computer problems occur that require help from Dell, write a detailed description of the error, beep codes, or diagnostics light patterns; record your Express Service Code and Service Tag below; and then contact Dell from the same location as your computer. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User's Guide.
See "Finding Information" for an example of the Express Service Code and Service Tag.
Express Service Code:
Service Tag:

Dell Diagnostics

Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" of your online User's Guide and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User's Guide.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
Enter system setup (see "System Setup" in your online User's Guide for instructions), review your computer's configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in system setup and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
   NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
   Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD (optional) (see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD" ).
   If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft ® Windows ® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
3. When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.
4. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD

1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.
2. Shut down and restart the computer. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately. If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
   NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in system setup.
3. When the boot device list appears, highlight the listing for the CD/DVD drive and press <Enter>.
4. Select the listing for the CD/DVD drive option from the CD boot menu.
5. Select the option to boot from the CD/DVD drive from the menu that appears.
6. Type 1 to start the Drivers and Utilities CD menu.
7. Type 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.
8. Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.
9. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

1. After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.

2. If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen. If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User's Guide.
   NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell, technical support will ask for your Service Tag.
3. If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information.

4. When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD (optional), remove the CD.
5. Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.

System Lights
Your power light may indicate a computer problem.

Diagnostic Lights

Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "1," "2," "3," and "4" on the front or back panel. The lights can be "off" or green. When the computer starts normally, the patterns or codes on the lights change as the boot process completes. When the computer starts normally, the patterns or codes on the lights change as the boot process completes. If the POST portion of system boot completes successfully, all four lights display solid green for a short time, and then turn off. If the computer malfunctions during the POST process, the pattern displayed on the LEDs may help identify where in the process the computer halted. If the computer malfunctions after a successful POST, the diagnostic lights do not indicate the cause of the problem.
NOTE: The orientation of the diagnostic lights may vary depending on the system type. The diagnostic lights can appear either vertical or horizontal.

Light Pattern	Problem Description	Suggested Resolution
	The computer is in a normal "off" condition, or a possible pre-BIOS failure has occurred. The diagnostic lights are not lit after the computer successfully boots to the operating system.	Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet and press the power button.
	A possible BIOS failure has occurred; the computer is in the recovery mode.	Run the BIOS Recovery utility, wait for recovery completion, and then restart the computer.
	A possible processor failure has occurred. Reinstall the processor and restart the	computer. For information on reinstalling the processor, see your online User's Guide.
	Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.	If you have one memory module installed, reinstall it and restart the computer. For information on reinstalling memory modules, see your online User's Guide. If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module, and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module. Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error. If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer. If the problem persists, contact Dell. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User's Guide.
	A possible graphics card failure has occurred.	If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, reinstall it, and then restart the computer. If the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the computer. If the problem persists or the computer has integrated graphics, contact Dell. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User's Guide.
	A possible floppy or hard drive failure has occurred.	Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.
	A possible USB failure has occurred..	Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer
	No memory modules are detected.	If you have one memory module installed, reinstall it and restart the computer. For information on reinstalling memory modules, see your online User's Guide. If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module, and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module. Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error. If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer. If the problem persists, contact Dell. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User's Guide.
	Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error exists.	Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist. Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer. If the problem persists, contact Dell. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User's Guide.
	A failure has occurred. This pattern also displays when you enter system setup and may not indicate a problem.	Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive. Check the computer message that appears on your monitor screen. If the problem persists, contact Dell. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User's Guide.
	After POST is complete, all four diagnostic lights turn green briefly before turning off to indicate normal operating condition.	None.

Beep Codes
Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. One possible beep code (code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a memory problem.
If your computer beeps during start-up:

1. Write down the beep code.
2. See "Dell Diagnostics" to identify a more serious cause.
3. Contact Dell for technical assistance. For information on contacting Dell, see your online User's Guide.

Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics
The Dell IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics is a utility that tests the hard drive to troubleshoot or confirm a hard drive failure.

1. Turn on your computer (if your computer is already on, restart it).
2. When F2= Setup appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <Ctrl><Alt><d>.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

If a failure is reported, see "Hard Drive Problems" in the "Solving Problems" section of the online User's Guide.

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.

1. Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.
3. Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.
4. In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and click Next.

Using Microsoft ® Windows ® XP System Restore
The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Windows Help and Support Center for information on using System Restore. To access the Windows Help and Support Center, see "Windows Help and Support Center".
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.

Creating a Restore Point

1. Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2. Click System Restore.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then click System Restore.
2. Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected, and click Next.
3. Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer. The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.
4. Select a restore point and click Next. If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.
5. Click Next. The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts.
6. After the computer restarts, click OK.

To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.

Undoing the Last System Restore
NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then click System Restore.
2. Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.
3. Click Next. The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.
4. After the computer restarts, click OK.

Enabling System Restore
If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To verify that System Restore is enabled:

1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2. Click Performance and Maintenance.

3. Click System.
4. Click the System Restore tab.
5. Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.

Booting From the Operating System CD

1. Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2. Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if Install Windows XP message appears.
3. Restart the computer.
4. Press <F12> immediately after the DELL™ logo appears. If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the computer and try again.
5. Press the arrow keys to select CD-ROM, and press <Enter>.
6. When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.

Windows XP Setup

1. When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to select To set up Windows now.
2. Read the information on the Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement screen, and press <F8> to accept the license agreement.
3. If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current Windows XP data, type r to select the repair option, and remove the CD.
4. If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.
5. Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and follow the instructions on the screen. The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer automatically restarts multiple times.
   NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD.
   NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of your computer.
6. When the Regional and Language Options screen appears, select the settings for your location and click Next.