Page 1 Dell™ Dimension™ XPS headphone connector microphone connector USB 2.0 connectors (2) IEEE 1394 connector diagnostic lights (4) fans (2) 1394 connector mouse connector cover latch release keyboard connector network adapter connector USB 2.0 connectors (5) TV-OUT connector* VGA connector* DVI connector*...
Page 2 Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp, DellNet, PowerConnect, and Axim are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents Finding Information ....... . Setting Up and Using Your Computer Opening the Drive Door .
Page 4 Power Management ....... Overview ........Standby Mode .
Page 5 ....... . . When to Use the Dell Diagnostics .....
Page 6 Removing and Installing Parts Before You Begin ....... . . Recommended Tools .
Page 7 CD/DVD Drive ........Removing a CD/DVD Drive .
Page 8 Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) ....Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals ..
Page 9: Finding Information
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your • My computer documentation computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see page 61), run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 58), or • My device documentation access your documentation. Readme files may be...
Page 10 What Are You Looking For? Find it Here • Warranty information Dell™ Product Information Guide • Terms and Conditions (U.S. only) • Safety instructions • Regulatory information • Ergonomics information • End User License Agreement • How to set up my computer Setup Diagram •...
Page 11 • Community — Online discussion with other Dell NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers customers can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website • Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such at premier.support. dell.com. as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system •...
Page 12 What Are You Looking For? Find it Here • How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the ® Operating System CD. See "Reinstalling Microsoft ®...
Page 13: Setting Up And Using Your Computer
Opening the Drive Door Changing the Front-Panel Light Color You can use this exclusive Dell™ Dimension™ XPS feature either to change the color of the front-panel light that illuminates the Dell name and displays around the badge on the front of your computer, or to turn off the front-panel light entirely.
Page 14 You can choose from several color choices: •Off •Ruby •Emerald •Sapphire (default) •Amber •Amethyst •Topaz front-panel •Diamond light badge CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: The front-panel light is not for diagnostic purposes.
Page 15: Using A Media Card Reader (Optional)
Using a Media Card Reader (Optional) Use the media card reader to transfer data directly to your computer. The media card reader supports the following memory types: • xD-Picture card • SmartMedia (SMC) • CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II) •...
Page 16: Connecting Two Monitors
To use the media card reader: 1 Check the media or card to determine the proper orientation for insertion. 2 Slide the media or card into the appropriate slot until it is completely seated in the connector. If you encounter resistance, do not force the media or card. Check the card orientation and try again.
Page 17: Connecting One Monitor With A Vga Connector And One Monitor With A Dvi Connector
optional DVI adapter DVI (white) connector TV-OUT connector VGA (blue) connector Connecting One Monitor With a VGA Connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69. 2 Connect the VGA connector on the monitor to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the computer.
Page 18: Changing The Display Settings
This section provides an overview of the RAID configuration that you might have selected when you purchased your computer. Although several RAID configurations are available, Dell offers either a RAID level 0 configuration or a RAID level 1 configuration for its Dimension™...
Page 19: Raid Level 0 Configuration
RAID Level 0 Configuration A RAID level 0 configuration uses a storage technique known as "data striping" to provide a high data access rate. Data striping is a method of writing consecutive segments, or stripes, of data sequentially across the physical drives to create a large virtual drive. Data striping allows one of the drives to read data while the other drive is searching for and reading the next block.
Page 20: Configuring Your Computer For Raid
serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 1 segment 1 segment 1 duplicated segment 2 segment 2 duplicated segment 3 segment 3 duplicated segment 4 segment 4 duplicated segment 5 segment 5 duplicated segment 6 segment 6 duplicated hard drive 1 hard drive 2 If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the surviving drive.
Page 21: Configuring For Raid Using The Intel Raid Option Rom Utility
4 Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight RAID On, press <Enter>, and then press <Esc>. NOTE: For more information about RAID options, see "System Setup Options" on page 129. 5 Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight Save/Exit, and press <Enter> to exit system setup and resume the boot process.
Page 22 Creating a RAID Level 1 Configuration 1 Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 20). 2 Press <Ctrl><i> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option ROM utility. 3 Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight Create RAID Volume, and press <Enter>. 4 Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default, and press <Enter>.
Page 23 ® Configuring for RAID Using the Intel Application Accelerator If you already have one hard drive with the operating system installed on it, and you want to add a second hard drive and reconfigure both drives into a RAID volume without losing the existing operating system and any data, you need to use the migrating option (see "Migrating to a RAID Level 0 Configuration"...
Page 24 4 Click Next at the first screen. 5 Confirm the volume name, select RAID 1 as the RAID level, and then click Next to continue. 6 On the Select Volume Location screen, click the first hard drive you want to use to create your RAID level 0 volume, and then click the right arrow.
Page 25 NOTE: Select the hard drive that you want to use as your source hard drive (it should be the hard drive containing the data or operating system files that you want to keep on the RAID volume). 8 On the Select Source Hard Drive screen, double-click the hard drive from which you want to migrate, and click Next.
Page 26: Transferring Information To A New Computer
Creating a Spare Hard Drive A spare hard drive may be created with a RAID level 1 configuration. The spare hard drive will not be recognized by the operating system, but you will be able to see the spare drive from within Disk Manager or the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.
Page 27: Playing Cds And Movies
To prepare the new computer for the file transfer: 1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs Accessories System Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. 2 When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next. 3 On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer and click Next.
Page 28 NOTICE: Do not move the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs. 1 Press the eject button on the front of the drive. 2 Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray. 3 Press the eject button or gently push in the tray. To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came with your computer.
Page 29: Adjusting The Volume
A DVD player includes the following basic buttons: Stop. Restart the current chapter. Play. Fast forward. Pause. Fast reverse. Advance a single frame while in pause mode. Go to the next title or chapter. Continuously play the current title or chapter. Go to the previous title or chapter.
Page 30: Copying Cds And Dvds
DVD/CD-RW combo drive. NOTE: The types of CD or DVD drives offered by Dell may vary by country. The following instructions show how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD. You can also use Sonic RecordNow for other purposes, including creating CDs from audio files on your computer and creating MP3 CDs.
Page 31: Using Blank Cd-Rs, Cd-Rws, Dvd+Rs, And Dvd+Rws
• If you have two CD or DVD drives, select the drive into which you have inserted your source CD or DVD and click Copy. The computer copies the data on the CD or DVD to the blank CD or DVD. Once you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you have created automatically ejects.
Page 32: Network Setup Wizard
Network Setup Wizard ® ® The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a home or small office. 1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs Accessories Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.
Page 33: Hibernate Mode
Because hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to store the contents of the computer memory, Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file before shipping the computer to you. If the computer’s hard drive becomes corrupted, Windows XP recreates the hibernate file automatically.
Page 34 The Power schemes drop-down menu displays the following schemes: • Always On (default) — If you want to use your computer with no power conservation. • Home/Office Desk — If you use your computer as a home or office computer and you require minimal power conservation.
Page 35 For more information on power management options: 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 In the Help and Support window, click Performance and maintenance. 3 In the Performance and maintenance window, click Conserving power on your computer. Setting Up and Using Your Computer...
Page 36 Setting Up and Using Your Computer...
Page 37: Optimizing Performance
The first and most important reason for preventing overclocking is that Dell’s performance labs vigorously test and fine-tune Dell computers at the system level in an attempt to attain the best possible overall performance. Any performance modification that is not implemented in the labs could cause performance degradation.
Page 38: Pci Express Cards
PCI Express Cards PCI Express is the next generation technology for graphics cards and PCI cards. The dimensions of PCI Express card slots are different from PCI card slots, and the cards are not interchangeable (you cannot install a PCI card in a PCI Express card slot, or a PCI Express card in a PCI card slot).
Page 39: Solving Problems
— If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see page 120). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see page 139). Drive Problems...
Page 40: Cd And Dvd Drive Problems
E S T T H E D R I V E — • Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective. • Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer. L E A N T H E D R I V E O R D I S K —...
Page 41: Hard Drive Problems
Hard drive problems H E C K I S K — Click the Start button and click My Computer. Right-click Local Disk C:. Click Properties. Click the Tools tab. Under Error-checking, click Check Now. Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors. Click Start.
Page 42: Error Messages
E R I F Y T H A T T H E M O D E M I S C O M M U N I C A T I N G W I T H I N D O W S —...
Page 43: Ieee 1394 Device Problems
If so, run the program that you want to use first. P E R A T I N G S YS T E M N O T F O U N D — Contact Dell (see page 139). IEEE 1394 Device Problems...
Page 44: Keyboard Problems
Keyboard Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. H E C K T H E K E Y B O A R D C A B L E —...
Page 45: A Program Stops Responding
A program stops responding N D T H E P R O G R A M — Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously. Click Applications. Click the program that is no longer responding. Click End Task. A program crashes repeatedly NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD. H E C K T H E S O F T W A R E D O C U M E N T A T I O N —...
Page 46: Other Software Problems
• See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional memory (see page 123). • Reseat the memory modules (see page 78) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory. • Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 58). Solving Problems...
Page 47: Mouse Problems
• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see page 79). • Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For more information about the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 123. • Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 58). Mouse Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Page 48: Network Problems
Network Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. — Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into H E C K T H E N E T W O R K C A B L E C O N N E C T O R both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack.
Page 49: Printer Problems
— The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power. F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S O F F • Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.
Page 50: Scanner Problems
H E C K T H E P R I N T E R C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N S — • See the printer documentation for cable connection information. •...
Page 51: Sound And Speaker Problems
E R I F Y T H A T T H E S C A N N E R I S R E C O G N I Z E D B Y I C R O S O F T I N D O W S —...
Page 52: No Sound From Headphones
U N T H E S P E A K E R D I A G N O S T I C S — See page 60. E I N S T A L L T H E S O U N D D R I V E R —...
Page 53: If The Screen Is Difficult To Read
— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another E S T T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T device, such as a lamp. H E C K T H E D I A G N O S T I C L I G H T S —...
Page 54 Solving Problems...
Page 55: Advanced Troubleshooting
• If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see page 79). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 139). Advanced Troubleshooting...
Page 56 • If the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the computer. • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 139). A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has Reseat all power and data cables and restart occurred.
Page 57 (see page 127) to make sure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer. • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 139). The computer is in a normal operating None.
Page 58: Dell Diagnostics
39) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers. Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive (see page 58) or from the Dell Dimension ResourceCD. Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive 1 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
Page 59 139 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.
Page 60: Drivers
4 When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the ResourceCD, 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.
Page 61: Reinstalling Drivers
Reinstalling Drivers NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Dell Dimension ResourceCD provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly. Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.
Page 62: Using Microsoft ® Windows ® Xp System Restore
Finish to restart the computer. 4 When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the ResourceCD. 5 At the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next. NOTE: The ResourceCD displays drivers only for hardware that came installed in your computer. If you installed additional hardware, the drivers for the new hardware might not be displayed by the ResourceCD.
Page 63: Creating A Restore Point
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 If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see page 61) to resolve the problem.
Page 64: Resolving Software And Hardware Incompatibilities
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 see if System Restore is enabled: 1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
Page 65: Reinstalling Windows Xp
The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so. NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows XP.
Page 66 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. NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of your computer.
Page 67 19 Reinstall the appropriate drivers with the ResourceCD (see page 61). 20 Reinstall your virus protection software. 21 Reinstall your programs. NOTE: To reinstall and activate your Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite programs, you need the Product Key number located on the back of the Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite CD sleeve. Advanced Troubleshooting...
Page 68 Advanced Troubleshooting...
Page 69: Removing And Installing Parts
You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" (see page 69) and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" (see page 70). • You have read the safety information in your Dell™ Product Information Guide. • A component can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Page 70: Before Working Inside Your Computer
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.
Page 71: Front And Back View Of The Computer
Front and Back View of the Computer Front View hard-drive activity light The hard-drive light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light might also be on when a device such as your CD player is operating.
Page 72: Front View (Doors Open)
Front View (Doors Open) headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers. microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program. USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras.
Page 73: Back View
Back View * Not present on certain computers processor fans (2) For optimal cooling, two processor fans are provided. Do not block the vents. cover latch release To open the computer, lay the computer on its side with the cover latch release at the top and then push the latch to the left.
Page 74 DVI connector If your monitor has a DVI connector, plug it into the DVI connector on the computer. If your monitor has a VGA connector, plug it into the VGA connector on the computer. VGA connector If your monitor has a VGA connector, plug it into the VGA connector on the computer. If your monitor has a DVI connector, plug it into the DVI connector on the computer.
Page 75: Opening The Computer Cover
Opening the Computer Cover CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
Page 76: Inside View Of Your Computer
Inside View of Your Computer hard drive shroud floppy drive CD/DVD drive PCI card shroud and fan processor airflow shroud processor fan system board power supply power supply fans (2) Removing and Installing Parts...
Page 77: System Board Components
System Board Components front-panel connector serial ATA connectors password jumper hard-drive connector (IDE) (FRONT PANEL) (SATA0 - SATA3) (PSWD) floppy-drive connector (DSKT) internal speaker (SPKR) serial connector main power (SERIAL2) connector (POWER) 1394 connector (FRONT1394) auxiliary power LED (AUX_PWR) card fan connector (FANPCI) memory module connectors (2, 4)
Page 78: Memory
Memory You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For additional information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 123. DDR2 Memory Overview •...
Page 79: Installing Memory
Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 or DIMM connectors 3 and 4.
Page 80 3 Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector. memory connector closest to processor securing clips (2) connector 4 Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector. notch memory module cutouts (2) crossbar...
Page 81: Removing Memory
6 Close the computer cover. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 7 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. 8 Right-click the My Computer icon and click Properties.
Page 82: Pci Cards
Your Dell™ computer provides the following slots for PCI and PCI Express cards: • Three PCI card slots • One PCI Express x16 card slot • One PCI Express x4 card slot • One PCI Express x1 card slot PCI Cards If you are installing or replacing a card, follow the procedures in the next section.
Page 83 3 If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 5. 4 If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
Page 84 8 Press the retention arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer. retention arm alignment bar alignment guide filler bracket NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment. 9 Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
Page 85: Pci Express Cards
5 If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening. If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see page 139 NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer.
Page 86 Installing a PCI Express Card 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69. 2 Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm. top of retention mechanism lever x16 card securing slot filler bracket securing tab edge connector retention arm...
Page 87 3 If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 5. 4 If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. If your card includes a retention mechanism, remove the top of the retention mechanism by pressing the tab and pulling up on the top.
Page 88 8 If you replaced a card that was already installed in the computer and you removed the top of the retention mechanism, you can reinstall the top. 9 Before you lower the retention arm, ensure that: • The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar. •...
Page 89: Serial Port Adapters
6 If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening. If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see page 139 NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer.
Page 90: Removing A Serial Port Adapter
3 Remove the filler bracket. 4 Slide the serial port adapter bracket down over the card-slot opening. NOTE: The serial port adapter should be installed in an used PCI slot. The PCI expansion card slots are labeled "4" through "6." 5 Before you lower the retention arm, ensure that: •...
Page 91: Drives
5 If you are removing the adapter permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening. If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see page 139 NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer.
Page 92: General Installation Guidelines
media card reader (optional) CD/DVD drive(s) hard drive(s) General Installation Guidelines Connect serial ATA hard drives to the SATA0 - SATA3 connectors on the system board. Connect CD/DVD drives to the IDE connector. When you connect two IDE devices to a single IDE interface cable and configure them for the cable select setting, the device attached to the last connector on the interface cable is the primary or the boot device (drive 0), and the device attached to the middle connector on the interface cable is the secondary device (drive 1).
Page 93 Drive Interface Connectors Serial ATA Connector interface cable interface connector Most interface connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin on one connector matches a tab or a filled-in hole on the other connector. When you connect an IDE cable, ensure that you align the colored stripe with the pin 1 connector.
Page 94: Hard Drive
Hard Drive CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.
Page 95: Installing A Hard Drive
3 Disconnect the power and hard-drive cables from the drive and from the system board. hard-drive cable power cable tabs (2) hard drive system board connector 4 Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out. Installing a Hard Drive 1 Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation.
Page 96 4 Install the hard drive into the computer by gently sliding the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position. NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive in the lower bay, place the drive in the bay so that the power connector is on the left-hand side (opposite of the top hard drive) hard-drive cable power cable...
Page 97 11 Close the computer cover (see page 121). NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 12 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.
Page 98: Adding A Second Hard Drive
18 Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 58). 19 If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, install your operating system on the hard drive. Adding a Second Hard Drive CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Page 99: Floppy Drive
rail tabs (2) second hard drive in upper bay first hard drive in lower bay hard drive bay 7 Connect a power cable to the drive. 8 Connect the hard-drive cable to the drive and to the system board (see page 77). 9 Close the computer cover (see page 121).
Page 100: Removing A Floppy Drive
Removing a Floppy Drive 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69. 2 Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the floppy drive. 3 Disconnect the other end of the data cable from the system board. data cable power cable tabs (2)
Page 101: Installing A Floppy Drive
Installing a Floppy Drive 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69. 2 If you are replacing a drive and the new drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive. Attach the bracket to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket rails and then inserting and tightening all four screws (two screws on each rail).
Page 102 See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation. 9 Enter system setup (see page 127) and update the appropriate Diskette Drive option. 10 Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 58). Removing and Installing Parts...
Page 103: Media Card Reader
Media Card Reader For information on using the media card reader, see "Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)" on page 15. Removing a Media Card Reader CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Page 104: Installing A Media Card Reader
4 Disconnect the USB cable on the back of the media card reader to the internal USB connector on the system board. 5 Press in on the tabs on each side of the media card reader and slide the card reader out of the adapter.
Page 105: Cd/Dvd Drive
media card reader* internal USB cable Not present on certain computers. 7 Slide the media card reader into the adapter until the tabs on the rails securely click into position. 8 Connect the internal USB cable to the media card reader 9 Route the USB cable through the cable routing clip.
Page 106: Removing A Cd/Dvd Drive
Removing a CD/DVD Drive 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69. 2 Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the drive. power cable tabs (2) data cable CD/DVD drive 3 Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive, and then slide the drive upward and remove it from the drive bay.
Page 107: Installing A Cd/Dvd Drive
3 Connect the new drive to the set of rails that are attached to the inside of the cover. If a set of rails is not attached inside the computer cover, call Dell (see page 139 4 If you are installing a replacement drive and the new drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive.
Page 108 See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation. 10 Enter system setup (see page 128) and select the appropriate Drive option. 11 Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 58). Removing and Installing Parts...
Page 109: Processor Airflow Shroud
Processor Airflow Shroud CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
Page 110: Installing The Processor Airflow Shroud
Do not perform the following steps unless you are familiar with hardware removal and replacement. Performing these steps incorrectly could damage your system board. For technical service, see "Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)" on page 137. CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Page 111 anchor tabs (3) shroud release levers (2) CAUTION: The heat sink can get very hot during normal operation. Be sure that the heat sink has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it. 5 Remove the heat sink: Remove the retention module clips. Press the tabs toward the center of the clip and lift. Removing and Installing Parts...
Page 112 Lay the heat sink down on its side. NOTICE: If you are installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, discard the original heat sink. If you are not installing a heat sink processor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink and blower when you install your new processor.
Page 113: Installing The Processor
7 Open the processor cover. processor cover processor socket release lever 8 Remove the processor from the socket. Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor. Installing the Processor NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
Page 114 6 Pivot the socket release lever back toward the socket and snap it into place to secure the processor. NOTICE: If you are not installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink assembly when you replace the processor. If you installed a processor replacement kit from Dell, return the original heat sink assembly and processor to Dell in the same package in which your replacement kit was sent.
Page 115: Front Panel
7 Install the heat sink: Slide one end of the heat sink under the retention tab. Pull out the other retention tab and lower the heat sink until it fits securely in the base. NOTICE: Ensure that the heat sink is correctly seated and secure. 8 Reinstall the retention module clips.
Page 116: Removing The Front Panel
Removing the Front Panel 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69. 2 Disconnect and remove all disk drives (see page 91). 3 Release the front panel by pressing each of the seven front-panel release tabs. 4 Close the computer cover halfway and pull the front panel away from the computer. Replacing the Front Panel To replace the front panel, perform the removal procedure in reverse order.
Page 117: Drive Door
Drive Door CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. Removing the Drive Door 1 Open the drive door. Removing and Installing Parts...
Page 118: Replacing The Drive Door
2 Unsnap the top bracket hinge and pull the top of the drive door outward, away from the computer. top bracket hinge bottom bracket hinge 3 Lift the bottom bracket hinge away from the computer. Replacing the Drive Door To prevent damage to your computer, the drive door is designed to "break away" from the computer if it is opened too far.
Page 119 If the drive door is open and it is opened too far, instead of breaking away from the computer in one piece, the drive door may disassemble into several smaller pieces. If the drive door disassembles: 1 If necessary, reattach the door hinges to the door bracket. Ensure that the hinge tabs are away from the door bracket.
Page 120: Battery
Battery CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
Page 121: Closing The Computer Cover
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer. 7 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. 8 Enter system setup (see page 127) and restore the settings you recorded in step 1. 9 Properly dispose of the old battery.
Page 122 Removing and Installing Parts...
Page 123: Appendix
Appendix Specifications Processor ® ® Processor type Intel Pentium 4 with HT Technology and dual-core processing NOTE: Not all Pentium 4 processors support Hyper-Threading technology and/or dual-core processing. Cache 512 KB, 1 MB, or 2 MB Memory Type 533- and 667-MHz DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM Memory connectors four Memory capacities...
Page 124 Expansion Bus Bus type PCI 32-bit PCI Express x1, x4, and x16 Bus speed PCI: 33 MHz PCI Express: 2.5 Gb/s raw bandwidth (bidirectional) per lane Bus throughput PCI Express: x1 slot bidirectional speed — 500 MB/s x4 slot bidirectional speed — 2 GB/s x16 slot bidirectional speed —...
Page 125 Connectors External connectors: IEEE 1394 front and back-panel 6-pin serial connectors Video 15-pin connector 28-pin connector Network adapter RJ45 connector PS/2 (keyboard and mouse) two 6-pin mini-DIN two front-panel, five back-panel, and one internal USB 2.0–compliant connectors System board connectors: Primary IDE drive 40-pin connector on PCI local bus Serial ATA...
Page 126 Controls and Lights (continued) Link integrity light (on integrated green light — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network network adapter) and the computer. orange light — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer. yellow light — A good connection exists between a 1-GB (or 1000-Mbps) network and the computer.
Page 127: System Setup
Physical Height 49.1 cm (19.3 inches) Width 22.2 cm (8.7 inches) Depth 48.8 cm (19.2 inches) Weight 19 kg (42 lb) Environmental Temperature: Operating 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F) NOTE: At 35°C (95°F), the maximum operating altitude is 914 m (3000 ft).
Page 128: Entering System Setup
Entering System Setup 1 Turn on (or restart) your computer. 2 When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press <F2> immediately. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the ®...
Page 129: System Setup Options
System Setup Options NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not appear, or may not appear exactly as listed. System Lists system information such as the computer name, the BIOS version System Info number and date, system tags, and other system-specific information.
Page 130 Enables or disables the onboard PS/2-compatible mouse controller. PS/2 Mouse Port Video This setting specifies which video controller is primary when two video Primary Video controllers are present on the computer. Performance This setting allows you to change the front-panel back lighting to the Front LED Color following colors: off, ruby, emerald, amber, sapphire, amethyst, topaz, and diamond.
Page 131 Power Management Determines what happens when AC power is restored to the computer. AC Recovery Sets the computer to automatically turn on. Choices are every day or every Auto Power On Monday through Friday. The default setting is Off. This feature does not work if you turn off your computer using a power strip or surge protector.
Page 132: Boot Sequence
You can use this feature, for example, to tell the computer to boot from the CD drive so that you can run the Dell Diagnostics on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, but you want the computer to boot from the hard drive when the diagnostic tests are complete. You can also use this feature to restart your computer to a USB device such as a floppy drive, memory key, or CD-RW drive.
Page 133 3 When appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu press <F12>. 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 (see page 69) and try again. The Boot Device Menu appears, listing all available boot devices.
Page 134: Clearing Forgotten Passwords
Clearing Forgotten Passwords CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 69. PSWD RTCRST (page 135) 2 Locate the 3-pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board (see page 77), and attach the jumper plug to pins 2 and 3 to clear the password.
Page 135: Clearing Cmos Settings
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 11 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. Clearing CMOS Settings CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Page 136: Mouse
Mouse If your screen cursor skips or moves abnormally, clean the mouse. To clean a non-optical mouse: 1 Turn the retainer ring on the underside of your mouse counterclockwise, and then remove the ball. 2 Wipe the ball with a clean, lint-free cloth. 3 Blow carefully into the ball cage to dislodge dust and lint.
Page 137: Dell Technical Support Policy (U.s. Only)
Third-party software and peripherals include any peripheral, accessory, or software program sold by Dell not under the Dell brand (printers, scanners, cameras, games, and so on). Support for all third-party software and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer of the product.
Page 138: Class A
Once you have determined your system’s FCC classification, read the appropriate FCC notice. Note that FCC regulations provide that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Dell could void your authority to operate this equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not cause harmful interference.
Page 139: Fcc Identification Information
If you do not see a telephone number listed that is specific for Inspiron XPS computers, you may contact Dell through the technical support number listed and your call will be routed appropriately.
Page 140 0-810-444-3355 Sales toll-free: 800-1578 Aruba General Support Australia (Sydney) E-mail (Australia): au_tech_support@dell.com International Access Code: 0011 E-mail (New Zealand): nz_tech_support@dell.com 1-300-655-533 Country Code: 61 Home and Small Business toll-free: 1-800-633-559 City Code: 2 Government and Business toll-free: 1-800-060-889 Preferred Accounts Division (PAD)
Page 141 Country Code: 32 02 481 92 96 Technical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only City Code: 2 02 481 92 88 Technical Support for all other Dell computers 02 481 92 95 Technical Support Fax 02 713 15 .65 Customer Care...
Page 142 604 633 4949 Country Code: 673 Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4955 Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia) Canada (North York, Ontario) Online Order Status: www.dell.ca/ostatus toll-free: 1-800-247-9362 International Access Code: 011 AutoTech (automated technical support) toll-free: 1-800-847-4096 Customer Care (Home Sales/Small Business) toll-free: 1-800-326-9463 Customer Care (med./large business, government)
Page 143 Technical Support E-mail: cn_support@dell.com City Code: 592 Customer Care E-mail: customer_cn@dell.com 592 818 1350 Technical Support Fax toll-free: 800 858 2969 Technical Support (Dell™ Dimension™ and Inspiron) toll-free: 800 858 0950 Technical Support (OptiPlex™, Latitude™, and Dell Precision™) toll-free: 800 858 0960...
Page 144 International Access Code: 00 E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/dk/da/emaildell/ 7010 0074 Country Code: 45 Technical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only 7023 0182 Technical Support for all other Dell computers 7023 0184 Customer Care (Relational) 3287 5505 Home/Small Business Customer Care 3287 1200...
Page 145 Home and Small Business 0825 387 129 City Codes: (1) (4) Technical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only 0825 387 270 Technical Support for all other Dell computers 0825 823 833 Customer Care 0825 004 700 Switchboard 04 99 75 40 00...
Page 146 International Access Code: 001 Technical Support E-mail: apsupport@dell.com 2969 3188 Country Code: 852 Technical Support (Dimension and Inspiron) 2969 3191 Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision) 2969 3196 Technical Support (PowerApp™, PowerEdge™, PowerConnect™, and PowerVault™) 3416 0910 Customer Care...
Page 147 Country Code: 353 Technical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only 1850 543 543 City Code: 1 Technical Support for all other Dell computers 0870 908 0800 U.K. Technical Support (dial within U.K. only) 01 204 4014 Home User Customer Care...
Page 148 Technical Support outside of Japan (Dimension and Inspiron) toll-free:0120-198-433 Technical Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude) 81-44-556-3894 Technical Support outside of Japan (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude) toll-free: 0120-981-690 Technical Support (PDAs, projectors, printers, routers) 81-44-556-3468 Technical Support outside of Japan (PDAs,...
Page 149 Transaction Sales (Xiamen, China) Malaysia (Penang) Website: support.ap.dell.com toll-free: 1 800 88 0193 International Access Code: 00 Technical Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude) Country Code: 60 toll-free: 1 800 88 1306 Technical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and City Code: 4...
Page 150 020 674 45 94 International Access Code: 00 Technical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only 020 674 45 00 Country Code: 31 Technical Support for all other Dell computers 020 674 47 66 City Code: 20 Technical Support Fax 020 674 42 00...
Page 151 Website and E-Mail Address Local Numbers, and Country Code Toll-Free Numbers City Code 001-800-220-1006 Nicaragua General Support Norway (Lysaker) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 00 E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/no/no/emaildell/ 671 16882 Country Code: 47 Technical Support 671 17575 Relational Customer Care 23162298...
Page 152 International Access Code: 005 Technical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and Electronics and Accessories) Country Code: 65 toll-free: 1800 394 7488 Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision) toll-free: 1800 394 7478 Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault) 604 633 4949...
Page 153 International Access Code Website and E-Mail Address Local Numbers, and Country Code Toll-Free Numbers City Code Spain (Madrid) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 00 E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/es/es/emaildell/ Country Code: 34 Home and Small Business 902 100 130 City Code: 91 Technical Support...
Page 154 00801 651 227 Corporate Sales Thailand Website: support.ap.dell.com toll-free: 1800 0060 07 International Access Code: 001 Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision) Country Code: 66 toll-free: 1800 0600 09 Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault) 604 633 4949...
Page 155 Local Numbers, and Country Code Toll-Free Numbers City Code U.K. (Bracknell) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 00 Customer Care website: support.euro.dell.com/uk/en/ECare/Form/Home.asp Country Code: 44 City Code: 1344 E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com 0870 908 0500 Technical Support (Corporate/Preferred Accounts/PAD [1000+ employees]) 0870 908 0800...
Page 156 1-800-671-3355 Software and Peripherals Sales toll-free: 1-800-357-3355 Spare Parts Sales toll-free: 1-800-247-4618 Extended Service and Warranty Sales toll-free: 1-800-727-8320 toll-free: 1-877-DELLTTY Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Speech-Impaired (1-877-335-5889) 1-877-673-3355 U.S. Virgin Islands General Support 8001-3605 Venezuela General Support...
Page 157: Index
44 support policy, 135 PCI Express, 85 support site, 11 connectors PCI Express slots, 74 center/LFE, 74 Dell Diagnostics, 58 PCI slots, 74 DVI, 74 removing PCI, 84 Dell Premier Support headphone, 72 website, 10 removing PCI Express, 89...
Page 158 55 problems, 41 DVDs removing, 94 display. See monitor copying, 30 playing, 27 hardware documentation Dell Diagnostics, 58 End User License drives, RAID configuration, 18 Agreement, 10 connector, 74 ergonomics, 10 Hardware Troubleshooter, 64 online, 11 headphone Product Information...
Page 159 monitor blank, 52 labels password clone mode, 18 Microsoft Windows, 10 clearing, 134 connect DVI, 16-17 Service Tag, 10 jumper, 134 connect TV, 16-17 lights PCI cards connect two, 16-17 diagnostic, 55 installing, 82 connect VGA, 16-17 front of computer, 55 removing, 84 display settings, 18 hard-drive activity, 71...
Page 160 123 power, 48 standby mode, 32 power light conditions, 48 support printer, 49 safety instructions, 10 contacting Dell, 137, 139 program crashes, 45 policy, 135 program stops responding, 45 SATA. See serial ATA programs and Windows support website, 11...
Page 161 135 transferring information to a new computer, 27 warranty information, 10 troubleshooting Windows XP Dell Diagnostics, 58 Device Driver Rollback, 61 diagnostic lights, 55 Files and Settings Transfer Hardware Troubleshooter, 64 Wizard, 27 Help and Support Center, 11...
Page 162 Index...

This manual is also suitable for:

Dimension xps

Dell XPS /Dimension Gen 5 Owner's Manual

Quick Links

13 1 Setting up and Using Your Computer

37 2 Optimizing Performance

39 3 Solving Problems

55 4 Advanced Troubleshooting

69 5 Removing and Installing Parts

123 6 Appendix

157 Index

13 1 Setting up and Using Your Computer

37 2 Optimizing Performance

39 3 Solving Problems

55 4 Advanced Troubleshooting

69 5 Removing and Installing Parts

123 6 Appendix

157 Index

Troubleshooting

Also See for Dell XPS /Dimension Gen 5

Related Manuals for Dell XPS /Dimension Gen 5

Summary of Contents for Dell XPS /Dimension Gen 5

This manual is also suitable for:

Table of Contents

13 1 Setting up and Using Your Computer

37 2 Optimizing Performance

39 3 Solving Problems

55 4 Advanced Troubleshooting

69 5 Removing and Installing Parts

123 6 Appendix

157 Index

13
1 Setting up and Using Your Computer

37
2 Optimizing Performance

39
3 Solving Problems

55
4 Advanced Troubleshooting

69
5 Removing and Installing Parts

123
6 Appendix

157
Index

13
1 Setting up and Using Your Computer

37
2 Optimizing Performance

39
3 Solving Problems

55
4 Advanced Troubleshooting

69
5 Removing and Installing Parts

123
6 Appendix

157
Index

13
1 Setting up and Using Your Computer

37
2 Optimizing Performance

39
3 Solving Problems

55
4 Advanced Troubleshooting

69
5 Removing and Installing Parts

123
6 Appendix

157
Index