Page 2 - Abbreviations and Acronyms
Hints, Notices, and Cautions HINT: A HINT indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property dama...
Page 3 - Contents; Setting Up and
C o n t e n t s 3 Contents CAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 When Using Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 When Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Prot...
Page 4 - Solving Problems
4 C o n t e n t s Turning Off the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 2 Solving Problems Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Finding Help Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Battery Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....
Page 7 - CAUTION: Safety Instructions; General
C A U T I O N : S a f e t y I n s t r u c t i o n s 7 CAUTION: Safety Instructions Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect your computer and working environment from potential damage. General • Do not attempt to service the computer yourself un...
Page 9 - When Using Your Computer
W h e n U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r 9 When Using Your Computer As you use your computer, observe the following safe-handling guidelines. CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on) removed. • Your c...
Page 10 - When Working Inside Your Computer
10 W h e n U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r www .dell.com | support.dell.com When Working Inside Your Computer Before you open the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated. CAUTION: Do not attempt to ser vice the computer yourself, except as explained in your online Dell...
Page 11 - Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
W h e n U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r 11 • Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a microprocessor chip by its edges, not by its pins. CAUTION: There is a danger ...
Page 12 - Battery Disposal
12 W h e n U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r www .dell.com | support.dell.com Battery Disposal Your computer uses a lithium coin-cell battery. The lithium coin-cell battery is a long-life battery, and it is very possible that you will never need to replace it. However, should you need to replace it, ...
Page 13 - Finding Information for Your Computer
F i n d i n g I n f o r m a t i o n f o r Yo u r C o m p u t e r 13 Finding Information for 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 R e s o u r c e C D You can use this C...
Page 17 - S e t t i n g U p a n d
1 S E C T I O N 1 S e t t i n g U p a n d U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r Setting Up a PrinterTransferring Information to a New ComputerSetting Up a Home and Office NetworkConnecting to the InternetCopying CDsTurning Off the Computer
Page 18 - Setting Up a Printer; Printer Cable
18 S e t t i n g U p a n d U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r www .dell.com | support.dell.com Setting Up a Printer NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer. See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to: • Obta...
Page 19 - Add New; Connecting a USB Printer
S e t t i n g U p a n d U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r 19 4 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel . 5 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer. Connecting a USB Printer HINT: ...
Page 20 - Transferring Information to a New
20 S e t t i n g U p a n d U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r www .dell.com | support.dell.com Transferring Information to a New Computer Windows XP provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data, such as e-mails, window sizes, toolbar settings, and Internet bookmarks from one computer to ...
Page 21 - Setting Up a Home and Office Network; Connecting to a Network Adapter
S e t t i n g U p a n d U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r 21 To transfer information to a new computer: HINT: The CD that you need to place in your CD or DVD drive is titled Operating System . 1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs → Accessories → System Tools , and then click Files and Sett...
Page 22 - Network Setup Wizard; Connecting to the Internet
22 S e t t i n g U p a n d U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r www .dell.com | support.dell.com Network Setup Wizard Windows XP 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...
Page 23 - Setting Up Your Internet Connection
S e t t i n g U p a n d U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r 23 Setting Up Your Internet Connection To set up an America Online or DellNet by MSN connection: 1 Save any work in progress and close all open programs. 2 Double-click the MSN Explorer or AOL icon on the Windows ® desktop. 3 Follow the instru...
Page 24 - Copying CDs
24 S e t t i n g U p a n d U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r www .dell.com | support.dell.com If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "Internet, Modem, and E-Mail Problems" on page 35. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the IS...
Page 25 - Using Easy CD Creator Basic; Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs
S e t t i n g U p a n d U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r 25 Using Easy CD Creator Basic See the Easy CD Creator Basic documentation for instructions on how to use the program, information about different recording techniques, and CD media limitations. The Easy CD Creator Basic documentation is locat...
Page 26 - How to Copy a CD
26 S e t t i n g U p a n d U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r www .dell.com | support.dell.com • Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a 650-MB blank CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1 or 2 MB of the blank CD to finalize the recording. • Use...
Page 27 - OK; Turning Off the Computer; Start
S e t t i n g U p a n d U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r 27 HINT: You must use CD-R discs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RW discs do not play in most home or car stereos. 6 Insert a blank CD into the CD-RW drive and close the tray.The recording starts automatically. 7...
Page 29 - S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s
2 S E C T I O N 2 S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s Finding SolutionsFinding Help InformationBattery ProblemsDrive ProblemsE-Mail, Modem, and Internet ProblemsError MessagesGeneral ProblemsKeyboard ProblemsMouse ProblemsNetwork ProblemsPower ProblemsPrinter ProblemsScanner ProblemsSound and Speaker Prob...
Page 30 - Finding Solutions
30 S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Finding Solutions Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out where to go for answers. Use this chart to help you quickly find the answers to your questions. See page 44. See page 37. Get technical assistance from Dell. See page 93. Press ...
Page 32 - Finding Help Information
32 S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Finding Help Information Battery Problems CAUTION: There is a danger of a new batter y exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the batter y only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used ...
Page 33 - Drive Problems; Floppy drive problems
S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s 33 Drive Problems Floppy drive problems NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You may accidentally misalign the heads, which can render the drive inoperable . E N S U R E T H A T W I N D O W S ® R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E — Click the Start bu...
Page 34 - CD drive problems
34 S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s www .dell.com | support.dell.com CD drive problems HINT: High-speed CD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise. This does not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD. Problems writing to a CD-RW drive A D J U S T T H E W I N D O W S V O L U M E C O N T R O L —...
Page 35 - DVD drive problems; Hard drive problems
S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s 35 DVD drive problems HINT: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives. Hard drive problems E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems HINT: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does no...
Page 37 - Error Messages
S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s 37 Error Messages E N S U R E T H A T Y O U A R E C O N N E C T E D T O T H E I N T E R N E T — With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File . If Work Offline has a checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. E N S U R...
Page 38 - General Problems; The computer stops responding
38 S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s www .dell.com | support.dell.com General Problems The computer stops responding A program stops responding N O T E N O U G H M E M O R Y O R R E S O U R C E S . C L O S E S O M E P R O G R A M S A N D T R Y A G A I N — You have too many programs open. Close all windo...
Page 39 - A program crashes repeatedly; A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system
S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s 39 A program crashes repeatedly HINT: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD. A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system A solid blue screen appears Other software problems C H E C K T H E S ...
Page 40 - Other technical problems
40 S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Other technical problems E N S U R E T H A T Y O U H A V E N O T M A D E A N E R R O R W H I L E E N T E R I N G D A T A — See the program documentation to make sure that the values or characters you are entering are valid. C H E C K ...
Page 41 - General hardware problems; Keyboard Problems
S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s 41 General hardware problems If your computer exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, a device conflict may exist: • Your computer locks up, particularly while using a specific device.• A recently added device does not work.• A sound card emits noise or demonstr...
Page 42 - Mouse Problems
42 S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Mouse Problems C H E C K T H E K E Y B O A R D C A B L E — • Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to the computer.• Shut down the computer (see page 27), reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the setup diagram for you...
Page 43 - Network Problems
S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s 43 Network Problems I F Y O U C O N N E C T E D T H E M O U S E A F T E R T U R N I N G O N T H E C O M P U T E R , R E M O V E T H E P O W E R C A B L E , A N D T H E N R E C O N N E C T T H E M O U S E C A B L E — If the mouse is connected after the power is turned on...
Page 44 - Power Problems
44 S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Power Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7. C H E C K T H E N E T W O R K L I G H T S O N T H E B A C K O F T H E C O M P U T E R — No light indicates that ...
Page 46 - Printer Problems
46 S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Printer Problems HINT: Dell does not cover the printer’s warranty. If you need technical assistance for your printer, call the printer’s manufacturer. See the printer documentation for the correct phone number. C H E C K T H E P R I N...
Page 47 - Scanner Problems
S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s 47 Scanner Problems HINT: Dell does not cover the scanner’s warranty. If you need technical assistance for your scanner, call the scanner’s manufacturer. See the scanner documentation for the correct phone number. C H E C K T H E S C A N N E R D O C U M E N T A T I O N ...
Page 48 - Sound and Speaker Problems; No sound from speakers
48 S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Sound and Speaker Problems No sound from speakers HINT: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows ® volume setting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume down or off...
Page 49 - No sound from headphones
S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s 49 No sound from headphones T E S T T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. E L I M I N A T E P O S S I B L E I N T E R F E R E N C E — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent ligh...
Page 50 - Video and Monitor Problems; If the screen is blank
50 S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Video and Monitor Problems If the screen is blank HINT: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures. D I S A B L E D I G I T A L M O D E — Your headphones do not work if the CD drive is operating in digital mode. To d...
Page 51 - If the screen is difficult to read
S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s 51 If the screen is difficult to read S W A P T H E P O W E R C A B L E S — Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective. T E S T T H E V I D E O E X T E N S I O N C A B L E ( I F U S E D ) — If you are using a video extension ...
Page 53 - A d v a n c e d; XP
3 S E C T I O N 3 A d v a n c e d Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g Using System RestoreDriversResolving Software and Hardware IncompatibilitiesReinstalling Windows ® XP
Page 54 - Using System Restore; Creating a Restore Point
54 A d v a n c e d Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g www .dell.com | support.dell.com Using 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, so...
Page 55 - Undoing the Last System Restore
A d v a n c e d Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g 55 4 Select a restore point, and then 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 R...
Page 56 - Drivers; Identifying Drivers
56 A d v a n c e d Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g www .dell.com | support.dell.com Drivers What Is a Driver? A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program. A driver acts like a translator between the device and the programs tha...
Page 57 - Reinstalling drivers
A d v a n c e d Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g 57 Reinstalling drivers NOTICE: The Dell Support website 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 D...
Page 58 - Resolving Software and Hardware
58 A d v a n c e d Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g www .dell.com | support.dell.com 2 When the ResourceCD installation program starts, follow the prompts on the screen. 3 When the InstallShield Wizard Complete window appears, remove the ResourceCD and click Finish to restart the computer. 4 When you se...
Page 59 - Reinstalling Windows; Before You Reinstall
A d v a n c e d Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g 59 6 Double-click the malfunctioning device type in the Device Manager list. 7 Double-click the icon for the specific device in the expanded list.The Properties window appears. 8 Resolve any IRQ conflicts, as described in step 5.If an IRQ conflict exists,...
Page 60 - Windows XP Setup
60 A d v a n c e d Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g www .dell.com | support.dell.com NOTICE: 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 inst...
Page 63 - A d d i n g P a r t s
4 S E C T I O N 4 A d d i n g P a r t s Front and Back View of the ComputerRemoving the Computer CoverLooking Inside Your ComputerAdding CardsAdding a Second CD or DVD DriveAdding MemoryReplacing the Computer Cover
Page 64 - Front and Back View of the Computer; Front View
64 A d d i n g Pa r t s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Front and Back View of the Computer Front View 1 11 2 9 3 4 7 10 8 6 5 12 1 CD or DVD drive activity light The drive activity light is on when the computer reads data from the CD or DVD drive. 2 CD or DVD eject button Press this button to ejec...
Page 66 - Back View
66 A d d i n g Pa r t s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Back View 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 11 12 1 mouse connector Plug your computer’s PS/2 mouse into the green mouse connector. Turn off the computer and any attached devices before you connect a mouse to the computer. 2 serial connector Connect a seri...
Page 67 - Removing the Computer Cover
A d d i n g Pa r t s 67 Removing the Computer Cover CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. 1 Shut down the ...
Page 69 - Looking Inside Your Computer
A d d i n g Pa r t s 69 Looking Inside Your Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the computer cover. hard d...
Page 70 - System Board
70 A d d i n g Pa r t s www .dell.com | support.dell.com System Board memory module connectors floppy drive connector CD drive connector main power connector microprocessorconnector fan connector CD audio connector back of computer 12-V power connector hard drive connector battery socket control pan...
Page 71 - Adding Cards
A d d i n g Pa r t s 71 Adding Cards CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the computer cover. The computer’s card co...
Page 74 - Adding a Second CD or DVD Drive
74 A d d i n g Pa r t s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Adding a Second CD or DVD Drive CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet befor...
Page 80 - Adding Memory
80 A d d i n g Pa r t s www .dell.com | support.dell.com Adding Memory CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the comp...
Page 82 - Replacing the Computer Cover
82 A d d i n g Pa r t s www .dell.com | support.dell.com 12 Click the Start button, right-click My Computer , and then click Properties . 13 Click the General tab. 14 To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of memory (RAM) listed. Replacing the Computer Cover 1 Ensure that...
Page 83 - A p p e n d i x
5 S E C T I O N 5 A p p e n d i x SpecificationsStandard SettingsClearing Forgotten PasswordsReplacing the BatteryDell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)Contacting DellRegulatory NoticesLimited Warranties and Return Policy
Page 84 - Specifications
84 A p p e n d i x www .dell.com | support.dell.com Specifications Microprocessor Microprocessor type Intel ® Pentium ® or Celeron ® L1 cache 8 KB first-level (Pentium 4); 32 KB (16-KB data cache; 16-KB instruction cache) (Celeron). L2 cache 256- or 512-KB (displayed in the system setup program) pip...
Page 87 - Standard Settings
A p p e n d i x 87 Standard Settings The system setup program contains the standard settings for your computer. NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user, don’t change the settings for this program. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly. See the following figure for an examp...
Page 88 - Viewing Settings
88 A p p e n d i x www .dell.com | support.dell.com Viewing Settings 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 Microsoft ® Windows ® desktop. T...
Page 89 - Security; Clearing Forgotten Passwords
A p p e n d i x 89 – Security provides indications and settings for user and setup passwords. – Power provides settings for system power management features. – Boot provides information about how the computer starts. – Exit provides selections for saving and loading the program settings. • The left ...
Page 90 - Replacing the Battery
90 A p p e n d i x www .dell.com | support.dell.com 6 Replace the computer cover (see page 82). 7 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. 8 After the Microsoft Windows desktop appears on your computer, shut down the computer (see page 27). NOTICE: To disconnect a n...
Page 92 - Dell Technical Support Policy
92 A p p e n d i x www .dell.com | support.dell.com Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) Technician-assisted technical support requires the cooperation and participation of the customer in the troubleshooting process and provides for restoration of the operating system, application software, an...
Page 93 - Contacting Dell
A p p e n d i x 93 Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals Third-party software and peripherals include any peripheral, accessory, or application software sold by Dell not under the Dell brand (printers, scanners, cameras, games, and so on). Support for all third-party software ...
Page 109 - Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit; Regulatory Notices
A p p e n d i x 109 Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows: 1 Call Dell to obtain an authorization number, and write it clearly and prominently on the outside of the box. 2 Include a copy of the invoice and a letter de...
Page 113 - Limited Warranties and Return Policy
A p p e n d i x 113 Limited Warranties and Return Policy Dell-branded hardware products purchased in the U.S. or Canada come with either a 90-day, one-year, two-year, three-year, or four-year (U.S. only) limited warranty. To determine which warranty you purchased, see the Dell invoice that accompani...
Page 116 - SHALL BE RESOLVED EXCLUSIVELY AND
116 A p p e n d i x www .dell.com | support.dell.com (including, to the full extent permitted by applicable law, relationships with third parties), Dell's advertising, or any related purchase SHALL BE RESOLVED EXCLUSIVELY AND FINALLY BY BINDING ARBITRATION ADMINISTERED BY THE NATIONAL ARBITRATION FO...
Page 117 - Limited Warranty for Canada
A p p e n d i x 117 To return products, call Dell customer service to receive a Credit Return Authorization Number within the return policy period applicable to the product you want to return. You must obtain a Credit Return Authorization Number in order to return the product. See "Getting Help&...
Page 122 - One-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee (Latin America and the
122 A p p e n d i x www .dell.com | support.dell.com One-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee (Latin America and the Caribbean Only) Guarantee Dell Computer Corporation ("Dell") warrants to the end user in accordance with the following provisions that its branded hardware products, purchased...
Page 123 - Intel
A p p e n d i x 123 Dell Computer de Colombia Corporation Carrera 7 #115-33 Oficina 603Bogota, Colombia Dell Computer de Mexico SA de CV Paseo de la Reforma 2620 - 11° PisoCol. Lomas Altas 11950 México, D.F. Intel ® Warranty Statement for Pentium ® and Celeron ® Processors Only (U.S. and Canada Only...
Page 125 - I n d e x
I n d e x 125 I n d e x A audio. See sound B battery disposal, 12fixing problems, 32replacing, 90 BIOS, 87 C CD drive adding, 74fixing problems, 34 CD-RW drive copying CDs, 24fixing problems, 34 Check Disk, 35computer back view, 66error messages, 37front view, 64stops responding, 38turning off, 27 c...
