Page 3 - Advanced Troubleshooting; Dell Diagnostics; When to Use the Dell Diagnostics; Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
Back to Contents Page Advanced Troubleshooting Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Dell Diagnostics Drivers Using Microsoft ® W i n d o w s ® XP System Restore Reinstalling Microsoft ® W i n d o w s ® XP Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Dell Diagnostics When t...
Page 4 - Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Optional 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 s...
Page 5 - Drivers; Identifying Drivers; Windows XP; Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
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 any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized comman...
Page 6 - Using Microsoft
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. 1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel . 2. Under Pick a Category...
Page 7 - Enabling System Restore
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 1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs → Accessories → System Tools , and the...
Page 8 - Reinstalling Microsoft; Before You Begin; Reinstalling Windows XP; Booting From the Operating System CD
Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked. Reinstalling Microsoft ® Windows ® XP Before You Begin If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback . If Device Drive...
Page 9 - Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities; Microsoft
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 then follow the instructions on the screen. The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system be...
Page 11 - Advanced Features; LegacySelect Technology Control; Dell OpenManageTM IT Assistant; Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation; Security; Security Cable Slot
Back to Contents Page Advanced Features Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide LegacySelect Technology Control LegacySelect technology control offers legacy-full, legacy-reduced, or legacy-free solutions based on common platforms, hard-drive images, and help desk procedures. Control is provided to ...
Page 12 - Padlock Ring; Password Protection; System Password; Option Settings
Antitheft devices usually include a segment of metal-stranded cable with an attached locking device and key. The documentation that comes with the device contains instructions for installing it. Padlock Ring The small desktop computer has a padlock ring. Use one of the following methods to s...
Page 13 - Typing Your System Password; Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password
Certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the speaker emits a beep. As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field. 4. Press <Enter>. If the new system password is less than 32 characters, the ...
Page 14 - Setup Password; Operating Your Computer With a Setup Password Enabled
1. Enter system setup and verify that Password Status is set to Unlocked . 2. Restart your computer. 3. When prompted, type the system password. 4. Press <Ctrl><Enter> to disable the existing system password. 5. Confirm that Not Enabled is displayed for the System Password opti...
Page 15 - Disabling a Forgotten Password and Setting a New Password; System Setup
To change an existing setup password, you must know the setup password. 1. Enter system setup . 2. Type the setup password at the prompt. 3. Highlight Setup Password and press the left- or right-arrow key to delete the existing setup password. The setting changes to Not Enabled . To assi...
Page 16 - Entering System Setup; System Setup Screens
Print the system setup screens (by pressing <Print Screen>) or record the information for future reference. Before you use system setup, you must know the kind of floppy drive(s) and hard drive(s) installed in your computer. To confirm this information, see the Manufacturing Test Report that...
Page 17 - Boot Sequence
Boot Sequence This feature allows users to change the sequence of devices from which the computer boots. Option Settings l Normal — (Available only for the current boot process) The computer attempts to boot from the sequence of devices specified in system setup. l Diskette Drive — The com...
Page 18 - Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots; System Setup Options
Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots 1. Enter system setup . 2. Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot Sequence menu option and press <Enter> to access the popup menu. 3. Press the up- and down-arrow keys to move through the list of devices. 4. Press the spacebar to enable or di...
Page 19 - Booting to a USB Device; Memory Key
Booting to a USB Device Memory Key NOTE: You cannot set the parallel connector to 3BCh if Mode is set to EPP . l Diskette Interface — The settings are Auto (default), Read Only , and Off. ¡ Auto turns off the integrated floppy drive controller when necessary to accommodate a controller c...
Page 20 - Floppy Drive; Power Button
1. Insert the memory key into a USB port and restart the computer. 2. W h e n F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F12>. The BIOS detects the device and adds the USB flash option to the boot menu. 3. From the boot menu, select the number that appears ...
Page 22 - Battery
Back to Contents Page Battery Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide A coin-cell battery maintains computer configuration, date, and time information. The battery can last several years. The battery may need replacing if an incorrect time or date is displayed during the boot routine along with ...
Page 24 - Recommended Tools; Before Working Inside Your Computer
Back to Contents Page Before You Begin Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist: l You have performed the steps in " Tur...
Page 26 - Cleaning Your Computer; Mouse
Back to Contents Page Cleaning Your Computer Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor M o u s e Floppy Drive CDs and DVDs Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor l Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove dust from the slots and holes on yo...
Page 28 - Chassis Speaker; Installing the Optional Chassis Speaker
Back to Contents Page Chassis Speaker Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Installing the Optional Chassis Speaker Removing the Chassis Speaker Installing the Optional Chassis Speaker 1. Follow the procedures in " Before You Begin ." 2. Lay the computer on its side so that the s...
Page 29 - Removing the Chassis Speaker
Removing the Chassis Speaker 1. Disconnect the cable from the system board. 2. Press the lever to unseat the speaker, slide the speaker toward the CD drive, and then remove it. Desktop Computer Minitower Compu...
Page 31 - Replacing the Computer Cover
Back to Contents Page Replacing the Computer Cover Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide 1. Ensure that all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way. 2. Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer. 3. On the small desktop computer: a. Pivot the cover down. b....
Page 32 - Finding Information for Your Computer
Back to Contents Page Finding Information for Your Computer Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide What are you looking for? Find It Here l A diagnostic program for my computer l Drivers for my computer l My computer documentation l My device documentation l Desktop System Software (DSS) D...
Page 34 - Glossary
Back to Contents Page Glossary Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L Systems User's Guide A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W X Z Terms in this Glossary are provided for informational purposes only and may or may not describe features included with your particular computer. A AC — alternating current — T...
Page 42 - Getting Help; Technical Assistance; Online Services
Back to Contents Page Getting Help Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Technical Assistance Problems With Your Order Product Information Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit Before You Call Contacting Dell Technical Assistance If you need help with a technical problem,...
Page 43 - AutoTech Service; Automated Order-Status Service
www.euro.dell.com (Europe only) www.dell.com/la/ (Latin American countries) www.dell.ca (Canada only) l Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP) ftp.dell.com/ Log in as user: anonymous , and use your e-mail address as your password. l Electronic Support Service [email protected] [email...
Page 44 - Technical Support Service; Problems With Your Order
To check on the status of any Dell™ products that you have ordered, you can go to support.dell.com , or you can call the automated order-status service. A recording prompts you for the information needed to locate and report on your order. For the telephone number to call, see the contact numbers...
Page 45 - Contacting Dell
steps possible only at the computer itself. Ensure that the computer documentation is available. Contacting Dell To contact Dell electronically, you can access the following websites: l www.dell.com l support.dell.com (technical support) l premiersupport.dell.com (technical support for...
Page 53 - Small Desktop Computer; Replacing the I/O Panel
Back to Contents Page I/O Panel Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Small Desktop Computer Mini-Tower Computer Small Desktop Computer Replacing the I/O Panel 1. Follow the procedures in " Before You Begin ." 2. Disconnect the hard-drive data cable. 3. Disconnect all cab...
Page 57 - Memory; Memory Installation Guidelines; DDR Memory Overview; Installing Memory
Back to Contents Page Memory Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Memory Installation Guidelines Installing Memory Removing Memory Memory Installation Guidelines For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, look under " Memory " in the "Specifications"...
Page 59 - Removing Memory
The computer should have changed the value of System Memory to reflect the newly installed memory. Verify the new total. If it is correct, skip to step 10 . 9. If the memory total is incorrect, turn off and disconnect your computer and devices from their electrical outlets. Remove the computer c...
Page 60 - Power Supply; Replacing the Power Supply
Back to Contents Page Power Supply Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Mini-Tower Computer Small Desktop Computer DC Power Connectors Mini-Tower Computer Replacing the Power Supply 1. Follow the procedures in " Before You Begin ." 2. Remove the fan assembly. 3. Disco...
Page 62 - DC Power Connectors; Small Desktop Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments; DC Power Connector P1
14. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. DC Power Connectors Small Desktop Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments DC Power Connector P1 NOTE: Your computer's power supply may or may not have the "...
Page 63 - Mini-Tower Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments
DC Power Connector P2 DC Power Connectors P3 and P4 DC Power Connector P5 DC Power Connector P6 DC Power Connector P7 Mini-Tower Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments Pin Number Signal Name 1 8-AWG Wire 1 +3.3 VDC O r a n g e 2 COM Black 3 +5 VDC Red 4 COM ...
Page 65 - Floppy Drive Power Connector
Floppy Drive Power Connector Back to Contents Page Pin Number Signal Name 1 8-AWG Wire 1 +12 VDC Yellow 2 COM Black 3 COM Black 4 +5 VDC Red Pin Number Signal Name 2 2-AWG Wire 1 +5 VDC Red 2 COM Black 3 COM Black 4 +12 VDC Yellow
Page 66 - Class A
Back to Contents Page FCC Notices (U.S. Only) Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Class A Class B FCC Identification Information Most Dell computer systems are classified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as Class B digital devices. To determine which classification applies t...
Page 68 - System Board; Jumper Settings
Back to Contents Page System Board Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Jumper Settings Clearing the CMOS Replacing the System Board Jumper Settings To change a jumper setting, pull the plug off its pin(s) and carefully fit it down onto the pin(s) indicated. Clearing the CMOS ...
Page 71 - Removing the Computer Cover
Back to Contents Page Removing the Computer Cover Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide 1. Follow the procedures in " Before You Begin ." 2. Lay your computer on its side with the computer cover facing up. 3. While keeping the cover latch in the open position, grip the indents and sl...
Page 72 - About Your Small Desktop Computer; Front View
Back to Contents Page About Your Small Desktop Computer Front View Back View Inside Your Computer System Board Components Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand Front View 1 front-panel d o o r Open the door to use the front-panel connecto...
Page 73 - Back View
Back View from a power-saving state, see " Power Management ." See " Diagnostic Lights for a description of light codes that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer. 1 0 front-panel d o o r Open the door to use the front-panel connectors. *...
Page 74 - Inside Your Computer
Inside Your Computer NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector. On computers with a network connector 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 t...
Page 75 - System Board Components
System Board Components 1 hard drive 6 padlock ring 2 optional internal s p e a k e r 7 heat sink and blower assembly 3 power supply 8 system board 4 optional card cage 9 floppy drive 5 l o w-profile PCI card slot 1 0 CD/DVD drive 1 floppy-drive connector (DSKT) 1 1 C...
Page 76 - Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand
Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand Your computer can be used in either a vertical or horizontal position. To use the computer in a vertical position, you must attach the computer stand: 1. Place the computer on its right side so that the drive bays are at the bottom. 2. Fit th...
Page 78 - Cards; Installing Cards
Back to Contents Page Cards Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Installing Cards Installing Cards in the Optional Card Cage Removing Cards Installing Cards 1. Follow the procedures in " Before You Begin ." 2. If you are installing a low-profile card, perform the following ...
Page 80 - Removing Cards
4. Reconnect any cables that you removed in step 2 . 5. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card. See the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connections. 6. Close the computer cover. 7. Attach the computer stand (optional). 8. Connect yo...
Page 82 - Opening the Computer Cover
Back to Contents Page Opening the Computer Cover Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide 1. Follow the procedures in " Before You Begin ." 2. Remove the computer stand, if it is attached. 3. If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock....
Page 83 - Drives; General Installation Guidelines; Connecting Drive Cables; Drive Interface Connectors
Back to Contents Page Drives Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide General Installation Guidelines Hard Drive Front-Panel Inserts CD/DVD Drive Floppy Drive Your computer supports: l One serial ATA hard drive l One optional floppy drive l One optional CD or DVD drive General In...
Page 84 - Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables; Hard Drive; Removing a Hard Drive
Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables When removing an IDE drive data cable, grasp the colored pull tab and pull until the connector detaches. When connecting and disconnecting a serial ATA data cable, hold the cable by the black connector at each end. Like IDE connectors, the serial A...
Page 85 - Installing a Hard Drive
2. Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and remove the drive from the drive bay. Installing a Hard Drive 1. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer. ...
Page 87 - Removing a CD/DVD Drive
2. Press on the inserts until they pop free of the front-panel cover. CD/DVD Drive 1. Follow the procedures in " Before You Begin ." 2. If you are installing a new CD/DVD drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the front- panel inserts . Removing a CD/DVD Drive 1. Disco...
Page 88 - Installing a CD/DVD Drive
3. Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive, and slide the drive up and remove the drive from the drive bay. Installing a CD/DVD Drive 1. Unpack the drive and prepare it for installation. Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to veri...
Page 89 - Removing a Floppy Drive
3. Gently slide the drive into place until you hear a click or feel the drive securely installed. 4. Connect the power and CD/DVD drive cables to the drive. 5. Connect the other end of the CD/DVD drive cable to the IDE connector on the system board. 6. If you are ...
Page 90 - Installing a Floppy Drive
1. Follow the procedures in " Before You Begin ." 2. Disconnect the data cable from the CD/DVD drive bay located above the floppy drive. 3. Disconnect the power and floppy-drive cables from the back of the floppy drive. 4. Disconnect the floppy-drive cable from the connector labeled ...
Page 92 - Processor; Replacing the Processor
Back to Contents Page Processor Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Replacing the Processor 1. Follow the procedures in " Before You Begin ." 2. Disconnect the cooling fan power cable from the FAN connector on the system board (see " System Board Components "). 3. Disco...
Page 96 - About Your Mini-Tower Computer
Back to Contents Page About Your Mini-Tower Computer Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Front View Back View Inside Your Computer System Board Components Front View 1 CD or DVD drive activity light The drive activity light is on when the computer reads data from the CD or DV...
Page 103 - Control Panel; Removing the Control Panel
Back to Contents Page Control Panel Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Removing the Control Panel Replacing the Control Panel Removing the Control Panel 1. Follow the procedures in " Before You Begin ." 2. Disconnect the control panel cable from the connector on the system...
Page 108 - Adding or Replacing a Second Hard Drive
4. Connect the power and data cables to the back of the replacement drive. 5. Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated. 6. Replace the computer cover . 7. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. See the document...
Page 112 - Adding a Second CD or DVD Drive
9. Connect the power cable to the system board. 10. Connect the power, audio, and drive cables to the drive. 11. Check all cable connections, and then fold the cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents. 12. Reattach the bottom insert that you removed in step 3 ...
Page 122 - Solving Problems; Diagnostic Lights
Back to Contents Page Solving Problems Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Diagnostic Lights To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the back panel. The lights can be yellow or green. When the computer st...
Page 123 - Beep Codes
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 c...
Page 124 - Battery Problems; Card Problems
Battery Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks. Card Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks. 3-2-2 Interrupt vector loading failure 3-2-4 Keyboard Controller Test failure 3-3-1 NVRAM power loss 3-3-2 ...
Page 125 - Floppy drive problems
Clearing NVRAM and Restoring Default Settings Drive Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks. Floppy drive problems If you have reinstalled all of the cards and the problem is not resolved, contact Dell. To clear the computer's non-volatile...
Page 126 - Dropped or Damaged Computer
CD drive problems Problems writing to a CD-RW drive DVD drive problems Hard drive problems Dropped or Damaged Computer Adjust the Windows volume control — Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. l Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the sl...
Page 127 - Error Messages
Error Messages If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared. Check the card and cable connections — 1. Turn off the computer and devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, wait 10 to 20 sec...
Page 129 - General Problems; The computer stops responding
General Problems The computer stops responding A program stops responding A program crashes repeatedly A solid blue screen appears Other software problems l When your computer finishes booting, immediately back up your data and replace your hard drive. l If no replacement...
Page 130 - Keyboard Problems
Other technical problems General hardware problems If your computer exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, a device conflict may exist: l Your computer locks up, particularly while using a specific device. l A recently added device does not work. l Memory parity errors occur o...
Page 131 - Network Problems
Memory Problems Mouse Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks. Network Problems is set to PS/2 , Enhanced XT/AT , or PC/AT . See the keyboard documentation for recommended settings. Run the Dell Diagnostics — If any of the tests fail, contact Dell . Che...
Page 132 - Power Problems; Printer Problems
Power Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks. Printer Problems Check the network cable connector — Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack. Check the network ligh...
Page 133 - Serial or Parallel Device Problems; No sound from speakers
Serial or Parallel Device Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks. Sound and Speaker Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks. No sound from speakers If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon. 2. Clic...
Page 134 - No sound from headphones; System Board Problems; Video and Monitor Problems
No sound from headphones System Board Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete the following checks. Video and Monitor Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks. l If the tests complete successfully, the controller i...
Page 136 - Specifications
Back to Contents Page Specifications Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Processor Processor type Intel ® Pentium ® 4 and Intel Celeron ® ; design provides for future Dell-supported upgrades. Level 1 (L1) cache 8 KB or 16 KB, depending on your computer configuration Level ...
Page 140 - Warranty
Back to Contents Page Warranty Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Dell Inc. ("Dell") manufactures its hardware products from parts and components that are new or equivalent to new in accordance with industry-standard practices. For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see th...
Page 141 - Transferring Information to a New Computer
Back to Contents Page Microsoft ® Windows ® XP Features Dell™ OptiPlex™ 170L User's Guide Transferring Information to a New Computer User Accounts and Fast User Switching Setting Up a Home and Office Network Transferring Information to a New Computer The Microsoft ® W i n d o w s ® ...
Page 142 - User Accounts and Fast User Switching; Adding User Accounts; Setting Up a Home and Office Network; Connecting to a Network Adapter
When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen appears. 3. Click Finished and restart the new computer. User Accounts and Fast User Switching Adding User Accounts After the Microsoft ® W i n d o w s ® XP operating system is installed, the administrator or a user ...
Page 143 - Network Setup Wizard
2. Connect the other end of the network cable to a network connection device, such as a network wall jack. Network Setup Wizard The Microsoft ® W i n d o w s ® XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet conn...