Dell XPS 720 H2C- User Manual

for the current boot only, and then press <Enter>. For example, if you are booting to a USB memory key, highlight USB Flash Device and press <Enter>.   Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots   1. Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup ).   2. Use the arrow keys to highlight the B...

l   Wipe the keyboard, computer, and plastic part of the monitor with a soft cleaning cloth moistened with water. Do not soak the cloth or let water drip inside your computer or keyboard.   Mouse If your screen cursor skips or moves abnormally, clean the mouse. To clean a non-optical mouse:   1. Tur...

and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction manual, may cause harmful interference with radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case you will ...

Back to Contents Page   Finding Information Dell™ XPS™ 720 Owner's Manual NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may not be available in certain countries. NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.   What Are You Looki...

Back to Contents Page   Glossary Dell™ XPS™ 720 Owner's Manual 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 — The form of electricity that powers your computer when you pl...

Back to Contents Page   Removing and Installing Parts Dell™ XPS™ 720 Owner's Manual   Before You Begin This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that a component can be replaced by performing the remov...

l   In Windows Vista, c lick Start , click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu as shown below, and then click Shut Down . The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.   3. Ensure that the computer and all attached devices are turned off. If your c...

  System Board Components 1 optical drive bays (4) 2 floppy drive/media card reader 3 hard drive bays (4) 4 card fan 5 liquid cooling assembly     1 white memory module connectors (DIMM_1-2) 2 black memory module connectors (DIMM_3-4) 3 hard drive fan connector (FAN_HDD) 4 IDE drive connector (IDE) ...

  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 .   DDR2 Memory Overview l   DDR2 memory modules should be installed in pairs o...

  6. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover ).   7. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.   8. When the message appears stating that memory size has changed, press <F1> to continue.   9. Log on to your computer.   10. Right-click the M...

  Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards   1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin .   2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover ).   3. Disconnect any cables connected to the card.   4. Press down the tab on the top of the card retainer at the appropriate card slot and pivot th...

  8. Rotate the card retainer back into its original position; push its tip so that its tab clicks into place.   9. If present, lower the card retention device that lays over the installed cards and snap it into place.   10. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover ), reconnect t...

  8. Gently pull the securing tab (if present) and place the card in the connector. Press down firmly and ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.   9. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card. See the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connectio...

  8. Install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening. If you are replacing the card, see Installing a PCI Express Graphics Card in a Dual Configuration .   9. Rotate the card retainer back into its original position; push its tip so that its tab clicks into place.   10. If present, lower the...

  12. If present, lower the card retention device that lays over the installed cards and snap it into place.   13. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover ), reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.   Network Adapter and Sound Card Setting...

  About Serial ATA Drives Your computer supports up to four serial ATA hard drives and two serial ATA optical drives. Serial ATA drives provide the following benefits by transferring data using serial technology and flexible cables that are thinner and longer than IDE cables: l   Improved cable rout...

Installing a Hard Drive     1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin .   2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover ).   3. Remove the existing hard drive, if applicable (see Removing a Hard Drive ).   4. Prepare the new hard drive for installation and check the documentation ...

  9. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover ).   10. Connect the 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.   Drive Panel     Removing the...

  5. Set the drive panel aside in a secure location.   Replacing the Drive Panel   1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin .   2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover ).   3. Align the drive panel tabs with the side-door hinges.   4. Rotate the drive panel toward the compu...

  5. Slide the drive release latch towards the base of the computer to release the shoulder screw, and then slide the drive out of the drive bay.   6. Replace the drive panel (see Replacing the Drive Panel ).   7. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover ).   8. Connect the compu...

5. If no screws are attached to the new floppy drive, check the inside of the drive panel for shoulder screws. If screws are present, attach the screws to the new drive.   6. Slide the floppy drive into the drive bay until it clicks into place.   7. Connect the power and data cables to the back of t...

  2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover ).   3. Remove the drive panel (see Removing the Drive Panel ).   4. Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the Media Card Reader.   5. Slide the drive release latch towards the base of the computer to release the shoulde...

  3. Remove the drive panel (see Removing the Drive Panel ).   4. Remove the existing media card reader, if applicable (see Removing a Media Card Reader ).   5. If no screws are attached to the Media Card Reader, check the inside of the drive panel for shoulder screws. If screws are present, attach ...

Removing an Optical Drive   1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin .   2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover ).   3. Remove the drive panel (see Removing the Drive Panel ).   4. Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the drive.   5. Slide the drive releas...

Installing an Optical Drive   1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin .   2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover ).   3. Remove the drive panel (see Removing the Drive Panel ).   4. Remove the existing optical drive, if applicable (see Removing an Optical Drive ).   5. Pr...

  9. Check all cable connections and fold cables out of the way to avoid blocking airflow between the fan and cooling vents.   10. Replace the drive panel (see Replacing the Drive Panel ).   11. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover ).   12. Connect your computer and devices t...

  Installing the Liquid Cooling Assembly   1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin .   2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover ).   3. Apply thermal grease to the top of the processor as needed.   4. Align the screw holes on the liquid cooling assembly with the holes on th...

  1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin .   2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover ).   3. Disconnect the power cables from the POWER1 and POWER2 connectors (see System Board Components ) on the system board.   4. Remove the liquid cooling assembly (see Removing the Liq...

  4. Set the processor lightly in the socket and ensure that the processor is level in the socket. When the processor is positioned correctly, press it with minimal pressure to seat it.   5. When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover.   6. Pivot the socket release le...

  6. In succession, carefully pull on each corner of the fan to detach the rubber grommets securing the fan to the fan cage.   Installing the Card Fan   1. With the fan power cable oriented downward, align the rubber grommets in the fan with the holes in each corner of the fan cage, then pull the gr...

  6. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.   Removing the Optional Hard Drive Fan   1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin .   2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover ).   3. Remove all installed memory modules (see Removing Memor...

2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover ).   3. Disconnect the fan cable from the FAN_CAGE connector on the system board (see System Board Components ).   4. Remove any full-length expansion cards (see Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards ).   5. Remove the two screws securing th...

  1. Transfer components from the existing system board to the replacement system board, if applicable.   2. Orient the system board assembly by aligning the notches on the bottom of the assembly with the tabs on the computer.   3. Slide the system board assembly toward the back of the computer unti...

  DC Power Connector P1     1-KW Power Supply 7 5 0-KW Power Supply   Pin Number   Signal name   1 8-AWG Wire Color   Signal name   1 8-AWG Wire Color 1 +3.3 VDC O r a n g e +3.3 VDC O r a n g e 2 +3.3 VDC/SE O r a n g e +3.3 VDC/SE O r a n g e 3 COM Black COM Black 4 +5 VDC Red +5 VDC Red 5 COM Bla...

  DC Power Connector P2   DC Power Connector P3 (Graphics Card)   2 3 +5 VDC Red +5 VDC Red 2 4 COM Black COM Black     1-KW Power Supply 7 5 0-KW Power Supply   Pin Number   Signal name   1 8-AWG Wire Color   Signal name   1 8-AWG Wire Color 1 +12 VC DC Blue/White +12 VC DC Blue/White 2 +12 VC DC B...

  DC Power Connectors P10-P13 (HDD2 and HDD5)   DC Power Connectors P14 (Peripheral)   DC Power Connector P15 (Graphics Card – 1-KW PSU Only)     1-KW Power Supply 7 5 0-KW Power Supply   Pin Number   Signal name   1 8-AWG Wire Color   Signal name   1 8-AWG Wire Color 1 +3.3 VDC O r a n g e +3.3 VDC...

  DC Power Connector P16 (Graphics Card – 1-KW PSU Only)   Removing the Power Supply   1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin .   2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover ).   3. Follow the DC power cables that stem from the power supply and disconnect each connected power...

  8. Remove the four screws that attach the power supply to the back of the computer chassis.   9. Gather the power supply bundles that stem from the power supply, for easy removal.   10. Slide the power supply towards the front of the computer to free it from the securing tabs on the computer chass...

  1. Slide the power supply into place, ensuring that the tabs on the rear wall of the computer chassis latch into place.   2. Replace the four screws that secure the power supply to the back of the computer chassis.   3. Replace the two hard drive bays.   4. Replace all hard drives installed in the...

  2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover ).   3. Remove any full-length expansion cards (see Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards ).   4. Remove the processor airflow shroud (see Removing the Liquid Cooling Assembly ).   5. Disconnect the front fan and the card fan from the syst...

  Battery     Replacing the Battery A coin-cell battery maintains computer configuration, date, and time information. The battery can last several years. If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, replace the battery.   To replace the battery:   1. Recor...

Back to Contents Page   Optimizing for Greater Performance Dell™ XPS™ 720 Owner's Manual    Understanding Dual-Graphics Technology    Understanding CPU Overclocking   Understanding Dual-Graphics Technology With dual-graphics technology, an optional second PCI Express graphics card will significantly...

Back to Contents Page   Dell™ QuickSet  Dell™ XPS™ 720 Owner's Manual Dell™ QuickSet allows you to select and adjust LED light effects, also known as LightFX™. You can start QuickSet by either clicking , double - clicking , or right - clicking the QuickSet icon in the Microsoft ®  W i n d o w s ®  t...

Back to Contents Page   Setting Up and Using Your Computer Dell™ XPS™ 720 Owner's Manual   Front and Back View of the Computer   Front View    Front and Back View of the Computer    Attaching the Computer Stand    Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure    Connecting Monitors    About Your RAID Con...

  Attaching the Computer Stand         1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin .   2. Remove the thumb screw that is installed on the base of the computer.   connectors on the card and on the back of the computer when setting up multiple network connections (such as a separate intra- and extran...

  3. Insert the six alignment tabs into the corresponding slots on the base of the computer, then slide the stand forward until all six tabs catch in the slots.   4. Ensure that the screw hole on the stand is aligned with the screw hole on the base of the computer.   5. Insert the captive screw into...

l   Do not install your computer in an enclosure that does not allow airflow. Restricting the airflow impacts your computer's performance, possibly causing it to overheat.   Connecting Monitors     CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in t...

  Connecting a Monitor (Without an Adapter)     1. Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.   2. Shut down the operating system: l   In Windows XP, click Start ® Turn Off Computer ® Turn off . l  In Windows Vista™, click the Windows Vista Start button  , click the arrow in the lower...

  3. Ensure that the computer and all attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for about 4 seconds to turn them off.   4. Connect the DVI-t o-VGA adapter to the VGA ...

To connect a monitor with a DVI connector, use the (white) DVI port on the primary graphics card. To connect a monitor with a VGA connector, use the (blue) VGA port on the primary graphics card.   Connecting Two or More Monitors     1. Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.   2. S...

  4. Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.   5. Connect one end of the S-video cable to the TV-OUT connector on the back of the computer.   6. Connect the other end of the S-video cable to the S-video input connector on your TV.   7. Connect one monitor, as ...

If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the other surviving drives. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data from the surviving drives. Also, because data is duplicated on the primary and additional drives, four 120-GB RAID level 1 drives collect...

To create a RAID 1 configuration, use the arrow keys to select Mirroring . To create a RAID 0+1 configuration, use the arrow keys to select Stripe Mirroring . To create a RAID 5 configuration, use the arrow keys to select RAID 5 .   5. Press <Tab> to navigate to the Free Disks field.   6. Use ...

The Free Disk Selection window appears.   8. Click to select the drives that will make up the RAID configuration, click Next , and then click Next again. The Clearing System Data window appears.   9. Click Next .   10. Click Finish to create the RAID configuration. The MediaShield RAID management ut...

  6. Click Next .   7. Under Free Disk Selection , select the hard drive(s) you want to include in the (migrated) array by clicking the checkbox beside it.   8. Click Finish . The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and displays the status of the upgrade/migration process along with a...

continue. The computer reads your source disc and copies the data to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive. When prompted, insert a blank disc into the drive and click OK . l   If you have two optical drives , select the drive into which you have inserted your source disc and click the Copy...

After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears.   8. Click Finish . To transfer data to the new computer:   1. On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next .   2. On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the metho...

3. Under or pick a Control Panel icon , click Power Options .   4. Define your hibernate settings on the Power Schemes tab, Advanced tab, and Hibernate tab. To exit from hibernate mode , press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit from hibernate mode. Because the keyboard and ...

  3. In the Performance and maintenance window, click Conserving power on your computer .   Power Management Options in Windows Vista The Microsoft Vista power management features can reduce the amount of electricity your computer uses when it is on and you are not using it. You can reduce power to ...

Back to Contents Page   Troubleshooting Dell™ XPS™ 720 Owner's Manual   Solving Problems Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer: l   If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures and ensure that the part is correctly installed. l   If a ...

Run the Hardware Troubleshooter — See Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems .   Run the Dell Diagnostics — See Dell Diagnostics .   Optical drive problems   Adjust the Windows volume control — l   Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. l   Ensure that the volume is...

  Check the Microsoft Outlook ®  Express security settings — If you cannot open your e-mail attachments: 1.   In Outlook Express, click Tools ® Options ® Security . 2.   Click Do not allow attachments to remove the checkmark, as needed.   Check the telephone line connection Check the telephone jack ...

1.   Click Start ® Control Panel ® Programs ® Programs and Features . 2.   Select the program you want to remove. 3.   Click Uninstall . 4.   See the program documentation for installation instructions.   drive letter :\ is not accessible. The device is not ready — The drive cannot read the disk. In...

Test the keyboard — Connect a properly working keyboard to the computer, then try using the keyboard.   Run the Hardware Troubleshooter — S e e Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems .   Lockups and Software Problems     The computer does not start up   Check the diagnostic lights — See Diag...

3.   Follow the instructions on the screen.   A solid blue screen appears   Turn the computer off — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds (until the computer turns off), and then resta...

  Check the mouse settings —   Windows XP 1.   Click Start ® Control Panel ® Mouse . 2.   Adjust the settings as needed. Windows Vista : 1.   Click Start ® Control Panel ® Hardware and Sound ® Mouse . 2.   Adjust the settings as needed.   Reinstall the mouse driver — See Drivers .   Run the Hardware...

l   Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the system board power connector (POWER2) (see System Board Components ). l   Remove and then reinstall all memory modules (see Memory ). l   Remove and then reinstall any expansion cards, including graphics cards (see Removing PCI a...

  Verify that the scanner is recognized by Microsoft Windows —   Windows XP: 1.   Click Start ® Control Panel ® Printers and Other Hardware ® Scanners and Cameras . 2.   If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner. Windows Vista : 1.   Click Start ® Control Panel ® Hardware and Sound ®...

Video and Monitor Problems     The screen is blank   The screen is difficult to read   Check the monitor cable connection —   l   Ensure that the monitor cable is connected to the correct graphics card (for dual graphics card configurations). l   If you are using the optional DVI-t o-VGA adapter, en...

  Check the monitor settings — See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test.   Power Lights   The power button light located on the front of the computer illuminates and blinks or re...

  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. For example, beep code 1-3-1 (one possible beep code) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one b...

  System Messages 3-2-4 Keyboard Controller Test failure 3-3-1 NVRAM power loss 3-3-2 Invalid NVRAM configuration 3-3-4 Video Memory Test failure 3-4-1 Screen initialization failure 3-4-2 Screen retrace failure 3-4-3 Search for video ROM failure 4-2-1 No timer tick 4-2-2 Shutdown failure 4-2-3 Gate ...

  Dell Diagnostics     When to Use Dell Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in Solving Problems and run Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. Run Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media.   S...

  1. Turn on your computer.   2. Press the eject button on the front of the optical drive to open the drive tray.   3. Place the Drivers and Utilities media in the center of the drive tray, then press the eject button or gently push on the tray to close it.   4. Restart the computer.   5. When the D...

  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 commands t...

If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version. Windows XP:   1. Click Start and click Control Panel .   2. Under Pick a Category ® Performance and Maintenance ® System ® System...

4. Right-click the device for which the driver is being reinstalled, then click Properties .   5. Click Driver ® Update Driver ® Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) ® Next .   6. Click to check Include this location in the search , then click Browse and navigate to where the driver f...

  1. Click Start .   2. In the Start Search box, type System Restore and press <Enter>.   3. Click Next and follow the remaining prompts on the screen. In the event that System Restore did not resolve the issue, you may undo the last system restore.   Undoing the Last System Restore Windows XP...

If you do not press <Ctrl><F11> in time, let the computer finish starting, and then restart the computer again.   3. Click Restore and click Confirm . The restore process takes approximately 6 to 10 minutes to complete.   4. When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.   5. When p...

  5. Click Dell Factory Image Restore . The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears.   6. Click Next. The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears.   7. Click the checkbox to confirm that you want to continue reformatting the hard drive and restoring the system software to the factory conditio...