Page 1 Dell™ Dimension™ XPS serial port parallel port keyboard connector USB 2.0 connectors (6) VGA video connector PCI card (4), PCI Express x1 card (1), PCI Express x16 card (1) slots fans (2) *Not present on all computers. Model WHL w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m...
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 Changing the Front-Panel Light Color Connecting Two Monitors Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors Connecting One Monitor With a VGA connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector Connecting a TV Changing the Display Settings About Serial ATA Drives...
Page 4 Power Management Overview ........Standby Mode Hibernate Mode Power Options Properties Optimizing Performance Hyper-Threading...
Page 5 ....... . . When to Use the Dell Diagnostics Drivers .
Page 6 Removing and Installing Parts Before You Begin ....... . . Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer...
Page 7 ....... Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party"...
Page 8 ........FCC Identification Information Contacting Dell ....... . .
Page 9: Finding Information
® ResourceCD Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see page 60), run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 56), or access your documentation. Dimension Owner’s Manual NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at support.dell.com.
Page 10 • Service Tag and Express Service Code • Microsoft Windows License Label Finding Information Find it Here Dell™ Product Information Guide Setup Diagram Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License These labels are located on your computer. • Use the Service Tag to...
Page 11 Dell Support Website — support.dell.com NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site. The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including: • Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, and online courses • Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers •...
Page 12 Finding Information...
Page 13: Setting Up And Using Your Computer
Setting Up and Using Your Computer Opening the Drive Door Setting Up and Using Your Computer...
Page 14: 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 15: Connecting Two Monitors
7 Select the color you want, and press <Enter>. 8 Press <Esc>, and press Save and Exit to save the new front-panel light color setting. Connecting Two Monitors CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Page 16: Connecting One Monitor With A Vga Connector And One Monitor With A Dvi Connector
3 Connect the other monitor to the optional DVI adapter and connect the DVI adapter to the DVI (white) connector on the back of the computer. optional DVI adapter Connecting One Monitor With a VGA connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin"...
Page 17: Changing The Display Settings
Device guides, and then click the guide for your graphics card). About Serial ATA Drives Your Dell™ Dimension™ XPS computer supports up to three serial ATA hard 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: •...
Page 18: Raid Level 0
RAID Level 0 RAID level 0 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 19: Configuring Your Computer For Raid
segment 1 segment 2 segment 3 segment 4 segment 5 segment 6 hard drive 1 If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the surviving drive. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data from the surviving drive. Also, because data is duplicated on both drives, two 120-GB RAID level 1 drives collectively have a maximum of 120-GB on which to store data.
Page 20: Configuring For Raid Using The Intel(R) Option Rom Utility
5 Use the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight Save/Exit, and press <Enter> to exit system setup and resume the boot process. Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R) Option ROM Utility NOTE: Although any size drives may be used to create a RAID configuration using the Intel Option ROM utility, ideally the drives should be of equal size.
Page 21: Configuring For Raid Using The Intel(R) Application Accelerator
4 Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default, and press <Enter>. 5 Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select RAID1(Mirror), and press <Enter>. 6 If there are more than two hard disks available, use the up- and down-arrow keys and space bar to select the two disks you want to use to make up your array, and then press <Enter>.
Page 22 Creating a RAID 0 Volume NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost. 1 Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 19). 2 Click Start and point to Programs Accelerator to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility. NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 19).
Page 23 Deleting a RAID Volume NOTE: While this procedure deletes the RAID 1 volume, it also splits the RAID 1 volume into two non- RAID hard drives with a partition, and leaves any existing data files intact. Deleting a RAID 0 volume, however, destroys all data on the volume.
Page 24 Migrating to a RAID 1 Volume 1 Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 19). 2 Click the Start button and point to All Programs Application Accelerator to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility. NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 19).
Page 25: Transferring Information To A New Computer
Rebuilding a Degraded RAID 1 Volume If your computer does not have a spare hard drive, and the computer has reported a degraded RAID 1 volume, you can manually rebuild the computer’s redundancy mirror to a new hard drive by performing the following steps: 1 Click the Start button and point to Programs Application Accelerator to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.
Page 26: Playing Cds And Movies
7 On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer and click Next. 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.
Page 27 To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came with your computer. NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs. A CD player includes the following basic buttons: Play.
Page 28: Adjusting The Volume
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 29: How To Copy A Cd Or Dvd
Sonic support website at support.sonic.com. Currently, five DVD-writable disc formats available: DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM. The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell DVD+RW media, and can read DVD-R and DVD-RW media. However, DVD-writable drives do not write to and may not read DVD-RAM media.
Page 30: Helpful Tips
Helpful Tips ® • Use Microsoft Windows you start Sonic RecordNow and open a RecordNow project. • You must use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs do not play in most home or car stereos. •...
Page 31: Power Management
Power Management Overview ® ® The Microsoft Windows XP 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 just the monitor or the hard drive, or you can use standby mode or hibernate mode to reduce power to the entire computer.
Page 32: Power Options Properties
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 33 If you want to change the default settings for a scheme, click the drop-down menu in the Turn off monitor, Turn off hard disks, System stand by, or System hibernates field, and then select a time- out from the displayed list. Changing the time-out for a scheme field permanently changes the default settings for that scheme, unless you click Save As and enter a new name for the changed scheme.
Page 34 Setting Up and Using Your Computer...
Page 35: Optimizing Performance
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 36: 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 PCXI 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). The PCI Express x16 card slot replaces the AGP graphics card slot.
Page 37: 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 113). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see page 131). Drive Problems...
Page 38: 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 H E C K T H E C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N S U N T H E...
Page 39: 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 40: 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 Click the Start button and click Control Panel. Click Printers and Other Hardware.
Page 41: Ieee 1394 Device Problems
• Remove keyboard extension cables and connect the keyboard directly to the computer. 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 — Contact Dell (see page 131). IEEE 1394...
Page 42: Lockups And Software Problems
E S T T H E K E Y B O A R D — Connect a properly working keyboard to the computer, and try using the keyboard. U N T H E A R D W A R E Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions...
Page 43: A Program Crashes Repeatedly
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 A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system U N T H E R O G R A M...
Page 44: Memory Problems
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 56). F Y O U E X P E R I E N C E O T H E R M E M O R Y P R O B L E M S •...
Page 45: Network Problems
E S T A R T T H E C O M P U T E R — Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the Start menu. Type u, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight Shut down or Turn Off, and then press <Enter>. After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the on the setup diagram for your computer.
Page 46: Power Problems
Power Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S G R E E N A N D T H E C O M P U T E R I S N O T R E S P O N D I N G on page 53.
Page 47: Printer Problems
Printer Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer’s manufacturer. H E C K T H E P R I N T E R D O C U M E N T A T I O N troubleshooting information.
Page 48: Sound And Speaker Problems
N L O C K T H E S C A N N E R E S T A R T T H E C O M P U T E R A N D T R Y T H E S C A N N E R A G A I N H E C K T H E C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N S •...
Page 49: No Sound From Headphones
I S C O N N E C T H E A D P H O N E S F R O M T H E H E A D P H O N E C O N N E C T O R automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer’s front-panel headphone connector.
Page 50: Video And Monitor Problems
Video and Monitor Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. If the screen is blank NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures. H E C K T H E M O N I T O R C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N •...
Page 51 D J U S T T H E I N D O W S D I S P L A Y S E T T I N G S Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Appearance and Themes. Click Display and click the Settings tab.
Page 52 Solving Problems...
Page 53: Advanced Troubleshooting
Advanced Troubleshooting Diagnostic Lights CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the back panel (see page 71).
Page 54 • If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see page 77). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 131). • If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card (see page 87), reinstall it, and then restart the computer.
Page 55 • If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see page 77). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 131). • Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see page 76).
Page 56: Dell Diagnostics
37) 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 56) or from the Dell Dimension ResourceCD. Advanced Troubleshooting Suggested Resolution •...
Page 57 2 When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from your ResourceCD If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the ®...
Page 58 If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see page 131). 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.
Page 59: 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 60: 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 61: 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 62: 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 60) to resolve the problem.
Page 63: Using Dell Pc Restore By Symantec
Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system. PC Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer.
Page 64: Resolving Software And Hardware Incompatibilities
Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer. To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items: • Dell™ Operating System CD • Dell ResourceCD NOTE: The ResourceCD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer.
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 NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD. 6 When the Regional and Language Options screen appears, select the settings for your location and click Next. 7 Enter your name and organization (optional) in the Personalize Your Software screen, and click Next.
Page 67: Removing And Installing Parts
You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" (see page 67) and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" (see page 68). • 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 68: 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 69: Front And Back View Of The Computer
Front and Back View of the Computer Front View hard-drive activity light power button drive door front-panel door 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 70: Front View (Doors Open)
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 71: Back View
Back View * Not present on all computers processor fans (2) cover latch release network adapter connector To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a network or broadband jack TV-OUT connector For optimal cooling, two processor fans are provided. Do not block the vents. 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 72 DVI video 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 video 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.
Page 73: 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 74: Inside View Of Your Computer
Inside View of Your Computer processor airflow shroud processor fan power supply fans (2) Removing and Installing Parts floppy drive CD/DVD drive hard drive shroud PCI card shroud and fan system board power supply...
Page 75: System Board Components
System Board Components hard-drive connector (PRI_IDE) floppy-drive connector (FLOPPY) main power connector (PWR) auxiliary power LED (AUX_PWR) memory module connectors (2, 4) memory module connectors (1, 3) processor fan (CPU FAN) processor and heat- sink connector rear fan connector (REAR FAN1) power connector (12V PWR) serial ATA connectors password jumper...
Page 76: 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 115. DDR2 Memory Overview •...
Page 77: 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 78 3 Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector. 4 Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the connector while you apply equal force to each end of the module.
Page 79: 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 80: Pci Cards
Your Dell™ computer provides the following slots for PCI and PCI Express cards: • Four PCI card slots • One PCI Express x16 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. If you are removing but not replacing a card, see "Removing a PCI Card"...
Page 81 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 82 8 Press the retention arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer. alignment bar 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 83: 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 131). NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer.
Page 84 Installing a PCI Express Card 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 67. 2 Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm. filler bracket retention arm Removing and Installing Parts lever x16 card x1 card edge connector card connector...
Page 85 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 86 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 87 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 131). NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer.
Page 88: Drives
Drives Your computer supports a combination of these devices: • Up to three hard drives • One floppy drive • Up to two CD or DVD drives General Installation Guidelines Connect serial ATA hard drives to the system board connectors labeled SATA-0, SATA-1, SATA-2, or SATA-3.
Page 89: Connecting Drive Cables
Connecting Drive Cables When you install a drive, you connect two cables—a DC power cable and a data cable—to the back of the drive and to the system board. Some drives may also have an audio connector; one end of the audio cable attaches to the drive connector and the other end attaches to the system board.
Page 90: Hard Drive
Power Cable Connector 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 91: 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 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 92 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) power cable 5 Connect a power cable to the drive.
Page 93 17 Partition and logically format your drive before you proceed to the next step. See the documentation for your operating system for instructions. 18 Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 56). Removing and Installing Parts...
Page 94: Adding A Second Hard Drive
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. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
Page 95: Floppy Drive
7 Connect a power cable to the drive. 8 Connect the hard-drive cable to the drive and to the system board (see page 75). 9 Close the computer cover (see page 114). NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer.
Page 96: Removing A Floppy Drive
Removing a Floppy Drive 1 Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the floppy drive. 2 Disconnect the other end of the data cable from the system board. data cable power cable tabs (2) floppy drive 3 Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive, slide the drive upward, and remove it from the floppy-drive bay.
Page 97 drive bracket rails (2) screws (4) 2 Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position. data cable power cable tabs (2) floppy drive Removing and Installing Parts...
Page 98: Cd/Dvd Drive
See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation. 8 Enter system setup (see page 119) and update the appropriate Diskette Drive option. 9 Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 56). CD/DVD Drive CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Page 99: Installing A Cd/Dvd Drive
2 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 131). power cable tabs (2)
Page 100 3 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. 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 101 See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation. 9 Enter system setup (see page 120) and select the appropriate Drive option. 10 Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 56). power cable tabs (2)
Page 102: Processor Airflow Shroud
Processor Airflow Shroud Removing the 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 103: Installing The Processor Airflow Shroud
NOTICE: 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 129. CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Page 104 anchor tabs (3) 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 up.
Page 105 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 processor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink and blower when you install your new processor.
Page 106: Installing The Processor
7 Open the processor cover. processor cover 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. 1 Unpack the new processor.
Page 107 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 108: 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 the heat sink is correctly seated and secure. 8 Reinstall the retention module clips.
Page 109: Replacing The Front Panel
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. Removing and Installing Parts...
Page 110: 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 111: 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 112 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 113: Battery
Battery Replacing the 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 114: 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 119) and restore the settings you recorded in step 1. 9 Properly dispose of the old battery.
Page 115: Appendix
Appendix Specifications Processor Processor type Cache Memory Type Memory connectors Memory capacities Minimum memory Maximum memory BIOS address Computer Information Chipset DMA channels Interrupt levels BIOS chip (NVRAM) System clock Video Type ® ® Intel Pentium 4 with HT Technology NOTE: Not all Pentium 4 processors support Hyper-Threading technology.
Page 116 Expansion Bus Bus type Bus speed connector connector size connector data width (maximum) PCI Express connector connector size connector data width (maximum) PCI Express connector connector size connector data width (maximum) Drives Externally accessible: Available devices Internally accessible: Appendix PCI 2.3 PCI Express x1 and x16 PCI: 33 MHz PCI Express:...
Page 117 Connectors External connectors: Serial Parallel IEEE 1394 Video Network adapter PS/2 (keyboard and mouse) Audio System board connectors: Primary IDE drive Serial ATA Floppy drive PCI 2.3 PCI Express x1 PCI Express x16 Telephony (TAPI) Controls and Lights Power control Power light Hard-drive access light 9-pin connector;...
Page 118 Controls and Lights (continued) Link integrity light (on integrated network adapter) Activity light (on integrated network adapter) Diagnostic lights Standby power light Case front-panel light Power DC power supply: Wattage Heat dissipation Voltage (see the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide for important voltage setting information) Backup battery...
Page 119: System Setup
Environmental Temperature: Operating Storage Relative humidity Maximum vibration: Operating Storage Maximum shock: Operating Storage Altitude: Operating Storage System Setup Overview Use system setup as follows: • To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computer •...
Page 120: 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 ® Microsoft...
Page 121: 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 122 LPT Port Mode LPT Port Address LPT Port DMA Serial Port #1 Video Primary Video Performance HyperThreading Performance Security Admin Password System Password Password Status Appendix Identifies and defines the parallel port settings. You can set the parallel port to Off, AT, PS/2, EPP , or ECP . Identifies the address for the parallel port.
Page 123 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 124: 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 125 3 When 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 67) and try again. The Boot Device Menu appears, listing all available boot devices.
Page 126: 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 67. 2 Locate the 3-pin password jumper (PASS) on the system board (see page 75), and attach the jumper plug to pins 2 and 3 to clear the password.
Page 127: 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 128: 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 129: 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 130: 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 131: Fcc Identification Information
Toll-free numbers are for use within the country for which they are listed. When you need to contact Dell, use the electronic addresses, telephone numbers, and codes provided in the following table. If you need assistance in determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international operator.
Page 132 Tech Support Services Sales 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 Country Code: 61 Home and Small Business City Code: 2 Government and Business Preferred Accounts Division (PAD) Customer Care Technical Support (portables and desktops)
Page 133 Customer Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia) Country Code: 673 Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia) Canada (North York, Ontario) Online Order Status: www.dell.ca/ostatus International Access Code: 011 AutoTech (automated technical support) Customer Care (Home Sales/Small Business) Customer Care (med./large business, government) Technical Support (Home Sales/Small Business) Technical Support (med./large bus., government)
Page 134 City Code Chile (Santiago) Sales, Customer Support, and Technical Support Country Code: 56 City Code: 2 China (Xiamen) Technical Support website: support.dell.com.cn Country Code: 86 Technical Support E-mail: cn_support@dell.com City Code: 592 Customer Care E-mail: customer_cn@dell.com Technical Support Fax Technical Support (Dimension™ and Inspiron™) Technical Support (OptiPlex™, Latitude™, and...
Page 135 Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code Czech Republic (Prague) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 00 E-mail: czech_dell@dell.com Country Code: 420 Technical Support Customer Care Tech Fax Switchboard Denmark (Copenhagen) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 00 E-mail: http://support.euro.dell.com/dk/da/emaildell/...
Page 136 Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code France (Paris) (Montpellier) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 00 E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/fr/fr/emaildell/ Country Code: 33 Home and Small Business City Codes: (1) (4) Technical Support Customer Care Switchboard Switchboard (calls from outside of France)
Page 137 Hong Kong Website: support.ap.dell.com International Access Code: 001 Technical Support E-mail: apsupport@dell.com Country Code: 852 Technical Support (Dimension and Inspiron) Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision) Technical Support (PowerApp™, PowerEdge™, PowerConnect™, and PowerVault™) Customer Care Large Corporate Accounts Global Customer Programs...
Page 138 Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code Ireland (Cherrywood) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 16 E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com Country Code: 353 Technical Support City Code: 1 U.K. Technical Support (dial within U.K. only) Home User Customer Care Small Business Customer Care U.K.
Page 139 Technical Support (Dimension and Inspiron) Technical Support outside of Japan (Dimension and Inspiron) Technical Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude) Technical Support outside of Japan (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude) Technical Support (PDAs, projectors, printers, routers) Technical Support outside of Japan (PDAs,...
Page 140 Country Code: 853 Customer Service (Xiamen, China) Transaction Sales (Xiamen, China) Malaysia (Penang) Website: support.ap.dell.com International Access Code: 00 Technical Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude) Country Code: 60 Technical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and City Code: 4 Electronics and Accessories)
Page 141 Relational Sales Home/Small Business Sales Fax Relational Sales Fax Switchboard Switchboard Fax New Zealand E-mail (New Zealand): nz_tech_support@dell.com International Access Code: 00 E-mail (Australia): au_tech_support@dell.com Country Code: 64 Technical Support (for desktop and portable computers) Technical Support (for servers and workstations)
Page 142 Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code Norway (Lysaker) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 00 E-mail: http://support.euro.dell.com/no/no/emaildell/ Country Code: 47 Technical Support Relational Customer Care Home/Small Business Customer Care Switchboard Fax Switchboard Panama General Support Peru General Support Poland (Warsaw) Website: support.euro.dell.com...
Page 143 Singapore (Singapore) Website: support.ap.dell.com International Access Code: 005 Technical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and Electronics and Accessories) Country Code: 65 Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision) Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault) Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) Transaction Sales Corporate Sales Slovakia (Prague) Website: support.euro.dell.com...
Page 144 Country (City) International Access Code Country Code 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 City Code: 91 Technical Support Customer Care Sales Switchboard Corporate Technical Support Customer Care...
Page 145 Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault) Transaction Sales Corporate Sales Thailand Website: support.ap.dell.com International Access Code: 001 Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision) Country Code: 66 Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault) Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) Corporate Sales...
Page 146 Country (City) International Access Code Country Code 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 Technical Support (Corporate/Preferred Accounts/PAD [1000+ employees]) Technical Support (direct and general)
Page 147 Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers Dell Sales Dell Outlet Store (Dell refurbished computers) Software and Peripherals Sales Spare Parts Sales Extended Service and Warranty Sales Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Speech-Impaired U.S. Virgin Islands General Support Venezuela General Support...
Page 148 Appendix...
Page 149: Index
72 copying CDs and DVDs, 28 cover closing, 114 cover release latch, 71 opening, 73 Dell contacting, 129 Dell Solution Center, 9 support policy, 127 support site, 11 Dell Diagnostics, 56 Dell Premier Support website, 10 diagnostic lights, 53 Index...
Page 150 Dell, 56 lights, 53 display. See monitor documentation Dell Solution Center, 9 End User License Agreement, 10 ergonomics, 10 Finding Information, 9 online, 11 Product Information Guide, 10 regulatory, 10 ResourceCD, 9 safety, 10 Setup Diagram, 10 warranty, 10...
Page 151 keyboard connector, 72 problems, 41 labels Microsoft Windows, 10 Service Tag, 10 lights back of computer, 53 diagnostic, 53 hard-drive activity, 69 memory 4-GB configurations, 77 DDR2 overview, 76 installation guidelines, 76 installing, 77 problems, 44 removing, 79 type supported, 76 messages error, 40 microphone...
Page 152 37 blue screen, 43 CD drive, 38 CD-RW drive, 38 computer crashes, 42-43 computer stops responding, 42 Dell Diagnostics, 56 diagnostic lights, 53 drives, 37 DVD drive, 38 e-mail, 39 error messages, 40 general, 42 hard drive, 39...
Page 153 121 screens, 120 technical support policy, 127 transferring information to a new computer, 26 troubleshooting Dell Diagnostics, 56 diagnostic lights, 53 Hardware Troubleshooter, 64 Help and Support Center, 11 restore to previous state, 61 tips, 37 connect to computer, 15-16,...
Page 154 Index...

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Dell Dimension U7021 Owner's Manual

1 Setting up and Using Your Computer

2 Optimizing Performance

3 Solving Problems

4 Advanced Troubleshooting

5 Removing and Installing Parts

6 Appendix

Index

Quick Links

Troubleshooting

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Table of Contents