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Dell Precision™ Workstation
370 Systems
Quick Reference Guide
Models DHM and WHM w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE:
A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE:
A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION:
A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary in your User’s Guide .
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft
®
Windows
® operating systems are not applicable.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2004 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Inc.;
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Models DHM and WHM
April 2004 P/N U3525 Rev. A00
Contents
Finding Information and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Setting Up Your Mini-Tower Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
Setting Up Your Desktop Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
Locating Your User’s Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
Opening Your Mini-Tower Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
The Card Cooling Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Opening Your Desktop Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
Caring for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . .
25
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
Using Last Known Good Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
Before You Start Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39
Contents
3
4
Contents
Finding Information and Assistance
What Are You Looking For?
• A diagnostic program for my computer
• Drivers for my computer
• My device documentation
• System board connectors
• Location of system board components
Find it Here
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD)
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers, run the
Dell Diagnostics (see page 28), or access your device
documentation.
Readme files may be included on your CD to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical-reference material for technicians or experienced users.
NOTE:
The latest drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com
.
System Information Label
Located on the inside cover of your computer.
Quick Reference Guide
5
What Are You Looking For?
• Warranty information
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Find it Here
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• How to remove and replace parts
• Technical specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
Dell Precision User’s Guide
Microsoft
®
Windows
®
XP Help and Support Center
1
Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2 Click User’s and system guides and click User’s guides .
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License
These labels are located on your computer.
• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com
or contact technical support.
• Enter the Express
Service Code to direct your call when contacting technical support. The Express Service Code is not available in all countries.
6
Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For?
• Latest drivers for my computer
• Answers to technical service and support questions
• Online discussions with other users and technical support
• Documentation for my computer
Find it Here
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
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information, order status, warranty, and repair information
• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates
• Reference — Computer documentation, product specifications, and white papers
Dell Premier Support Website — premiersupport.dell.com
The Dell Premier Support website is customized for corporate, government, and education customers. This website may not be available in all regions.
• Service call status and support history
• Top technical issues for my computer
• Frequently asked questions
• File downloads
• Details on my computer configuration
• Service contract for my computer
• How to use Windows XP
• Documentation for my computer
• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)
• How to use Linux
• E-mail discussions with Dell Precision and Linux users
• Additional information regarding Linux and my Dell
Precision computer
Windows Help and Support Center
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support .
2
Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your problem.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
Dell Supported Linux Sites
• http://linux.dell.com
• http://lists.us.dell.com/mailman/listinfo/linuxprecision
• http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/software/oslinux/
• http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/software/OSRHEL3/
Quick Reference Guide
7
What Are You Looking For?
• How to reinstall my operating system
Find it Here
Operating System CD
The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the
Operating System CD. See your Precision User’s Guide for instructions.
After you reinstall your operating system, use the
CD to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.
Your operating system
located on your computer.
NOTE:
The color of your CD varies based on the operating system you ordered.
8
Quick Reference Guide
Setting Up Your Mini-Tower Computer
CAUTION:
Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer.
Connect the keyboard and the mouse.
1
2 Connect the modem or the network cable.
NOTICE:
Do not connect a modem cable to the network adapter. Voltage from telephone communications can damage the network adapter.
NOTE:
If your computer has a network card installed, connect the network cable to the card.
Quick Reference Guide
9
3
Connect the monitor.
Depending on your graphics card, you can connect your monitor in various ways.
NOTE:
You may need to use the provided adapter or cable to connect your monitor to the computer.
10
Quick Reference Guide
For single- and dual-monitor capable cards with a single connector
VGA Adapter
VGA
Use the VGA adapter when you have a single monitor graphics card and you want to connect your computer to a VGA monitor.
Dual VGA Y Cable Adapter Dual DVI Y Cable Adapter
VGA
DVI
VGA DVI
Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a single connector and you want to connect your computer to one or two VGA monitors.
Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a single connector and you want to connect your computer to one or two DVI monitors.
The dual-monitor cable is color coded; the blue connector is for the primary monitor, and the black connector is for the secondary monitor. To enable dual-monitor support, both monitors must be attached to the computer when it starts.
Quick Reference Guide
11
For dual-monitor capable cards with 1 DVI and 1 VGA connector
Single DVI/Single VGA Dual VGA With VGA Adapter
DVI
VGA
VGA
Use the VGA adapter when you want to connect your computer to two VGA monitors.
VGA
Use the appropriate connector(s) when you want to connect your computer to one or two monitors.
For dual-monitor capable cards with 2 DVI connectors
Dual DVI Dual DVI With One VGA Adapter Dual DVI With Two VGA Adapters
DVI
DVI
DVI VGA
VGA
VGA
Use the DVI connectors to connect your computer to one or two DVI monitors.
Use the VGA adapter to connect a
VGA monitor to one of the DVI connector.s on your computer
Use two VGA adapters to connect two
VGA monitors to the DVI connectors on your computer.
12
Quick Reference Guide
4 Connect the speakers.
NOTE:
If your computer has an audio card installed, connect the speakers to the card.
5 Connect the power cables and turn on the computer and monitor.
Quick Reference Guide
13
6
Install additional software or devices.
Before you install any devices or software that did not come with your computer, read the documentation that came with the software or device or contact the vendor to verify that the software or device is compatible with your computer and operating system.
Congratulations! You have completed the setup for your mini-tower computer.
Setting Up Your Desktop Computer
CAUTION:
Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer.
1 Connect the keyboard and the mouse.
NOTICE:
Do not connect a modem cable to the network adapter. Voltage from telephone communications can damage the network adapter.
14
Quick Reference Guide
2 Connect the modem or the network cable.
NOTE:
If your computer has a network card installed, connect the network cable to the card.
3 Connect the monitor.
Depending on your graphics card, you can connect your monitor in various ways.
NOTE:
You may need to use the provided adapter or cable to connect your monitor to the computer.
Quick Reference Guide
15
For single- and dual-monitor capable cards with a single connector
VGA Adapter
VGA
Use the VGA adapter when you have a single monitor graphics card and you want to connect your computer to a VGA monitor.
Dual VGA Y Cable Adapter Dual DVI Y Cable Adapter
VGA
DVI
VGA DVI
Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a single connector and you want to connect your computer to one or two VGA monitors.
Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a single connector and you want to connect your computer to one or two DVI monitors.
The dual-monitor cable is color coded; the blue connector is for the primary monitor, and the black connector is for the secondary monitor. To enable dual-monitor support, both monitors must be attached to the computer when it starts.
16
Quick Reference Guide
For dual-monitor capable cards with 1 DVI and 1 VGA connector
Single DVI/Single VGA Dual VGA With VGA Adapter
DVI
VGA
VGA
Use the VGA adapter when you want to connect your computer to two VGA monitors.
VGA
Use the appropriate connector(s) when you want to connect your computer to one or two monitors.
For dual-monitor capable cards with 2 DVI connectors
Dual DVI Dual DVI With One VGA Adapter Dual DVI With Two VGA Adapters
DVI
DVI
DVI VGA
VGA
VGA
Use the DVI connector(s) to connect your computer to one or two DVI monitors.
Use the VGA adapter to connect a VGA monitor to one of the DVI connectors on your computer.
Use two VGA adapters to connect two VGA monitors to the DVI connectors on your computer.
Quick Reference Guide
17
4 Connect the speakers.
NOTE:
If your computer has an audio card installed, connect the speakers to the card.
5
Connect the power cables and turn on the computer and monitor.
Your desktop computer has an optional front IEEE 1394 connector. This connector is only available if you purchased an addin IEEE 1394 card. To purchase a card, contact Dell. For more information on the add-in card, see your User’s Guide .
6
Install additional software or devices.
Before you install any devices or software that did not come with your computer, read the documentation that came with the software or device or contact the vendor to verify that the software or device is compatible with your computer and operating system.
Congratulations! You have completed the setup for your desktop computer.
18
Quick Reference Guide
Locating Your User’s Guide
Your Dell Precision™ Workstation 370 User’s Guide contains additional information about your computer such as:
• Technical specifications
• Front and back views of your computer, including all of the available connectors
• Inside views of your computer, including a detailed graphic of the system board and the connectors
• Instructions for cleaning your computer
• Information on software features, such as LegacySelect Technology control, using a password, and system setup options
• Tips and information for using the Microsoft Windows XP operating system
• Instructions for removing and installing parts, including memory, cards, drives, the microprocessor, and the battery
• Information for troubleshooting various computer problems
• Instructions for using the Dell Diagnostics and reinstalling drivers
• Information on how to contact Dell
You can access the User’s Guide from your hard drive or the Dell Support website at support.dell.com
.
To access the User’s Guide from your hard drive:
Click the Start button and click Help and Support .
To access your User’s Guide from the Dell Support Site:
1
2
3
Go to support.dell.com
.
Follow the prompts on the website that ask you for information specific to your computer.
At the Dell Support website home page, click and then select your Dell Precision computer.
Reference , click User’s Guides , click Systems ,
Quick Reference Guide
19
Opening Your Mini-Tower Computer
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.
NOTICE:
To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your computer.
1 Shut down the operating system: a Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click Turn Off Computer .
b In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off .
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
4
5
2
3
Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, turn them off now.
If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.
NOTICE:
Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space.
6
Lay the computer on its side as shown in the following illustration.
Open the cover: a b
Facing the back of the computer, press the release button on the right side of the computer with one hand while pulling up on the top of the cover with the other hand.
Press the release button on the left side of the computer with one hand while pulling up on the top of the cover with the other hand.
Hold the bottom of the computer with one hand, and then pull open the cover with the other hand.
20
Quick Reference Guide
release button security cable slot padlock ring release button
Quick Reference Guide
21
power supply processor airflow shroud and fan
CD/DVD drive floppy drive
(optional) card fan hard drive security cable slot padlock ring system board
The Card Cooling Fan
NOTICE:
PCI Express graphics cards that run higher than 75 watts (W) require an additional cooling fan installed. Otherwise, your card could overheat and damage your computer.
If you ordered your computer with a graphics card that requires the fan, the fan is included. If a card fan is not present in your computer and you are installing a graphics card that runs higher than
75 W, contact Dell to purchase a card fan.
If the computer detects that you have installed a card that requires a fan, an error message appears.
For Dell contact information, see your User's Guide or go to support.dell.com
and click
Contact Us .
22
Quick Reference Guide
Opening Your Desktop Computer
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.
3
4
1
NOTICE:
To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your computer.
Shut down the operating system: a
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click Turn Off Computer .
b
In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off .
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
2 Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, turn them off now.
Slide the cover release latch to the left.
Raise the cover, and pivot it toward the front of the computer.
cover latch release security cable slot padlock ring
Quick Reference Guide
23
CD/DVD drive floppy drive (optional) hard drive power supply security cable slot processor airflow shroud and fan padlock ring
Caring for Your Computer
To help maintain your computer, follow these suggestions:
• To avoid losing or corrupting data, never turn off your computer when the hard drive light is on.
• Schedule regular virus scans using virus software.
• Manage hard drive space by periodically deleting unnecessary files and defragmenting the drive.
• Back up files on a regular basis.
• Periodically clean your monitor screen, mouse, and keyboard (see your User’s Guide for more information).
24
Quick Reference Guide
Solving Problems
Troubleshooting Tips
Follow the following tips when you troubleshoot your computer:
• If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures and ensure that the part is correctly installed.
• If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.
• If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. The message may help technical support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).
• If an error message occurs in a program, see the program’s documentation.
• If the recommended action in the troubleshooting section is to see a section in your User’s
Guide , go to support.dell.com
(on another computer if necessary) to access your User’s
Guide.
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility. In the
Microsoft
®
Windows
®
2000 operating system, you can also use Device Manager to resolve incompatibilities.
Windows XP
To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:
1
2
Click the
Type
Start button and click Help and Support hardware troubleshooter the search.
in the
.
Search field and click the arrow to start
3
4
Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.
In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer , and click Next .
Windows 2000
To resolve incompatibilities using Device Manager:
3
4
1
2
5
Click the
In the Control Panel
Click the
Click
Click
Start
Hardware window, double-click
Device Manager
View
button, point to
tab.
and click
.
Settings , and then click
System
Resources by connection .
.
Control Panel .
Quick Reference Guide
25
6 Double-click Interrupt request (IRQ) .
Incorrectly configured devices are indicated by a yellow exclamation point ( !
) or a red X if the device has been disabled.
7 Double-click any device marked with an exclamation point to display the Properties window.
The Device status area in the Properties window reports the cards or devices that need to be reconfigured.
8 Reconfigure the devices or remove the devices from the Device Manager. See the documentation that came with the device for information on configuring the device.
To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:
1
2
Click the
Click
Start button and click Help .
Troubleshooting and Maintenance on the troubleshooters , and then click Hardware .
Contents tab, click Windows 2000
3 In the Hardware Troubleshooter computer and click Next .
list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore
The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating
NOTICE:
Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.
Creating a Restore Point
1
2
3
Click the
Click
Start button and click
System Restore .
Help and Support
Follow the instructions on the screen.
.
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
1
2
NOTICE:
Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.
Click the Start button, point to All Programs → Accessories → System Tools , and then click
System Restore .
Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next .
26
Quick Reference Guide
3 Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.
The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.
4 Select a restore point and click Next .
If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected.
If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.
5 Click Next .
The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts.
6 After the computer restarts, click OK .
To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.
Undoing the Last System Restore
2
3
1
NOTICE:
Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.
Click the Start button, point to All Programs → Accessories → System Tools , and then click
System Restore .
Click
Click
Undo my last restoration
Next .
and click Next .
The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.
4 After the computer restarts, click OK .
Enabling System Restore
If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available,
System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:
3
4
1
2
5
Click the
Click
Click
Start
Performance and Maintenance
System
Click the System Restore
Ensure that
.
button and click
tab.
Control
Turn off System Restore
.
Panel .
is unchecked.
Quick Reference Guide
27
Using Last Known Good Configuration
1
2
Restart your computer and press <F8> when the message Please select the operating system to start appears.
Highlight Last Known Good Setting, press <Enter>, press <l>, and then select your operating system when prompted.
Other Options to Help Resolve Additional Device or Software Conflicts
NOTICE:
The following processes erase all of the information on your hard drive.
• Reinstall your operating system using the operating system installation guide and operating system CD.
During the operating system reinstallation, you can select to delete the existing partitions and reformat your hard drive.
• Reinstall all drivers, beginning with the chipset, using the Drivers and Utilities CD .
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION:
Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide .
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTICE:
The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers. Using this program with other computers can cause incorrect computer responses or result in error messages.
The Dell Diagnostics allow you to:
• Perform quick checks or extensive tests on one or all devices
• Choose how many times a test is run
• Display or print test results or save them in a file
• Suspend testing if an error is detected or terminate testing if a certain number of errors occur
• Access online Help screens that describe the tests and how to run them
• Read status messages that tell you whether tests completed successfully
• Receive error messages if problems are detected
28
Quick Reference Guide
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
1
2
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE:
If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found,
see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD" on page 29.
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 and try again. For more information on shutting down your computer, see your User’s Guide.
3
4
When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.
When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run. For more information on the tests, see your User’s Guide.
6
7
4
5
8
9
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD
1
2
3
Insert the Drivers and Utilities see your User’s Guide.
CD.
Shut down and restart the computer. For more information on shutting down your computer,
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again. For more information on shutting down your computer, see your User’s Guide.
NOTE:
The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in system setup.
10
When the boot device list appears, highlight
Select the
Select the
Type
Type
1
2
IDE CD-ROM Device
Boot from CD-ROM
option from the CD boot menu.
option from the menu that appears.
to start the ResourceCD menu.
to start the Dell Diagnostics.
IDE CD-ROM Device and press <Enter>.
Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.
When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run. For more information on the tests, see your User’s Guide.
Quick Reference Guide
29
30
Before You Start Testing
CAUTION:
Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
• Turn on your printer if one is attached.
• Enter system setup, review your computer’s configuration information, and enable all of your computer’s components and devices, such as connectors.
Beep Codes
Your computer might emit a series of beeps that can identify a problem. One possible series
(code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This series tell you that the computer encountered a memory problem.
If a beep code is emitted, write it down and look it up in the following table.
Code
3-1-1
3-1-2
3-1-3
3-1-4
3-2-2
3-2-4
3-3-1
3-3-2
1-1-2
1-1-3
1-1-4
1-2-1
1-2-2
1-2-3
1-3
1-3-1 through 2-4-4
3-3-4
3-4-1
3-4-2
3-4-3
Cause
Microprocessor register failure
NVRAM read/write failure
ROM BIOS checksum failure
Programmable interval timer failure
DMA initialization failure
DMA page register read/write failure
Video Memory Test failure
Memory not being properly identified or used
Slave DMA register failure
Master DMA register failure
Master interrupt mask register failure
Slave interrupt mask register failure
Interrupt vector loading failure
Keyboard Controller Test failure
NVRAM power loss
Invalid NVRAM configuration
Video Memory Test failure
Screen initialization failure
Screen retrace failure
Search for video ROM failure
Quick Reference Guide
Code
4-2-1
4-2-2
4-2-3
4-2-4
4-3-1
4-3-3
4-3-4
4-4-1
4-4-2
4-4-3
4-4-4
Cause
No timer tick
Shutdown failure
Gate A20 failure
Unexpected interrupt in protected mode
Memory failure above address 0FFFFh
Timer-chip counter 2 failure
Time-of-day clock stopped
Serial or parallel port test failure
Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory
Math-coprocessor test failure
Cache test failure
Error Messages
NOTE:
If the message is not listed, see the documentation for either the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.
If an error occurs during start-up, a message may be displayed on the monitor identifying the problem. See "Error Messages" in the User’s Guide for suggestions on resolving any problems.
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 front or back panel. The lights can be yellow or green. When the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts, all four lights display solid green. If the computer malfunctions, the color and sequence of the lights identify the problem.
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31
Light Pattern
A B C D
Problem Description Suggested Resolution
A possible BIOS failure has occurred; the computer is in the recovery mode.
Run the BIOS Recovery utility, wait for recovery completion, and then restart the computer.
A B C D
A B C D
A B C D
A possible processor failure has occurred. Reinstall the processor and restart the computer. For more information on reinstalling the processor, see your
User’s Guide .
Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.
A possible expansion card failure has occurred.
1 Reseat the memory modules.
2 Restart the computer.
3 Run the Dell Diagnostics.
4 If the problem persists, contact Dell.
1 Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not the graphics card) and then restarting the computer. For more information on removing a card, see your User’s
Guide .
2 If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a different card, and then restart the computer.
3 Repeat this process for each card.
If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card you removed for resource conflicts (see
"Resolving Software and Hardware
4 If the problem persists, contact Dell.
For more information on contacting
Dell, see your User’s Guide .
= yellow
= green
= off
32
Quick Reference Guide
Light Pattern
A B C D
Problem Description
A possible graphics card failure has occurred.
A possible floppy or hard drive failure has occurred.
Suggested Resolution
• If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, reinstall it, and then restart the computer. For more information on reinstalling the graphics card, see your User’s Guide .
• If the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the computer.
• If the problem persists or the computer has integrated graphics, contact Dell. For more information on contacting Dell, see your User’s Guide .
Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.
A B C D
A B C D
A possible USB failure has occurred.
Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer.
= yellow
= green
= off
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33
Light Pattern
A B C D
Problem Description
No memory modules are detected.
System board failure has occurred.
Suggested Resolution
• If you have one memory module installed, reinstall it and restart the computer. For more information on memory modules, see your User’s
Guide .
• If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module, and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module. Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
For more information on memory modules, see your User’s Guide .
• If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer. For more information on memory modules, see your User’s
Guide .
• If the problem persists, contact Dell.
For more information on contacting
Dell, see your User’s Guide .
Contact Dell for technical assistance.
For more information on contacting
Dell, see your User’s Guide .
A B C D
A B C D
Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error exists.
• Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist.
• Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer.
• Reinstall the memory modules and restart the computer.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell.
For more information on contacting
Dell, see your User’s Guide .
= yellow
= green
= off
34
Quick Reference Guide
Light Pattern
A B C D
A B C D
A B C D
Problem Description Suggested Resolution
A possible system board resource and/or hardware failure has occurred.
A possible expansion card failure has occurred.
Perform the procedures in "Resolving
Software and Hardware
Incompatibilities"
If the problem persists, contact Dell . For more information on contacting Dell, see your User’s Guide .
1 Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer. For more information on removing a card, see your U ser’s Guide .
2
If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a different card, and then restart the computer.
3
Repeat this process for each card.
If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on
4 If the problem persists, contact Dell.
For more information on contacting
Dell, see your User’s Guide .
Another failure has occurred.
The computer is in a normal operating condition after POST.
• Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell.
For more information on contacting
Dell, see your User’s Guide .
None.
A B C D
= yellow
= green
= off
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35
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I...
Set up my computer to use two monitors?
Connect my monitor when the monitor cable connector doesn’t seem to fit the connector on the back of my computer?
Install a card fan?
Connect my speakers?
Solution Where to Find Additional Information
If your computer has the required graphics card to support dualmonitor setup, then look in your box for a Y-cable. The Y-cable has a single connector on one end (plug this connector into the back panel) and branches into two connectors (plug these connectors into the monitor cables). For the mini-tower computer, see "Connect the monitor"
on page 10 and for the desktop
computer, see "Connect the monitor"
To locate additional information about using dual monitors, see the graphics card documentation on the
Drivers and Utilities CD.
If your graphics card has a DVI connector but your monitor has a
VGA connector, then you need to use an adapter. An adapter should be included in the box.
Contact Dell for more information.
If you have installed a new graphics card that runs higher than 75 W, you need to install a card cooling fan. To order a card cooling fan, contact
Dell. Contact information is located in your User's Guide and at support.dell.com
.
For information on installing a card fan or a card, see your User's Guide .
If you have a sound card installed, connect the speakers to the connectors on the card. For the minitower computer, see "Connect the
speakers" on page 13 and for the
desktop computer, see "Connect the
See the documentation that came with your speakers for more information.
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Quick Reference Guide
How Do I...
Find the right connectors for my
USB or IEEE 1394 devices?
Locate information about the hardware and other technical specifications for my computer?
Find documentation for my computer?
Solution Where to Find Additional Information
Your mini-tower computer has eight USB connectors (two on the front and six on the back).
Your Desktop computer has eight
USB connectors (two on the front and six on the back) and an optional front IEEE 1394 connector. This connector is only available if you purchased an add-in IEEE 1394 card.
To purchase a card, contact Dell. For more information on the add-in card, see your User’s Guide .
See the front and back view graphics of your computer in your User’s
Guide . For help locating your User’s
Guide,
Your User’s Guide has a specifications table that provides more detailed information about your computer and the hardware.
To locate your User’s Guide,
Go to the Dell Support website at support.dell.com and use one of the following support tools: read white papers on the latest technology or communicate with other Dell users at the Dell forum chat room.
The following documentation is available for your computer:
• User’s Guide
• Product Information Guide
• System Information Label
To locate these documents,
If you lose your documentation, it is available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com
.
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38
Quick Reference Guide
Index
C computer
conflicts
software and hardware incompatibilities, 25
drivers
D
Dell
premier support website, 7 support site, 7
Dell Premier Support website, 6-7
diagnostics
E error messages
F
H hardware
I installing parts
turning off your computer, 20, 23
L labels
lights
back of computer, 31 diagnostic, 31
M
O
P problems
R reinstalling
ResourceCD
Index
39
40
Index
S
software
system board, 5 system information label, 5
T troubleshooting
U
W
Windows 2000
Windows XP
40
Index
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