Quick Reference Guide. Dell T3912

PDF

Document

Dell Precision™ Workstation 470 and Workstation 670

Quick Reference Guide

Models WHM and 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

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 the User’s Guide .

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft

Windows

® operating systems are not applicable.

The Quick Reference Guide , Drivers and Utilities CD, and operating system media are optional and may not ship with all computers.

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

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; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel 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 WHM and WHL

October 2004 P/N T3912 Rev. A01 w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Setting Up Your Dell Precision 670 Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Setting Up Your Dell Precision 470 Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Opening the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Caring for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . .

Microsoft Windows

XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using System Restore in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using Last Known Good Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Before You Start Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Running the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

System Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Memory Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Index

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

41

Contents 3

4 Contents

Finding Information

NOTE:

Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries.

NOTE:

Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For?

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• My computer documentation

• My device documentation

• Desktop System Software (DSS)

• System board connectors

• Location of system board components

Find It Here

Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers, run the

Dell Diagnostics (see page 26), or access your

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:

Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com

NOTE:

The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with your computer.

System Information Label

Located on the inside cover of your computer.

Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For?

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

• How to remove and replace parts

• Specifications

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

Find It Here

Dell™ Product Information Guide

Dell Precision™ Mobile Workstation User’s Guide

Microsoft

Windows

XP Help and Support Center

Click the Start button and click Help and Support .

Click User’s and system guides and click User’s guides .

The User’s Guide

is also available on the optional Drivers

and Utilities CD .

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.

Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For?

Find It Here

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, frequently asked questions

• 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, service call and order status, warranty, and repair information

• Service and support — Service call status and support history, service contract, online discussions with technical support

• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers

• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates

• Desktop System Software (DSS) — If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™

3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel

Pentium

M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer.

The software automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE:

Select your region to view the appropriate support site.

NOTE:

Corporate, government, and education customers can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website at premier.support.dell.com

The website may not be available in all regions.

• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer

• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)

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.

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Quick Reference Guide

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 Dell Precision User’s

Guide for instructions.

After you reinstall your operating system, use the

Drivers and Utilities CD

to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.

Your operating system

product key label is

located on your computer.

• How to use the Red Hat

Linux operating system

• E-mail discussions with other users of Dell Precision™ computers and Linux

• Additional information regarding Linux and my Dell

Precision computer

NOTE:

The color of your CD varies based on the operating system you ordered.

NOTE:

The Operating System CD is optional and may not ship with your computer.

Dell Supported Linux Sites

• http://linux.dell.com

• http://lists.us.dell.com/mailman/listinfo/linuxprecision

• http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/software/oslinux/

Quick Reference Guide

Setting Up Your Dell Precision 670 Computer

1 Connect the keyboard and the mouse.

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.

PS/2

USB or

PS/2 or

USB

2 Connect the modem or the network cable.

Network

NOTE:

If your computer has a network card installed, connect the network cable to the card.

NOTE:

A modem is not included as a standard feature with Dell Precision workstations, but you can order a modem separately.

NOTICE:

Do not connect a modem cable to the network adapter. Voltage from telephone communications can damage the network adapter.

Modem

Quick Reference Guide

3 Connect the monitor.

Depending on your graphics card, you can connect your monitor in various ways.

NOTICE:

You may need to use the provided adapter or cable to connect your monitor to the computer.

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 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 one or two VGA monitors.

Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a single connector and you want to connect 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

For dual-monitor capable cards with one DVI and one VGA connector

Single DVI/Single VGA Dual VGA With VGA Adapter

DVI

VGA

Use the appropriate connector(s) when you connect one or two monitors.

Use the VGA adapter when you want to connect two VGA monitors.

For dual-monitor capable cards with two DVI connectors

Dual DVI Dual DVI With One VGA Adapter Dual DVI With Two VGA Adapters

DVI

DVI 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 connectors on your computer.

Use two VGA adapters to connect two

VGA monitors to the DVI connectors on your computer.

Quick Reference Guide

4 Connect the speakers.

NOTE:

If your computer has an audio card installed, connect the speakers to the card.

LINE OUT

5 Connect the power cables and turn on the computer and monitor.

Quick Reference Guide

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 Dell Precision 670 computer.

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 website:

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 the User Guides click Systems , and then select your Dell Precision computer.

link under Product Support ,

Quick Reference Guide

Setting Up Your Dell Precision 470 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.

PS/2 or USB

PS/2 or

USB

2 Connect the modem or the network cable.

network modem

NOTE:

If your computer has a network card installed, connect the network cable to the card.

NOTICE:

Do not connect a modem cable to the network adapter. Voltage from telephone communications can damage the network adapter.

NOTE:

A modem is not included as a standard feature with Dell Precision workstations, but you can order a modem separately.

Quick Reference Guide

3 Connect the monitor.

Depending on your graphics card, you can connect your monitor in various ways.

For information on the different options, see

page 11

and

page 12 .

NOTICE:

You may need to use the provided adapter or cable to connect your monitor to the computer.

Quick Reference Guide

4 Connect the speakers.

LINE OUT

NOTE:

If your computer has an audio card installed, connect the speakers to the card.

Connect the power cables and turn on the computer and monitor.

Install additional software or devices.

Quick Reference Guide

Congratulations! You have completed the setup for your Dell Precision 470 computer.

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 website:

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 the User Guides click Systems , and then select your Dell Precision computer.

link under Product Support ,

Opening the Computer Cover

CAUTION:

Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

Shut down the computer through the Start menu.

Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your computer, turn them off now.

NOTICE:

To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

5 If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.

CAUTION:

To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

6 Lay the computer on its side as shown in the following illustrations.

NOTICE:

Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space.

Quick Reference Guide

Open the computer cover: a Slide the cover release latch toward the top of the computer.

b Raise the cover, and pivot it toward the front of the computer.

Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer, such as the metal at the back of computer, before touching anything inside your computer.

While you work, periodically touch any unpainted metal surface on the computer to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

D e l l P r e c i s i o n 6 7 0 C o m p u t e r cover release latch security cable slot padlock ring

Quick Reference Guide

I n s i d e t h e D e l l P r e c i s i o n 6 7 0 C o m p u t e r chassis intrusion switch system board floppy drive (optional)

CD/DVD drive(s) hard drive(s) processor airflow shroud power supply

Quick Reference Guide

D e l l P r e c i s i o n 4 7 0 C o m p u t e r cover release latch security cable slot padlock ring

I n s i d e t h e D e l l P r e c i s i o n 4 7 0 C o m p u t e r

CD/DVD drive(s) floppy drive (optional) hard drive(s) chassis intrusion switch system board processor airflow shroud power supply

Quick Reference Guide

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 anti-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).

Solving Problems

Follow these tips when troubleshooting your computer:

• If you added or removed a computer 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. This message may help technical support diagnose and fix the problem(s).

• If an error message occurs in a program, consult 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.

Microsoft Windows

XP

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

Click the

Type

Click

Help and Support hardware troubleshooter

In the

Start button and click

Hardware Troubleshooter

Hardware Troubleshooter computer , and click Next .

in the

in the Search Results

list, click

field and click the arrow to start the search.

list.

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my

Quick Reference Guide

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

Click the

Click

Start button and click Help .

Troubleshooting and Maintenance on the troubleshooters , and then click Hardware .

Contents tab, click Windows XP

3 In the Hardware Troubleshooter computer and click Next .

list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my

Windows 2000

To resolve incompatibilities using Device Manager:

Click the

In the

Click

Start button, point to

Control Panel

Click the Hardware tab.

Device Manager

View and click

Double-click

Settings window, double-click

Interrupt request (IRQ) .

, and then click

System

Resources by connection .

Control Panel .

Incorrectly configured devices are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (

) or a red

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:

Click the Start button and click Help .

Click Troubleshooting and Maintenance on the Contents tab, click Windows 2000 troubleshooters , and then click Hardware .

In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer and click Next .

Using System Restore in Windows XP

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 state.

NOTICE:

Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.

Quick Reference Guide

Creating a Restore Point

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

NOTICE:

Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close all open files and close all 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

Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.

Next .

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 bold.

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 automatically 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.

Using Last Known Good Configuration

1 Restart your computer and press <F8> when the message

Please select the operating system to start

appears.

2 Highlight Last Known Good Setting, press <Enter>, press <l>, and then select your operating system when prompted.

Quick Reference Guide

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 CD.

NOTE:

The operating system CD is optional and may not ship with every computer.

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 optional Drivers and Utilities CD.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. The test results provide important information for Dell's service and support personnel.

NOTICE:

Only use the Dell Diagnostics to test your Dell™ computer. 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.

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 then enable all of your computer’s components and devices, such as connectors.

Quick Reference Guide

Running the Dell Diagnostics

It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.

1 Open the Dell Diagnostics on your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD.

From your hard drive : a b

Shut down and restart the computer.

When

F2 = Setup

appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press

<Ctrl><Alt><F10>.

If you wait too long and the Microsoft

Windows

logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again. After the system boots to the Dell Diagnostics, go to step 2.

From the Drivers and Utilities CD :

2 a b

Shut down and restart the computer.

When

F2 = Setup

appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F12>.

If you wait too long and the Microsoft Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

NOTE:

This feature changes the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in system setup.

The Boot Device Menu appears.

c d

Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.

Change the Boot Sequence to use the IDE CD-ROM device as the first device in the boot sequence.

The Dell Diagnostics Menu appears.

e Select

Dell 32-bit 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 type of test you want to perform.

Quick Reference Guide

System Lights

These lights on the front of the computer can indicate a computer problem.

Power Light

Solid green

Blinking green

Blinks green several times and then turns off

Solid yellow

Blinking yellow

Solid green and a beep code during POST

Solid green power light and no beep code and no video during POST

Solid green power light and no beep code but the computer locks up during POST

N/A

Hard-Drive Light Cause

N/A

Blank

N/A

Blank

Solid green

N/A

Power is on, and the computer is operating normally.

The computer is in the suspended state (Windows XP).

A configuration error exists.

The Dell Diagnostics is running a test, or a device on the system board may be faulty or incorrectly installed.

A power supply or system board failure has occurred.

A system board or VRM failure has occurred.

A problem was detected while the

BIOS was executing.

The monitor or the graphics card may be faulty or incorrectly installed.

An integrated system board device may be faulty.

Corrective Action

No corrective action is required.

Press the power button, move the mouse, or press a key on the keyboard to wake the computer. See "Power

Management" in the User’s Guide for more information.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified. See the User’s Guide for more information.

If the Dell Diagnostics is running, allow the testing to complete.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified.

If the computer does not boot, contact

Dell for technical assistance.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified. See

"Power Problems" in the User’s Guide .

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified.

See "Beep Codes" on page 28 for

instructions on diagnosing the beep code. Also, check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified. Also, see "Video Problems" in the

User’s Guide .

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified. If the problem is not identified, contact

Dell for technical assistance.

Quick Reference Guide

Beep Codes

Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. One possible beep code

(code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a memory problem.

If your computer beeps during start-up:

Write down the beep code on the Diagnostic Checklist (see your

Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause.

Contact Dell for technical assistance.

User’s Guide ).

Code

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

3-1-1

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

Code

3-3-4

3-4-1

3-4-2

3-4-3

4-2-1

4-2-2

4-2-3

4-2-4

4-3-1

3-1-2

3-1-3

3-1-4

3-2-2

Master DMA register failure 4-3-3

Master interrupt mask register failure 4-3-4

Slave interrupt mask register failure

Interrupt vector loading failure

4-4-1

4-4-2

3-2-4

3-3-1

3-3-2

Keyboard Controller Test failure

NVRAM power loss

Invalid NVRAM configuration

4-4-3

4-4-4

4-3-4

Cause

Video Memory Test failure

Screen initialization failure

Screen retrace failure

Search for video ROM failure

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

Time-of-day clock stopped

Quick Reference Guide

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 your 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 panel. The lights can be yellow, green, or off. 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.

Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern

Diagnostic Light Codes Before POST

A B C D

A B C D off off off off yellow off off off yellow yellow off off

Problem Description Suggested Resolution

No electrical power is supplied to the computer.

The computer is in a normal off condition; the computer is connected to an electrical outlet.

Connect the computer to an electrical outlet. Ensure that the front-panel power light is on. If the power light is off, ensure that the computer is connected to a working electrical outlet and then press the power button.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.

Press the power button to turn the computer on.

If the computer does not turn on, ensure that the frontpanel power light is on. If the power light is off, ensure that the computer is connected to a working electrical outlet and then press the power button.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.

The computer is in a reduced power or "sleep" state.

Use one of the appropriate methods to "wake up" the computer. See "Advanced Features" in the User’s Guide .

If the problem is not resolved and you are trying to wake the computer with a USB mouse or keyboard, substitute the mouse or keyboard with a working PS/2 mouse or keyboard and then try to wake the computer.

The BIOS is not executing.

Ensure that the processor is seated correctly and restart the computer.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.

yellow yellow yellow off off yellow off off off off yellow off

A possible power supply or power cable failure has occurred.

A possible system board failure has occurred.

Perform the procedure in "Power Problems" in the

User’s Guide .

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.

Contact Dell for technical assistance.

= yellow

= green

= off

Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern

A B C D

A B C D yellow green yellow green green green yellow off yellow off yellow off green yellow yellow off

Problem Description

A processor and/or VRM mismatch exists.

A possible VRM 0 failure has occurred.

A possible VRM 1 failure has occurred.

Suggested Resolution

Perform the procedure in "Processor Problems" in the

User’s Guide .

Contact Dell for technical assistance.

Perform the procedure in "Processor Problems" in the

User’s Guide .

A possible VRM 0 and VRM 1 failure has occurred.

Contact Dell for technical assistance.

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Diagnostic Light Codes During POST

Light Pattern

A B C D yellow yellow green yellow

Problem Description Suggested Resolution

A possible processor failure has occurred. Reinstall the processor and restart the computer.

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Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern

A B C D yellow yellow green green

Problem Description

Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.

Suggested Resolution

1 Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

Restart the computer.

If the problem still exists, remove all the memory modules and install one memory module in connector DIMM_1.

4 Restart the computer.

The following message appears:

Alert! Operating in Debug

Mode. Please Populate

Memory in Pairs for

Normal Operation .

5 Press <F1> to boot to the operating system.

6 Run the Dell Diagnostics

(see page 26)

7 If the memory module passes, shut down the computer, remove the memory module, and then repeat the process with the remaining memory modules until a memory error occurs during start-up or diagnostic testing.

If the first memory module tested is defective, repeat the process with the remaining modules to ensure that the remaining modules are not defective.

8 When the defective memory module is identified, contact Dell for a replacement.

NOTE:

If necessary, the computer can operate in debug mode until new memory modules are installed.

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Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern

A B C D yellow green yellow yellow

A B C D yellow green yellow green

Problem Description

A possible expansion card failure has occurred.

A possible graphics card failure has occurred.

A possible floppy or hard drive failure has occurred.

Suggested Resolution

1 Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not the graphics card) and then restarting the computer.

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 your User’s Guide ).

4 If the problem persists, contact Dell .

• If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, reinstall it , and then restart the computer.

• 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 .

Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.

A B C D

A B C D yellow green green yellow yellow green green green

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A possible USB failure has occurred.

Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer.

Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern

A B C D green yellow yellow yellow

Problem Description

No memory modules are detected.

Suggested Resolution

1 Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.

Restart the computer.

If the problem still exists, remove all the memory modules and install one memory module in connector DIMM_1.

4 Restart the computer.

The following message appears:

Alert! Operating in Debug

Mode. Please Populate

Memory in Pairs for

Normal Operation .

5 Press <F1> to boot to the operating system.

Run the Dell Diagnostics.

If the memory module passes, shut down the computer, remove the memory module, and then repeat the process with the remaining memory modules until a memory error occurs during start-up or diagnostic testing.

If the first memory module tested is defective, repeat the process with the remaining modules to ensure that the remaining modules are not defective.

8 When the defective memory module is identified, contact Dell for a replacement.

NOTE:

If necessary, the computer can operate in debug mode until new memory modules are installed.

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Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern

A B C D

A B C D green yellow yellow green green yellow green yellow

A B C D

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= green

= off green yellow green green green green yellow yellow

Problem Description

System board failure has occurred.

Suggested Resolution

Contact Dell for technical assistance.

Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error exists.

A possible expansion card failure has occurred.

• Ensure that no special memory module requirements exist (see

"Memory Overview" in the

User’s Guide ).

• 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 .

1 Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer.

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 your User’s Guide ).

If the problem persists, contact Dell.

A possible system board resource and/or hardware failure has occurred.

Perform the procedures in your

User’s Guide.

If the problem persists, contact Dell.

Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern

A B C D green green green yellow

A B C D green green green green

Problem Description

Another failure has occurred.

Suggested Resolution

• 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 .

The computer is in a normal operating condition after POST.

None.

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Memory Overview

NOTE:

Your computer supports ECC and registered memory.

• Memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched size, speed, and rank (1R is single rank and 2R is dual rank) . See the label on the memory module to determine its size, speed rank, and organization. Be sure that your memory module labels match.

Example: 256MB 1Rx8 PC2-3200R-333-10:

• Size = 256 MB

• Speed = 3200

• Rank = 1R

• Organization = x8

256MB 2R XX XXX

Quick Reference Guide

• Memory modules can be single rank (1R) or dual rank (2R) and should be installed in the following order:

• The highest rank memory module in DIMM_1 and DIMM_2

• Equal or lower rank memory modules in DIMM_3 and DIMM_4

• Single rank (1R) memory modules in DIMM_5 and DIMM_6

• If only two memory modules are installed, they must be installed in DIMM_1 and DIMM_2.

These connectors are located on the outside edge of the board.

• Memory modules should be installed in the following order: connectors DIMM_1 and

DIMM_2, DIMM_3 and DIMM_4, and then DIMM_5 and DIMM_6.

If dual-rank modules are installed in DIMM_3 and DIMM_4, then DIMM_5 and DIMM_6 cannot be used.

• Dual-rank memory modules are not supported in DIMM_5 and DIMM_6.

NOTE:

Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.

NOTICE:

If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from 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 in connectors

DIMM_1 and DIMM_2, connectors DIMM_3 and DIMM_4, and then DIMM_5 and DIMM_6.

NOTICE:

If you install more than 4 GB of memory, you must also install a fan to cool the computer. If you do not install a fan, you will get an error message stating that you must install a fan or remove some memory.

Quick Reference Guide

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?

Connect my speakers?

Find the right connectors for my

USB or IEEE 1394 devices?

Solution

If your computer has the required graphics card to support dual-monitor setup, then look in your box for a

Y-cable. The cable has a single connector on one end (plug this connector into the back panel) and branches into two connectors (plug these connectors in the monitor cables). For the Dell Precision 670

computer, see "Setting Up Your Dell

Precision 670 Computer" on page 9

and for the Dell Precision 470

computer, see "Setting Up Your Dell

Precision 470 Computer" on page 15.

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.

If you have a sound card installed, connect the speakers to the connectors on the card. For the Dell

Precision 670 computer, see "Connect

the speakers" on page 13 and for the

Dell Precision 470 computer, see

"Connect the speakers" on page 17.

Your Dell Precision 670 computer has two front panel and six back panel

USB 2.0 compliant connectors. It also has two 6-pin serial IEEE 1394

connectors. See "Setting Up Your Dell

Precision 670 Computer" on page 9.

Your Dell Precision 470 computer has two front panel and six back panel USB 2.0 connectors. It is also available with an add-in

PCI IEEE 1394 card. See "Setting Up

Your Dell Precision 470 Computer" on page 15.

Where to Find Additional Information

To locate additional information about using dual monitors, see the graphics card documentation on the

Drivers and Utilities CD.

For the Dell Precision 670 computer, see "Connect the monitor" on

page 10 and for the Dell Precision 470

computer, see "Connect the monitor"

on page 16.

See the documentation that came with your speakers for more information.

See the front and back view graphics of your computer in your User’s

Guide . For help with locating your

User’s Guide,

see "Dell Precision™

Mobile Workstation User’s Guide" on page 6.

Quick Reference Guide

How Do I...

Locate information about the hardware and other technical specifications for my computer?

Install new memory?

Find documentation for my computer?

Solution

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,

see "Finding

Information" on page 5.

Your User’s Guide has a memory section that provides detailed information about your computer’s memory.

See "Memory Overview" on page 36.

The following documentation is available for your computer:

• User’s Guide

• Product Information Guide

• System Information Label

• Service Manual

To locate these documents, see

"Finding Information" on page 5.

Where to Find Additional Information

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.

For help with locating your User’s

Guide,

see "Finding Information" on page 5.

If you lose your documentation, it is available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com

Quick Reference Guide