Page 1 Dell™ Dimension™ XPS Gen 3 headphone connector microphone connector USB 2.0 connectors (2) IEEE 1394 connector fans (2) diagnostic lights serial port mouse connector parallel port cover latch release keyboard connector network adapter connector USB 2.0 TV-OUT connector connectors (6)
Page 2: Abbreviations And Acronyms
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 Dell Dimension Help file. To access the help file, see page 10. ® ®...
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents ......Finding Information Setting Up and Using Your Computer ......Opening the Drive Door .
Page 4 Solving Problems ......Troubleshooting Tips ......Battery Problems .
Page 5 ....When to Use the Dell Diagnostics ........
Page 6 Cards ..............PCI Cards PCI Express Cards .
Page 7 Clearing CMOS Settings ....Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) ..Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals .
Page 8 Contents...
Page 9: Finding Information
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your • My computer documentation computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see page 54), run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 50), or • My device documentation access your documentation. Readme files may be...
Page 10 ® ® • Tips on using Microsoft Windows The Dell Dimension Help file • How to play CDs and DVDs Click the Start button and click Help and Support. • How to use standby mode and hibernate mode Click User and system guides and click User’s guides.
Page 11 Select your region to view the appropriate support site. • Online discussions with other users and technical support The Dell Support website provides several online tools, • Documentation for my computer including: • Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, and online courses •...
Page 12 What Are You Looking For? Find it Here • How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the ® Operating System CD. See "Reinstalling Microsoft ®...
Page 13: Setting Up And Using Your Computer
Opening the Drive Door Changing the Backlight Color You can use this exclusive Dell™ Dimension™ XPS Gen 3 feature either to change the color of the backlight that illuminates the Dell name and displays around the badge on the front of your computer, or to turn off the backlight entirely.
Page 14 backlight badge There are several color choices: • Ruby • Emerald • Sapphire (default) • Amber • Amethyst • Topaz • Diamond CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: The backlight is not for diagnostic purposes.
Page 15: Connecting Two Monitors
Click Front LED Color, and press <Enter>. Press the left- and right- arrow keys to scroll through the color options. The backlight color changes as you scroll through the options. Select the color you want, and press <Enter>. Press <Esc>, and press Save and Exit to save the new backlight color setting. Connecting Two Monitors CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions...
Page 16: Connecting One Monitor With A Vga Connector And One Monitor With A Dvi Connector
optional DVI adapter DVI (white) connector TV-OUT connector VGA (blue) connector Connecting One Monitor With a VGA connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 61. Connect the VGA connector on the monitor to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the computer.
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
serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 1 segment 1 segment 1 duplicated segment 2 segment 2 duplicated segment 3 segment 3 duplicated segment 4 segment 4 duplicated segment 5 segment 5 duplicated segment 6 segment 6 duplicated hard drive 1 hard drive 2 If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the surviving drive.
Page 20: Configuring For Raid Using The Intel(R) Option Rom Utility
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
Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default, and press <Enter>. Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select RAID1(Mirror), and press <Enter>. 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. Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 19). Click Start and point to Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel Application Accelerator to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.
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 Click Finish to start migrating, or click Back to make changes. You can use your computer normally during the migration process. Migrating to a RAID 1 Volume Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 19). Click the Start button and point to All Programs→ Intel(R) Application Accelerator→ Intel Application Accelerator to launch the Intel(R) Storage Utility.
Page 25: Transferring Information To A New Computer
To Remove Spare Marking From a Spare Hard Drive: Right-click the spare hard drive icon. Click Reset Hard Drive to Non-RAID 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: Click the Start button and point to Programs→...
Page 26: Copying Cds And Dvds
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 27: Using Blank Cd-Rs, Cd-Rws, Dvd+Rs, And Dvd+Rws
NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using Sonic RecordNow. Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Sonic→ RecordNow!→ RecordNow! Click either the audio tab or the data tab, depending on the kind of CD or DVD you are planning to copy.
Page 28: Network Setup Wizard
• Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a 650-MB blank CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1 or 2 MB of the blank CD to finalize the recording. •...
Page 29: 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 30: 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 31: 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 107). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see page 121). Drive Problems...
Page 32: Cd And Dvd Drive Problems
D I S C C D / D V D - R W Dell Dimension Help file" on page 10 or search for the keyword standby in "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 11 for information on power management modes.
Page 33: 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 34: 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 I N D O W S —...
Page 35: Ieee 1394 Device Problems
If so, run the program that you want to use first. P E R A T I N G S YS T E M N O T F O U N D — Contact Dell (see page 121). IEEE 1394 Device Problems...
Page 36: 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 R O U B L E S H O O T E R —...
Page 37: 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 —...
Page 38: Memory Problems
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 50). 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 39: 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 40: 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. — See "Diagnostic Lights" 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 47.
Page 41: 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. — See the printer documentation for setup and 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 42: Sound And Speaker Problems
N L O C K T H E S C A N N E R — Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a locking tab or button. 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 43: No Sound From Headphones
— Sound from the speakers is 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 44: 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 45 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 46 Solving Problems...
Page 47: 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 65).
Page 48 • If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see page 71). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 121). A possible graphics card failure has • If the computer has a graphics card, occurred.
Page 49 • If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see page 71). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 121). Memory modules are detected, but a • Ensure that no special memory...
Page 50: Dell Diagnostics
31) 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 50) or from the Dell Dimension ResourceCD. Advanced Troubleshooting...
Page 51 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, run the Dell (see page 51). Diagnostics from your ResourceCD If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the ®...
Page 52 If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see page 121). 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 53: Drivers
When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the ResourceCD, remove the CD. 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 54: 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 55: Using Microsoft ® Windows ® Xp System Restore
Finish to restart the computer. When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the ResourceCD. 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 56: Creating A Restore Point
Creating a Restore Point Click the Start button and click Help and Support. Click System Restore. 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 54) to resolve the problem.
Page 57: Resolving Software And Hardware Incompatibilities
Click Next. The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts. 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: Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
Page 58: 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 59 Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and follow the instructions on the screen. The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer automatically restarts multiple times. NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of your computer.
Page 60 Reinstall the appropriate drivers with the ResourceCD (see page 54). Reinstall your virus protection software. Reinstall your programs. NOTE: To reinstall and activate your Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite programs, you need the Product Key number located on the back of the Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite CD sleeve. Advanced Troubleshooting...
Page 61: Removing And Installing Parts
You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" (see page 61) and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" (see page 62). • 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 62: 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 63: Front And Back View Of The Computer
Front and Back View of the Computer Front View hard-drive activity light 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 64: Front View (Doors Open)
Front View (Doors Open) headphone connector 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 65: Back View
Back View processor fans (2) For optimal cooling, two processor fans are provided. Do not block the vents. cover latch release 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. See "Opening the Computer Cover" on page 67.
Page 66 TV-OUT connector Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see "Connecting Two Monitors" on page 15. 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.
Page 67: 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 68: Inside View Of Your Computer
Inside View of Your Computer hard drive shroud floppy drive CD/DVD drive PCI card shroud and fan processor airflow shroud processor fan system board power supply power supply fans (2) Removing and Installing Parts...
Page 69: System Board Components
System Board Components hard-drive connector (PRI_IDE) serial ATA connectors password jumper SCSI LED header (SCSI LED) (SATA-0, SATA-1, (PASS) front-panel connector floppy-drive connector (FLOPPY) SATA-2, SATA-3) (FRONT PANEL) main power internal speaker connector (PWR) (SPKR) auxiliary power card fan connector LED (AUX_PWR) (PCI_FAN) clear CMOS...
Page 70: 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 109. DDR2 Memory Overview •...
Page 71: 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 72 Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector. memory connector closest to processor securing clips (2) connector Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector. notch memory module cutouts (2) crossbar NOTICE:...
Page 73: Removing Memory
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. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. Right-click the My Computer icon and click Properties. Click the General tab.
Page 74: 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 75 If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 5. 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 76 retention arm alignment guide 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. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card. See the documentation for the card for information about the card’s cable connections.
Page 77: Pci Express Cards
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 121). NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer.
Page 78 Installing a PCI Express Card Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 61. Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm. top of retention mechanism lever x16 card securing slot filler bracket securing tab edge connector retention arm card connector...
Page 79 If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 5. 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 80 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. Before you lower the retention arm, ensure that: • The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar. •...
Page 81 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 121). NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer.
Page 82: 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 floppy drive CD/DVD drive(s) hard drive(s) General Installation Guidelines Connect serial ATA hard drives to the system board connectors labeled SATA-0, SATA-1, SATA-2, or SATA-3.
Page 83: 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 84: Hard Drive
Power Cable Connector power input connector power cable 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 85: Installing A Hard Drive
Disconnect the power and hard-drive cables from the drive and from the system board. hard-drive cable power cable tabs (2) hard drive system board connector Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out. Installing a Hard Drive Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation.
Page 86 drive bracket rails (2) screws (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) hard-drive cable power cable...
Page 87 NOTICE: When replacing the hard-drive shroud, ensure that all the cables are properly routed. Insert the bottom tabs of the shroud in to the holes on the drive cage and rotate the shroud up. Press in on the top tabs and lock them in to place. Gently press on the shroud to ensure it is secure.
Page 88: Adding A Second Hard Drive
Partition and logically format your drive before you proceed to the next step. See the documentation for your operating system for instructions. Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 50). If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, install your operating system on the hard drive.
Page 89: Floppy Drive
rail tabs (2) second hard drive in upper bay first hard drive in lower bay hard drive bay Connect a power cable to the drive. Connect the hard-drive cable to the drive and to the system board (see page 69). Close the computer cover (see page 108).
Page 90: Installing A Floppy Drive
data cable power cable tabs (2) floppy drive Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive, slide the drive upward, and remove it from the floppy-drive bay. Installing a Floppy Drive If you are replacing a 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.
Page 91 drive bracket rails (2) screws (4) 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 92: Cd/Dvd Drive
See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation. Enter system setup (see page 113) and update the appropriate Diskette Drive option. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 50). 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 93: Installing A Cd/Dvd Drive
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 121). Removing and Installing Parts...
Page 94 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 95 See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation. Enter system setup (see page 69) and select the appropriate Drive option. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 50). Removing and Installing Parts...
Page 96: 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 97: 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 "Contacting Dell" on page 121. CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Page 98 shroud release lever 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. Remove the heat sink: Remove the retention module clips. Press the tabs toward the center of the clip and lift up.
Page 99 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 heat sink processor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink and blower when you install your new processor.
Page 100: Installing The Processor
processor cover processor socket release lever 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. Unpack the new processor.
Page 101 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 102: Front Panel
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. Reinstall the retention module clips.
Page 103: Replacing The Front Panel
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 104: 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 Open the drive door. Removing and Installing Parts...
Page 105: Replacing The Drive Door
Unsnap the top bracket hinge and pull the top of the drive door outward, away from the computer. top bracket hinge bottom bracket hinge 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 106 hinge tab door hinges (2) door bracket Attach the door bracket/door hinge assembly to the door, starting with the lower part of each door hinge. door bracket/door hinge assembly door lower part of the door hinge Attach the drive door to the computer, starting with the bottom bracket hinge. Removing and Installing Parts...
Page 107: 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 108: 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. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. Enter system setup (see page 113) and restore the settings you recorded in step 1. Properly dispose of the old battery.
Page 109: Appendix
Appendix Specifications Processor ® ® Processor type Intel Pentium 4 with HT Technology NOTE: Not all Pentium 4 processors support Hyper-Threading technology. Level 1 (L1) cache 16 KB Level 2 (L2) cache 1-MB pipelined-burst, eight-way set associative, write-back SRAM Memory Type 400- and 533-MHz DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM Memory connectors...
Page 110 Video Type PCI Express Expansion Bus Bus type PCI 2.3 PCI Express x1 and x16 Bus speed PCI: 33 MHz PCI Express: x1 slot bidirectional speed - 500 MB/s x16 slot bidirectional speed - 8 GB/s connector four connector size 120 pins connector data width (maximum) 32 bits...
Page 111 Drives (continued) Internally accessible: two bays for 1-inch high hard drives Connectors External connectors: Serial 9-pin connector; 16550C-compatible Parallel 25-hole connector (bidirectional) IEEE 1394 front-panel 4-pin serial connector Video 15-hole connector Network adapter RJ45 connector PS/2 (keyboard and mouse) two 6-pin mini-DIN two front-panel and six back-panel USB 2.0–compliant connectors Audio five connectors for line-in, line-out, microphone, surround, and...
Page 112 Controls and Lights (continued) Link integrity light (on integrated green light — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network network adapter) and the computer. orange light — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer. yellow light — A good connection exists between a 1 GB (or 1000-Mbps) connection.
Page 113: System Setup
Environmental Temperature: Operating 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F) NOTE: At 35°C (95°F), the maximum operating altitude is 914 m (3000 ft). Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) Relative humidity 20% to 80% (noncondensing) Maximum vibration: Operating 0.25 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 0.5 octave/min Storage 0.5 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1 octave/min Maximum shock:...
Page 114: Entering System Setup
Entering System Setup Turn on (or restart) your computer. 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 Windows desktop.
Page 115: 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 116 Identifies and defines the parallel port settings. You can set the parallel port LPT Port Mode to Off, AT, PS/2, EPP , or ECP . Identifies the address for the parallel port. LPT Port Address Identifies and defines the parallel port DMA settings. You can set the LPT Port DMA parallel port DMA to Off, DMA1, or DMA3.
Page 117 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. Sets time to automatically turn on the computer.
Page 118: 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 119: Clearing Forgotten Passwords
At the bottom of the menu, enter the number of the device that is to be used for the current boot only. For example, if you are booting to a USB memory key, highlight USB Flash Device and press <Enter>. NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable.
Page 120: Clearing Cmos Settings
Locate the 3-pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board (see page 69), and attach the jumper plug to pins 2 and 3 to clear the password. NOTE: When you receive your computer, the jumper plug is attached to pins 1 and 2. Close the computer cover.
Page 121: 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 122 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 123 Toll-Free Numbers City Code Bahamas General Support toll-free: 1-866-278-6818 Barbados General Support 1-800-534-3066 Belgium (Brussels) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 00 E-mail: tech_be@dell.com Country Code: 32 E-mail for French Speaking Customers: support.euro.dell.com/be/fr/emaildell/ City Code: 2 Technical Support 02 481 92 88...
Page 124 International Access Code Website and E-Mail Address Local Numbers, and Country Code Toll-Free Numbers City Code Canada (North York, Ontario) Online Order Status: www.dell.ca/ostatus International Access Code: 011 AutoTech (automated technical support) toll-free: 1-800-247-9362 TechFax toll-free: 1-800-950-1329 Customer Care (Home Sales/Small Business) toll-free: 1-800-847-4096 Customer Care (med./large business, government)
Page 125 International Access Code Website and E-Mail Address Local Numbers, and Country Code Toll-Free Numbers City Code China (Xiamen) Tech Support website: support.dell.com.cn Country Code: 86 Tech Support E-mail: cn_support@dell.com City Code: 592 Tech Support Fax 818 1350 Technical Support (Dimension™ and Inspiron™) toll-free: 800 858 2969 Technical Support (OptiPlex™, Latitude™, and...
Page 126 International Access Code Website and E-Mail Address Local Numbers, and Country Code Toll-Free Numbers 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 02 2186 27 27 City Code: 2 Customer Care...
Page 127 Area Codes, International Access Code Website and E-Mail Address Local Numbers, and Country Code Toll-Free Numbers City Code Finland (Helsinki) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 990 E-mail: fin_support@dell.com Country Code: 358 E-mail Support (servers): Nordic_support@dell.com City Code: 9 Technical Support...
Page 128 International Access Code Website and E-Mail Address Local Numbers, and Country Code Toll-Free Numbers City Code Germany (Langen) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 00 E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com Country Code: 49 Technical Support 06103 766-7200 City Code: 6103 Home/Small Business Customer Care...
Page 129 City Code India Technical Support 1600 33 8045 Sales 1600 33 8044 Ireland (Cherrywood) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 16 E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com Country Code: 353 Technical Support 1850 543 543 City Code: 1 U.K. Technical Support (dial within U.K. only)
Page 130 Technical Support outside of Japan (Dimension and 81-44-520-1435 Inspiron) Technical Support (Dell Precision™, OptiPlex™, toll-free:0120-198-433 and Latitude™) Technical Support outside of Japan (Dell Precision, 81-44-556-3894 OptiPlex, and Latitude) Technical Support (Axim™) toll-free: 0120-981-690 Technical Support outside of Japan (Axim) 81-44-556-3468...
Page 131 Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4949 Transaction Sales toll-free: 0800 581 Malaysia (Penang) Technical Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and toll-free: 1 800 88 0193 Latitude) International Access Code: 00 Technical Support (Dimension and Inspiron) toll-free: 1 800 88 1306...
Page 132 Country Code: 31 (Enterprise): nl_server_support@dell.com City Code: 20 (Latitude): nl_latitude_support@dell.com (Inspiron): nl_inspiron_support@dell.com (Dimension): nl_dimension_support@dell.com (OptiPlex): nl_optiplex_support@dell.com (Dell Precision): nl_workstation_support@dell.com Technical Support 020 674 45 00 Technical Support Fax 020 674 47 66 Home/Small Business Customer Care 020 674 42 00...
Page 133 International Access Code Website and E-Mail Address Local Numbers, and Country Code Toll-Free Numbers City Code 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 Home and Small Business 0800 446 255 Government and Business...
Page 134 Department Name or Service Area, Area Codes, International Access Code Website and E-Mail Address Local Numbers, and Country Code Toll-Free Numbers City Code Portugal Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 00 E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/pt/en/emaildell/ Country Code: 351 Technical Support 707200149 Customer Care 800 300 413 Sales...
Page 135 International Access Code: 00 E-mail: swe_support@dell.com Country Code: 46 E-mail Support for Latitude and Inspiron: Swe-nbk_kats@dell.com City Code: 8 E-mail Support for OptiPlex: Swe_kats@dell.com E-mail Support for Servers: Nordic_server_support@dell.com Technical Support 08 590 05 199 Relational Customer Care 08 590 05 642...
Page 136 International Access Code Website and E-Mail Address Local Numbers, and Country Code Toll-Free Numbers City Code Switzerland (Geneva) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 00 E-mail: Tech_support_central_Europe@dell.com Country Code: 41 E-mail for French-speaking HSB and Corporate Customers: support.euro.dell.com/ch/fr/emaildell/ City Code: 22...
Page 137 Local Numbers, and Country Code Toll-Free Numbers 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 0870 908 0500 Accounts/PAD [1000+ employees]) Technical Support (direct/PAD and general)
Page 138 1-888-798-7561 Software and Peripherals Sales toll-free: 1-800-671-3355 Spare Parts Sales toll-free: 1-800-357-3355 Extended Service and Warranty Sales toll-free: 1-800-247-4618 toll-free: 1-800-727-8320 Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or toll-free: 1-877-DELLTTY Speech-Impaired (1-877-335-5889) U.S. Virgin Islands General Support 1-877-673-3355 Venezuela...
Page 139: Index
68 Dell installing PCI, 74 restore to previous state, 55 contacting, 121 installing PCI Express, 78 stops responding, 36 Dell Dimension Help file, 10 PCI, 74 Dell Solution Center, 9 connectors PCI Express, 77 support policy, 121 center/LFE, 66...
Page 140 ATA, 84 display. See monitor installing, 85 DVD drive installing second, 88 documentation problems, 32 problems, 33 Dell Dimension Help file, 10 removing, 84 Dell Solution Center, 9 DVDs End User License copying, 26 hardware Agreement, 10 Dell Diagnostics, 50...
Page 141 CD, 12 computer crashes, 36-37 connector, 66 reinstalling, 12 computer stops responding, 36 Microsoft Windows label, 11 reinstalling Windows XP , 57 Dell Diagnostics, 50 diagnostic lights, 47 modem Operating System CD, 12 drives, 31 connector, 66 overclocking, 29 DVD drive, 32...
Page 142 Windows XP , 57 controls and lights, 111 monitor hard to read, 44 drives, 110 ResourceCD, 9, 54 monitor is blank, 44 environmental, 113 Dell Diagnostics, 50 mouse, 38 expansion bus, 110 network, 39 memory, 109 power, 40 physical, 112...
Page 143 Dell Diagnostics, 50 warranty information, 10 diagnostic lights, 47 Windows XP Hardware Troubleshooter, 57 Device Driver Rollback, 54 Help and Support Center, 11 Files and Settings Transfer restore to previous state, 55 Wizard, 25 tips, 31 Hardware Troubleshooter, 57...
Page 144 Index...

This manual is also suitable for:

Xps gen 3

Dell DIMENSION XPS GEN 3 WHL User 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