Dell Dimension L Series User manual

www.dell.com
support.dell.com
Dell™ Dimension™ L Series Systems

____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 1999–2001 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarksusedin thistext:Dell, theDELL logo,Dell Precision, DellWare,Inspiron, Latitude,OptiPlex,and Dimensionare trademarks
of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks and Celeron and MMX are trademarks of Intel Corporation;
MS-DOS, Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT 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 Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
February 2001 P/N 3558P Rev. A06

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Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer system from poten-
tial damage and to ensure your own personal safety.
When Using Your Computer System
As you use your computer system, observe the following safety guidelines.
CAUTION: Do not operate your computer system with any cover(s) (includ-
ing computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on)
removed.
•To help avoid damaging your computer, be sure the voltage selection switch on
the power supply is set to match the AC power available at your location:
— 115 volts (V)/60 hertz (Hz) in most of North and South America and some FarV)/60 hertz (Hz) in most of North and South America and some Far
Eastern countries such as South Korea and Taiwanwan
— 100 V/50 Hz in eastern Japan and 100 V/60 Hz in western Japan
— 230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far EastMiddle East, and the Far East
Also be sure your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate
with the AC power available in your location.
•Before working inside the computer, unplug the system to help prevent electric
shock or system board damage. Certain system board components continue to
receive power any time the computer is connected to AC power.
•To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning
off the system before disconnecting a device from the computer.
•To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and device power cables into
properly grounded power sources. These cables are equipped with three-prong
plugs to help ensure proper grounding. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the
grounding prong from a cable. If you must use an extension cable, use a three-
wire cable with properly grounded plugs.
•To help protect your computer system from sudden, transient increases and
decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or
uninterruptible power supply (UPS).PS).

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•Be sure nothing rests on your computer system’s cables and that the cables are
not located where they can be stepped on or tripped over.
•Do not spill food or liquids on your computer. If the computer gets wet, refer to
“If Your Computer Gets Wet” in Chapter 6.Computer Gets Wet” in Chapter 6.
•Do not push any objects into the openings of your computer. Doing so can cause
fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.
•Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not blockdiators and heat sources. Also, do not block
cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not
place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on a bed, sofa, or rug.
Ergonomic Computing Habits
CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury.
CAUTION: Viewing the monitor screen for extended periods of time may
result in eye strain.
For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines when setting
up and using your computer system:
•Position your system so that the monitor and keyboard are directly in front of you
as you work. Special shelves are available (from Dell and other sources) to help
you correctly position your keyboard.
•Set the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance (usually 510 to 610 millimeters510 to 610 millimeters
[20 to 24 inches] from your eyes).
•Make sure the monitor screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting
in front of the monitor.
•Adjust the tilt of the monitor, its contrast and brightness settings, and the lightingdjust the tilt of the monitor, its contrast and brightness settings, and the lighting
around you (such as overhead lights, desk lamps, and the curtains or blinds on
nearby windows) to minimize reflections and glare on the monitor screen.
•Use a chair that provides good lower back support.
•Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position
while using the keyboard or mouse.
•Always leave space to rest your hands while using the keyboard or mouse.
•Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides.
•Sit erect, with your feet resting on the floor and your thighs level.
•When sitting, make sure the weight of your legs is on your feet and not on the
front of your chair seat. Adjust your chair’s height or use a footrest, if necessary,
to maintain proper posture.
•Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not have to
type for extended periods of time. When you stop typing, try to do things thatxtended periods of time. When you stop typing, try to do things that
use both hands.

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When Working Inside Your Computer
Before you remove the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence
indicated.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to service the computer system yourself, except as
explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell documentation. Always fol-
low installation and service instructions closely.
1. Turn off your computer and all devices.
2. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface at the back of the com-
puter before touching anything inside your computer.
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer
to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.
3. Disconnect any devices connected to the computer, including the monitor, from
their electrical outlets to reduce the potential for personal injury or shock. Also,Also,
disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
4. Disconnect the power cable to your computer, and then press the power button
to ground the system board.
monitor screen at or below eye level
wrists relaxed and flat
arms at desk level
monitor and
keyboard
positioned
directly
in front of user
feet flat on the floor

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In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:
•When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not
on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are dis-ve a connector with locking tabs; if you are dis-
connecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before disconnecting
the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bend-
ing any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, make sure both
connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
•Handle components and cards with care. Don’t touch the components or con-
tacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket.
CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly
installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recom-
mended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Static electricity can harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent
static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of
your computer’s electronic components, such as the microprocessor. You can do soYou can do so
by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an unpainted metal
surface to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge
(ESD):
•When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not
remove the component from the antistatic packing material until you are ready to
install the component in your computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic
packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your body.
•When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container
or packaging.
•Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic
floor pads and workbench pads.
The following notice may appear throughout this document to remind you of these
precautions:
NOTICE: See “Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge” in the safety
instructions at the front of this guide.

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About This Guide
This guide is intended for anyone who uses a Dell Dimension L Series cSeries computer
system. It can be used by both first-time and experienced computer users who want
to learn about the features and operation of the systems or who want to upgrade
their computers. The chapters and appendixes are summarized as follows:
•Chapter 1, “Introduction,” provides an overview of the system features and infor-
mation on preventive maintenance to protect the computer.
•Chapter 2, “Installing Upgrades on the System Board,” provides information onBoard,” provides information on
performing various upgrades, such as installing additional memory. The chapter
includes a basic orientation to internal features of the computer.
•Chapter 3, “Installing Drives,” provides instructions on how to install and remove
drives.
•Chapter 4, “Basic Troubleshooting,” contains checklists to use before calling Dell
for technical assistance.
•Chapter 5, “Software Solutions,” has information on using audio utilities and5, “Software Solutions,” has information on using audio utilities and
reinstalling software.
•Chapter 6, “Checking Inside Your Computer,” presents troubleshooting proce-
dures for system components such as expansion cards, memory, and drives.
•Chapter 7, “Getting Help,” provides information on obtaining technical assis-7, “Getting Help,” provides information on obtaining technical assis-
tance. Users who have been unable to resolve problems using the
troubleshooting information provided in this guide can refer to this chapter.
•Appendix A, “System Specifications,” is supplemental reference material.
•Appendix B, “System Setup Program,” describes the system setup programB, “System Setup Program,” describes the system setup program
used for checking and changing system configuration data.
•Appendix C, “Diagnostic Codes, Beep Codes, and System Messages,” docu-
ments status and error messages generated during system start-up. Included are
possible causes and corrective actions.ve actions.
•AppendixD, “RegulatoryNotices,”providesregulatoryinformation on thesystem.
•Appendix E, “Limited Warranty and Return Policy,” describes the warranty forPolicy,” describes the warranty for
your Dell system, the “Total Satisfaction” Return Policy.

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Warranty and Return Policy Information
Dell Computer Corporation (“Dell”) manufactures its hardware products from parts
and components that are new or equivalent to new in accordance with industry-
standard practices. For information about the Dell warranty for your system, seeFor information about the Dell warranty for your system, see
Appendix E, “Warranty, Return Policy, and Year 2000 Statement of ComplianceYear 2000 Statement of Compliance.”
Other Documents You May Need
Besides this Reference and Troubleshooting Guide, the following documentation is
included with your system:
•The Getting Started sheet provides step-by-step instructions for setting up your
computer system.
•The Dell Dimension Systems Setup Guide describes how to properly set up your
operating system and connect a printer.
•The Dell Dimension L Series System Help describes the features and operation
of your computer. It includes tips on using your computer hardware and answers
to commonly asked questions. To open theked questions. To open the Help, click the Start button, point to
Programs—> User’s Guides, and then click L Series System Help.
•Online documentation is included for your computer devices (such as a video or
modem card) and for any options you purchase separately from your system. To
access this supplemental documentation, double-click the Dell Documents icon
on the Windows desktop, click System Informationformation, and then click System
Documentation.
•Operating system documentation.
•Technical information files—sometimes called “readme” files—may be installed
on your hard-disk drive to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to
your system or reference material intended for experienced users.
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Throughout this guide, blocks of text may be accompanied by an icon and printed in
bold type or in italic type. These blocks are notes, notices, and cautions, and they are
used as follows::
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use ofhat helps you make better use of
your computer system.
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 potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

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Typographical Conventions
The following list defines (where appropriate) and illustrates typographical conven-
tions used as visual cues for specific elements of text throughout this document:
•Interface components are window titles, button and icon names, menu names
and selections, and other options that appear on the monitor screen or display.
They are presented in bold.
Example: Click OK.
•Keycaps are labels that appear on the keys on a keyboard. They are enclosed in
angle brackets.
Example: <Enter>
•Key combinations are series of keys to be pressed simultaneously (unless other-
wise indicated) to perform a single function.
Example: <Ctrl><Alt><Enter>
•Commands presented in lowercase bold are for reference purposes only and are
not intended to be typed when referenced.
Example: “Use the format command to . . . .”
In contrast, commands presented in the Courier New font are part of an instruc-
tion and intended to be typed.
Example: “TypeType format a: to format the diskette in drive A.”
•Filenames and directory names are presented in lowercase bold.
Examples: autoexec.bat and c:\windows
•Screen text is a message or text that you are instructed to type as part of a com-
mand (referred to as a command line). Screen text is presented in the CourierCourier
New font.
Example: The following message appears on your screen:
No boot device available
Example: “Type md c:\programs and press <Enter>.”
•Variables are placeholders for which you substitute a value. They are presented
in italics.
Example: DIMMIMM_x (where xrepresents the DIMM socket designation)

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