Dell Dimension XPS Gen 4 User manual

Dell™Dimension™XPSServiceManual
Before You Begin
Opening the Computer Cover
About Your XPS Computer
Technical Specifications
Advanced Troubleshooting
System Setup Program
Removing and Installing Parts
Closing the Computer Cover
Technical Overview
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Dell Dimension Help file.
IfyoupurchasedaDell™nSeriescomputer,anyreferencesinthisdocumenttoMicrosoft®Windows®operating systems are not applicable.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2004DellInc.Allrightsreserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp, and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell
Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model WHL
October2004Rev.A00
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.

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Before You Begin
Dell™Dimension™XPSServiceManual
Getting Started
Recommended Tools
Turning Off Your Computer
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Getting Started
This section provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the
following conditions exist:
lYou have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" and "Before Working Inside Your Computer."
lYouhavereadthesafetyinformationinyourDell™Product Information Guide.
lA component can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
lSmall flat-blade screwdriver
lPhillips screwdriver
lFlash BIOS update program floppy disk or CD
Turning Off Your Computer

1. Shut down the operating system:
a. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click Turn Off Computer.
b. In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.

2. Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut
down your operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.



1. Turn off your computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your computer.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal
mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.
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. Some cables have a connector with
locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep
them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and
aligned.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.


2. Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.


4. Open the computer cover.
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
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the
computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

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Opening the Computer Cover
Dell™Dimension™XPSServiceManual



1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin."

2. Lay the computer on its side so that the arrow on the bottom of the computer points up.

3. Slide the cover release latch toward the top of the computer (A).

4. Raise the cover, and pivot it toward the front of the computer (B).
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
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions 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.
NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to accommodate the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space.

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About Your XPS Computer
Dell™Dimension™XPSServiceManual
Front View
Front View (Door Open)
Back View
Front View
Front View (Door Open)
1
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.
2
power button
Press to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system
shutdown.
3
drive door
Open the drive door to access the floppy and CD/DVD drives.
4
front-panel door
Open the door to use the front-panel connectors.

NOTE: The front door is removable; if you remove it or accidentally knock it off its hinges, it snaps back in place. For more information
on removing the door, see "Drive Door."

Back View
1
headphone connector
Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
2
microphone connector
Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony
program.
3
USB 2.0 connectors
(2)
Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras.
It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and
keyboards.
4
IEEE 1394 connector
Attach high-speed serial multimedia devices, such as digital video cameras.
1
processor fans (2)
For optimal cooling, two processor fans are provided. Do not block the vents.
2
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. For
more information, see "Opening the Computer Cover."
3
network adapter
connector
To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a network cable to either a network jack or to your
network or broadband device. Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back panel of
your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached.

NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
On computers with a network connector card, use the connector on the card.
It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the
network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation.

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
4
TV-OUT connector
Connects your computer to a TV.
5
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.
6
VGA video
connector
If your monitor has a DVI connector, plug it into the DVI connector on the computer. If your monitor has a VGA connector, plug it into
the VGA connector on the computer.
7
security cable slot
Use a security cable with the slot to help secure your computer.
8
sound card
connectors (5)
lLine-in connector —Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or
VCR.
lMicrophone connector —Use the pink microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical
input into a sound or telephony program.
lLine-out connector —Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers.
lSurround connector —Use the black surround connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers.
lCenter/Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) connector —Use the yellow center/LFE connector to attach your subwoofer.
9
padlock ring
Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
10
optional modem
connector
If you have a modem, connect a telephone cable to the modem connector (optional).

NOTE: For optimum performance, install a modem card only in PCI card slot 2, 3, or 4.

NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
11
power connector
Insert the power cable.
12
power supply
fans
For optimal cooling, two power supply fans are provided. Do not block the vents.
13
card slots
AccessconnectorsforanyinstalledPCIcards(fourslots)andPCIExpresscards(onex16slotandonex1slot).
14
USB 2.0
connectors (6)
Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras.
15
mouse connector
Plug a standard mouse into the green mouse connector. Turn off the computer and any attached devices before you connect a
mouse to the computer. If you have a USB mouse, plug it into a USB connector. If your computer is running the Microsoft®
Windows®2000 or Windows XP operating system, the necessary mouse drivers have been installed on your hard drive.
16
keyboard
connector
If you have a standard keyboard, plug it into the purple keyboard connector. If you have a USB keyboard, plug it into a USB
connector.
17
diagnostic lights
(4)
Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic code. For more information, see."
18
parallel connector
Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector. The
integrated parallel connector is automatically disabled if the computer detects an installed card containing a parallel connector
configured to the same address. For more information, see "System Setup Program Options."
19
serial connector
(COM1)
Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port.

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Technical Specifications
Dell™Dimension™XPSServiceManual

Processor
Microprocessor type
Intel®Pentium®4 processor with Hyper-Threading
technology

NOTE: Not all Pentium 4 processors support Hyper-
Threading technology.
Cache
512 KB, 1 MB, or 2 MB

Memory
Type
400-MHz and 533-MHz DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM
Memory connectors
4
Memory capacities
128-MB, 256-MB, 512-MB, or 1-GB non-ECC
Minimum memory
256 MB
Maximum memory
4 GB

NOTE: See "Addressing Memory With 4-GB
Configurations" for the amount of memory available
to the operating system.
BIOS address
F0000h

Computer Information
Chip set
Intel 925XE Express or Intel 925X Express
DMA channels
eight
Interrupt levels
24
BIOS chip (NVRAM)
4 Mb
NIC
Integrated network interface capable of 10/100/1000
communication
System clock
800-MHz or 1066-MHz data rate

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
PCI:
connectors
four
connector size
120 pins
connector data width (maximum)
32 bits
PCI Express:
connectors
one x1
connector size
36 pins
connector data width (maximum)
one PCI Express lane

PCI Express:
connectors
one x16
connector size
164 pins
connector data width (maximum)
16 PCI Express lanes

Drives
Externally accessible:
two 3.5-inch drive bays
two 5.25-inch drive bays
Available devices
serial ATA drive, floppy drive, USB memory devices,
CD drive, CD-RW drive, DVD drive, DVD-RW drive, and
DVD and CD-RW combo drive
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
6-pin connector
Video
15-hole connector
Network adapter
RJ45 connector
PS/2 (keyboard and mouse)
two 6-pin mini-DIN
USB
two front-panel and sixback-panel USB 2.0–compliant
connectors
Audio
five connectors for line-in, line-out, microphone,
surround, and center/Low Frequency Effects (LFE)
channel; two front-panel connectors for headphones
and microphones
System board connectors:
Primary IDE drive
40-pin connector on PCI local bus
Serial ATA
four 7-pin connectors
Floppy drive
34-pin connector
Fan
5-pin connector
PCI 2.3
four 120-pin connectors
PCI Express x1
36-pin connector
PCI Express x16
164-pin connector
Telephony (TAPI)
4-pin connector

Controls and Lights
Power control
push button
Power light
green light —Blinking green in sleep state; solid
green for power-on state
amber light —Blinking amber indicates a problem
with an installed device; solid amber indicates an
internal power problem (See "Power Lights.")
Hard-drive access light
green
Link integrity light (on integrated network adapter)
green light —A good connection exists between a
10-Mbps network 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.
off (no light) —The computer is not detecting a
physical connection to the network.
Activity light (on integrated network adapter)
yellow blinking light
Diagnostic lights
four lights on the back panel (See "Diagnostic
Lights.")
Standby power light
AUX_PWR on the system board
Case backlight
color options: off (no light), ruby, emerald, sapphire
(default), amber, amethyst, topaz, diamond.


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
Power
DC power supply:
Wattage
460 W
Heat dissipation
931.2 BTU/hr
Voltage (See the safety instructions located in
the Product Information Guide for important
voltage setting information.)
fixed-voltage power supply —110 V at 50/60 Hz
manual selection and auto-sensing power supplies —
90to135Vat50/60Hz;180to265Vat50/60Hz;
100 V at 50/60 Hz for Japanese computers
Backup battery
3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell

Physical
Height
49.1 cm (19.3 inches)
Width
22.2 cm (8.7 inches)
Depth
48.8 cm (19.2 inches)
Weight
19 kg (42 lb)

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:
Operating
bottom half-sine pulse with a change in velocity of 20
inches/sec (50.8 cm/sec)
Storage
27-G faired square wave with a velocity change of
200 inches/sec (508 cm/sec)
Altitude:
Operating
–15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)
Storage
–15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)

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Advanced Troubleshooting
Dell™Dimension™XPSServiceManual
Power Lights
Diagnostic Lights
Beep Codes
System Messages
Power Lights

The power button light located on the front of the computer illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:
lIf the power light is green and the computer is not responding, see "Diagnostic Lights."
lIf the power light is blinking green, the computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to
resume normal operation.
lIf the power light is off, the computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.
¡Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.
¡If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned
on. Also bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.
¡Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
¡Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board.
lIf the power light is blinking amber, the computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.
¡Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location (if applicable).
¡Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the system board.
lIf the power light is steady amber, a device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.
¡Remove and then reinstall the memory modules.
¡Remove and then reinstall any cards.
¡Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable.
lEliminate interference. Some possible causes of interference are:
¡Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables
¡Too many devices on a power strip
¡Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet
Diagnostic Lights

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the back panel. The lights can be yellow or green. When
the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts, all four lights display solid green. If the computer malfunctions, the color and
sequence of the lights identify the problem.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.

Light Pattern

Problem Description

Suggested Resolution
The computer is in a normal off
condition or a possible pre-BIOS
failure has occurred.
Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet and press the power button.
A possible processor failure has
occurred.
Reinstall the processor and restart the computer.

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.
Reseating the memory modules may fix the beep code errors in the following table. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
If you hear one of the following beep codes, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Memory modules are detected, but
a memory failure has occurred.
lIf you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module,
and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module.
Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
lIf available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer.
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell.
A possible graphics card failure has
occurred.
lIf the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, reinstall it, and then restart the
computer.
lIf the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the
computer.
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell.
A possible floppy drive or hard
drive failure has occurred.
Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.
A possible USB failure has
occurred.
Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer.
No memory modules are detected.
lIf you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module,
and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module.
Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
lIf available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer.
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell.
Memory modules are detected, but
a memory configuration or
compatibility error exists.
lEnsure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist.
lVerify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer.
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell.
A possible expansion card failure
has occurred.
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 "System Setup Program").
4. If the problem persists, contact Dell.
Another failure has occurred.
lEnsure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard drive, CD
drive, and DVD drive (see "System Board Components").
lIf there is an error message on your screen identifying a problem with a device (such as the
floppy drive or hard drive), check the device to make sure it is functioning properly.
lThe operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the floppy drive or hard
drive); check the system setup program to make sure that the boot sequence is correct for the
devices installed on your computer.
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell.
The computer is in a normal
operating condition after POST.
None.


Code

Cause
1-3-1 through 2-4-4
Memory not being properly identified or used
4-3-1
Memory failure above address 0FFFFh

System Messages

Code

Cause
1-1-2
Microprocessor register failure
1-1-3
NVRAM
1-1-4
ROM BIOS checksum failure
1-2-1
Programmable interval timer
1-2-2
DMA initialization failure
1-2-3
DMA page register read/write failure
3-1-1
Slave DMA register failure
3-1-2
Master DMA register failure
3-1-3
Master interrupt mask register failure
3-1-4
Slave interrupt mask register failure
3-2-2
Interrupt vector loading failure
3-2-4
Keyboard Controller Test failure
3-3-1
NVRAM power loss
3-3-2
NVRAM configuration
3-3-4
Video Memory Test failure
3-4-1
Screen initialization failure
3-4-2
Screen retrace failure
3-4-3
Search for video ROM failure
4-2-1
No time tick
4-2-2
Shutdown failure
4-2-3
Gate A20 failure
4-2-4
Unexpected interrupt in protected mode
4-3-3
Timer-chip counter 2 failure
4-3-4
Time-of-day clock stopped
4-4-1
Serial or parallel port test failure
4-4-4
Cache test failure
NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the table, see the documentation for either the operating system or the program that was running
when the message appeared.

Message

Possible Cause

Corrective Action
8042 Gate-A20
error
The keyboard controller failed
its test.
If you receive this message after you
make changes in the system setup
program, enter the system setup
program and restore the original value
(s).
Address Line
Short!
An error in the address
decoding circuitry in the
memory has occurred.
Reseat the memory modules.
C: Drive Error
C: Drive Failure
The hard drive is not working
or is not configured correctly.
Ensure that the drive is installed
correctly in the computer and defined
correctly in the system setup program.
Cache Memory
Bad, Do Not
Enable Cache
The cache memory is not
operating.
See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's
Manual for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
CH-2 Timer Error
An error is occurring on the
timer on the system board.
See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's
Manual for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
CMOS Battery
State Low
CMOS Checksum
Failure
CMOS System
Options Not Set
CMOS Display
Type Mismatch
The system configuration
information in the system
setup program is incorrect or
the battery charge may be
low.
Enter the system setup program, verify
the system configuration, and then
restart the computer.

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
CMOS Memory Size
Mismatch
CMOS Time and
Date Not Set
Diskette Boot
Failure
Drive A or B is present but
has failed the BIOS POST.
Ensure that the drive is installed
correctly in the computer and defined
correctly in the system setup program.
Check the interface cable at both ends.
DMA Error
DMA 1 Error
DMA 2 Error
Error in the DMA controller on
the system board.
The keyboard or system board may need
to be replaced.
FDD Controller
Failure
HDD Controller
Failure
The BIOS cannot communicate
with the floppy drive or hard
drive controller.
Ensure that the floppy drive or the hard
drive is installed correctly in the
computer and defined correctly in the
system setup program. Check the
interface cable at both ends.
INTR1 Error
INTR2 Error
An interrupt channel on the
system board failed to POST.
The keyboard or system board may need
to be replaced.
Invalid Boot
Diskette
The operating system cannot
be located on drive A or drive
C.
Enter the system setup program and
confirm that drive A or drive C is properly
identified.
Keyboard Error
The BIOS has detected a
stuck key.
Ensure that nothing is resting on the
keyboard; if a key appears to be stuck,
carefully pry it up. If the problem
persists, you may need to replace the
keyboard.
KB/Interface
Error
An error occurred with the
keyboard connector.
Ensure that nothing is resting on the
keyboard; if a key appears to be stuck,
carefully pry it up. If the problem
persists, you may need to replace the
keyboard.
No ROM Basic
The operating system cannot
be located on drive A or drive
C.
Enter the system setup program and
confirm that drive A or drive C is properly
identified.

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System Setup Program
Dell™Dimension™XPSServiceManual
Overview
Entering the System Setup Program
System Setup Program Screens
System Setup Program Options
Boot Sequence
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
Clearing CMOS Settings
Overview
Use the system setup program as follows:
lTo change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computer
lTo set or change a user-selectable option such as the user password
lTo read the current amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed
Before you use the system setup program, it is recommended that you write down the system setup program screen information for future reference.
Entering the System Setup Program

1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2. WhentheblueDELL™logoappears,press<F2>immediately.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft®Windows®desktop. Then shut down your
computer and try again.
System Setup Program Screens
The system setup program screen displays current or changeable configuration information for your computer. Information on the screen is divided into three
areas: the options list, active options field, and key functions.
System Setup Program Options
NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings for this program. Certain changes can make your computer work
incorrectly.
Options List —This field appears on the left side of the system setup program window. The field
is a scrollable list containing features that define the configuration of your computer, including
installed hardware, power conservation, and security features.
Scroll up and down the list by using the up-and down-arrow keys. As an option is highlighted,
the Option Field displays more information about that option and the option's current and
available settings.
Option Field —This field contains information about each
option. In this field you can view your current settings and
make changes to your settings.
Use the right-and left-arrow keys to highlight an option.
Press <Enter> to make that selection active.

Key Functions —This field appears below the Option Field
and lists keys and their functions within the active system
setup program field.
NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not appear, or they may not appear exactly as listed.
System
CPU Info
Identifies whether the computer's processor supports Hyper-Threading and lists the processor bus speed, processor ID, clock speed, and
L2 cache.
Memory Info
Indicates the amount of installed memory, memory speed, channel mode (dual or single), and type of memory installed.
Date/Time
Displays current date and time settings.
The computer attempts to boot from the sequence of devices specified in this list.


Boot Sequence

NOTE: If you insert a boot device and restart the computer, this option appears in the system setup program menu. To boot from a USB
memory device, select the USB device and move it so that it becomes the first device in the list.
Drives
Diskette Drive
Identifies and defines the floppy drive attached to the FLOPPY connector on the system board as Off, USB, Internal, or Read Only.
Drives 0 through
5
Identifies the drives attached to the SATA or PRI IDE connectors on the system board, and lists the capacity for hard drives.
Drive Controller
Identifies and defines the SATA controller settings for RAID. You can set the SATA controller to RAID Autodetect/AHCI, RAID
Autodetect/ATA, or RAID On.
Error Reporting
Turns hard drive error reporting on or off. Factory default setting is Off.
Onboard Devices
NIC Controller
You can set the NIC to On (default), Off, or On w/ PXE. When the On w/ PXE setting is active (available only for the future boot
process), the computer prompts the user to press <Ctrl><Alt><b>. Pressing this key combination causes a menu to display that allows
you to select a method for booting from a network server. If a boot routine is not available from the network server, the system attempts
to boot from the next device in the boot sequence list.
USB
Set to On (default) so that USB devices will be detected and supported in the operating system.
1394 Controller
Enable or disable the internal 1394 controller. Factory default is On.
LPT Port Mode
Identifies and defines the parallel port settings. You can set the parallel port to Off, AT, PS/2, EPP, or ECP.
LPT Port
Address
Identifies the address for the parallel port.
Serial Port #1
Identifies and defines the serial port settings. Auto, the default setting, automatically configures a connector to a particular designation
(COM1 or COM3).
Mouse Port
Enables or disables the onboard PS/2-compatible mouse controller.
Front LED Color
Use this option to change the backlight color on your computer.
Video
Primary Video
This setting specifies which video controller is primary when two video controllers are present on the computer.
Performance
HyperThreading
If your computer's processor supports Hyper-Threading, this option will appear in the Options List.
IDE Performance
lBypass —Your computer does not test or change the current acoustics mode setting.
lQuiet (default) —The hard drive operates at its most quiet setting.
lPerformance —The hard drive operates at its maximum speed.
lSuggested —The hard drive operates at the level suggested by the drive manufacturer.

NOTES: Switching to performance mode may cause the drive to be noisier, but its performance is not affected.
Changing the acoustics setting does not alter your hard drive image.
Security
This section displays available system security options.
Admin Password
This option provides restricted access to the computer's system setup program in the same way that access to the system can be
restricted with the System Password option.
System
Password
Displays the current status of the system's password security feature and allows a new system password to be assigned and verified.
Password
Status
This option locks the system password field with the setup password. When the field is locked, the option to disable password security by
pressing <Ctrl><Enter> when the computer starts is no longer available.
Chassis
Intrusion
Enables or disables chassis intrusion reporting.
Intrusion Status
This option is only available if a chassis intrusion has been reported. Use this option to clear the intrusion message.
Power Management
AC Recovery
Determines what happens when AC power is restored to the computer.
Auto Power On
Sets the computer to automatically turn on. Choices are every day or every 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.
Auto Power
Time
Sets time to automatically turn on the computer.
Time is kept in a 24-hour format (hours:minutes). Change the start-up time by pressing the right-or left-arrow key to increase or decrease
the numbers, or type numbers in both the date and time fields.
This feature does not work if you turn off your computer using a power strip or surge protector.
Low Power
Mode
When Low Power Mode is selected, remote wakeup events will no longer power up the computer when it is in either a hibernate mode or
turned off.
Remote Wake
Up
This option allows the system to power up when a NIC or remote wake-up-capable modem receives a wake up signal.
On is the default setting. On w/ Boot to NIC will allow the computer to attempt to boot from a network prior to using the boot sequence.

NOTE: Normally, the computer can be powered up remotely from suspend mode, hibernate mode, or when powered off. When Low
Power Mode (in the Power Management menu) is enabled, the computer can only be powered up remotely from the suspend mode.
The options are:
lS1 —A suspend mode where the computer is running in a low-power mode

Boot Sequence
This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices.

Option Settings
lDiskette Drive —The computer attempts to boot from the floppy drive. If the floppy disk in the drive is not bootable, if no floppy disk is in the drive, or if
there is no floppy drive installed in the computer, the computer generates an error message.
lHard Drive —The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error
message.
lCD Drive —The computer attempts to boot from the CD drive. If no CD is in the drive, or if the CD has no operating system, the computer generates an
error message.
lUSB Flash Device —Insert the memory device into a USB port and restart the computer. When F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of
the screen, press <F12>. The BIOS detects the device and adds the USB flash option to the boot menu.

Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot
You can use this feature, for example, to restart your computer to a USB device such as a floppy drive, memory key, or CD-RW drive.

1. If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector.

2. Turn on (or restart) your computer.

3. When F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F12>.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop. Then shut down your
computer and try again.
The Boot Device Menu appears, listing all available boot devices. Each device has a number next to it.

4. 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>.

Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots

1. Enter the system setup program.

Suspend Mode
lS3 —A standby mode where the power is reduced or turned off for most components

NOTE: System memory remains active.
Maintenance
CMOS Defaults
This setting restores the computer's factory-installed default settings.
Event Log
Displays the system event log.
BIOS Update
After downloading a new version of the BIOS, use this option to identify and define the location of the BIOS update file. The options are
Floppy Drive or Hard Drive.
POST Behavior
Fastboot
When set to On (default), your computer starts more quickly because it skips certain configurations and tests.
Numlock Key
This option involves the rightmost bank of keys on your keyboard. When set to On (default), this option activates the numeric and
mathematical features shown at the top of each key. When set to Off, this option activates the cursor-control functions labeled on the
bottom of each key.
OS Install
This setting turns the OS Install Mode either On or Off (default).
POST Hotkeys
This option allows you to specify the function keys to display on the screen when the computer starts.
Keyboard Errors
This option disables or enables keyboard error reporting when the computer starts.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure your device is bootable, check the device documentation.
NOTE: If you are booting to a USB floppy drive, you must first set the floppy drive to OFF in the system setup program.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure your device is bootable, check the device documentation.

2. Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot Sequence menu option and press <Enter> to access the menu.

3. Press the up-and down-arrow keys to move through the list of devices.

4. Press the spacebar to enable or disable a device (enabled devices have a checkmark).

5. Press plus (+) or minus (–) to move a selected device up or down the list.
Clearing Forgotten Passwords


1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin."

2. Locate the 3-pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board, and attach the jumper plug to pins 2 and 3 to clear the password.

3. Close the computer cover.

4. Connect your computer and monitor to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

5. After the Microsoft®Windows®desktop appears on your computer, shut down the computer.

6. Turn off the monitor and disconnect it from the electrical outlet.

7. Disconnect the computer power cable from the electrical outlet, and press the power button to ground the system board.

8. Open the computer cover.

9. Locate the 3-pin password jumper on the system board and attach the jumper to pins 1 and 2 to reenable the password feature.

10. Replace the computer cover.

11. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Clearing CMOS Settings


NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: When you receive your computer, the jumper plug is attached to pins 1 and 2.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.


1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin."

2. Reset the current CMOS settings:
a. Locate the 3-pin CMOS jumper (CLR CMOS) on the system board.
b. Remove the jumper plug from pins 2 and 3.
c. Place the jumper plug on pins 1 and 2 and wait approximately 5 seconds.
d. Replace the jumper plug on pins 2 and 3.

3. Close the computer cover.

4. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
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
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

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Dell™Dimension™XPSServiceManual
Notes, Notices, and Cautions

Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Dell Dimension Help file.
IfyoupurchasedaDell™nSeriescomputer,anyreferencesinthisdocumenttoMicrosoft®Windows®operating systems are not applicable.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2004DellInc.Allrightsreserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp, and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell
Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model WHL
October2004Rev.A00
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
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.