Dell GX520 - OptiPlex - 512 MB RAM User manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520
Quick Reference Guide
Models DCTR, DCNE, DCSM

Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft
®
Windows
®
operating systems are not applicable.
The
Quick Reference Guide , Drivers and Utilities CD, and operating system media are optional and may not ship
with all computers.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary in the User’s Guide .
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2005–2006 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, OptiPlex, and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.
Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Models DCTR, DCNE, DCSM
August 2006 P/N X9201 Rev. A02

Contents 3
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
System Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mini Tower Computer — Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mini Tower Computer — Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Desktop Computer — Front View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Desktop Computer — Back View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Small Form Factor Computer — Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Small Form Factor Computer — Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Back-Panel Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Removing the Computer Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Mini Tower Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Desktop Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Small Form Factor Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Mini Tower Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Desktop Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Small Form Factor Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Dell Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
System Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Diagnostic Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Using Microsoft®Windows®XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Reinstalling Microsoft®Windows®XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Using the Drivers and Utilities CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

4Contents

Quick Reference Guide 5
Finding Information
NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries.
NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• A diagnostic program for my computer
• Drivers for my computer
• My computer documentation
• My device documentation
• Desktop System Software (DSS)
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD)
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with your
computer.
Documentation and drivers are already installed
on your computer. You can use the CD to
reinstall drivers (see "Using the Drivers and
Utilities CD" on page 41), run the Dell
Diagnostics (see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics
From the Drivers and Utilities CD" on
page 29), or access your documentation.
Readme files may be included on your CD to
provide last-minute updates about technical
changes to your computer or advanced
technical-reference material for technicians or experienced users.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com.
• Operating system updates and patches Desktop System Software (DSS)
Located on the Drivers and Utilities CD and the Dell Support website at
support.dell.com.
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• How to remove and replace parts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
User’s Guide
Available in the Microsoft®Windows®XP Help and Support Center:
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2 Click User’s and system guides and click User’s guides .
The User’s Guide is also available on the optional Drivers and Utilities CD.

6Quick Reference Guide
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• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License
These labels are located on your computer.
• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer
when you use
support.dell.com or contact
technical support.
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting
technical support.
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and
tips, articles from technicians, online
courses, frequently asked questions
• Community — Online discussion with
other Dell customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for
components, such as memory, the hard
drive, and the operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information,
service call and order status, warranty, and
repair information
• Service and support — Service call status
and support history, service contract,
online discussions with technical support
• Reference — Computer documentation,
details on computer configuration,
product specifications, and white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches,
and software updates
• Desktop System Software (DSS) — If you
reinstall the operating system for your
computer, you should also reinstall the
DSS utility. DSS provides critical updates
for your operating system and support for
Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel
®
Pentium
®
M processors, optical drives,
and USB devices. DSS is necessary for
correct operation of your Dell computer.
This software automatically detects your
computer and operating system and
installs the updates appropriate for your
configuration.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site.
The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:
• Troubleshooting — Hints and tips, articles from technicians, and online
courses
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the
hard drive, and the operating system
• Services and Warranties — Contact information, order status, warranty,
and repair information
• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates
• User guides — Computer documentation and product specifications
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

Quick Reference Guide 7
• Service call status and support history
• Top technical issues for my computer
• Frequently asked questions
• File downloads
• Details on my computer configuration
• Service contract for my computer
Dell Premier Support Website — premiersupport.dell.com
The Dell Premier Support website is customized for corporate, government,
and education customers. This website may not be available in certain
regions.
• How to use Windows XP
• Documentation for my computer
• Documentation for devices (such as a
modem)
Windows Help and Support Center
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support .
2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.
3 Click the topic that describes your problem.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
• How to reinstall my operating system
Operating System CD
NOTE: The Operating System CD is optional and may not ship with your
computer.
The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall
your operating system, use the Operating System CD. See your online User’s
Guide for instructions.
After you reinstall your operating system, use the
optional Drivers and Utilities CD to reinstall drivers
for the devices that came with your computer.
Your operating system product key label is located
on your computer.
NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the
operating system you ordered.
• Regulatory model information and chassis
type
• DCTR — Mini tower chassis
• DCNE — Desktop chassis
• DCSM — Small form factor chassis
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

8Quick Reference Guide
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System Views
Mini Tower Computer — Front View
3
10
9
6
7
2
1
8
5
4

Quick Reference Guide 9
1CD/DVD drive Insert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive.
2floppy drive Insert a floppy disk into this drive.
3USB 2.0 connectors (2) Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, memory key, printer, joystick, and
computer speakers into either of the USB connectors.
It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back panel for devices that
typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
4LAN indicator light
This light indicates that a LAN (network) connection is established.
5diagnostic lights Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic
code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 32.
6power button Press this button to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the power
button for 6 seconds or longer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.
NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power
button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.
7power light The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different operating
states:
• No light — The computer is turned off.
• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.
• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.
• Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" in your online
User’s Guide.
To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or the
mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For more
information about sleep modes and exiting from a power-saving mode, see "Power
Management"
in your online User’s Guide.
See "System Lights" on page 31 for a description of power light patterns that can help
you troubleshoot problems with your computer.
8hard-drive activity light
This light flickers when the hard drive is in use.
9headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
10 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a microphone.

10 Quick Reference Guide
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Mini Tower Computer — Back View
4
3
5
6
2
1

Quick Reference Guide 11
Desktop Computer — Front View
1 cover release latch This latch allows you to open the computer cover.
2 padlock ring Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
3voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.
To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the switch
to the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location.
NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to 115-V.
Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate
with the AC power available in your location.
4power connector Insert the power cable into this connector.
5back-panel connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector.
6card slots You can access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
89
3
5
1
4611 10
2
7
1USB 2.0 connectors (2) Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, memory key, printer, joystick,
and computer speakers into either of the USB connectors.
It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back panel for devices
that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
2LAN indicator light This light indicates that a LAN (network) connection is established.

12 Quick Reference Guide
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3power button Press this button to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the
power button for 6 seconds or longer. Instead, perform an operating system
shutdown.
NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power
button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.
4Dell badge The badge can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer. To rotate
the badge, place your fingers around the outside of the badge, press firmly, and
turn the badge. You can also rotate the badge using the slot provided near the
bottom of the badge.
5power light This light turns on and blinks or remains solid to indicate different operating
states:
• No light — The computer is turned off.
• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.
• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.
• Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" in your online
User’s Guide .
To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or
the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For
more information about sleep modes and exiting from a power-saving mode, see
"Power Management"
in your online User’s Guide.
See "System Lights" on page 31 for a description of power light patterns that can
help you troubleshoot problems with your computer.
6diagnostic lights Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the
diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 32.
7hard-drive activity light This light flickers when the hard drive is in use.
8headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
9microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a microphone.
10 floppy drive Insert a floppy disk into this drive.
11 CD/DVD drive Insert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive.

Quick Reference Guide 13
Desktop Computer — Back View
5
12 3 4 6
1card slots You can access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
2back-panel connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector.
3power connector Insert the power cable into this connector.
4voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.
To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the
switch to the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your
location.
NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to 115-V.
Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to
operate with the AC power available in your location.
5padlock ring Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
6cover release latch Use this latch to open the computer cover.

14 Quick Reference Guide
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Small Form Factor Computer — Front View
89
3
5
1
4
6
11 10
2
7
1USB 2.0 connectors (2) Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, memory key, printer, joystick,
and computer speakers into either of the USB connectors.
It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back panel for devices
that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
2power button Press this button to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the
power button for 6 seconds or longer. Instead, perform an operating system
shutdown.
NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power
button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.
3Dell badge The badge can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer. To rotate
the badge, place fingers around the outside of the badge, press firmly, and turn the
badge. You can also rotate the badge using the slot provided near the bottom of
the badge.
4LAN indicator light This light indicates that a LAN (network) connection is established.
5diagnostic lights Use these lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the
diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 32.
6hard-drive activity light This light flickers when the hard drive is in use.

Quick Reference Guide 15
Small Form Factor Computer — Back View
7power light Turns on and blinks or remains solid to indicate different operating states:
• No light — The computer is turned off.
• Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.
• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode.
• Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" in your online
User’s Guide .
To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or
the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For
more information about sleep modes and exiting from a power-saving mode, see
"Power Management" in your online User’s Guide.
See "System Lights" on page 31 for a description of power light patterns that can
help you troubleshoot problems with your computer.
8headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
9microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a microphone.
10 floppy drive Insert a floppy disk into this drive.
11 CD/DVD drive Insert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive.
51 2 3 4
6
1card slots You can access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
2back-panel connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector.
3power connector Connect the power cable to this connector.

16 Quick Reference Guide
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Back-Panel Connectors
4voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.
To avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the
switch to the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your
location.
NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to 115-V.
Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to
operate with the AC power available in your location.
5padlock ring Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
6cover release latch Use this latch to open the computer cover.
13
10 9 8
5
6
7
24
1
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.
NOTE: 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 Options" in your online User’s
Guide.
2
link integrity light • Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the
computer.
• Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the
computer.
• Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1-Gbps (or 1000-Mbps) network
and the computer.
• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.

Quick Reference Guide 17
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 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 adapter 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.
4 network activity light This light flashes yellow when the computer is transmitting or receiving network
data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady
"on" state.
5 line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette
player, CD player, or VCR.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
6 line-out connector Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers with
integrated amplifiers.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
7 microphone connector Use the pink microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for
voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.
8 USB 2.0 connectors (6) Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, memory key, printer, joystick,
and computer speakers into any of the USB connectors.
9
video connector Plug the cable from your VGA-compatible monitor into the blue connector.
NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be covered by
a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics card. Do not remove
the cap.
NOTE: If you are using a graphics card that supports dual monitors, use the y-cable
that came with your computer.
10
serial connector Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. The default
designations are COM1 for serial connector 1 and COM2 for serial connector 2.
For more information, see "System Setup Options" in your online
User’s Guide .

18 Quick Reference Guide
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Removing the Computer Cover
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet
before removing the cover.
Before You Begin
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn
off your computer.
1 Shut down the operating system:
a Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then
click
Turn Off Computer .
b In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off .
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.
2 Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and
attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system,
turn them off now.
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.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
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.
To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside
the computer.
1
Turn off your computer if it is not already turned off.
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.

Quick Reference Guide 19
3 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then
press the power button to ground the system board.
4 Remove the computer stand, if it is attached.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet
before removing 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.
Mini Tower Computer
NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted
metal surface. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static
electricity that could harm internal components.
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 18.
2 If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the
padlock.
3 Lay the computer on its side as shown in the following illustration.

20 Quick Reference Guide
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4 Slide the cover release latch back as you lift the cover.
5 Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage
points.
6 Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a clean, nonabrasive surface.
1 security cable slot
2 cover release latch
3 padlock ring
4 computer cover
2
1
32
1
3
4