Dell OptiPlex 210L User manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Dell™ OptiPlex™ 210L
Quick Reference Guide
Models DCSM, DCNE

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 DCSM, DCNE
September 2006 P/N CD735 Rev. A01

Contents 3
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
System Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mini Tower Computer — Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mini Tower Computer — Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Mini Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Desktop Computer — Front View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Desktop Computer — Back View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Desktop Computer — Back-Panel Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Removing the Computer Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Mini Tower Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Desktop Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Mini Tower Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Desktop Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Dell Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
System Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Diagnostic Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Using the Drivers and Utilities CD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

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 ResourceCD)
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
computer. You can use the CD to run the
Dell Diagnostics or
access your documentation. (see "Dell Diagnostics" on
page 28).
Readme files may be included on
your CD to provide last-minute
updates about technical changes
to your computer or advanced
technical-reference material for
technicians or experienced users.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation
updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship
with your computer.
• 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
Microsoft®Windows®XP Help and Support Center
1 Click the Start button, then click Help and Support.
2 Click Dell User and System Guides, then click System Guides.
3 Click Dell Optiplex User's Guide.
The User’s Guide is also available on the optional Drivers and
Utilities
CD ( Resource CD) .

6Quick Reference Guide
• 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, and
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, and online
discussions with technical support
• Reference — Computer documentation, details
on my computer configuration, product
specifications, and white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and
software updates
• Desktop System Software (DSS) — If you
reinstall the operating system for your computer,
you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS
provides critical updates for your operating
system and support for Dell 3.5-inch USB floppy
drives, Intel
®
Pentium
®
M processors, optical
drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for
correct operation of your Dell computer. The
software automatically detects your computer
and operating system and installs the updates
appropriate for your configuration.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site.
NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers can
also use the customized Dell Premier Support website at
premier.support.dell.com.The website may not be available in
all regions.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

Quick Reference Guide 7
• 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
The operating system is already installed on your computer.
To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System
CD (see "Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP" on page 37 for
instructions).
After you reinstall your operating
system, use the optional Drivers
and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) 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.
NOTE: The Operating System CD is optional and may not ship with
your computer.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

8Quick Reference Guide
System Views
Mini Tower Computer — Front View
1234
3
8
6
7
2
1
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.
3hard-drive activity light This light flickers when the hard drive is in use.
4USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the USB connectors on the front of the computer for devices that you
connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices.
It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back of the computer
for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
5diagnostic lights
Use the 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 — The computer is receiving electrical power, but an
internal power problem might exist. 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 your online User’s Guide.
For a description of light codes that can help you troubleshoot problems with your
computer, see "System Lights" on page 31.
8headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.

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

Quick Reference Guide 11
Mini Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors
4power connector Insert the power cable into this connector.
5back-panel connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector.
6card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
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 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.
• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
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.
13
10 98
5
6
7
24

12 Quick Reference Guide
Desktop Computer — Front View
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 (4) Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as
printers and keyboards.
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
designation is COM1 for serial connector 1.
For more information, see your online
User’s Guide .
1234
78
3
5
1
46
9
2

Quick Reference Guide 13
1USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the USB connectors on the front of the computer for devices that you
connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices
(see your online User’s Guide for more information about booting to a USB device).
It is recommended that you use the USB connectors on the back panel for
devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
2hard-drive activity light This light flickers when the hard drive is being accessed.
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 This 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 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 — The computer is receiving electrical power, but an
internal power problem might exist. 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 a description of light codes that can help you troubleshoot problems with
your computer see "System Lights" on page 31.
6diagnostic lights Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the
diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 32.
7headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
8floppy drive Insert a floppy disk into this drive.
9CD/DVD drive Insert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive.

14 Quick Reference Guide
Desktop Computer — Back View
Desktop Computer — Back-Panel Connectors
1card slots 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.
5
12 3 4 6
13
10 9 8
5
6
7
24

Quick Reference Guide 15
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 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.
• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
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.

16 Quick Reference Guide
Removing the Computer Cover
Before You Begin
This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless
otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:
• You have performed the steps in"Turning Off Your Computer" on page 16 and "Before Working Inside
Your Computer" on page 16.
• You have read the safety information in your Dell™
Product Information Guide.
Turning 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.
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, 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.
8
USB 2.0 connectors (4) Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as
printers and keyboards.
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
designation is COM1 for serial connector 1.
For more information, see your online
User’s Guide .

Quick Reference Guide 17
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.
To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.
1
Turn off your 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 Remove the cable cover, if it is attached.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.
5 Remove the computer cover:
• Remove the Mini Computer cover (see "Mini Tower Computer" on page 17).
• Remove the Desktop Computer cover (see "Desktop Computer" on page 23).
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
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 computer cover.
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 16.
2 Lay the computer on its side.
3 Slide the cover release latch back as you lift the cover.
4 Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.
5 Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a soft nonabrasive surface.

18 Quick Reference Guide
1security cable slot
2cover release latch
3padlock ring
2
1
3

Quick Reference Guide 19
Desktop Computer
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 computer cover.
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 16.
2 If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.
3 Slide the cover release latch back as you lift the cover.
4 Pivot the cover up using the hinge tabs as leverage points.
5 Remove the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside on a soft nonabrasive surface.
1 security cable slot
2 cover release latch
3 padlock ring
2
1
3

20 Quick Reference Guide
Inside Your Computer
Mini Tower Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the
computer cover.
NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do not accidentally disconnect cables
from the system board.
1CD/DVD drive 5system board
2floppy drive 6heat sink assembly
3power supply 7hard drive
4chassis manual voltage-selection switch
1
3
5
4
7
2
6