Dell OptiPlex 5X523 User manual

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Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX Systems
Setup and Quick
Reference Guide
Asennus- ja pikaopas
Installasjons- og hurtigreferanseveiledning
Руководство по установке и краткий справочник
Inštalačná a referenčná príručka
Kratki referenčni in namestitveni priročnik
Handbok för inställningar och snabbreferens
Model DCT

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Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX Systems
Setup and Quick
Reference Guide
Model DCT

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.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the “Glossary” in the
User’s Guide.
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.
© 2002–2003 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer
Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, OptiPlex, and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Computer
Corporation;Microsoft,MS-DOS,WindowsNT,andWindowsareregisteredtrademarksofMicrosoft
Corporation.
Othertrademarksandtradenamesmaybeusedinthisdocumenttorefertoeithertheentitiesclaiming
themarksandnamesortheirproducts.DellComputerCorporationdisclaimsanyproprietaryinterest
in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
July 2003 P/N 5X523 Rev. A03

Contents 3
Contents
About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
CAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
When Using Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
When Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Getting Started/Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Determine the Computer’s Placement and Orientation . . . . . . 12
Installing a Device in the Module Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Attaching the Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Connecting the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Connecting External Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Attaching the Cable Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Attaching the Stand to the Mounting Plate . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Finding Information and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Troubleshooting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using the Dell Drivers and Utilities CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Running the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Running the Dell IDE Hard-Drive Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . 25
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4Contents

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 5
About This Guide
This document contains getting started/setup; solving problems; and safety, regulatory, and
warranty information about your Dell™OptiPlex™ computer.
To obtain the latest versions of the documents on your hard drive, go to the Dell Support
website at support.dell.com.
Features
Regulatory Model Number
and Chassis Type
DCT = Ultra small form-
factor (USF) computer
power button
T
wo
USB
s
l
ots,
h
ea
d
p
h
one
and microphone connectors
module baymodule release
button
computer cover/hard-drive
cover release button
mounting s
l
ot
(
insert
stand for hanging
horizontal position)
mounting s
l
ot
(
insert
stand for hanging
vertical position)
diagnostic LEDs
mounting s
l
ot
(insert stand for
vertical position)

6Setup and Quick Reference Guide
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cable cover hard-drive cover (open
cover to access module
device locking switch)
module bay computer cover
computer
stand
chassis-stand
mounting plate
power adapter

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 7
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect your
computer and working environment from potential damage.
General
• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service technician. Always
follow installation instructions closely.
• To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and device power cables into properly grounded
electrical outlets. These cables are equipped with 3-prong plugs to help ensure proper grounding. Do
not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from a cable. If you must use an extension
cable, use a 3-wire cable with properly grounded plugs.
• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not use your computer during an electrical
storm.
• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or disconnect any cables or
perform maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical storm.
• If your computer includes a modem, the cable used with the modem should be manufactured with a
minimum wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG) and an FCC-compliant RJ-11 modular plug.
• Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Clean your
computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may
contain flammable substances.
• To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer
before disconnecting a device from the computer.

8Setup and Quick Reference Guide
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• To avoid shorting out your computer when disconnecting a network cable, first unplug the cable
from the network adapter on the back of your computer, and then from the network jack. When
reconnecting a network cable to your computer, first plug the cable into the network jack, and then
into the network adapter.
• To help protect your computer from sudden, transient increases and decreases in electrical power,
use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
• Ensure that nothing rests on your computer’s cables and that the cables are not located where they
can be stepped on or tripped over.
• Do not push any objects into the openings of your computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric
shock by shorting out interior components.
• Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling vents. Avoid
placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not place your computer in a closed-in wall unit
or on a bed, sofa, or rug.
• Do not spill food or liquids on your computer.
• Do not use your computer during an electrical storm unless the AC adapter cable has been
disconnected from the electrical outlet.
• When you use the AC adapter to run the computer, place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such
as a desk top or on the floor.
• The AC adapter may become hot during normal operation of your computer. Use care when
handling the adapter during or immediately after operation.
CAUTION: Safety Instructions (continued)

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 9
When Using Your Computer
As you use your computer, observe the following safe-handling guidelines.
CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers,
bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on) removed.
• Your computer is equipped with one of the following:
– A fixed-voltage power supply — Computers with a fixed-voltage power supply do not have a
voltage selection switch on the back panel and operate at only one voltage (see the regulatory
label on the outside of the computer for its operating voltage).
– An auto-sensing voltage circuit — Computers with an auto-sensing voltage circuit do not have
a voltage selection switch on the back panel and automatically detect the correct operating
voltage.
– A manual voltage selection switch — Computers with a voltage selection switch on the back
panel must be manually set to operate at the correct operating voltage.
Set the switch to the position that most closely matches the voltage used in your location.
NOTICE: To help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage selection switch, set the switch for the
voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location. For Japan, the voltage selection
switch must be set to the 115-V position even though the AC power available in Japan is 100 V. Also, ensure
that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your
location.
• Before working inside the computer, unplug the computer to help prevent electric shock or system
board damage. Certain system board components continue to receive power any time the computer
is connected to AC power.

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When Working Inside Your Computer
Before you open the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to service the computer yourself, except as explained in your
online Dell™ documentation or in instructions otherwise provided to you by Dell. Always
follow installation and service instructions closely.
NOTICE: To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer
before removing a component from the system board or disconnecting a device from the computer.
1Perform an orderly computer shutdown using the operating system menu.
2Turn off your computer and any devices connected to the computer.
3Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as the metal at
the back of the computer, before touching anything inside your computer.
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to
dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.
4Disconnect your computer and devices, including the monitor, from their electrical outlets.
Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.
In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:
• When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable
itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable,
press in on the locking tabs before disconnecting the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them
evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that
both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
• 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
microprocessor chip by its edges, not by its pins.
CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace
the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Do not
dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your local waste disposal agency
for the address of the nearest battery deposit site.
When Using Your Computer (continued)

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 11
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Static electricity can harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent static damage,
discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic
components, such as the microprocessor. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface
on the computer chassis.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to remove
any static charge your body may have accumulated.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):
• Do not remove components from their antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the
component in your computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, discharge static
electricity from your body.
• When transporting an electrostatic sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or
packaging.
• Handle all electrostatic sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic floor
pads and workbench pads.
Battery Disposal
Your computer uses a lithium coin-cell battery. The lithium coin-cell battery is a long-life battery, and
it is very possible that you will never need to replace it. However, should you need to replace it, see your
User’s Guide.
Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your local waste disposal agency for
the address of the nearest battery deposit site.
When Using Your Computer (continued)

12 Setup and Quick Reference Guide
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Getting Started/Setup
CAUTION: Before performing any of the procedures listed below, read and follow
the safety instructions on page 7.
NOTICE: Do not turn on your computer until all setup steps are completed.
Determine the Computer’s Placement and Orientation
NOTE: If you want to orient your computer vertically or horizontally under a desktop or
tabletop, see "Attaching the Stand" on page 14 and "Attaching the Stand to the Mounting Plate"
on page 19.
NOTICE: Do not place your monitor on the computer. Use a monitor stand.
NOTICE: In a high-vibration environment, when installing the computer under a desktop or
tabletop, use the optional wall-mount bracket instead of the chassis stand. To order this bracket,
contact Dell.
NOTICE: To ensure proper ventilation, do not place your computer vertically on a desktop
without using the computer stand (see "Attaching the Stand").
NOTICE: To ensure proper ventilation, do not block the cooling vents.
1

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 13
Installing a Device in the Module Bay
NOTE: To locate the module device locking switch, remove the hard-drive cover.
Your Dell computer ships with either a floppy drive or an airbay installed in the module bay.
To install a CD, DVD, or second hard drive in the module bay, first remove the airbay and
then install the device.
2
module device
locking switch

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Attaching the Stand
NOTE: If you are installing the computer under a desktop or tabletop, first attach all cables,
and then attach the stand to the mounting plate (see "Attaching the Stand to the Mounting Plate"
on page 19).
1Raise the captive screw and slide the chassis stand slat into one of three mounting slots
on the back of the computer.
2When the stand is in place, tighten the screw.
NOTICE: If your computer is oriented under a desktop or tabletop and is in a high-vibration
environment, use the optional wall-mount bracket instead of the computer stand.
3

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 15
Connecting the AC Adapter
NOTE: The power adapter LED will light when the adapter is properly plugged into a wall
outlet and into the computer.
1Connect the power adapter to the connector on the back of the computer.
2Connect the power cable to the power adapter.
NOTICE: The following steps apply to Japan only.
CAUTION: If you decide to connect the green ground wire to an electrical outlet,
do not permit contact between the green ground wire and power leads because
electrical shock, fire, or damage to your computer can occur (see the following
figure).
If you decide not to connect the green ground wire to an electrical outlet, go to step 4.
3Connect the metal ground connector to the grounding source on the outlet (see the
following figure):
aLoosen the grounding source.
bSlide the metal ground connector behind the grounding source, and then tighten
the grounding source.
4Connect the AC power cable to the outlet.
4
grounding source
metal ground connector

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Connecting External Devices
NOTE: Connect only one keyboard and one mouse.
CAUTION: To help prevent electric shock, use only the power adapter and power
cable provided, and ensure that they are plugged into a properly grounded power
source.
5
SX270SX260

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 17
Connecting a VGA Monitor
If you have a VGA monitor and a DVI connector on the back of your computer, plug the
VGA-DVI adapter into the DVI connector and connect the monitor cable to the adapter
as shown.
Attaching the Cable Cover
NOTICE: If you are installing the computer under a desktop or tabletop, do not attach the
cable cover until the computer is firmly attached to the mounting plate (see Step 7, "Attaching
the Stand to the Mounting Plate" on page 19).
NOTICE: If you use the stand on your computer, attach the stand before attaching the cable
cover.
NOTICE: When attaching the cable cover, do not place the computer face-down so that the
surface comes in contact with a hard surface. Doing so may press the power button and may
scratch the face of the computer.
1Attach all of the cables to the back of the computer.
2Hold the bottom piece of the cable cover and align the four tabs with the four slots on
the computer’s back panel.
3Insert the tabs into the slots and slide the piece toward the diagnostic lights (see the
illustration) until it is securely positioned.
6

18 Setup and Quick Reference Guide
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4Grasp the top piece of the cable cover and align the two tabs with the two slots in the
computer’s back panel.
5Insert the tabs into the slots and slide the piece toward the diagnostic lights (see the
illustration).
6Install a security device in the security cable slot (optional).
security cable
slot
Do not place the
computer face-
down on the bezel