Dell OptiPlex 745 User manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Dell™ OptiPlex™ 745
Quick Reference Guide
Models DCTR, DCNE, DCSM, and DCCY

Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates 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.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 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, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp,
and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium,and Celeron 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.
Models DCTR, DCNE, DCSM, and DCCY
August 2006 P/N FH898 Rev. A00

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Desktop Computer — Back View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Desktop Computer — Back-Panel Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Small Form Factor Computer — Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Small Form Factor Computer — Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Small Form Factor Computer — Back-Panel Connectors . . . . . . . . . 19
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer — Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer — Side View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer — Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer — Back-Panel Connectors . . . . . . 23
Removing the Computer Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Mini Tower Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Desktop Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Small Form Factor Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Mini Tower Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Desktop Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Small Form Factor Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Ultra-Small Form Factor Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Set Up Your Keyboard and Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Set Up Your Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Power Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Dell Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
System Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

4Contents
Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Using the Drivers and Utilities CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Drivers for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Quick Reference Guide 5
Finding Information
NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or
media may not be available 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 (ResourceCD)
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be 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 58), run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell
Diagnostics" on page 46), 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.
• How to remove and replace parts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
Dell™ OptiPlex™ User’s Guide
Microsoft Windows XP Help and Support Center
1 Click Start → Help and Support → Dell User and
System Guides
→ System Guides .
2 Click the User’s Guide for your computer.
The User’s Guide is also available on the optional
Drivers and Utilities CD.

6Quick Reference Guide
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD
NOTE: The Operating System CD may be 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 "Reinstalling
Microsoft Windows XP" on page 55).
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. For more
information, see
"Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD)" on page 5.
Your operating system product key label is located
on your computer (see "Service Tag and Microsoft®
Windows® Product Key" on page 7).
NOTE: The color of your Operating System CD varies
according to the operating system you ordered.
• How to use Windows XP
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Windows Help and Support Center
1 Click Start → 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.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

Quick Reference Guide 7
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows Product Key Label
Service Tag and Microsoft
®
Windows
®
Product Key
These labels are located on your computer.
• Use the Service
Tag to identify
your computer
when you use
support.dell.co
m
or contact
support.
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call
when contacting 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 the memory, hard drive, and operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and
order status, and warranty and repair information
• Service and support — Service call status, support
history, service contract, and online discussions with
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 on your computer, you should also
reinstall the DSS utility. DSS automatically detects your
computer and operating system and installs the updates
appropriate for your configuration, providing critical
updates for your operating system and support for Dell™
3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel
®
processors, optical
drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct
operation of your Dell computer.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region or business segment to
view the appropriate support site.
To download Desktop System Software:
1 Go to support.dell.com , select your region or
business segment, then enter your Service Tag.
2 Select Drivers & Downloads , then click Go .
3 Click your operating system, and then search for
the keyword
Desktop System Software .
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary
depending on your selections.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

8Quick Reference Guide
System Views
Mini Tower Computer — Front View
3
11
10
6
7
2
8
5
4
1
9

Quick Reference Guide 9
15.25-inch drive bay Can contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.
25.25-inch drive bay Can contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.
33.5-inch drive bay Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional media card reader.
4USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors 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 on booting to a USB device).
It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically
remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
5LAN indicator light This light indicates that a LAN (local area network) connection is established.
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 50.
7power 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. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. See "Before You Begin" on
page 25 for more information.
NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power
button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.
8power light The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different operating
modes:
• 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
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.
See "System Lights" on page 49 for a description of light codes that can help you
troubleshoot problems with your computer.
9hard-drive activity light This light flickers when the hard drive is being accessed.
10 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.
11 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a microphone.

10 Quick Reference Guide
Mini Tower Computer — Back View
4
3
5
6
2
1
1cover-release latch This latch allows you to open the computer cover.
2padlock ring Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.

Quick Reference Guide 11
Mini Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors
3voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.
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.
NOTICE: 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.
4power connector Insert the power cable.
5back-panel connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connectors (see "Mini
Tower Computer — Back-Panel Connectors" on page 11).
6card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
13
98 7
5
6
24
1parallel 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.
2link 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.

12 Quick Reference Guide
3network 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 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.
4network activity light Flashes a yellow light 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.
5line-out connector Use the green line-out connector to attach most speakers with integrated
amplifiers.
6line-in/microphone
connector
Use the blue and pink line-in/microphone connector to attach a record/playback
device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.; or a personal computer
microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
7USB 2.0 connectors (6) Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as
printers and keyboards.
8video 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.
9serial 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 your online User’s Guide.

Quick Reference Guide 13
Desktop Computer — Front View
89
3
5
1
4611 10
2
7
1USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors 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 back USB connectors for devices that typically
remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
2LAN indicator light This light indicates that a LAN (local area network) connection is established.
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. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. See "Before You
Begin" on page 25 for more information.
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,
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.

14 Quick Reference Guide
Desktop Computer — Back View
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 — See
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.
See "System Lights" on page 49 for a description of light codes that can help you
troubleshoot problems with your computer.
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 50.
7hard-drive activity light This light flickers when the hard drive is being accessed.
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 3.5-inch drive bay Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader.
11 5.25-inch drive bay Can contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.
5
12 3 4 6

Quick Reference Guide 15
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 connectors (see "Desktop
Computer — Back-Panel Connectors" on page 15).
3power connector Insert the power cable.
4voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage selection switch.
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.
NOTICE: 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.
5padlock ring Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
6cover-release latch Allows you to open the computer cover.
13
98 7
5
6
24

16 Quick Reference Guide
1parallel 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.
2link 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.
3network 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 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.
4network activity light Flashes a yellow light 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.
5line-out connector Use the green line-out connector to attach most speakers with integrated
amplifiers.
6line-in/microphone
connector
Use the blue and pink line-in/microphone connector to attach a record/playback
device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.; or a personal computer
microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
7USB 2.0 connectors (6) Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as
printers and keyboards.
8video 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.
9serial 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 your online User’s Guide.

Quick Reference Guide 17
Small Form Factor Computer — Front View
89
3
5
1
4
6
11 10
2
7
1USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors 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 back USB connectors for devices that typically
remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
2power button Press to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the
power button. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. See "Before You
Begin" on page 25 for more information.
NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the
power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.
3Dell badge Can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer. To rotate, 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 Indicates that a LAN (local area network) connection is established.
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 50.
6hard drive activity light This light flickers when the hard drive is being accessed.

18 Quick Reference Guide
Small Form Factor Computer — Back View
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
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.
See "System Lights" on page 49 for a description of light codes 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 3.5-inch drive bay Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional media card reader.
11 5.25-inch drive bay Can contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.
51 2 3 4
6

Quick Reference Guide 19
Small Form Factor 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 connectors (see "Small
Form Factor Computer — Back-Panel Connectors" on page 19).
3power connector Insert the power cable.
4voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.
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.
NOTICE: 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.
5padlock ring Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
6cover release latch Allows you to open the computer cover.
13
98 7
5
6
24

20 Quick Reference Guide
1parallel 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.
2link 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.
3network 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 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.
4network activity light Flashes a yellow light 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.
5line-out connector Use the green line-out connector (available on computers with integrated sound)
to attach most speakers with integrated amplifiers.
6line-in/microphone
connector
Use the blue and pink line-in/microphone connector (available on computers with
integrated sound) to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD
player, or VCR; or a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into
a sound or telephony program.
7USB 2.0 connectors (6) Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as
printers and keyboards.