Dell OptiPlex X2956 User manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280
Quick Reference Guide
Model DCTR

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.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2004 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, OptiPlex, and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.
Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model DCTR
April 2004 P/N X2956 Rev. A00

Contents 3
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Side View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Cable Cover and Power Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Determining Placement and Orientation of the Computer . . . . . . . . 10
Installing a Device in the Module Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Connecting External Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Installing a Hard Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Attaching the Optional Cable Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Removing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Inside View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Replacing the Computer Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Dell Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Power Supply Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
System Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Beep Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Running the Dell™ IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . . 27
Using Microsoft®Windows®XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Reinstalling Microsoft®Windows®XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Using the Drivers and Utilities CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

4Contents

Quick Reference Guide 5
Finding Information
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)
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers, run the
Dell Diagnostics, 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: The latest drivers
and documentation
updates can be found at support.dell.com.
• OS updates and patches Desktop System Software (DSS)
Located on the Drivers and Utilities CD and at
support.dell.com.
• Warranty information
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Dell™ Product Information Guide
NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at
support.dell.com.
• How to remove and replace parts
• Technical 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 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 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. The Express Service Code is not
available in all countries.
• Latest drivers for my computer
• Answers to technical service and support questions
• Online discussions with other users and technical
support
• Documentation for my computer
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:
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles
from technicians, and online courses
• 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, order status,
warranty, and repair information
• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates
• Reference — Computer documentation, product
specifications, and white papers
• 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 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 your OptiPlex User’s Guide
for instructions.
After you reinstall your
operating system, use the
Drivers and Utilities CD
to reinstall drivers for the
devices that came with
your computer.
Your operating system
product key is located on
your Windows License
label attached to your
computer.
NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating
system you ordered.
• Regulatory Model Number DCTR
• Chassis Type Ultra-Small Form-Factor (USFF) chassis
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

8Quick Reference Guide
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About Your Computer
NOTE: If you want to orient your computer under a desk top or on a wall surface, use the optional wall-
mount bracket. To order the bracket, contact Dell. For information on contacting Dell, see your online
User’s Guide.
NOTE: To ensure proper ventilation, do not block the cooling vents.
Front View
Side View
USB connectors (2)
microphone connector power light
power button
module bay
hard-drive access light
headphone connector vents (do not block)
vents (do not block)
mounting holes (2)

Quick Reference Guide 9
Back View
Cable Cover and Power Adapter
cover release knob
parallel
connector
diagnostic lights
USB connectors (5)
line-out connector
line-in connector
video connector
serial connector
power connector
network activity
light
network adapter
link integrity light
vents (do not block)

10 Quick Reference Guide
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Setting Up Your Computer
NOTICE: When setting up your computer, secure all cables toward the back of your work area
to prevent the cables from being pulled, tangled, or stepped on.
NOTICE: To prevent the computer from overheating and shutting down, do not place the computer
in a poorly ventilated area.
NOTE: If you have ordered a computer without a hard drive, you can install a drive by using the drive
rails that are included inside your computer (see "Installing a Hard Drive" on page 15).
Determining Placement and Orientation of the Computer
NOTICE: Do not place your monitor on top of the computer. Use a monitor stand.
NOTICE: Do not position your computer upside down.

Quick Reference Guide 11
NOTICE: In a high-vibration environment or when installing the computer under a surface or on a wall,
use the optional wall-mount bracket. To order the bracket, contact Dell. For information on contacting
Dell, see your online User’s Guide.
NOTE: To ensure proper ventilation, place the computer at least 5 cm (2 inches) from a vertical surface.
Do not place the computer in an enclosed environment without ventilation.
Installing a Device in the Module Bay
You can install a Dell™ portable device such as a floppy drive, CD/DVD drive, or second hard drive
in the module bay. Your Dell computer ships with either a CD/DVD drive or an airbay (filler blank)
installed in the module bay.
As a security feature, your computer is equipped with a module locking switch to secure a device in
the module bay. To access the switch, remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer
Cover" on page 16).
For added security, you may also secure a device in the module bay by using the device screw that
ships with your computer (packaged separately).
module locking switch

12 Quick Reference Guide
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Connecting External Devices
CAUTION: Before performing any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in
the Product Information Guide.
You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer. See the appropriate figures that
follow the instructions.
1 Use the USB connectors on the back of your computer to connect the keyboard and mouse.
2 Connect the modem or network cable.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network wall jack, and then in
to the computer.
Insert the network cable, not the phone line, into the network connector. If you have
an optional modem, connect the phone line to the modem.
NOTICE: Do not connect a modem cable to the network adapter. Voltage from telephone
communications can cause damage to the network adapter.
3
Connect the monitor.
Align and gently insert the monitor cable to avoid bending connector pins. Tighten
the thumbscrews on the cable connectors.
NOTE: Some monitors have the video connector underneath the back of the screen.
See the documentation that came with your monitor for its connector locations.
4
Connect the speakers.
1
device screw

Quick Reference Guide 13
5 Connect power cables to the computer, monitor, and devices and insert the other ends of
the power cables to electrical outlets.
6 Press the power buttons to turn on the computer and monitor.
NOTE: Before you install any devices or software that did not ship with your computer, read the
documentation that came with the software or device, or contact the vendor to verify that the software
or device is compatible with your computer and operating system.
NOTE: Your computer may vary slightly from the following setup figures.
network connector
USB connector

14 Quick Reference Guide
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Connecting a DVI Monitor
If you have a DVI-compatible monitor, plug the cable from your monitor in to the white DVI
display-connector on the computer back panel.
Connecting a VGA Monitor
If you have a VGA-compatible monitor, use the adapter cable to connect the cable from your
monitor to the white DVI display-connector on the computer back panel.

Quick Reference Guide 15
Connecting Two Monitors
Use the adapter cable to connect both a VGA monitor and a DVI monitor to the white DVI display-
connector on the computer back panel.
Installing a Hard Drive
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
1
If you are installing a new drive, attach the drive rails—located inside the cover—to the new
drive.
2 Attach the data and power cables to the hard drive connectors, being careful not to bend any
of the pins.
3 Slide the hard drive into the bracket.
Connecting the AC Adapter
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
1
Connect the power adapter to the connector on the back of the computer. In order for the
connection to be secure, verify that the latch engages completely. (An audible click will be
heard or felt.)
2 Connect a power cable to the
power adapter.
3 If your computer power-cable
connector has a grounding wire,
and you decide to connect it,
continue with step 4. If you decide
otherwise, go to step 5.

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CAUTION: If your power cord or adapter provides a green ground wire for connection 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).
4
Connect the metal ground connector to the grounding source on
the outlet (see the following figure):
a Loosen the grounding source.
b Slide the metal ground connector behind the grounding source,
and then tighten the grounding source.
5 Connect the AC power cable to the outlet.
Attaching the Optional Cable Cover
1 Ensure that all external device cables are
threaded through the hole in the cable
cover and connected to the computer back
panel.
2 Hold the bottom of the cable cover and align the four tabs with the four slots on the
computer back panel.
3 Insert the tabs into the slots and slide the
cable cover toward the diagnostic lights (see
the figure) until the cable cover is securely
positioned.
4 Install a security device in the security cable
slot (optional).
Inside Your Computer
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 avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the power adapter before
removing the cover.
grounding
source
metal ground connector
cable cover
(optional)
security
cable slot

Quick Reference Guide 17
CAUTION: To prevent static damage to
components inside your computer,
discharge static electricity from your body
before you touch any of your computer’s
electronic components. You can do so by
touching an unpainted metal surface on
the computer chassis.
1
Remove the computer cover.
a Rotate the cover release knob in a
clockwise direction, as shown in
the figure.
b Slide the computer cover forward
1 cm (0.5 inch), or until it stops,
and then raise the cover.
Inside View
cover release knob
speaker (optional)
memory modules (2)
hard drive
security cable slot
chassis intrusion switch
processor heat-sink fan shroud

18 Quick Reference Guide
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Replacing the Computer Cover
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
in the Product Information Guide.
1
Replace the cover:
a Lower and align the cover with the metal
computer frame.
b Slide the cover until you hear or feel it
click into place.
2 Connect your computer to its power adapter
and connect devices to electrical outlets, and
turn them on.
If the chassis intrusion detector is set to
On ,
the following message appears on the screen
after the next computer start-up:
ALERT! Cover was previously removed.
3 Clear the chassis intrusion status by entering system setup and selecting Clear under the
Intrusion Status option. For information on the chassis intrusion detector, see your online
User’s Guide .
NOTE: If an admin password has been assigned by someone else, contact your network administrator
for information on resetting the chassis intrusion detector.
Solving Problems
Dell provides a number of tools to help you if your computer does not perform as expected. For the
latest troubleshooting information available for your computer, see the Dell Support website at
support.dell.com .
If computer problems occur that require help from Dell, write a detailed description of the error,
beep codes, or diagnostics light patterns; record your Express Service Code and Service Tag below;
and then contact Dell from the same location as your computer.
See "Finding Information" on page 5 for an example of the express service code and Service Tag.
Express Service Code:___________________________
Service Tag:___________________________

Quick Reference Guide 19
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Setting Up Your
Computer" on page 10 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical
assistance.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
Enter system setup, review your computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device
you want to test is displayed in system setup and is active. For information on system setup, see
your online
User’s Guide .
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive (see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From
Your Hard Drive" on page 19) or from the
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD
—see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD" on page 19).
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
1 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2 When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found,
see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD" on page 19.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see
the Microsoft
®
Windows
®
desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again. For
information on shutting down your computer, see your online
User’s Guide .
3 When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.
4 When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run
(see page 20).
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD
1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.
2 Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see
the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer
boots according to the devices specified in system setup.

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3 When the boot device list appears, highlight Onboard or USB CD-ROM and press
<Enter>.
4 Select Onboard or USB CD-ROM Device from the CD boot menu.
5 Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears.
6 Ty p e 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.
7 Ty p e 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.
8 Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed,
select the version appropriate for your computer.
9 When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run (see
page 20).
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1 After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for
the option you want.
2 If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a
description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow
the instructions on the screen.
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell.
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,
technical support will ask for your Service Tag.
3
If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab
described in the following table for more information.
Option Function
Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and
requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the
possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes 1 hour or more
and requires you to answer questions periodically.
Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.
Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test
based on the symptom of the problem you are having.
Tab Function
Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem
description.