Dell Dimension 5100 Owner's Manual

Dell Dimension 5100 Manual

Get Dell Dimension 5100 PDF manuals and user guides View all Dell Dimension 5100 manuals
Add to My Manuals
Save this manual to your list of manuals

Dell Dimension 5100 manual content summary:

  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 1
    Dell™ Dimension™ 5100 Service Tag CD or DVD eject button CD or DVD activity light FlexBay for optional floppy drive or Media Card Reader microphone connector headphone connector diagnostic lights hard-drive activity light power button/ power activity light USB 2.0 connectors (2) cover latch
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 2
    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
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 3
    Up and Using Your Computer Setting Up a Using Blank CDs and DVDs 17 Helpful Tips 17 Using a Media Card Reader (Optional 18 Connecting Two Monitors 19 Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors 22 Power Management 22 Standby Mode 23 Hibernate Mode 23 Power Options Properties 23 Hyper-Threading
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 4
    Solving Problems Troubleshooting Tips 27 Battery Problems 27 Drive Problems 27 CD and DVD drive problems 28 Hard drive problems 29 E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems 29 Error Messages 30 Media Card Reader Problems 31 Keyboard Problems 32 Lockups and Software Problems 32 The computer does
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 5
    3 Troubleshooting Tools Diagnostic Lights 43 Dell Diagnostics 46 Dell Diagnostics Main Menu 46 Drivers 47 What Is a Driver 47 Identifying Drivers 48 Reinstalling Drivers 48 Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities 49 Restoring Your Operating System 49 Using Microsoft® Windows® XP
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 6
    a Floppy Drive 85 Installing a Floppy Drive 87 Media Card Reader 89 Removing a Media Card Reader 89 Installing a Media Card Reader 91 CD/DVD Drive 93 Removing a CD/DVD Drive 93 Installing a CD/DVD Drive 95 Battery 97 Replacing the Battery 97 Replacing the Computer Cover 98 6 Contents
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 7
    Boot Sequence 109 Clearing Forgotten Passwords 111 Clearing CMOS Settings 112 Cleaning Your Computer 113 Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor 113 Mouse 113 Floppy Drive 113 CDs and DVDs 114 Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only 114 Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals 114
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 8
    8 Contents
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 9
    documentation may be included with your computer, depending on your country. What Are You Looking For? • Warranty information • Safety instructions • Regulatory information • Ergonomics information • End User License Agreement Find It Here Dell™ Product Information Guide • How to set up my
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 10
    Contact information, order status, warranty, and repair information • Downloads - Drivers, patches, and software updates • Reference - Computer documentation, product specifications, and white papers 1 Go to support.dell.com and click Downloads. 2 Enter your Service Tag or product model. 3 In the
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 11
    . See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to: • Obtain and install updated drivers • Connect the printer to the computer • Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge • Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance Printer Cable Your
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 12
    Connecting a Printer NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on. 1 Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so. 2 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer. 3 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 13
    ® Windows® desktop. 3 Follow the instructions on the screen to service providers (ISPs). • If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD, click Set up my connection manually problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 14
    tray closed when you are not using the drive. NOTICE: Do not move the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs. 1 Press the eject button on the front music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came with your computer. NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs. A CD
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 15
    . For more information on volume control options, click Help in the Volume Control window. Adjusting the Picture If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth are using too much memory and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display properties: 1 Click the Start button
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 16
    window. How to Copy a CD or DVD NOTE: CD-RW/DVD combo drives cannot write to DVD media. If you have a CD-RW/DVD combo drive and you experience recording problems, check for available software patches on the Sonic support website at www.sonic.com. The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell™ computers
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 17
    DVD+/-RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on that disc later. Table 1: CD-Writable Yes Yes No No Helpful Tips • Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD audio DVDs with Sonic DigitalMedia. • Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 18
    at www.sonic.com for additional information. Using a Media Card Reader (Optional) Use the Media Card Reader to transfer data directly to your computer. The Media Card Reader supports the following memory types: • xD-Picture Card • SmartMedia (SMC) • CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II) • MicroDrive
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 19
    Type I and II (CF I/II) and MicroDrive Card Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro) SecureDigital Card (SD)/ MultiMediaCard (MMC) To use the Media Card Reader: 1 Check the media or card to determine the proper orientation for insertion. 2 Slide the media or card into the appropriate slot until it is completely
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 20
    procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53. NOTE: If your computer has integrated video, do not connect either monitor to the integrated video one of the monitors to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the computer. 3 Connect the other monitor to the optional DVI adapter and connect the DVI adapter
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 21
    button, click Help and Support, click User and system guides, click Device guides, and then click the guide for your graphics card). Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to a Network Adapter NOTICE: Plug the network cable into the network adapter connector on the computer. Do not plug the
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 22
    provided with Windows XP Service Pack. 4 Complete the checklist and required preparations. 5 Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen. Power Management The Microsoft® Windows® XP power management features can reduce the amount of electricity your computer uses
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 23
    space to store the contents of the computer memory, Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file before shipping the computer to you. If the computer's hard drive becomes corrupted, Windows XP recreates the hibernate file automatically. Power Options Properties Define your standby mode
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 24
    To avoid this problem, always set the monitor to time-out before the hard drive. Advanced Tab The Advanced tab allows you to: • Place the power options icon in the Windows taskbar for quick access. • Set the computer to prompt you for your Windows password before the computer exits from standby
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 25
    is an Intel® technology that can enhance overall computer performance by allowing one physical processor to function as two logical processors, capable of performing certain tasks simultaneously. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later operating system
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 26
    26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 27
    in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. R E P L A C E T H E B A T T E R Y - If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see page 97
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 28
    writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the CD/DVD-RW. TU R N O F F S T A N D B Y M O D E I N W I N D O W S B E F O R E W R I T I N G T O A C D / D V D - R W D I S C - Search for the keyword standby in Windows Help. 28 Solving Problems
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 29
    tab. 5 Under Error-checking, click Check Now. 6 Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors. 7 Click Start. E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: Connect the
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 30
    Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows service provider. Error Change or Remove Program icon. 4 See the program documentation for installation instructions. d r i v e l e t t e r from the drive and restart your computer. 30 Solving Problems
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 31
    to restart your computer to restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first. O P E R A T I N G S YS T E M N O T F O U N D - Contact Dell (see page 116). Media Card Reader Problems NO DRIVE LETTER IS ASSIGNED - When Microsoft Windows XP detects the Media Card Reader, the
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 32
    page 49. Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. The computer does not start up C H E C K T H E D I A G N O S T I C L I G H T S - See page 43. ENSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 33
    Next. 3 Follow the instructions on the screen. A solid blue screen appears TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F - If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 34
    with the memory. • Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see page 64). • Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For more information about the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 99. • Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 46). 34 Solving Problems
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 35
    in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. C H E C K T H E N E T W O R K C A B L E C O N N E C T O R - Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack. Solving Problems 35
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 36
    R - See page 49. Power Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S G R E E N A N D T H E C O M P U T E R I S N O T R E S P O N D I N G - See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 43
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 37
    cables • Too many devices on a power strip • Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet Printer Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: If you need technical assistance
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 38
    section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, contact the scanner's manufacturer. C H E C K T H E S C A N N E R D O C U M E N T A T I O N - See the scanner documentation for setup and troubleshooting information
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 39
    procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. No sound from speakers NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume down or off
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 40
    that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Video and Monitor Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures. If the screen
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 41
    the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the lights, halogen lamps, and other electrical devices can cause the screen image to appear "shaky." Turn off nearby devices to check for interference. ROTATE THE MONITOR TO ELIMINATE SUNLIGHT GLARE AND POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE ADJUST THE WINDOWS
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 42
    42 Solving Problems
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 43
    possible pre-BIOS and press the power button. Also see "Power failure has occurred. Problems" on page 36. The diagnostic lights are not lit after the computer successfully boots to the operating system. A possible processor failure has occurred. Contact Dell (see page 116). Memory modules are
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 44
    module or reinstalled all modules without error. • If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see page 64). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 116). • Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see page
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 45
    and then restart the computer. 3 Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 49). 4 If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 116
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 46
    Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen. If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see page 116). 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
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 47
    conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description. Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test. Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device. The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 48
    drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly. Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 49
    list. 4 In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and click Next. Restoring Your Operating System You can restore your operating system in the following ways: • Microsoft Windows XP System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 50
    set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view. Creating a Restore Point 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Click System Restore. 3 Follow the instructions on the screen. Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State If problems occur after you install a device driver
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 51
    Enabling System Restore If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC Restore. To use PC Restore: 1 Turn on the computer and watch the keyboard status lights. 2 Immediately upon seeing the lights
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 52
    , such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the computer was turned on. 7 Click Next. The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts. 8 After the computer restarts, click OK. Removing Dell PC Restore NOTICE: Removing Dell PC Restore from the
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 53
    Turning Off Your Computer" (see page 53) and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" (see page 54). • You have read the safety information in your Dell™ Product Information Guide. • A component can be replaced • Flash BIOS update program floppy disk or CD Turning Off Your Computer NOTICE: To
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 54
    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
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 55
    Service Tag to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or call technical support. Press to eject a disk from the CD or DVD drive. The drive light is on when the computer reads data from the CD or DVD drive. Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 56
    8 diagnostic lights (4) 9 hard-drive activity light 10 power button, power light 11 USB 2.0 connectors (2) 12 vents Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 43. The hard drive activity light
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 57
    selection switch (may not be available on all computers) 2 power connector 3 back panel connectors 4 card slots See the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide for more information. Insert the power cable. Plug USB, audio, and other devices into the appropriate connector. Access
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 58
    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 computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card. Use the yellow connector to attach a speaker to a Low Frequency Effects (LFE) audio
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 59
    instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from support the removed cover-at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space. NOTICE: Ensure that you are working on a level, protected surface to avoid scratching either the computer
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 60
    of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53. power supply system board CD or DVD drive *floppy drive hard drive *May not be present on all computers. 60 Removing and Installing Parts
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 61
    (CPU) password jumper (PSWD) processor fan connector (FAN) floppy drive connector (DSKT2) PCI connectors (2) PCI Express x16 connector (PEG) PCI Express x1 connector (PCI_E1) network connector (NIC) and USB connectors (2) (USB2) USB connectors (3) (USB2) video connector (VGA) Media Card Reader
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 62
    You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For additional information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 99. DDR2 Memory Overview DDR2 memory modules should be installed in pairs
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 63
    in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 or DIMM connectors 3 and 4. Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use four 1-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as Microsoft® Windows® XP, can only use a maximum of 4 GB of address space; however
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 64
    Installing Memory CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 65
    the module. 6 Replace the computer cover. NOTICE: To connect a network memory (RAM) listed. Removing Memory CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 66
    card slot PCI Cards Your computer supports two PCI cards. If you are installing or replacing a card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing a PCI card, see "Removing a PCI Card" on page 70. If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 67
    If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 5. 4 If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the card by its top corners
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 68
    6 Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot. not fully seated card fully seated card bracket within slot alignment guide alignment bar bracket caught outside of slot 68 Removing and Installing Parts
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 69
    the network device and then plug it into the computer. 10 Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. 11 If you installed a sound card: a Enter system setup (see page 103), select Audio Controller, and then change the setting to Off
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 70
    plug it into the computer. 5 Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. 6 Remove the card's driver from the operating system. 7 If you removed a sound card: a Enter system setup (see page 103), select Audio Controller, and then change
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 71
    Cards Your computer supports one PCI Express x16 card and one PCI Express x1 card. If you are installing or replacing a PCI Express card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing a card, see "Removing a PCI Express Card" on page 75. If you are replacing a card
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 72
    -slot opening. Then continue with step 5. 5 If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. If your card includes a retention mechanism, remove the top of the retention mechanism by pressing the tab
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 73
    is fully seated in the slot. not fully seated card fully seated card bracket within slot alignment guide alignment bar bracket caught outside of slot 9 If you replaced a card that was already installed in the computer and you removed the retention mechanism, you may reinstall the retention
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 74
    the network device and then plug it into the computer. 12 Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. 13 If you installed a sound card: a Enter system setup (see page 103), select Audio Controller, and then change the setting to Off
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 75
    plug it into the computer. 7 Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. 8 Remove the card's driver from the operating system. 9 If you removed a sound card: a Enter system setup (see page 103), select Audio Controller, and then change
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 76
    Panel CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover. Removing the Drive Panel 1 Follow the
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 77
    panel drive panel insert tab drive panel insert 1 Turn the drive panel sideways and find the tip of away from the drive panel. 4 Set the drive-panel insert aside in a secure location. Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert drive panel drive panel insert tab center drive panel tab drive panel insert
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 78
    Replacing the Drive Panel. 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53. sliding plate lever sliding plate drive panel 2 Align the drive panel tabs with the side-door hinges. 3 Rotate the drive panel toward the computer until it snaps into place on the front panel. 78 Removing and
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 79
    computer supports a combination of these devices: • Up to two serial ATA hard drives • One FlexBay drive (may contain an optional floppy drive or an optional Media Card Reader) • Up to two CD or DVD drives CD/DVD drive(s) FlexBay for optional floppy drive or Media Card Reader in your upgrade kit for
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 80
    or card. NOTICE: When you connect an IDE interface cable, do not place the colored stripe away from pin 1 of the connector. Reversing the cable prevents the drive from operating and could damage the controller, the drive, or both. Serial ATA Connector interface cable interface connector Power Cable
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 81
    Drive CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 82
    the drive. NOTICE: Use the pull-tab to remove the data cable from your hard drive or from the system board. serial ATA data cable power cable 3 Press in on the blue tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out of the
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 83
    the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer. NOTE: If your replacement hard drive does not have the hard drive bracket attached, remove the bracket feel the drive securely installed. 4 Connect the power and hard-drive cables to the drive. serial ATA data cable
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 84
    6 Replace the computer cover (page 98). NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 7 Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 85
    the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the on page 53. 2 Remove the drive panel (see page 76). power cable data cable 3 Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the floppy drive. NOTE:
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 86
    4 Slide the drive latch release toward the bottom of the computer and, without releasing the drive latch release, slide the floppy drive out through the front of the computer. drive latch release sliding plate floppy drive 86 Removing and Installing Parts
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 87
    feel the drive securely installed. NOTE: If you are installing a new floppy drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the drive panel insert where you want the drive to be installed, insert back into place. 4 Attach the power and data cables to the floppy drive. Removing and Installing Parts 87
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 88
    turn them on. See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation. 11 Enter system setup (see page 103) and select the appropriate Diskette Drive option. 12 Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 89
    Reader, see "Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)" on page 18. Removing a Media Card Reader CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 90
    6 Slide the drive latch release toward the bottom of the computer and, without releasing the drive latch release, slide the Media Card Reader out through the front of the computer. 7 Replace the drive panel (see page 78). 8 Replace the computer cover (see page 98). 90 Removing and Installing Parts
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 91
    Card Reader CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 92
    on the system board (see page 61). FlexBay USB cable Media Card Reader 8 Insert the Media Card Reader and slide it into place until it is fully seated. 9 Route the FlexBay USB cable through the cable routing clip. 10 Replace the computer cover (see page 98). 92 Removing and Installing Parts
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 93
    the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the the computer cover (see page 59). 3 Remove the drive panel (see page 76). 4 Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the drive. power cable
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 94
    5 Slide the drive latch release toward the bottom of the computer and, without releasing the drive latch release, slide the CD/DVD drive out through the front of the computer. drive latch release sliding plate CD/DVD drive 94 Removing and Installing Parts
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 95
    the drive into place until you feel a click or feel the drive securely installed. NOTE: If you are installing a new CD/DVD drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the drive panel inserts and slide the drive into place. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 96
    , and turn them on. See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation. 9 Enter system setup (see page 103) and select the appropriate Drive option. 10 Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 97
    . The battery can last several years. If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, replace the battery. CAUTION: A new battery can explode if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 98
    of the old battery. See the Product Information Guide for battery disposal information. Replacing the Computer Cover CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. 1 Ensure that all cables are connected, and
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 99
    Memory connectors Memory capacities Minimum memory Maximum memory BIOS address Computer Information Chipset DMA channels Interrupt levels BIOS chip (NVRAM) NIC System clock Intel® Pentium® 4 with Hyper-Threading technology NOTE: Not all Pentium 4 processors support Hyper-Threading technology. 32
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 100
    Audio 32 bits one x1 36 pins 1 PCI Express lane one x16 164 pins 16 PCI Express lanes one 3.5-inch drive bay (FlexBay) two 5.25-inch drive bays Serial ATA drives (2), floppy drive, USB memory devices, CD drive, CD-RW drive, DVD drive, DVD-RW drive, DVD and CD-RW combo drive, and Media Card Reader
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 101
    connector one 164-pin connector Controls and Lights Power button push button Power light green light - Blinking green in sleep state; solid green for power-on state. amber light - Blinking amber indicates a problem with the power supply inside the computer. If the system cannot boot and there
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 102
    Power DC power supply: Wattage 305 W Heat dissipation 560.5 BTU/hr Voltage (see the safety instructions 90 to 135 V and 180 to 265 V at 50/60 Hz located in the Product Information Guide for important voltage setting information) Backup battery 3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell Physical
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 103
    : • To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computer • To set or change a user-selectable option such as the user password • To read the current amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed Before you use system setup, it is
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 104
    System Setup Screens The system setup screen displays current or changeable configuration information for your computer. 104 Appendix
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 105
    , or may not appear exactly as listed. System System Info Processor Info Memory Info PCI Info Date/Time Boot Sequence (Diskette drive default) Displays the System name, BIOS Version number, BIOS Date, Service Tag, Express Service Code, and Asset Tag. Displays the following information for the
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 106
    using, Drive ID number, Capacity, and whether the drive is controlled by the BIOS. Enables or disables an ATA or SATA device (such as hard-drive, CD server, the computer attempts to boot from the next device in the boot sequence list. Enables or disables the onboard audio controller. Enables
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 107
    and verified, if the drive supports a password. Determines the interaction between the System password and the Admin password. Locked prevents a user without a valid Admin password from being able to modify the System password. Unlocked allows a user with a valid Admin password to modify the system
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 108
    's suspend mode. The options are S1, a suspend state where the computer is running in a low-power mode, and S3, a standby state where the power is reduced or turned off for most components, however, system memory remains active. Maintenance Load Defaults Event Log Restores System Setup options to
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 109
    or if the CD has no operating system, the computer generates an error message. • USB Flash Device - Insert the memory device into a USB port and restart the computer. When F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press . The BIOS detects the device and adds the USB flash
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 110
    Turn on (or restart) your computer. 3 When F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press . If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop booting to a USB memory key, highlight USB
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 111
    to clear the password. NOTE: When you receive your computer, the jumper plug is attached to pins 1 and 2. 3 Close the computer cover (see page 98). 4 Connect your computer and monitor to electrical outlets, and turn them on. 5 After the Microsoft® Windows® desktop appears on your computer, shut down
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 112
    your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. Clearing CMOS Settings CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53. 2 Reset the
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 113
    of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor CAUTION: Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 114
    warranty and any optional support service contract purchased with the computer. 2 All Dell-standard components included in a Custom Factory Integration (CFI) project are covered by the standard Dell limited warranty for your computer. However, Dell also extends a parts replacement program to cover
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 115
    Support for all third-party software and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer of the product. FCC Notices (U.S. Only) Most Dell computer or back panel of your computer, on card-mounting brackets, and on the cards themselves. If any one the manufacturer's instruction manual, may cause
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 116
    installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction manual, may cause interference with radio communications. However, they are listed. NOTE: In certain countries, technical support specific to Dell Inspiron™ XPS computers is available at a separate telephone number listed for
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 117
    .dell.com.ar International Access Code: 00 E-mail: [email protected] Country Code: 54 City Code: 11 E-mail for desktop and portable computers: [email protected] E-mail for servers and EMC® storage products: [email protected] Customer Care Tech Support Tech Support Services
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 118
    Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 32 City Code: 2 E-mail for French-speaking Customers: support.euro.dell.com/be/fr/emaildell/ Technical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only Technical Support for all other Dell computers Technical Support Fax Customer
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 119
    Code Country Code City Code Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address Brunei Customer Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia) Country Code: 673 Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia) Canada (North York, Ontario) Online Order Status: www.dell
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 120
    Code: 86 City Code: 592 Colombia Costa Rica Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address Technical Support website: support.dell.com.cn Technical Support E-mail: [email protected] Customer Care E-mail: [email protected] Technical Support Fax Technical Support (Dell™ Dimension
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 121
    Switchboard Denmark (Copenhagen) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 00 E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/dk/da/emaildell/ Country Code: 45 Technical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only Technical Support for all other Dell computers Customer Care (Relational) Home/Small
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 122
    Access Code: 00 Country Code: 49 City Code: 6103 Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address Website: support.euro.dell.com E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/fr/fr/emaildell/ Home and Small Business Technical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only Technical Support for all other Dell
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 123
    Switchboard Gold Service Switchboard Sales Fax Grenada General Support Guatemala General Support Guyana General Support Hong Kong Website: support.ap.dell.com International Access Code: 001 Technical Support E-mail: [email protected] Country Code: 852 Technical Support (Dimension and
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 124
    Code: 02 Jamaica Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address Website: support.euro.dell.com E-mail: [email protected] Technical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only Technical Support for all other Dell computers U.K. Technical Support (dial within U.K. only) Home User
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 125
    Country Code City Code Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address Japan (Kawasaki) Website: support.jp.dell.com International Access Code: 001 Technical Support (servers) Country Code: 81 Technical Support outside of Japan (servers) City Code: 44 Technical Support (Dimension
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 126
    .ap.dell.com Technical Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude) Technical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and Electronics and Accessories) Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault) Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) Transaction Sales Corporate Sales Area Codes
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 127
    Service Main Montserrat Netherlands Antilles Netherlands (Amsterdam) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 31 City Code: 20 New Zealand International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 64 General Support General Support Website: support.euro.dell.com Technical Support for Inspiron XPS computers
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 128
    Access Code Country Code City Code Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address Nicaragua General Support Norway (Lysaker) Website: support.euro.dell.com International Access Code: 00 E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/no/no/emaildell/ Country Code: 47 Technical Support Relational
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 129
    Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address Singapore (Singapore) Website: support.ap.dell.com International Access Code: 005 Country Code: 65 Technical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and Electronics and Accessories)
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 130
    (Upplands Vasby) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 46 City Code: 8 Switzerland (Geneva) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 41 City Code: 22 Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address Website: support.euro.dell.com E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/es/es/emaildell
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 131
    Access Code Country Code City Code Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address Taiwan Website: support.ap.dell.com International Access Code: 002 E-mail: [email protected] Country Code: 886 Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, Inspiron, Dimension, and Electronics
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 132
    Code Country Code City Code U.K. (Bracknell) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 44 City Code: 1344 Uruguay Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address Area Codes, Local Numbers, and Toll-Free Numbers Website: support.euro.dell.com Customer Care website: support.euro.dell
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 133
    and desktop computers) Country Code: 1 Consumer (Home and Home Office) Technical Support Customer Service DellNet™ Service and Support Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers Financial Services website: www.dellfinancialservices.com Financial Services (lease/loans) Financial Services (Dell
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 134
    134 Appendix
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 135
    removing, 59 replacing, 98 D Dell contacting, 116 Dell Diagnostics, 46 support policy, 114 support site, 10 diagnostic lights, 43 diagnostics Dell, 46 lights, 43, 56 documentation End User License Agreement, 9 ergonomics, 9 Finding Information, 9 online, 10 Product Information Guide, 9 regulatory
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 136
    Windows, 10 Service Tag, 10, 55 latch release cover, 55 lights back of computer, 43 diagnostic, 43, 56 hard drive activity, 56 M Media Card Reader installing, 89, 91 problems, 31 removing, 89 using, 18 memory 4-GB configurations, 63 DDR2 overview, 62 installation guidelines, 62 installing, 64
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 137
    28 CD-RW drive, 28 computer crashes, 32-33 computer stops responding, 32 Dell Diagnostics, 46 diagnostic lights, 43 drives, 27 DVD drive, 28 e-mail, 29 error messages, 30 problems (continued) general, 32 hard drive, 29 Internet, 29 keyboard, 32 Media Card Reader, 31 memory, 34 modem, 29 monitor is
  • Dell Dimension 5100 | Owner's Manual - Page 138
    , 39 speaker problems, 39 volume, 39 specifications audio, 100 computer information, 99 connectors, 101 controls and lights, 101 drives, 100 environmental, 102 expansion bus, 100 memory, 99 physical, 102 power, 102 processor, 99 technical, 99 video, 100 standby mode, 23 support contacting Dell, 116
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • 41
  • 42
  • 43
  • 44
  • 45
  • 46
  • 47
  • 48
  • 49
  • 50
  • 51
  • 52
  • 53
  • 54
  • 55
  • 56
  • 57
  • 58
  • 59
  • 60
  • 61
  • 62
  • 63
  • 64
  • 65
  • 66
  • 67
  • 68
  • 69
  • 70
  • 71
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
  • 75
  • 76
  • 77
  • 78
  • 79
  • 80
  • 81
  • 82
  • 83
  • 84
  • 85
  • 86
  • 87
  • 88
  • 89
  • 90
  • 91
  • 92
  • 93
  • 94
  • 95
  • 96
  • 97
  • 98
  • 99
  • 100
  • 101
  • 102
  • 103
  • 104
  • 105
  • 106
  • 107
  • 108
  • 109
  • 110
  • 111
  • 112
  • 113
  • 114
  • 115
  • 116
  • 117
  • 118
  • 119
  • 120
  • 121
  • 122
  • 123
  • 124
  • 125
  • 126
  • 127
  • 128
  • 129
  • 130
  • 131
  • 132
  • 133
  • 134
  • 135
  • 136
  • 137
  • 138
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Dell™ Dimension™ 5100
Model DCSM
FlexBay for optional
floppy drive or Media
Card Reader
hard-drive activity light
microphone connector
headphone connector
CD or DVD activity light
CD or DVD eject button
diagnostic lights
USB 2.0 connectors (2)
cover latch
release
Service Tag
power button/
power activity light
power connector
USB 2.0 connectors (5)
VGA video connector (integrated)
network
adapter
sound connectors (integrated) (5)
card slots for PCI Express x16 (1),
PCI (2), PCI Express x1 (1)