Dell Dimension 900 Reference Guide

Dell Dimension 900 Manual

Get Dell Dimension 900 PDF manuals and user guides View all Dell Dimension 900 manuals
Add to My Manuals
Save this manual to your list of manuals

Dell Dimension 900 manual content summary:

  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 1
    Dell™ Dimension™ 900 System REFERENCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE www.dell.com support.dell.com
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 2
    in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dell Precision, DellWare, Inspiron, Latitude, OptiPlex, and Dimension are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks and Celeron and MMX are trademarks of Intel Corporation; MS-DOS, Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 3
    Safety Instructions Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer system from potential damage and to ensure your own personal safety. NOTICE: Your computer is designed to work only while upright in the stand shipped with it. Do not attempt to place the computer flat on a desktop
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 4
    of you as you work. Special shelves are available (from Dell and other sources) to help you correctly position your keyboard. lights, desk lamps, and the curtains or blinds on nearby windows) to minimize reflections and glare on the monitor screen. • Use a chair that provides good lower back support
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 5
    following steps in the sequence indicated. NOTICE: Do not attempt to service the computer system yourself, except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell documentation. Always follow installation and service instructions closely. 1. Turn off your computer and all devices. 2. Ground yourself
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 6
    by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Static electricity can harm delicate components inside : See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions at the front of this guide. viii
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 7
    Preface About This Guide This guide is intended for anyone who uses a Dell Dimension 900 system. It can be used by both first-time and experienced computer users who want to learn about the features and operation of the systems or who want to upgrade their computers. The chapters and appendixes are
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 8
    documentation, double-click the Dell Documents icon on the Windows desktop, click System Information, and then click System Documentation. • Operating system documentation. • Technical information files-sometimes called "readme" files-may be installed on your hard-disk drive to provide last-minute
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 9
    specific elements of text throughout this document: • Interface components are window • Key combinations are series of keys to be drive A." • Filenames and directory names are presented in lowercase bold. Examples: autoexec.bat and c:\windows • Screen text is a message or text that you are instructed
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 10
    xii
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 11
    Jumper 2-9 Boot-Block Select Jumper 2-10 Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket 2-10 PCI Expansion Card Upgrades 2-12 Installing Expansion Cards 2-13 Removing Expansion Cards 2-16 Adding Memory 2-16 Installing a DIMM 2-17 Removing a DIMM 2-18 Replacing the System Battery 2-19 xiii
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 12
    Support 3-2 Checking the Basics 3-2 External Connections 3-2 Power 3-3 Start-Up Routine 3-3 Environmental Factors 3-4 Monitor 3-4 Speakers 3-6 Modem 3-6 Network Cards 3-7 Diskette Drives 3-8 Optical Drives 3-8 Hard-Disk Drives 3-9 Running the Dell Diagnostics 3-9 Starting the Dell
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 13
    Web 6-2 Automated Order-Status System 6-3 Technical Support Service 6-3 Problems With Your Order 6-3 Product Information 6-3 Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit 6-4 Before You Call 6-4 Dell Contact Numbers 6-6 System Specifications A-1 System Setup Program B-1 Entering the System
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 14
    Figure 2-13. Drive Shelf 2-20 Figure 2-14. System Battery and Battery Socket 2-21 Figure 3-1. Diagnostics Menu 3-12 Figure 3-2. Dell Diagnostics Main Screen B-5 Figure B-3. Product Information Screen Menu B-6 Figure B-4. Disk Drives Screen Menu B-7 Figure B-5. IDE Primary Channel Master Submenu
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 15
    Tables Figure B-11. Memory/Cache Options Submenu B-16 Figure B-12. PnP/PCI Dell Contact Numbers 6-6 Technical Specifications A-1 System Setup Navigation Keys B-2 Main Screen Menu Options B-4 System Information Screen Menu Options B-5 Product Information Screen Menu Options B-6 Disk Drives
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 16
    xviii
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 17
    CHAPTER 1 Introduction Dell™ Dimension™ 900 computer systems are high-speed personal computers that include an Intel® Socket 370 Pentium® III microprocessor with Streaming Single Instruction, Multiple Data (SIMD) Extensions or a Celeron™ processor with MMX™ technology. These systems incorporate a
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 18
    your Dell computer system: • The Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows 2000, or Windows Me, Windows NT® 4.0 operating system is installed on your hard-disk drive. For more information, see your operating system documentation. 1-2 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 19
    warranty. See "Adding Memory" in Chapter 2 before purchasing a memory upgrade. To order any of these upgrades, call Dell. Padlock Ring On the back of the computer is a padlock ring (see Figure 1-1) for attaching commercially available theft-deterrent devices. support.dell.com Introduction 1-3
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 20
    unauthorized access to the inside of the computer. To use the padlock ring, insert a commercially available padlock through the ring, and then lock the padlock. 1-4 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 21
    CHAPTER 2 Installing Upgrades on the System Board This chapter describes how to install expansion cards and system memory. It also board. In addition, Dell recommends that you review the safety instructions at the front of this guide. support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 22
    . Make sure you have adequate lighting and a clean work space. note the extra connectors available for upgrades. Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover Also, observe the safety instructions at the front of this guide. NOTICE: To avoid Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 23
    the computer. 3. Remove the front bezel by slightly lifting the three bezel tabs (see Figure 2-2) and gently pulling the bezel away from the front panel. support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-3
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 24
    computer. Do not attempt to operate the system lying flat on a desktop, and do not set heavy objects such as a monitor on drives. The flat ribbon cables are the interface cables for internal drives. An interface cable connects a drive to Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 25
    diskette drive optical drive system board riser-board bracket power supply voltage-select switch AC power receptacle mouse -out connector USB connector video connector parallel port connector serial port connector keyboard connector support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-5
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 26
    button connector (JP1) power-button indicator connector (JP2) hard-disk drive activity indicator connector (JP3) USB port connector (CN6) drive interface connector (CN16) battery socket (BT1) Figure 2-4. System Board Features 2-6 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 27
    connector JP1 Power button connector JP2 Power-button indicator connector JP3 Hard-disk drive activity indicator connector JP6 Password jumper JP7 Boot-block select in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-7
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 28
    Jumper Settings Jumper Settings Description Enables system password features (default) Bypasses system password features NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. 2-8 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 29
    (default). Change this setting only if instructed to by Dell Technical Support. Enables processor safe mode NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. NVRAM Jumper Figure 2-4 shows the location of the nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM) jumper (JPX2) in your
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 30
    of the diskette-drive tabs. CAUTION: When handling the riser board bracket, always hold it by placing a finger through the oval opening in the bracket (see Figure 2-5). Do not grasp the bracket by its edges, which may be sharp. 2-10 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 31
    board bracket, perform the following steps: 1. Hold the back of the diskette drive with one hand to prevent it from moving as you perform this process. to the instructions in "Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover" found earlier in this chapter. support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 32
    a slot available for the type of card you are installing. Also check the Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000 Device Manager, or Windows NT Diagnostics for an available interrupt request (IRQ) line that is supported by the card. 2-12 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 33
    cover according to the instructions in "Removing and Replacing Dimension 900 system-specific expansion cards available only from Dell (see "Available Upgrades" in Chapter 1). The PCI2 connector is available for use with any one-third-length commercial PCI card. support.dell.com Installing Upgrades
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 34
    bracket that covers the card-slot opening for the expansion slot you intend to use (see Figure 2-9). filler bracket Figure 2-9. Removing the Filler Bracket 2-14 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 35
    10). card-edge connector cutout expansion card card-edge connector expansion-card connector riser board support.dell.com card-mounting bracket screw Figure 2-10. Installing an Expansion Card 8. When the in the documentation that came with the card. Installing Upgrades on the System Board 2-15
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 36
    system supports only non-error checking and correction (non-ECC), 100-megahertz (MHz) DIMMs. Purchasing memory upgrades from Dell Spare Parts ensures system compatibility; these upgrades are also covered under your system warranty. 2-16 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 37
    specific DIMMs that are validated through rigorous testing. The system may not recognize other synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) DIMMs and may fail power-on self-test (POST). Installing a DIMM 1. Remove the computer cover according to the instructions 11. support.dell.com guides at
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 38
    . 3. Remove the expansion cards according to the instructions in "Removing Expansion Cards" found earlier in this Dell logo screen appears. Verify that the amount displayed for Total Memory on the System Information screen is correct. 2-18 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 39
    lift the drive shelf approximately one-half inch. The drive shelf is attached to the chassis with two screws-one to the right of the optical drive and one to the left of the diskette drive as you face the front of the computer (see Figure 2-13). support.dell.com Installing Upgrades on the System
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 40
    screws (2) bezel drive shelf Figure 2-13. Drive Shelf bezel tabs (3) NOTICE: If you pry out the battery with a blunt object, insert the Insert the battery into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing up (see Figure 2-14). 2-20 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 41
    14. System Battery and Battery Socket 8. Lower the drive shelf and replace the two screws that you removed in Dell logo screen appears to enter the system setup program, and restore the correct settings. For instructions, see Appendix B, "System Setup Program." support.dell.com Installing Upgrades
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 42
    2-22 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 43
    driver files are preserved on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD. NOTE: In case of warranty replacement of your hard-disk drive, you will receive a blank formatted drive from Dell. You must reinstall application programs and restore data files. Installing Additional Hardware and Software If the problem
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 44
    product support information, call 1-800-753-7201. Checking the Basics Use the following sections to perform an initial check of your computer system or to isolate a problem. External must be secure enough to ensure a firm connection. 3-2 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 45
    devices one at a time, turning on the system each time to see if the problem returns. • Turn off the system, and swap the monitor and computer power cables. a series of beeps. See Table C-1. A message is displayed on the monitor. See Table C-2. support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-3
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 46
    image • Fluorescent lights or halogen lamps troubleshooting procedures specific to your monitor. If you purchased the monitor from Dell, you can also find troubleshooting information on Dell's World Wide Web site (http://support.dell Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 47
    , point to Settings, and click Control Panel. Double-click the Display icon, and click the Settings tab. Try different settings for Colors and Screen area (Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000) or Desktop Area (Windows NT). support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-5
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 48
    (PBX) line, will damage the modem. NOTE: If your modem can dial and connect to one Internet service provider (ISP) or to a fax machine, your modem is functioning properly. For assistance, contact the ISP to which you cannot connect. 3-6 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 49
    troubleshooting information. Network Cards In general, network malfunctions may be caused by the following problems: • Wrong or incorrectly installed network interface controller (NIC) drivers Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-7
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 50
    CD-ROM media may cause some higherspeed CD-ROM drives to vibrate more than others. Such vibration and associated noise do not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD. It should be noted that not all media can be read by all drives. 3-8 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 51
    Dell Diagnostics Whenever a major component or device in your computer system does not function properly, run the Dell Diagnostics provided on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD to check your computer's hardware. If you find a problem you cannot solve by yourself, support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 52
    appears. If you wait too long and the operating system begins to load into memory, let the system complete the load operation. Then shut down the system and try again. See Appendix B, "System Setup Program," for more information. 3-10 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 53
    screen, select the 1. Start computer with CD-ROM support option and press . 7. Verify that the prompt drive letter is the optical drive letter in which you placed the Dell Dimension ResourceCD (usually d:). If not, type the optical drive letter followed by a colon , and press . NOTE
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 54
    areas: • Two lines at the top of the screen identify the version number of the Dell Diagnostics. • On the left side of the screen, the Device Groups area lists the diagnostic gives information about the option currently highlighted. 3-12 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 55
    explained in the following subsections. Menu Menu describes the main menu screen area, the device groups, and the different diagnostic menus and commands and provides instructions on how to use them. support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-13
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 56
    recording media, sometimes contained in hard shells. Diskette recording capacities are small and access times are slow relative to hard disk drives, but they provide a convenient the subtests that are used by the Dell Diagnostics. 3-14 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 57
    , such as power management features and reinstalling drivers, that can often solve problems with your computer system. Using the Power Management Features in Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000 For Windows 98, the power management features of your Dell system can be set through the Power
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 58
    Web site (http://support.dell.com). NOTICE: Drivers available on the Dell Web site have been validated for correct operation on Dell systems. Installing drivers obtained from other sources may cause errors or performance degradation. 4-2 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 59
    to step 6. 3. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the optical drive. The ResourceCD Installation application program automatically starts. 4. Follow the instructions on your screen. 5. When the InstallShield Wizard Complete window appears, remove the Dell Dimension ResourceCD from the optical
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 60
    driver that you want to reinstall. See "Your System's Drivers," found earlier in this chapter, for a list of drivers that you can reinstall on your computer. 14. Follow the instructions the Control Panel, double-click the System icon. 4-4 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 61
    the icon for the specific device in the expanded list. The Properties window appears. If there is an IRQ conflict, the Device status area in the Properties window reports what expansion cards or devices are sharing the device's IRQ. 9. Resolve the IRQ conflicts. support.dell.com Software Solutions
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 62
    system CD in the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive and close the drive tray. 3. Exit the system setup program. The system restarts. 4. At the Welcome window, click OK. 5. Double-click Refresh Windows OS. 6. Click OK. 7. Click OK again. 4-6 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 63
    window, drivers. 19. Reenable your virus protection software. 20. Enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative. 21. In the system setup program Boot menu, change the boot sequence so that the diskette drive boots first, as directed by a Dell technical support
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 64
    name, workgroup, and computer description, if desired, and then click Next. 13. Select a country in the Country/Region window, and then click Next. 14. Specify a time zone in the Establish Time Zone window, and then click Next. 4-8 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 65
    From Hard Drive, and then press . 23. Enter a password in the Enter Network Password window, if desired, and then click Next. 24. Remove the Dell Product Recovery CD from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. 25. Enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 66
    2000 now begins to install its components and configure the computer. 16. When the Completing the Windows 2000 Setup Wizard screen appears, remove the CD from the drive, and then click Finish. The computer automatically restarts. 4-10 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 67
    , or a faulty expansion card. If software problems and conflicts have been eliminated, perform the following general steps to troubleshoot expansion cards: 1. Remove the computer cover as cover, connect all external cables, and turn on the system. support.dell.com Checking Inside Your Computer 5-1
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 68
    fully seated not fully seated Figure 5-1. Expansion-Card Installation front edge not seated bracket caught in slot Figure 5-2. Incorrect Expansion-Card Installations 5-2 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 69
    support.dell.com The following subsections provide troubleshooting procedures for some specific types of expansion cards. Modem In general, modem malfunctions may be caused by any of the following problems them from the list. If you are using Windows NT, verify the modem properties and then proceed
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 70
    service provider (ISP) for information about their service. Network Cards In general, network malfunctions may be caused by the following problems: • Wrong or incorrectly installed network interface controller (NIC) drivers instructions on Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 71
    in the system setup program, restore the original values and restart the system. 4. Enter the system setup program as described in Appendix B, "System Setup Program," and verify 1st Bank, 2nd Bank, and Total Memory on the System Information screen. If the memory amount displayed in megabytes (MB
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 72
    If the problem persists, see Chapter 6, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining instructions on obtaining technical assistance. 7. Turn off the system, and disconnect it from the electrical outlet. 8. Remove the computer cover. 5-6 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 73
    for instructions. 11. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the optical drive. NOTES: For systems running Windows 98 or Windows Me, also insert the Microsoft Windows 98 Boot Disk or Microsoft Windows Me Boot Disk into the diskette drive. For systems running Windows NT, also insert the Hard Drive
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 74
    press . The DIAGNOSTICS MENU appears. 9. Type q to quickly test your computer system. If the tests do not complete successfully, see Chapter 6, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance. 5-8 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 75
    of online support services available at Dell's World Wide Web support site (http://support.dell.com) for help with installation and troubleshooting procedures. For more information, refer to "World Wide Web" found later in this chapter. 5. If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem and you
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 76
    FTP) ftp.dell.com/ Log in as user: anonymous, and use your e-mail address as your password. • Electronic Support Service [email protected] (for Asian/Pacific countries only) [email protected] support.euro.dell.com (for Europe only) 6-2 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 77
    fast, accurate answers to questions. To contact Dell's technical support service, first refer to the section titled "Before You Call" and then call the number listed in "Dell Contact Numbers" found later in this chapter. Problems With Your Order If you have a problem with your order, such as missing
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 78
    . CAUTION: If you need to remove the computer covers, be sure to first disconnect the computer system's power and modem cables from all electrical outlets. 6-4 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 79
    Service tag (bar code on the back of the computer Return Material Authorization Number (if provided by Dell support Dell. Error message, beep code, or diagnostic code Description of problem and troubleshooting procedures you performed Figure 6-1. Diagnostics Checklist support.dell.
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 80
    (up to 400 employees) . . 044 556-1465 Government, Education, and Medical Sales . . . . . 044 556-3345 Dell Global Japan 044 556-3469 Faxbox Service 044 556-3490 Switchboard 044 556-4300 Web site: http://support.jp.dell.com 6-6 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 81
    BIOS chip Y2K-, DMI 2.0s-, and system management BIOS 2.3-compliant BIOS in 4-Mb flash chip Expansion Bus Bus type PCI (version 2.2) Bus speed 33 MHz PCI-to-PCI bridging supported NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com System Specifications
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 82
    cycle 10 ns (supports 4 clocks only) CAS latency three SPD revision 1.2 Buffering unbuffered Voltage 3.3 V Data bus width 64 bits BIOS address F0000h NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. A-2 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 83
    Memory (DVM) technology Graphics accelerator Intel Direct AGP 2D and 3D graphics accelerator Display cache 4-MB, 133-MHz SDRAM Graphics memory Dynamically assigned from system memory NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com System Specifications
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 84
    1200 pixels; 75-Hz refresh rate with 256 colors Controls and Indicators Power control push button Power indicators green on system board; green on front panel Hard-disk drive in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. A-4 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 85
    Table A-1. Technical Specifications (continued) Environmental Temperature: Operating 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)* * At 35°C (95°F), the maximum operating altitude is 914 m (3000 ft). NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com System Specifications A-5
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 86
    A-6 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 87
    on (or restart) your system. 2. When the blue Dell logo appears, press . If you wait too long and the operating system begins to load into memory, let the system complete the load operation. Then shut down system setup screens and to exit the program. support.dell.com System Setup Program B-1
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 88
    or Selects the submenu for the current option. Returns to selected screen from the Key Help Guide. Switches to full screen mode. Returns to the parent menu; from the Main screen, prompts of the page. Displays the Key Help Guide. B-2 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 89
    in full screen mode. • Pressing displays the Key Help Guide, which lists keys and their func- tions for the currently displayed and identification codes • Disk Drives screen - Provides settings for the system drives • Onboard Peripherals screen support.dell.com System Setup Program B-3
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 90
    Information Screen" found later in this appendix. Disk Drives Displays the Disk Drives screen. See "Disk Drives Screen" found later in this appendix. Onboard The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. B-4 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 91
    Option Function None Displays a compilation of the present settings of the basic system configuration. NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com System Setup Program B-5
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 92
    Screen Menu Options Option Function None Displays system product version numbers and identification codes. NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. B-6 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 93
    Drive B Because the chassis supports only one diskette drive, this option should be set to None. IDE Primary Channel Master Identifies the first drive attached to the primary EIDE interface, usually the boot hard-disk drive abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com System Setup Program B-7
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 94
    63. Size Displays the size of the drive. Hard Disk 32 Bit Access Set to Enabled (default) to enhance the hard-disk drive access-rate performance. Otherwise, set to Disabled in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. B-8 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 95
    If port is set to Enabled, available base I/O addresses are 378h (default) and 278h. NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com System Setup Program B-9
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 96
    allows support for legacy USB devices. NOTE: USB Legacy Mode automatically sets to Disabled if a PS/2 keyboard is detected by the system during POST. NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. B-10 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 97
    the first, second, and third boot devices. The selections are Floppy Disk A:, Hard Disk C:, and IDE CD-ROM. NOTE: If a NIC card is installed Select Disabled to allow full POST test procedures. Silent Boot Configures the Dell logo screen at boot. Selections are Enabled (default) and Disabled.
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 98
    boot memory testing can be Disabled (default) or Enabled. Configuration Table Displays the system configuration table at boot. Set to Enabled (default) or Disabled. Update BIOS with system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. B-12 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 99
    on the computer's internal calendar. Time Resets the time on the computer's internal clock. NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com System Setup Program B-13
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 100
    . Hard Disk Drive Provides security for the hard-disk drive. Selections are Normal (default), Write Protect All Sectors, and Write Protect Boot Sector. NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. B-14 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 101
    Memory/Cache Options screen. See "Memory/Cache Options Submenu" found later in this appendix. PnP/PCI Options Displays the PnP/PCI Options screen. See "PnP/PCI Options Submenu" found later in this appendix. NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 102
    3X (default), 3.5X, 4X, 4.5X, 5X, 5.5X, 6X, 6.5X, 7X, 7.5X, or 8X. NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. B-16 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 103
    settings to be assigned automatically if set to Auto (default) or manually if set to Manual. If set to Manual, you can set the following additional options: PCI Slot 1 If PCI IRQ Setting : The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com System Setup Program B-17
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 104
    the BIOS to ESCD data. Restore On AC instructions in "Removing and Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket" found in Chapter 2. 4. Remove all expansion cards according to the instructions in "Removing Expansion Cards" found in Chapter 2. B-18 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 105
    Replacing the Riser-Board Bracket" found in Chapter 2. 4. Remove all expansion cards according to the instructions in "Removing Expan- sion Cards" found in Chapter 2. 5. Move the NVRAM jumper (JPX2) cover, the riser-board bracket, and all expansion cards. support.dell.com System Setup Program B-19
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 106
    . Replace all expansions cards, the riser-board bracket, and the computer cover. 12. Attach the computer to the electrical outlet, and turn it on. B-20 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 107
    SDRAM DIMM from Dell. See "Adding Memory" in Chapter 2. 2-2-2-1 EDO DIMM is installed with an SDRAM DIMM. Replace EDO DIMM with 100-MHz SDRAM DIMMs from Dell. See "Adding Memory" in Chapter 2. NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com Beep Codes
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 108
    or refers you to a source for resolving the problem. Table C-2. System Messages Message Possible Cause Corrective Jumpers" in Chapter 2. Diskette Drive x Error Diskette Drive Controller Error The diskette drive may be faulty, type Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 109
    the Dell Diagnostics" in Chapter 3. Insert system diskette and press key to reboot The diskette in drive A or your hard-disk drive does not the Dell Diagnostics" in Chapter 3. Keyboard Locked NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 110
    and Hardware Incompatibilities" in Chapter 4. Resolve any mouse IRQ conflicts, and restart the computer. NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. C-4 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 111
    See "System Memory" in Chapter 5. System Resource Conflict Some system resources conflict with the resources required by a PCI device. See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" in Chapter 4. NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms. support.dell.com
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 112
    C-6 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 113
    particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference with radio communications services, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and Support representative of Dell Computer Corporation or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. You may find
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 114
    specific for each regulatory agency. Each section provides country-specific EMC/EMI or product safety information. VCCI Notice (Japan Only) Most Dell arise. When such trouble occurs, the user may be required to take corrective actions. D-2 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 115
    cause radio interference. Install and use the equipment according to the instruction manual. Figure D-2. VCCI Class B ITE Regulatory Mark Battery Disposal replace it, see "Replacing the System Battery" in Chapter 2 for instructions. Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 116
    D-4 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 117
    calling Dell, 6-6 cautions, x chassis. See computer chip set update utility driver, 4-3 clearing NVRAM, B-19 computer technical specifications, A-1 connections troubleshooting, 3-2 connectors audio cable, 2-6 DC main power input, 2-6 DIMM socket, 2-6 diskette-drive interface, 2-6 hard-disk-drive
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 118
    getting help, 6-1 grounding procedure, 2-1 H hard-disk drives EIDE support on system board, 1-2 troubleshooting, 3-9 hardware options. See upgrade options help tools, 6-2 I IDE support, 1-2 installing expansion cards, 2-13 memory, 2-17 2 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 119
    Dell Diagnostics, 3-13 system setup program, B-2 N nonvolatile random-access memory. See NVRAM notational conventions, x Notes, x Notices, x NVRAM clearing, B-19 NVRAM jumper settings, 2-9 O Onboard Peripherals screen, system setup program, B-9 operating systems supported, 1-2 optical drives
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 120
    Options submenu, B-16 Onboard Peripherals screen, B-9 PnP/PCI Options submenu, B-17 Product Information screen, B-6 system configuration information, B-1 System Information screen, B-5 System Security screen, B-14 using, B-1 4 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 121
    repair or credit, 6-4 technical specifications, A-1 troubleshooting about, 1-3 basic problems, 3-2 beep codes, C-1 checking connections, 3-2 Diagnostics Checklist, 6-5 drives, 3-8 environmental factors, 3-4 error messages, C-2 expansion cards, 5-1 hard-disk drives, 3-9 Internet tools, 6-2 modem
  • Dell Dimension 900 | Reference Guide - Page 122
    6 Dell Dimension 900 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
  • 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
www.dell.com
support.dell.com
Dell™ Dimension™ 900 System
REFERENCE AND
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE