Dell Dimension 9100 Owner's Manual

Dell Dimension 9100 Manual

Get Dell Dimension 9100 PDF manuals and user guides View all Dell Dimension 9100 manuals
Add to My Manuals
Save this manual to your list of manuals

Dell Dimension 9100 manual content summary:

  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 1
    Dell™ Dimension™ 9100 Service Tag CD or DVD eject button CD or DVD activity light FlexBays (2) for optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader microphone connector headphone connector diagnostic lights hard-drive activity light power button USB 2.0 connectors (2) cover latch release power
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 2
    in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp, DellNet, and PowerConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium, and Intel SpeedStep are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 3
    Setting Up and Using Your Computer Setting Up a Printer 13 Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs 19 Helpful Tips 19 Using a Media Card Reader (Optional 20 Connecting Two Monitors 21 Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors 22 Wizard 24 Power Management 25 Standby Mode 25 Hibernate Mode 25
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 4
    Troubleshooting Tips 29 Battery Problems 29 Drive Problems 30 CD and DVD drive problems 30 Hard drive problems 31 E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems 31 Error Messages 33 Media Card Reader Problems 34 Keyboard Problems 34 Lockups and Software Problems 35 The computer does not start
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 5
    Tools Diagnostic Lights 45 Dell Diagnostics 48 Dell Diagnostics Main Menu 48 Drivers 49 What Is a Driver 49 Identifying Drivers 50 Reinstalling Drivers 50 Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities 51 Restoring Your Operating System 51 Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore 52
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 6
    Card Reader 95 CD/DVD Drive 97 Removing a CD/DVD Drive 98 Installing a CD/DVD Drive 99 Battery 101 Replacing the Battery 101 Replacing the Computer Cover 102 5 Appendix Specifications 103 System Setup 107 Overview 107 Entering System Setup 108 System Setup Options 110 Boot Sequence
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 7
    Forgotten Passwords 114 Clearing CMOS Settings 115 Cleaning Your Computer 116 Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor 116 Mouse 116 Floppy Drive 116 CDs and DVDs 117 Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only 117 Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals 117 Definition of "Third-Party
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 8
    8 Contents
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 9
    and conditions (U.S. only) • Safety instructions • Regulatory information • Ergonomics information • End User License Agreement • How to set up my computer Find It Here Dell™ Product Information Guide NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at support.dell.com. Setup Diagram Finding Information
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 10
    dell.com | support.dell.com What Are You Looking For? • Service Tag and Express Service Code • Microsoft Windows License Label Find It Here 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
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 11
    , and software updates • Desktop System Software (DSS)- If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel® Pentium® M processors, optical
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 12
    | support.dell.com What Are You Looking For? • How to use Windows XP • Documentation for my computer • Documentation for devices (such as a modem) Find It Here 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
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 13
    information, including how to: • Obtain and install updated drivers • Connect the printer to the computer • Load paper and install the toner or ink your computer with a USB cable. Your printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 14
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com Connecting a USB 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
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 15
    Explorer or AOL icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop. 3 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup. If you do 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.
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 16
    dell.com | support.dell.com Playing CDs and DVDs NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed when you are not using the drive. NOTICE: Do not move the computer see the CD software that came with your computer. NOTE: Ensure that you follow all
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 17
    NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing. 1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs → Accessories→ Entertainment, and then click Volume Control. 2 In the Volume Control window, click and drag the bar in the Volume Control column and slide it up or down to
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 18
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com 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 and click Control Panel. 2 Under Pick a category, click
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 19
    or update information on that disc later. Helpful Tips • Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after you start • You cannot create audio DVDs with Sonic RecordNow. • Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 20
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com • Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD computer. The Media Card Reader supports the following memory types: • xD-Picture Card • SmartMedia (SMC) • CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II) • MicroDrive Card • SecureDigital Card (SD) • MultiMediaCard (MMC) • Memory Stick
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 21
    you encounter resistance, do not force the media or card. Check the card orientation and try again. Connecting Two Monitors CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: If you are connecting two monitors that
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 22
    dell.com | support.dell.com If you purchased a graphics card that supports dual monitors, follow these instructions to connect and enable your monitors. The instructions monitors to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the computer. 3 Connect the other monitor to the optional DVI adapter and connect
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 23
    on changing the display settings for your graphics card, see the user's guide in the Help and Support Center (click the Start button, click Help and Support, click User and system guides, click Device guides, and then click the guide for your graphics card). Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 24
    : Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall 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. 24 Setting
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 25
    use standby mode or hibernate mode to reduce power to the entire computer. When the computer exits from a power conservation mode, the Windows desktop is restored to the state it was in before it entered the mode. NOTE: Windows XP Professional includes security and networking features not available
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 26
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 27
    the Hibernate tab. For more information on power management options: 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 In the Help and Support window, click Performance and maintenance. 3 In the Performance and maintenance window, click Conserving power on your computer. IEEE 1394 IEEE 1394 is
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 28
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 29
    when you troubleshoot your computer: • If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures and ensure that the part is correctly installed. • If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected. • If an error message appears
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 30
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com Drive Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. E N S U R E T H A T M I C R O S O F T ® W I N D O W S ® R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E - Click the Start button and
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 31
    R W D I S C - Search for the keyword standby in Windows Help. Hard drive problems RUN CHECK DISK - 1 Click the Start button and click My Computer. 2 Right-click Local Disk C:. 3 Click Properties. 4 Click the Tools tab. 5 Under Error-checking, click Check Now. 6 Click Scan for and attempt recovery of
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 32
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION - CHECK THE TELEPHONE JACK - the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is not available on all computers.) VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS - 1 Click the Start button
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 33
    N - Close all windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you might have 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 119). Solving Problems 33
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 34
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com Media Card Reader Problems N O D R I V E L E T T E R I S A S S I G N E D - When Microsoft Windows XP detects the Media Card Reader, the device is automatically assigned a drive letter as the next logical drive after all other physical drives in the system. If the
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 35
    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 45. ENSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 36
    it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments. 1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories, and then click Program Compatibility Wizard. 2 In the welcome screen, click Next. 3 Follow the instructions on the screen. A solid blue screen appears TU
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 37
    of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 103. • Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 48). Mouse Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. C L E A N T H E M O U S E - For instructions on
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 38
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com RESTART THE COMPUTER - 1 Simultaneously press to display the Start menu. 2 Type u, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight Shut down or Turn Off, and then press . 3 After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the on the
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 39
    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 "Dell Diagnostics" on page 48. I F T H E P O W
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 40
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com 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 for your printer, contact the printer's manufacturer. C H E C K T H E P R I N T E
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 41
    documentation for instructions. Sound and Speaker Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the 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
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 42
    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 is blank CHECK THE
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 43
    the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS - 1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Appearance and Themes. 2 Click Display and click the Settings tab. 3 Try different settings for Screen resolution and Color quality. Solving Problems
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 44
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com 44 Solving Problems
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 45
    . Also see "Power has occurred. Problems" on page 39. All four diagnostic lights display solid green and then turn off after the system successfully boots to the operating system. A possible processor failure has occurred. If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 119). Memory modules are
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 46
    page 119). • Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see page 64). • Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer (see page 64). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 119). 46 Troubleshooting Tools
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 47
    make sure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer. • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 119). All four diagnostic lights display solid green and then turn off after the system successfully boots to the operating system. None. Troubleshooting Tools 47
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 48
    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 119). 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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 49
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 50
    support.dell.com provides approved 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
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 51
    the following ways: • Microsoft Windows XP System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files. • Dell PC Restore by Symantec restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 52
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 53
    then click System Restore. 2 Click Undo my last restoration and click Next. Enabling System Restore If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled: 1 Click the Start button and click
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 54
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com 4 On the next screen, click Confirm. The restore process takes approximately 6-10 minutes to complete. 5 When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer. NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot. 6 When
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 55
    your Dell™ Product Information Guide. • A component can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order. Recommended Tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: • Small flat-blade screwdriver • Phillips screwdriver • Flash BIOS update program floppy disk
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 56
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 57
    page 60. The drive light is on when the computer reads data from the CD or DVD drive. Press to eject a disc from the CD or DVD drive. Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader. For information on using the Media Card Reader, see "Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)" on page
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 58
    might also be on when a device such as a CD player is operating. Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 45. Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers. Use the
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 59
    Back View of the Computer 1 2 3 4 5 1 power connector Insert the power cable. 2 sound card connectors (5) • Line-in connector - Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback connector - Use the yellow subwoofer connector to attach multiple speakers. Removing and Installing Parts 59
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 60
    dell.com | support.dell.com 3 network connector 4 USB 2.0 connectors (5) 5 card slots (6) To attach your computer cards. Removing the Computer Cover CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide to support the
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 61
    cover latch release computer cover back of computer hinge tabs (3) 5 Locate the three hinge tabs on the bottom edge of the computer. 6 Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up. 7 Lift the cover away and set it aside in a secure location. Removing and Installing Parts 61
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 62
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com Inside View of Your Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. power supply system board CD or DVD drive *floppy drive *may not be present on all computers hard drive
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 63
    System Board Components memory module connectors (1, 2, 3, 4) processor power connector processor and heat sink connector fan connector (CPU FAN) fan cardcage connector Serial 2 connector battery socket (BATTERY) memory fan connector password jumper (PSWD) floppy drive connector (FLOPPY) front
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 64
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com Memory You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board.For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Specifications." Memory Overview • Memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size,
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 65
    in connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2 or connectors DIMM_3 and DIMM_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
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 66
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com 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
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 67
    cutouts (2) crossbars crossbars NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the connector clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module. 7 Close the computer cover. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 68
    General tab. 11 To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of 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
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 69
    not replacing a card, see ""Removing a PCI Card" on page 72". If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system. If you are installing or replacing a PCI Express card, see "Installing a PCI Express Card" on page 74. Installing a PCI Card NOTE: Dell offers
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 70
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com 3 Push the two release tabs on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because the door is captive, it will remain in the open position. release tab card retention mechanism card retention door 4 If your computer includes a card retention
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 71
    be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any cards. 8 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 bracket caught outside of
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 72
    the alignment guide. 14 Snap the card retention mechanism into place, securing the x16 PCI card. 15 Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. 16 If you installed a sound card: a Enter system setup, select Integrated Audio Controller
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 73
    the cable into the computer. 4 Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. 5 Remove the card driver from the operating system. 6 If you removed a sound card: a Enter system setup, select Integrated Audio Controller, and then change
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 74
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com Installing a PCI Express Card 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 55. release tabs (2) card retention door *lever on chassis wall alignment bar alignment guide filler bracket *may not be present on all computers 2 If present on your computer,
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 75
    -length PCI-E cards, if a "piano" bracket is present on your computer you need to replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the existing card. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. If your card -E cards, if a "piano" bracket is present on your computer you
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 76
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com 7 Pull the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its connector. PCI Express x16 card PCI Express x16 card slot securing tab PCI Express x1 card PCI Express x1 card slot 8 Prepare the card for installation. See the documentation
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 77
    card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide. 12 If you removed a card retention mechanism, snap it into place, securing the x16 PCI-E card. release tab card retention mechanism* card retention door *"piano" bracket *may not be present on all computers Removing and Installing Parts
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 78
    Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. 14 If you installed a sound card: a Enter system setup, select Integrated Audio any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation. 78 Removing and Installing Parts
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 79
    in "Before You Begin" on page 55. 2 Remove the computer cover (see page 60). release tabs (2) card retention door *lever on chassis wall alignment bar alignment guide filler bracket *may not be present on all computers 3 If present on your computer, rotate the lever on the chassis wall upward
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 80
    | support.dell.com 4 Push the two release tabs on the card retention door toward each other and pivot the door open. Because the door is captive, it will remain in the open position. release tab card retention mechanism card retention door *"piano" bracket *may not be present on all computers
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 81
    the cable into the computer. 10 Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. 11 Remove the card driver from the operating system. 12 If you removed a sound card: a Enter system setup, select Integrated Audio Controller, and then change
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 82
    dell.com | support.dell.com Drive Panels 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 to secure the drives. 82 Removing and Installing Parts
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 83
    panel. 3 Pivot the drive-panel insert out and away from the drive panel. 4 Set the drive-panel insert aside in a secure location. Removing and Installing Parts 83
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 84
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert drive panel center drivepanel tab drive-panel insert that the drive-panel insert is correctly seated in the drive panel. Replacing the Drive Panel 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 55. 84 Removing and Installing
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 85
    place and the drive panel snaps into place on the front panel. Drives Your computer supports: • Two hard drives (Serial ATA) • Two FlexBay drives (can contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader) • Two CD or DVD drives General Installation Guidelines Connect hard drives to the
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 86
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com Serial ATA hard drives should be connected to 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 opening the cover
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 87
    Removing a Hard Drive 1 Disconnect the power and hard drive cables from the drive. hard drive cable power cable 2 Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out. tabs (2) hard drive Removing and Installing Parts 87
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 88
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com Installing a Hard Drive 1 Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation. 2 Check the documentation for the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. 3 If your replacement hard drive does not have the hard drive bracket
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 89
    . hard drive cable power cable 7 Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated. 8 Close the computer cover. NOTICE: To the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 90
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com 3 Press in on the Slide the new hard drive into empty bay until you feel a click. NOTE: If your replacement hard drive does not have the hard drive bracket attached, remove the bracket from the old hard the drive securely installed. 90 Removing and Installing Parts
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 91
    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 opening the cover. NOTE: If you are adding a floppy drive
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 92
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com 3 Disconnect the power and floppy drive cables from the back of the floppy drive. 4 Disconnect the other end of the floppy drive cable from the system board. sliding plate lever power cable sliding plate floppy drive cable floppy drive 5 Pull the sliding plate to
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 93
    the floppy drive for instructions on installing any software required for the operation of the drive. 8 Enter system setup (see page 108) and select the appropriate Diskette Drive option. 9 Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 48). Media Card Reader For
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 94
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com NOTICE: 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 Follow the
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 95
    the sliding plate. 7 Replace the drive panel (see page 84). 8 Replace the computer cover (see page 102). Installing a Media Card Reader CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. Removing and Installing Parts 95
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 96
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com NOTICE: 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 Follow the
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 97
    the USB cable through the cable routing clip. 10 Replace the computer cover (see page 102). CD/DVD 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
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 98
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com Removing a CD/DVD Drive 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 55. 2 Remove the computer cover (see page 60). 3 Disconnect the power cable from the back of the drive and the CD/DVD drive cable from the back of the drive and the system board. CD/DVD
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 99
    it for installation. Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select setting. 2 If new drive. CD/DVD drive shoulder screws (3) Removing and Installing Parts 99
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 100
    came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation. 9 Enter system setup (see page 108) and select the appropriate Drive option. 10 Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see page 48). 100 Removing and Installing Parts
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 101
    Battery Replacing the Battery 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
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 102
    on. 9 Enter system setup and restore the settings you recorded in step 1. 10 Properly dispose of the old battery. 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 Ensure that all cables
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 103
    Appendix Specifications Processor Processor type Cache Memory Type Memory connectors Memory capacities Minimum memory Maximum memory BIOS address Computer Information Chipset DMA channels Interrupt levels BIOS chip (NVRAM) NIC System clock Video Type Audio Type Intel® Pentium® 4 Socket-T with Hyper
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 104
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com Expansion Bus Bus type Bus speed Bus throughput PCI 32 bit PCI Express x1, x4, and x16 PCI PCI connectors three connector size 120 pins connector data width (maximum) 32 bits PCI Express connector one x1 connector size 36 pins connector data width (maximum
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 105
    accessible: Connectors External connectors: IEEE 1394 Video Network adapter USB Audio System board connectors: Primary IDE drive Serial drive bays serial ATA drives (2), floppy drive, USB memory devices, CD drive, CD-RW drive, DVD drive, DVD-RW drive, Media Card Reader, and DVD/CD-RW combo drive two
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 106
    adapter) Diagnostic lights Standby power light push button 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 is a solid amber light, this
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 107
    : • 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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 108
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com Entering System Setup 1 Turn on (or restart) your computer. 2 When the blue DELL™ logo is displayed, you must logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop. Then, shut down your computer (see page 55) and try again. System Setup Screens
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 109
    List - This field appears on the left side of the system setup window. The field is a scrollable list containing features that define the configuration of your computer, including installed hardware, power conservation, and security features. Option Field - This field contains information about
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 110
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com System Setup Options NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not appear, or may not appear exactly as listed. System System Info CPU Info Memory Info Date/Time Boot Sequence Drives Diskette Drive Drives 0 through
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 111
    options of 1MB and 8MB, this field configures the system memory allocation reserved for the integrated video controller. If applicable, Intel SpeedStep® appears in the Options List under Performance. If your computer processor supports Hyper-Threading, this option appears in the Options List
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 112
    , and S3, a standby state where the power is reduced or turned off for most components, however, system memory remains active. This setting restores the computer's default settings. Displays the system event log. When set to On (default), your computer starts more quickly because it skips certain
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 113
    available error message. Press the key to retry the boot, or press the key to enter the setup utility. • 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
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 114
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure your device is bootable, check the device documentation. Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots 1 Enter system setup (see page 108). 2 Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot Sequence menu
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 115
    to electrical outlets, and turn them on. 5 After the Microsoft® Windows® desktop appears on your computer, shut down the computer (see page 55). 6 Turn off the monitor and disconnect it from the electrical outlet. 7 Disconnect the computer power cable from the electrical outlet, and press the
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 116
    dell.com | support.dell.com Cleaning Your Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor CAUTION: Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer . 6 Replace the ball
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 117
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 118
    Support for all thirdparty software and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer of the product. FCC Notices (U.S. Only) Most Dell computer panel of your computer, on cardmounting brackets, and on the cards themselves. If digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC 's instruction manual,
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 119
    number listed that is specific for Inspiron XPS computers, you may contact Dell through the technical support number listed and your call will be routed appropriately. When you need to contact Dell, use the electronic addresses, telephone numbers, and codes provided in the following table. If you
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 120
    .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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 121
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 122
    Sales/Small Business) Sales (med./large bus., government) Spare Parts Sales & Extended Service Sales Cayman Islands General Support Chile (Santiago) Sales, Customer Support, and Technical Support Country Code: 56 City Code: 2 Area Codes, Local Numbers, and Toll-Free Numbers 604 633 4966 604
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 123
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 124
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 125
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 126
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 127
    Code: 00 Country Code: 39 City 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
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 128
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 129
    .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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 130
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 131
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 132
    www.dell.com | support.dell.com 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,
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 133
    (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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 134
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 135
    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 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 136
    .dell.com | support.dell.com Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address U.S.A. (Austin, Texas) Automated Order-Status Service International Access Code: 011 AutoTech (portable and desktop computers) Country Code
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 137
    Index A audio. See sound B battery problems, 29 replacing, 101 BIOS, 107 boot sequence about, 113 changing, 113-114 option settings, 113 booting to a USB device, 113 C cards installing PCI Express, 74 PCI Express, 73 removing PCI, 72 removing PCI Express, 79 slots, 60 CD/DVD drive activity light,
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 138
    31 K keyboard problems, 34 L labels Microsoft Windows, 10 Service Tag, 10, 58 latch release cover, 57 lights diagnostic, 45, 58 front of computer, 45 hard drive activity, 58 M Media Card Reader installing, 93, 95 problems, 34 removing, 93 using, 20 memory problems, 37 messages error, 33 microphone
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 139
    problems battery, 29 blue screen, 36 CD drive, 30 CD-RW drive, 31 computer crashes, 35-36 computer stops responding, 35 Dell Diagnostics, 48 diagnostic lights, 45 drives, 30 DVD drive, 30 e-mail, 31 error messages, 33 general, 35 hard drive, 31 Internet, 31 keyboard, 34 Media Card Reader, 34 memory
  • Dell Dimension 9100 | Owner's Manual - Page 140
    computer, 28 troubleshooting Dell Diagnostics, 48 diagnostic lights, 45 Hardware Troubleshooter, 51 Help and Support Center, 12 restore to previous state, 51-52 tips, 29 TV connect to computer, 21, 23 U USB booting to devices, 113 connectors, 58, 60 W warranty, 9 Windows XP Device Driver Rollback
  • 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
  • 139
  • 140
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Dell™ Dimension™ 9100
FlexBays (2) for optional
floppy drive or optional
Media Card Reader
hard-drive activity light
power button
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