Dell XPS 730 Quick Reference Guide

Dell XPS 730 Manual

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  • Dell XPS 730 | Quick Reference Guide - Page 1
    Dell™ XPS™ 730/730X Quick Reference Guide Model DCDO www.dell.com | support.dell.com
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    make better use of your computer. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed. WARNING States and/or other countries; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license. Other trademarks and
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    up Your Computer 9 Front and Back View of the Computer 9 Front View 9 Front I/O Connectors 12 Back View 13 Back I/O Connectors 14 Setting up the Computer 17 Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure 18 Connecting to a Network 20 3 System Configuration 21 Network Configuration (XPS 730 Only
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    29 MP Memory Test 32 Getting More Help 33 Dell Support 3 34 Dell PC Tune-Up 34 Dell PC Checkup 35 Dell Network Assistant 35 DellConnect 36 Dell Technical Update Service 36 Diagnostic Indicators 36 Power Button LED States 36 Beep Codes 37 Solving Problems 38 Troubleshooting Software and
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    you Begin 46 Reinstalling Windows XP 46 Reinstalling Windows Vista 48 Using the Drivers and Utilities Media 50 Recommended Driver Installation Order 51 6 Configuring the BIOS 53 System Setup 53 Entering System Setup 53 System Setup Screens 54 System Setup Options 55 Boot Sequence 62
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    6 Contents
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    Media • A diagnostic program for your computer. The Drivers and Utilities media is a CD or • Drivers for your computer. DVD that may have shipped with your computer. NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com. • Desktop System Software (DSS). • Readme files. NOTE
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    Guide is available at support.dell.com. • About your operating system. • Using and maintaining peripherals. • Understanding technologies such as RAID, Internet, Bluetooth®, E-mail, networking, and more. Microsoft® Windows® License Label Your Microsoft Windows License is located on your computer
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    Setting up Your Computer Front and Back View of the Computer Front View 5 6 4 3 2 1 7 8 9 10 Setting up Your Computer 9
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    is ejected. 7 front panel Multi-colored LEDs provide illumination for the LEDs (3) front of the computer. 8 power button Press to turn on the computer. CAUTION: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. NOTE
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    data from or writes data to the hard drive. The LED may also be on when a device such as your CD player is operating. 10 computer stand Attach the computer stand to provide stability to the system. WARNING: The computer stand should be installed and feet extended at all times to ensure maximum
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    high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices. Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone audio output ports. Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable USB
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    for the power supply. • Green light-Indicates power availability for the power supply. • No light-Indicates no power available for the power supply or the power supply is not working. Use to test the power supply. Multi-colored LEDs provide illumination for the card slots on the back of the computer
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    support full-length cards. Plug USB and other devices into the appropriate connectors (see "Back I/O Connectors" on page 14). Multi-colored LEDs provide illumination for the I/O panel on the back of the computer Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras
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    low bass extension. Systems not using subwoofers can shunt the LFE information to the main speakers in the surround sound setup. line-in connector Use the (blue) line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR. On computers with a sound card
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    force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation. 1 - network activity LED Flashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting or recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable
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    Setting up the Computer Your computer ships with the computer stand already installed. With the computer sitting in an upright position, carefully lift the rear of the computer, and extend the stabilizing feet fully. The extended feet ensure maximum system stability. Setting up Your Computer 17
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    computer's performance, causing it to overheat. It is not recommended to install the computer in an enclosure. However, if you must install the computer your computer in computer's maximum operating temperature. For details about your computer vented sides of the computer to permit the airflow
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    in a corner on a desk or under a desk, leave at least 5.1 centimeters (2 inches) of clearance from the back of the computer to the wall to permit airflow required for proper ventilation. • Do not install your computer in an enclosure that does not allow airflow. Restricting the airflow impacts your
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    to a Network To connect the system to a network: 1 Connect one end of a network cable to your network device (router, network switch, cable modem/DSL). 2 Connect the other end of the network cable to one of the network adapter connections on the back of your computer. A click indicates that the
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    vary on a Dell™ XPS™ 730X computer. For more information, go to the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. Dell ships your computer to you already configured. This section details instructions in case you need to re-create or modify your system's configuration. Network Configuration (XPS 730 Only
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    involves attaching the additional displays and configuring the video driver software or control panel to support them. WARNING: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer. To attach an additional display: 1 Ensure that the
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    do this vary by video card and installed driver revision, however, in most cases this can be done via the video card's Control Panel applet (NVIDIA Control Panel or ATI Catalyst Control Center). See the Help files for these applets for full instructions and options. NOTE: When connecting additional
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    Windows Control Panel. After opening the applet select the Crossfire option. Click the Enable Crossfire option to enable Crossfire. NOTE: Crossfire configurations only support a single display. When enabling Crossfire technology, any additional displays will be disabled. 24 System Configuration
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    a Dell™ XPS™ 730X computer. For more information, go to the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. Dell has configured your computer to operate optimally across a wide range of applications. Depending on the configuration you purchased, the computer may have been overclocked by the Dell factory
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    Performance Tuning (XPS 730 Only) Your computer includes components compatible with NVIDIA ESA (Enthusiast System Architecture). ESA is a PC protocol for real-time monitoring and control of system's thermal, electrical, acoustic, and operating characteristics. For the advanced user, Dell has pre
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    View System Information This section of the NVIDIA Control Panel allows you to view version information for the computer and installed drivers. This information can be saved to a file for further review and also for technical support scenarios. Profile Policies The Profile Policies section allows
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    28 Optimizing Performance
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    appears stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities media. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop, then shut down your computer and try again
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    Diagnostics Main Menu. 6 Close the Main Menu window to exit Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer. Starting Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media 1 Turn on (or restart) your computer. 2 Press the eject button on the front of the optical drive to open the drive tray. 3 Place the
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    and follow the instructions on the screen. 11 After all tests are complete, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu. 12 Remove the Drivers and Utilities media, then close the Main Menu window to exit Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer. Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
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    it appears and follow the instructions on the screen. If you cannot resolve the problem, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 72). NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. When contacting Dell support, have your Service Tag ready. The following tabs
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    . • Resources specific to your computer are available under the Drivers & Downloads, Upgrades, and System Information sections. The top of the Dell Support Center home page displays your computer's model number along with its Service Tag, Express Service Code, and warranty expiration details. When
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    3 is not available from the Start menu, go to support.dell.com and download the software. Dell PC Tune-Up The automated or monthly version of Dell PC Tune-Up allows you to choose the day and time of the month you want your computer "tuned up." A typical tune-up includes hard drive defragmentation
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    more about the monthly version and how easy it is to keep your computer running at peak performance, visit the PC Tune-Up page in the Services page at support.dell.com. Dell PC Checkup Dell PC Checkup is a troubleshooting and diagnostic tool that provides customized scanning and testing of your
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    a live session with a Dell associate: 1 Click the Dell Support Center icon on your computer's desktop. 2 Click Assistance From Dell→Technical Support→DellConnect→Phone and follow the instructions. Dell Technical Update Service The Dell Technical Update service provides proactive e-mail notification
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    the system board (see the Service Manual at support.dell.com). NOTE: All front panel and back panel LEDs will turn off during sleep states. Beep Codes Your computer may emit a series of beeps during start up. The series of beeps is called a beep code and can be used to help identify a problem with
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    controller test failure RAM Read/Write failure. Possible memory failure. RTC power failure. Possible CMOS battery failure. Video BIOS test failure. Possible video card failure. CPU Cache test failure (Intel CPU only). Possible CPU failure. Solving Problems Troubleshooting Software and Hardware
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    start-up, replace the battery (see the Service Manual at support.dell.com). If replacing the battery does not solve the problem, contact Dell. Drive Problems ENSURE THAT MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE - Windows XP: • Click Start and click My Computer. Windows Vista: • Click Start and click
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    the desired action. 4 Follow the instructions on the screen. Memory Problems IF YOU EXPERIENCE MEMORY PROBLEMS - • Reseat the memory modules (see the Service Manual at support.dell.com) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory. • Ensure that you are following
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    outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. • Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see the Service Manual at support.dell.com). • Remove and then reinstall any expansion cards, including graphics cards (see the
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    any programs installed after you received the computer. Use Dell PC Restore or Dell Factory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem. Using Microsoft Windows System Restore The Windows operating systems provide a System Restore option which allows you to
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    System Restore Windows XP: CAUTION: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete. 1 Click Start→All Programs→Accessories→System
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    programs or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using these options. Use Dell PC Restore or Dell Factory Image Restore only if the Microsoft Windows System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem. NOTE: Dell PC Restore by Symantec
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    User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the computer was turned on. 6 Click Next. The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts. 7 After the computer restarts, click OK. Windows Vista: Dell Factory Image Restore Using Factory Image Restore: 1 Turn on the
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    software. CAUTION: The Operating System media provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs that are installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so
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    operating system. The Dell media includes all necessary drivers required to install Windows XP. Using retail or third party media may require the user to provide additional drivers during the installation of the operating system. 1 Insert the Windows XP CD in the CD drive, and restart your computer
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    and click Next. 18 The computer restarts and continues with the setup program. Reinstalling Windows Vista The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers (see "Using the Drivers and Utilities Media" on
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    do not reinstall Windows Vista unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so. 1 Insert the Operating System media into the DVD drive of the computer. 2 Restart (or power on) the computer. 3 Press the key as soon as the keyboard lights up. The Boot Menu appears. A window
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    follow the prompts on the screen. 3 In the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next. NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media displays drivers only for hardware that came installed in your computer. If you installed additional hardware, the drivers for the new hardware might not be displayed by the
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    your computer. If you are unsure what hardware you have installed or are unsure of which exact drivers to load, contact Technical Support. When installing the drivers and utilities for your hardware, it is recommended that you install them in the following order. 1 Critical Drivers a Desktop System
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    52 Troubleshooting
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    Configuring the BIOS System Setup The System Setup options allow you to: • Change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computer. • Set or change a user-selectable option. • Read the current amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed
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    System Setup window. This field provides a menu to access to the System computer. Options List - Appears on the left side of the System Setup window. The field lists features that define the configuration of your computer, including installed hardware, power your computer and make the System Setup
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    a Dell XPS™ 730 computer. The options may vary for a Dell XPS 730X computer. For more information, see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. Main Date Displays the system date. Time Displays the system time. System Info Displays the system model name. BIOS Info
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    by the front-side bus (FSB) clockspeed determines the core speed of the processor. CPU core clock = FSB Frequency/4 x CPU multiplier • C1E Enhanced Halt State-If enabled, CPU power consumption is reduced when the CPU is idle. This is triggered by the operating system executing the halt instruction
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    On-Sets the type of error to halt the system during POST. (All errors, No errors, All errors but keyboard errors) • Boot Up NumLock Status-Sets the power-on state for NumLock. (On/Off) • Fast Boot-Enables Fast Boot. When enabled, allows the BIOS to skip certain tests during POST which decreases the
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    to IDE or SATA devices such as hard drives, optical drives, and so on connected to the computer. • HDD S.M.A.R.T Capability-Enables the hard drive S.M.A.R.T. setting. (Enabled/Disabled) • Serial-ATA Controller auto-detection of the drive size and head on this channel. 58 Configuring the BIOS
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    the current setting. • CPU Multiplier-Displays the current setting. • FSB-Memory Clock Mode-Allows you to set the system clock mode: - Auto-Sets the FSB and memory speed automatically. - Linked-Allows you to enter the FSB and speed manually. The Memory speed changes proportionally. - Unlinked
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    CPU core, FSB, Configuration memory voltage, and chipset voltage. • CPU Core-Allows you to set the voltage level for the CPU core (CPU VID). • CPU FSB-Allows you to set the voltage level for the CPU FSB (CPU VTT). • Memory the user password to enter the BIOS setup during POST. 60 Configuring the
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    behavior of the system after recovering from a power loss. • On-The computer turns on after it recovers from a power failure. • Off-The computer remains powered off. • Last-The computer returns the power state it was in before the power failure. Remote Wake Up Notifies the computer to turn on
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    in the boot sequence. • CD Drive - The computer attempts to boot from the CD drive. If no CD is in the drive, or if the CD has no operating system, the computer attempts to boot from the next bootable device in the boot sequence. • USB Flash Device - Insert the memory device into a USB port and
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    too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop, then shut down your computer and try again. 4 At . For example, if you are booting to a USB memory key, highlight USB Flash Device and press . NOTE: To boot to a USB device
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    64 Configuring the BIOS
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    →Help and Support and select the option to view information about your computer. Processor Processor type Cache Dell™ XPS™ 730 Intel® Core™2 Duo (Performance dual core) Intel Core2 Quad (Performance quad core) Intel Core2 Extreme (Extreme performance quad core) at least 4 MB Dell XPS 730X Intel
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    Computer Information Dell XPS 730 Chipset nForce 790i SLI Northbridge nForce 790i SLI SPP Southbridge nForce 790i SLI MCP BIOS chip (NVRAM) 8 Mb NIC two integrated network interfaces capable of 10/100/1000 Mbps communication Dell XPS 730X Intel X58 Intel 36s IOH Intel ICH10 8 Mb two
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    Expansion Bus Dell XPS 730 Dell XPS 730X Bus throughput x1 slot bidirectional speed - x1 slot bidirectional speed - 2.5 Gbps 2.5 Gbps PCI Express x16 Generation 2 Connector two x16 three x16 Connector size 164 pins 164 pins Connector data 16 PCI Express lanes width (maximum)
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    inch drive bays for hard drives for hard drives ✓ = Supported; ✘ = Not supported Connectors Dell XPS 730 Dell XPS 730X External connectors IEEE 1394a front and back-panel 6-pin serial connectors front and back-panel 6-pin serial connectors Network adapter two RJ45 connectors two RJ45
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    Connectors (continued) System board connectors IDE drive Serial ATA Floppy drive Fan PCI PCI Express x1 PCI Express x16 eSATA Dell XPS 730 Dell XPS 730X one 40-pin connector N/A six 7-pin connectors eight 7-pin connectors one 34-pin connector N/A one 4-pin connector; five one 4-pin connector;
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    LEDs provide illumination for the front of the computer. Back panel LEDs four multi-colored LEDs provide illumination for the I/O panel on the back of the computer. Power DC power supply Wattage Voltage (see the safety instructions that shipped with your computer) Optional UPS Backup battery
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    Environmental Temperature Operating Storage Relative humidity Maximum vibration Operating Storage Maximum shock Operating Storage Altitude Operating Storage Airborne contaminant 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F) -40° to 65°C (-40° to 149°F) 20% to 80% (noncondensing) 0.25 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 0.5 octave/min
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    menu near the bottom of the page, or see the web addresses listed in the following table. NOTE: In certain countries, support specific to Dell™ XPS™ computers is available at a separate telephone number listed for participating countries. If you do not see a telephone number listed that is specific
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    mouse, 14 network adapter, 16 power, 13 sound, 15 USB, 12, 16 contacting Dell, 72 D Dell contacting, 71-72 Dell Network Assistant, 35 Dell Support 3, 34 Dell Technology Guide, 8 DellConnect, 36 diagnostics beep codes, 37 documentation Dell Technology Guide, 8 Service Manual, 7 E End User License
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    , 21 NVIDIA Performance, 26 O operating system reinstalling, 7 Operating System CD, 7 P phone numbers, 72 power button, 10 connector, 13 problems, 41 power light conditions, 41 problems beep codes, 37 conflicts, 38 hard drive, 40 memory, 40 power, 41 power light conditions, 41 processor type, 65
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    , 8 S safety instructions, 8 Service Manual, 7 settings system setup, 53 software conflicts, 38 sound connectors line-in, 15 line-out, 15 specifications computer information, 66 connectors, 68 controls and lights, 69 drives, 68 environmental, 71 expansion bus, 66 memory, 65 physical, 70 power, 70
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www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Dell™ XPS™ 730/730X
Quick Reference Guide
Model DCDO