W . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m
Dell XPS
November HC098
Contents
Optimizing Performance
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
101
Network Adapter and Sound Card Settings
103
105
109
108
110
112
142
Finding Information
Dell Product Information Guide Setup Diagram
When you use
Use the Service Tag to
Service Code to direct
Microsoft Windows License Label
Updates
Order status, warranty, and repair information
How to use Windows XP
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
Varies based on
Operating system you
Ordered
Finding Information
Opening the Drive Door Changing the Front-Panel Light Color
Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Badge
Front-panel
XD-Picture card
Using a Media Card Reader Optional
MS/MS Pro
SecureDigital card SD MultiMediaCard MMC
Connecting Monitors
Connecting Two Monitors
Primary video card
Follow the procedures in Before You Begin on
Connecting Two Monitors Without an Adapter
DVI white connector TV-OUT connector
Adapter
Connecting a TV
Changing the Display Settings to Support Two Monitors
Connecting Two Monitors With the Use of an Adapter
About Your RAID Configuration
RAID Level 0 Configuration
About Serial ATA Drives
RAID Level 1 Configuration
Segment
Hard drive
Creating an Array using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility
Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID
Press Tab to navigate to the Free Disks field
Using Nvidia MediaShield
Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Transferring Information to a New Computer
Mails Toolbar settings Window sizes Internet bookmarks
Playing CDs and DVDs
Playing a CD or DVD
Click Finished and restart the new computer
CD player includes the following basic buttons
Adjusting the Volume
Adjusting the Picture
How to Copy a CD or DVD
Copying CDs and DVDs
Media Type Read Write Rewritable
Using Blank CDs and DVDs
Helpful Tips
Network Setup Wizard
Standby Mode
Power Management
Hibernate Mode
Overview
Power Options Properties
Place the power options icon
Advanced Tab
Hibernate Tab
Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Hyper-Threading
PCI Express Cards
Optimizing Performance
Nvidia SLI Dual Graphics Technology
Battery Problems
Troubleshooting Tips
Drive Problems
Solving Problems
E C K T H E C a B L E C O N N E C T I O N S
CD and DVD drive problems
Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
Hard drive problems
Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive
Error Messages
Use these characters in filenames
Ieee 1394 Device Problems
Lockups and Software Problems
Keyboard Problems
Computer stops responding
Computer does not start up
Program stops responding
Program crashes repeatedly
Other software problems
Program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system
Solid blue screen appears
Mouse Problems
Memory Problems
Network Problems
Simultaneously press CtrlEsc to display the Start menu
Computer Start the computer
Power Problems
Printer Problems
Scanner Problems
Sound and Speaker Problems
No sound from speakers
N T H E S P E a K E R D I a G N O S T I C S
No sound from headphones
Video and Monitor Problems
If the screen is blank
If the screen is difficult to read
Graphics card is correctly attached to the card
If 3-D image quality is poor
Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution
Diagnostic Lights
If the problem persists, contact Dell see
Advanced Troubleshooting
Modules without error
Module see Installing Memory on
Installing Memory on
Module/memory connector placement
Express Cards on
Computer see Removing PCI and PCI
Repeat this process for each card. If
Last card removed from the computer for
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
Dell Diagnostics
Tab Function
Option Function
What Is a Driver?
Drivers
Identifying Drivers
Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback
Reinstalling Drivers
Using the ResourceCD
Windows XP Click the Start button and click Control Panel
At the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore
Undoing the Last System Restore
Creating a Restore Point
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
Click the Start button and click Help and Support
Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked
Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Before You Begin
Dell Operating System CD Dell ResourceCD
Reinstalling Windows XP
When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click Next
Advanced Troubleshooting
Advanced Troubleshooting
Before You Begin
Removing and Installing Parts
Recommended Tools
Turning Off Your Computer
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Front View
Front and Back View of the Computer
Front View Doors Open
Back View
Cover latch release
PCI Express cards two x16 slots and one x1 slot
Removing and Installing Parts
Channel
Occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras
Opening the Computer Cover
System board Power supply Removing and Installing Parts
Processor fan Power supply fans
Inside View of Your Computer
Floppy drive CD/DVD drive
System Board Components
Memory
Installing Memory
Addressing Memory Configurations
Notch Memory module Cutouts Crossbar
Securing clips Connector
Removing Memory
Cards
PCI card PCI Express
One PCI Express x1 card slot
Card PCI Express
Card slot
Graphics card bridge Power connectors
Securing tab PCI Express x16 card slot
Removing and Installing Parts
Securing tab PCI Express x16 card slot
Fully seated card Slot Alignment guide
Not fully seated card
Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards
PCI Express x16 card
Retention arm Alignment bar Alignment guide Filler bracket
Installing PCI and PCI Express Cards
W . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m
Not fully seated card
Connect any cables that should be attached to the card
Network Adapter and Sound Card Settings
Drives
General Installation Guidelines
Floppy drive CD/DVD drive Media card reader optional
Hard drives
Drive Interface Connectors
Connecting Drive Cables
Power Cable Connector
Power cable Removing and Installing Parts
Removing a Hard Drive
Hard Drive
Installing a Hard Drive
Hard-drive cable Tabs Power cable
System board connector Removing and Installing Parts
Drive Bracket rails Screws
Removing and Installing Parts
Floppy Drive
Removing a Floppy Drive
101
Data cable power cable Tabs Floppy drive
103
Installing a Floppy Drive
Tabs Floppy drive
104
Media Card Reader
Removing a Media Card Reader
105
Installing a Media Card Reader
Adapter rails Screws
107
108
CD/DVD Drive
Power cable Tabs Data cable CD/DVD drive
Removing a CD/DVD Drive
109
Installing a CD/DVD Drive
111
Removing the Processor Airflow Shroud
Processor Airflow Shroud
112
Anchor tabs Shroud release levers
Processor
Installing the Processor Airflow Shroud
Removing the Processor
113
114
115
Remove the heat sink
Push down and out on the socket release lever
116
Heat sink Retention tab Retention base
Open the processor cover
Installing the Processor
117
Processor cover Socket Release lever
Align the pin-1 corner of the processor and socket
Processor cover Socket Release lever Socket pin-1 indicator
119
Removing the Front Panel
Front Panel
Replacing the Front Panel
120
Removing the Drive Door
Drive Door
Open the drive door
121
Lift the bottom bracket hinge away from the computer
Replacing the Drive Door
122
Top bracket hinge Bottom bracket hinge
123
Hinge tab Door hinges Door bracket
Door Lower part
Replacing the Battery
Battery
125
Closing the Computer Cover
Removing and Installing Parts
127
Specifications
128
Controls and Lights
129
130
Power
Located in the Product Information
At 50/60 Hz 180 to 265 V at 50/60 Hz 100 V at 50/60 Hz for
System Setup
Entering System Setup
131
Or single, and type of memory installed
System Setup Options
Displays current date and time settings
132
133
134
135
Boot Sequence
Option Settings
Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot
137
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
Clearing Cmos Settings
Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor
Cleaning Your Computer
Mouse
Floppy Drive
Dell Technical Support Policy U.S. Only
Definition of Dell-Installed Software and Peripherals
CDs and DVDs
140
Definition of Third-Party Software and Peripherals
FCC Notices U.S. Only
Class a
141
Contacting Dell
Class B
FCC Identification Information
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
Ireland Sales
150
Sales dial within U.K. only
Fax/Sales Fax
151
152
153
154
Switchboard Sales
155
Countries Sales Penang, Malaysia Appendix
156
PowerConnect, and PowerVault Transaction Sales
157
Trinidad/Tobago General Support Turks and Caicos Islands
158
159
Appendix
Index
161
162
163
164
SLI
165
166