Dell Precision 650: instruction

Class: Household, kitchen appliances, electronics and equipment

Type: Computer

Manual for Dell Precision 650

Dell Precision™ Workstations 450 and 650

Setup and Quick Reference

Guide

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better

use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of

data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage,

personal injury, or death.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the “Glossary” in the

User’s Guide.

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

© 2002 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer

Corporation is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell

Computer Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming

the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest

in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

December 2002 P/N 7T144 Rev. A01

Contents

Finding Information and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Connect the keyboard and the mouse

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Connect the modem or the network cable

. . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Connect the monitor

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Connect the speakers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Connect the power cables and turn on the computer

and monitor

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Install additional software or devices

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connect the keyboard and mouse

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Connect the modem or network cable

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Connect the monitor

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Connect the speakers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Connect the power cables and turn on the computer

and monitor

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Install Additional Software or Devices

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Caring for Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Solving Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

. . . . . . 27

Using System Restore in Windows XP

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Using Last Known Good Configuration

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Starting the Dell Diagnostics

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

System Lights

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Beep Codes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Error Messages

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Diagnostic Lights

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Frequently Asked Questions

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Opening the Computer Cover

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Contents 3

4 Contents

Finding Information and Assistance

The following table lists the resources that Dell provides as support tools.

Additional resources may be shipped with your computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

A diagnostic program for my computer

Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the

Drivers for my computer

ResourceCD)

•My User’s Guide

My device documentation

You can use this CD to access documentation, reinstall drivers, or run

diagnostics tools.

How to set up my computer

Setup and Quick Reference Guide

How to care for my computer

Troubleshooting information

How to open my computer cover

How to locate other documentation

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 5

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

Express Service Code and Service Tag

Express Service Code and Product Key

®

®

Microsoft

Windows

License Label

The labels are located on your computer.

How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD and Installation Guide

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities

CD to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.

6 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

How to remove and replace parts

User’s Guide Icon (Microsoft Windows 2000)

Technical specifications

How to configure system settings

How to troubleshoot and solve problems

Double-click the User’s Guide icon on your desktop.

Windows XP Help and Support Center

1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2 Click User’s Guide.

Location of connectors on the system board System Information Label

or

The label is located on the inside of your computer cover.

Latest drivers for my computer

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

Answers to technical service and support

The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:

questions

Knowledge Base — Hints, tips, and online courses

Online discussions with other users and

Customer Forum — Online discussion with other Dell customers

technical support

Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory,

Documentation for my computer including

the hard drive, and the operating system

the Service Manual

Customer Care — Contact information, order status, warranty, and

repair information

Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates

Reference — Computer documentation, product specifications, and

white papers

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 7

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

Service call status and support history

Dell Premier Support Website —

Top technical issues for my computer

premiersupport.dell.com

Frequently asked questions

The Dell Premier Support website is customized for corporate,

File downloads

government, and education customers. This website may not be

available in all regions.

Details on my computer’s configuration

Service contract for my computer

Warranty information System Information Guide

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

How to use Windows XP

Windows XP Help and Support Center

Documentation for my computer and

1 Click the Start button, and click Help and Support.

devices

2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem, and click the

arrow icon.

3 Click the topic that describes your problem.

4 Follow the instructions shown on the screen.

NOTE: For help using Windows 2000, click the Start button and click

Help.

8 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Setting Up Your Dell Precision™ 650

Computer

You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer.

Connect the keyboard and the mouse

or

or

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 9

Connect the modem or the network cable

NOTICE: Do not connect a modem cable to the network adapter. Voltage

from telephone communications can damage the network adapter.

NOTE: If your computer

has a network card

installed, connect the

network cable to the card.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

10 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Connect the monitor

Depending on your graphics card, you can connect your monitor in various

ways.

A B C D

NOTICE: Your computer may require the use of the provided adapter or cable

to connect to your monitor.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 11

For single- and dual-monitor capable cards with a single connector

VGA Adapter

VGA

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Use the VGA adapter when you have a single

monitor graphics card and you want to connect to a

VGA monitor.

Dual VGA Y Cable Adapter

Dual DVI Y Cable Adapter

VGA

DVI

VGA

DVI

Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card

Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card

has a single connector and you want to connect to

has a single connector and you want to connect to

one or two VGA monitors.

one or two DVI monitors.

The dual-monitor cable is color coded; the blue connector is for the primary

monitor, and the black connector is for the secondary monitor. To enable

dual-monitor support, both monitors must be attached when the computer

starts.

12 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

For dual-monitor capable cards with 1 DVI and 1 VGA connector

Single DVI/Single VGA

Dual VGA With VGA Adapter

DVI

VGA

VGA

VGA

Use the appropriate connector when you connect to

Use the VGA adapter when you want to connect to

one or two monitors.

two VGA monitors.

For dual-monitor capable cards with 2 DVI connectors

Dual DVI

Dual DVI With One VGA Adapter

Dual DVI With Two VGA Adapters

DVI

DVI

DVI

VGA

VGA

VGA

Use the DVI connectors to

Use the VGA adapter to connect

Use two VGA adapters to

connect to one or two DVI

a VGA monitor to one DVI

connect two VGA monitors to

monitors.

connector.

the DVI connectors.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 13

Connect the speakers

NOTE: If your computer

has an audio card

installed, connect the

speakers to the card.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

14 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Connect the power cables and turn on the

computer and monitor

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 15

Install additional software or devices

Before you install any devices or software that did not come with your

computer, read the documentation that came with the software or device or

contact the vendor to verify that the software or device is compatible with

your computer and operating system.

Congratulations! You have completed the setup for your

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

computer.

Your Dell Precision Workstation 650 User’s Guide contains additional

information about your computer such as:

Technical specifications

Front and back views of your computer, including all of the available

connectors

Inside views of your computer, including a detailed graphic of the

system board and the connectors

Instructions for cleaning your computer

Information on software features, such as LegacySelect Technology

control, using a password, and system setup options

A description of the Windows XP operating system

Instructions for removing and installing parts, including memory,

cards, drives, the microprocessor, the VRM, and the battery

Information for troubleshooting various computer problems

Instructions for using the Dell Diagnostics and reinstalling drivers

Information on how to contact Dell

You can access the User’s Guide from your hard drive, the Drivers and

Utilities CD, or the Dell Support website.

16 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

To access the User’s Guide from your hard drive:

If you have Windows 2000, double-click the User’s Guides icon.

If you have Windows XP, click the Start button and click Help and

Support.

To access the User’s Guide from the CD:

1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD into the drive.

If you are using the Drivers and Utilities CD for the first time, the

ResourceCD Installation window opens to inform you that the CD is

about to begin installation.

2 Click OK to continue and then respond to the prompts offered by the

installation program.

3 Click Next at the Welcome Dell System Owner screen.

4 Select the appropriate System Model, Operating System, and Topic.

To access your User’s Guide from the Dell Support Site:

1 Go to support.dell.com.

2 Follow the prompts on the website that ask you for information

specific to your computer.

3 At the Dell Support website home page, click Reference, click User’s

Guides, click Systems, and then select your Dell Precision computer.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 17

Setting Up Your Dell Precision 450

Computer

You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer.

Connect the keyboard and mouse

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

or

or

18 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Connect the modem or network cable

NOTICE: Do not connect a modem cable to the network adapter. Voltage

NOTE: If your computer

from telephone communications cause damage the network adapter.

has a network card

installed, connect the

network cable to the card.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 19

Connect the monitor

Depending on your graphics card, you can connect your monitor in various

ways.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

A B C D

NOTICE: Your computer may require the use of the provided adapter or cable

to connect to your monitor.

20 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

For single- and dual-monitor capable cards with a single connector

VGA Adapter

VGA

Use the VGA adapter when you have a single

monitor graphics card and you want to connect to a

VGA monitor.

Dual VGA Y Cable Adapter

Dual DVI Y Cable Adapter

VGA

DVI

VGA

DVI

Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card

Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card

has a single connector and you want to connect to

has a single connector and you want to connect to

one or two VGA monitors.

one or two DVI monitors.

The dual-monitor cable is color coded; the blue connector is for the primary

monitor, and the black connector is for the secondary monitor. To enable

dual-monitor support, both monitors must be attached when the computer

starts.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 21

For dual-monitor capable cards with 1 DVI and 1 VGA connector

Single DVI/Single VGA

Dual VGA With VGA Adapter

DVI

VGA

VGA

VGA

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Use the appropriate connector when you connect to

Use the VGA adapter when you want to connect to

one or two monitors.

two VGA monitors.

For dual-monitor capable cards with 2 DVI connectors

Dual DVI

Dual DVI With One VGA Adapter

Dual DVI With Two VGA Adapters

DVI

DVI

DVI

VGA

VGA

VGA

Use the DVI connectors to

Use the VGA adapter to connect

Use two VGA adapters to

connect to one or two DVI

a VGA monitor to one DVI

connect two VGA monitors to

monitors.

connector.

the DVI connectors.

22 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Connect the speakers

NOTE: If your computer

has an audio card

installed, connect the

speakers to the card.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 23

Connect the power cables and turn on the

computer and monitor

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

24 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Install Additional Software or Devices

Before you install any devices or software that did not come with your

computer, read the documentation that came with the software or device or

contact the vendor to verify that the software or device is compatible with

your computer and operating system.

Congratulations! You have completed the setup for your

computer.

Yo u r Dell Precision Workstation 450 User’s Guide contains additional

information about your computer such as:

Technical specifications

Front and back views of your computer, including all of the available

connectors

Inside views of your computer, including a detailed graphic of the

system board and the connectors

Instructions for cleaning your computer

Information on software features, such as LegacySelect Technology

control, using a password, and system setup options

A description of the Windows XP operating system

Instructions for removing and installing parts, including memory,

cards, drives, the microprocessor, the VRM, and the battery

Information for troubleshooting various computer problems

Instructions for using the Dell Diagnostics and reinstalling drivers

Information on how to contact Dell

You can access the User’s Guide from your hard drive, the Drivers and

Utilities CD, or the Dell Support website.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 25

To access the User’s Guide from your hard drive:

If you have Windows 2000, double-click the User’s Guides icon.

If you have Windows XP, click the Start button and click Help and

Support.

To access the User’s Guide from the CD:

1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD into the drive.

If you are using the Drivers and Utilities CD for the first time, the

ResourceCD Installation window opens to inform you that the CD is

about to begin installation.

2 Click OK to continue and then respond to the prompts offered by the

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

installation program.

3 Click Next at the Welcome Dell System Owner screen.

4 Select the appropriate System Model, Operating System, and Topic.

To access your User’s Guide from the Dell Support Site:

1 Go to support.dell.com.

2 Follow the prompts on the website that ask you for information

specific to your computer.

3 At the Dell Support website home page, click Reference, click User’s

Guides, click Systems, and then select your Dell Precision computer.

Caring for Your Computer

To help maintain your computer, follow these suggestions:

To avoid losing or corrupting data, never turn off your computer when

the hard drive light is on.

Schedule regular virus scans using virus software.

Manage hard drive space by periodically deleting unnecessary files and

defragmenting the drive.

Back up files on a regular basis.

Periodically clean your monitor screen, mouse, and keyboard (see your

User’s Guide for more information).

26 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Solving Problems

Follow these tips when troubleshooting your computer:

If you added or removed a computer 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 on the screen, write down the exact

message. This message may help technical support diagnose and fix

the problem(s).

If an error message occurs in a program, consult the program’s

documentation.

If the recommended action in the troubleshooting section is to see a

section in your User’s Guide, you can use your Drivers and Utilities CD

or go to support.dell.com (on another computer if necessary) to access

your User’s Guide.

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Windows XP

Windows XP IRQ conflicts occur if a device either is not detected during

the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured.

To check for conflicts on a computer running Windows XP:

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2 Click Performance and Maintenance and click System.

3 Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.

4 In the Device Manager list, check for conflicts with the other devices.

Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (

!) beside the

conflicting device or a red

X if the device has been disabled.

5 Double-click any conflict to display the Properties window.

If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties

window reports the cards or devices that share the device's IRQ.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 27

Resolve conflicts by reconfiguring the devices or removing the devices from

the Device Manager.

To use the Windows XP Hardware Troubleshooter:

1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2 Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field, and click the

arrow to start the search.

3 Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.

4 In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware

conflict on my computer, and then click Next.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Windows 2000

To check for conflicts on a computer running Windows 2000:

1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control

Panel.

2 In the Control Panel window, double-click System.

3 Click the Hardware tab.

4 Click Device Manager.

5 Click View and click Resources by connection.

6 Double-click Interrupt request (IRQ) to view the IRQ assignments.

Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (

!) beside the

conflicting device or a red

X if the device has been disabled.

7 Double-click any conflict to display the Properties window.

If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties

window reports the cards or devices that share the device's IRQ.

8 Resolve conflicts by reconfiguring the devices or removing the devices

from the Device Manager.

28 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

To use the Windows 2000 Hardware Troubleshooter:

1 Click the Start button and click Help.

2 Click Troubleshooting and Maintenance on the Contents tab, click

Windows 2000 troubleshooters, and then click Hardware.

3 In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware

conflict on my computer, and then click Next.

Using System Restore in Windows XP

The Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to

return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data

files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left

the computer in an undesirable operating state. See "Windows XP Help and

Support Center" on page 8 for additional information on using System

Restore.

NOTICE: Back up your data files regularly. System Restore does not monitor

your data files or recover them.

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

NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save

and close all open files and close all open programs. Do not alter, open, or

delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1

Click the Start button, point to All Programs Accessories System

Tools, and then click System Restore.

2 Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected, and

click Next.

3 Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.

The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you

to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available

restore points appear in bold.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 29

4 Select a restore point and click Next.

If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is

automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click

the restore point that you prefer.

5 Click Next.

The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore

finishes collecting data, and then the computer automatically restarts.

6 After the computer restarts, click OK.

To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a

different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Using Last Known Good Configuration

1 Restart your computer and press <F8> when the message Please

select the operating system to start

appears.

2 Highlight Last Known Good Setting, press <Enter>, press <l>, and

then select your operating system when prompted.

Other Options to Help Resolve Additional Device or Software Conflicts

NOTICE: The following processes erase all of the information on your hard

drive.

Reinstall your operating system using the operating system installation

guide and operating system CD.

During the operating system reinstallation, you can select to delete the

existing partitions and reformat your hard drive.

Reinstall all drivers, beginning with the choppiest, using the Drivers

and Utilities CD.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in

"Solving Problems" in your User’s Guide and run the Dell Diagnostics before

you contact Dell for technical assistance. Running the Dell Diagnostics may

help you resolve the problem without contacting Dell. If you do contact

Dell, the test results can provide important information for Dell's service

and support personnel.

30 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

The Dell Diagnostics allows you to:

Perform express, extended, or custom tests on one or all devices

Select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are having

Choose how many times a test is run

Display test results

Suspend testing if an error is detected

Access online help information that describes the tests and devices

Receive status messages that tell you whether tests completed

successfully

Receive error messages if problems are detected

Starting the Dell Diagnostics

It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.

NOTICE: Only use the Dell Diagnostics to test your Dell™ computer. Using

this program with other computers can result in error messages.

Enter system setup, review your computer’s configuration information, and

ensure that the device you want to test displays in system setup and is

active.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers

and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

1 Shut down and restart the computer.

®

2 When the DELL

logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

If you wait too long and the Windows

logo appears, continue to wait

NOTE: If you receive a

until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer

message stating that no

through the Start menu and try again.

Diagnostics utility

partition has been found,

3 When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition

follow the instructions to

and press <Enter>.

run the Dell Diagnostics

from your Drivers and

4 When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you

Utilities CD.

want to run.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 31

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD

1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD into the CD drive.

2 Shut down and restart the computer.

When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait

until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer

through the Start menu and try again.

NOTE: This feature

3 When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM Device

changes the boot sequence

and press <Enter>.

for one time only. On the

4 Select the IDE CD-ROM Device option from the CD boot menu.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

next start-up, the

computer boots according

5 Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears.

to the devices specified in

system setup.

6 Type 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.

7 Type 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.

8 Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If

multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your

platform.

9 When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you

want to run.

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

1 After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears,

click the button for the option you want.

NOTE: The Service Tag

for your computer is

Option Function

located at the top of each

Express

Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10

test screen

Test

to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part.

Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing

the problem quickly.

Extended

Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically

Test

takes an hour or more and requires you to answer questions

periodically.

Custom

Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you

Test

want to run.

Symptom

Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows

Tre e

you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem

you are having.

32 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

2 If a problem is encountered during a test, a message displaying the

error code and a description of the problem appear. Write down the

error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the

screen.

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell.

3 If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click

the applicable tab described in the following table for more

information.

Tab Function

Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions

encountered.

Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and

problem description.

Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for

running the test.

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected

device.

The Dell Diagnostics obtains your configuration

information for all devices from system setup, memory,

and various internal tests and displays it in the device

list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may

not display the names of all the components installed on

your computer or all devices attached to your computer.

Parameters Allows you to customize the test by changing the test

settings.

4 When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics

from the Drivers and Utilities CD, remove the CD.

5 Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the

Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu

screen.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 33

System Lights

The lights on the front of the computer can indicate a computer problem.

Power Light Hard-Drive

Cause Corrective Action

Light

Solid green N/A Power is on, and the computer is

No corrective action is required.

operating normally.

Blinking green Blank The computer is in the suspended

Press the power button, move the

state (Windows 2000 and

mouse, or press a key on the

Windows XP).

keyboard to wake the computer. See

"Power Management" in the User’s

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Guide for more information.

Blinks green

N/A A configuration error exists. Check the diagnostic lights to see if

several times and

the specific problem is identified.

then turns off

See the User’s Guide for more

information.

Solid yellow N/A The Dell Diagnostics is running a

If the Dell Diagnostics is running,

test, or a device on the system board

allow the testing to complete.

may be faulty or incorrectly

Check the diagnostic lights to see if

installed.

the specific problem is identified.

Also, see "System Board Problems"

in the User’s Guide.

If the computer does not boot,

contact Dell for technical

assistance.

Blinking yellow Blank A power supply or system board

Check the diagnostic lights to see if

failure has occurred.

the specific problem is identified.

See "Power Problems" and "System

Board Problems" in the User’s

Guide.

Blinking yellow Solid green A system board or VRM failure has

Check the diagnostic lights to see if

occurred.

the specific problem is identified.

Also, see "System Board Problems"

in the User’s Guide.

Solid green and a

N/A A problem was detected while the

See "Beep Codes" on page 35 for

beep code during

BIOS was executing.

instructions on diagnosing the beep

POST

code. Also, check the diagnostic

lights to see if the specific problem

is identified.

34 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Power Light Hard-Drive

Cause Corrective Action

Light

Solid green power

N/A The monitor or the graphics card

Check the diagnostic lights to see if

light and no beep

may be faulty or incorrectly

the specific problem is identified.

code and no video

installed.

Also, see "Video Problems" in the

during POST

User’s Guide.

Solid green power

N/A An integrated system board device

Check the diagnostic lights to see if

light and no beep

may be faulty.

the specific problem is identified. If

code, but the

the problem is not identified,

computer locks

contact Dell for technical

up during POST

assistance.

Beep Codes

Your computer might emit a series of beeps that identify a problem. One

possible series (code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and

then one beep. This series tell you that the computer encountered a

memory problem.

If a beep code is emitted, write it down and look it up under "Beep Codes"

in the User’s Guide.

Error Messages

If an error occurs during start-up, a message may be displayed on the

NOTE: If the message is

monitor identifying the problem. See "Error Messages" in the User’s Guide

not listed, see the

documentation for either

for suggestions on resolving any problems.

the operating system or

the program that was

Diagnostic Lights

running when the message

appeared.

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer is equipped with four

lights on the front panel labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D." The lights can be

yellow or green. When the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After

the computer starts, the lights remain green. If the computer malfunctions,

the color and sequence of the lights identify the problem.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section,

follow the safety instructions in the System Information Guide.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 35

Diagnostic Light Codes Before POST

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

No electrical power is supplied to

Connect the computer to its electrical outlet. Ensure

the computer.

that the front-panel power light is on. If the power light

is off, ensure that the computer is connected to a

A B C D

working electrical outlet, and then press the power

button.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for

technical assistance.

The computer is in a normal off

Press the power button to turn the computer on.

condition; the computer is

If the computer does not turn on, ensure that the front-

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

connected to its electrical outlet.

panel power light is on. If the power light is off, ensure

A B C D

that the computer is connected to a working electrical

outlet, and then press the power button.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for

technical assistance.

The computer is in a reduced

Use one of the appropriate methods to "wake up" the

power or "sleep" state.

computer. See "Advanced Features" in your User’s

Guide.

A B C D

If the problem is not resolved and you are trying to wake

the computer with a USB mouse or keyboard, substitute

the mouse or keyboard with a working PS/2 mouse or

keyboard and try to wake the computer.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for

technical assistance.

The BIOS is not executing. Ensure that the microprocessor is seated correctly and

restart the computer.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for

A B C D

technical assistance.

A possible power supply or power

Perform the procedure in "Power Problems" in the

cable failure has occurred.

User’s Guide.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for

A B C D

technical assistance.

= yellow

= green

= off

36 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

A possible system board failure has

Contact Dell for technical assistance.

occurred.

A B C D

A microprocessor and/or VRM

Perform the procedure in "Microprocessor Problems" in

mismatch exists.

your User’s Guide.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for

A B C D

technical assistance.

A possible VRM 0 failure has

Contact Dell for technical assistance.

occurred.

A B C D

A possible VRM 1 failure has

Perform the procedure in "Microprocessor Problems" in

occurred.

your User’s Guide.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for

A B C D

technical assistance.

A possible VRM 0 and VRM 1

Contact Dell for technical assistance.

failure has occurred.

A B C D

= yellow

= green

= off

Diagnostic Light Codes During POST

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggestion Resolution

A possible BIOS failure has

Run the BIOS Recovery utility, wait for recovery

occurred; the computer is

completion, and then restart the computer.

in the recovery mode.

A B C D

= yellow

= green

= off

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 37

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggestion Resolution

A possible microprocessor

Reinstall the microprocessor and restart the computer.

failure has occurred.

A B C D

Memory modules are

1 Reset the memory modules to ensure that your

detected, but a memory

computer is successfully communicating with the

failure has occurred.

memory.

A B C D

2 Restart the computer.

3 If the problem still exists, remove all the memory

modules and install one memory module in

memory module connector 4.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

4 Restart the computer.

The following message appears: Alert!

Operating in Debug Mode. Please

Populate Memory in Pairs for Normal

Operation.

5 Press <F1> to boot to the operating system.

6 Run the System Memory test group in the Dell

Diagnostics.

7 If the memory module passes, shut down the

computer, remove the memory module, and repeat

the process with the remaining memory modules

until a memory error occurs during start-up or

diagnostic testing.

If the first memory module tested is defective,

repeat the process with the remaining modules to

ensure that the remaining modules are not

defective.

8 When the defective memory module is identified,

contact Dell for a replacement.

NOTE: If necessary, the computer can operate in

debug mode until new memory modules are installed.

= yellow

= green

= off

38 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggestion Resolution

A possible expansion card

1 Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card

failure has occurred.

(not the graphics card) and then restarting the

computer.

A B C D

2 If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you

removed, remove a different card, and then restart

the computer.

3 Repeat this process for each card. If the computer

starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed

from the computer for resource conflicts (see

"Resolving Software and Hardware

Incompatibilities" in your User’s Guide).

4 If the problem persists, contact Dell.

A possible graphics card

Reinstall the graphics card and restart the computer.

failure has occurred.

If the problems still exists, install a graphics card that

you know works and restart the computer.

A B C D

If the problem persists, contact Dell.

A possible floppy or hard

Check all power and data cable connections, and then

drive failure has occurred.

restart the computer.

A B C D

A possible USB failure has

Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections,

occurred.

and then restart the computer.

A B C D

= yellow

= green

= off

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 39

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggestion Resolution

No memory modules are

1 Reset the memory modules to ensure that your

detected.

computer is successfully communicating with the

memory.

A B C D

2 Restart the computer.

3 If the problem still exists, remove all the memory

modules and install one memory module in

memory module connector 4.

4 Restart the computer.

The following message appears: Alert!

Operating in Debug Mode. Please

Populate Memory in Pairs for Normal

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Operation.

5 Press <F1> to boot to the operating system.

6 Run the System Memory test group in the Dell

Diagnostics.

7 If the memory module passes, shut down the

computer, remove the memory module, and repeat

the process with the remaining memory modules

until a memory error occurs during start-up or

diagnostic testing.

If the first memory module tested is defective,

repeat the process with the remaining modules to

ensure that the remaining modules are not

defective.

8 When the defective memory module is identified,

contact Dell for a replacement.

NOTE: If necessary, the computer can operate in

debug mode until new memory modules are installed.

System board failure has

Perform the procedures in "System Board Problems" in

occurred.

your User’s Guide.

If the problem persists, contact Dell.

A B C D

= yellow

= green

= off

40 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggestion Resolution

Memory modules are

Ensure that there are no special memory

detected, but a memory

module/memory connector placement requirements

configuration or

(see "Memory" in your User’s Guide).

A B C D

compatibility error exists.

Verify that the memory modules that you are

installing are compatible with your computer (see

"Memory" in your User’s Guide).

Reinstall the memory modules and then restart the

computer.

If the problem persists, contact Dell.

A possible system board

Perform the procedure in "System Board Problem" and

resource and/or hardware

see "Resolving Software and Hardware

failure has occurred.

Incompatibilities" in your User’s Guide.

A B C D

If the problem persists, contact Dell.

A possible expansion card

1 Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card

failure has occurred.

(not the graphics card) and then restarting the

computer.

A B C D

2 If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you

removed, remove a different card, and then restart

the computer.

3 Repeat this process for each card. If the computer

starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed

from the computer for resource conflicts (see

"Resolving Software and Hardware

Incompatibilities" in your User’s Guide).

4 If the problem persists, contact Dell.

Other failure has occurred. Ensure that the cables are properly connected from

the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive to the

system board.

A B C D

If the problem persists, contact Dell.

The computer is in a

None.

normal operating condition

after POST.

A B C D

= yellow

= green

= off

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 41

If a computer problem occurs that you are unable to resolve through the

steps in this section or the procedures in "Finding Solutions" in your User’s

Guide, complete the following steps before you contact Dell:

1 Write a detailed description of the error, beep code, or diagnostic light

problem.

2 Record your Express Service Code and Service Tag.

3 Contact Dell from the same location as your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

How Do I... Solution Where to Find Additional

Information

Set up my computer to use two

If your computer has the required

To locate additional information

monitors?

graphics card to support dual-

about using dual monitors, see the

monitor setup, then look in your

graphics card documentation on

box for a Y-cable. The cable has a

the Drivers and Utilities CD.

single connector on one end (plug

this connector into the back panel)

and branches into two connectors

(plug these connectors in the

monitor cables). For the Dell

Precision 650 computer, see

"Connect the monitor" on page 11

and for the Dell Precision 450

computer, see "Connect the

monitor" on page 20.

Connect my monitor when the

If your graphics card has a DVI

Contact Dell Support for more

monitor cable connector doesn’t

connector but your monitor has a

information.

seem to fit the connector on the

VGA connector, then you need to

back of my computer?

use an adapter. An adapter should

be included in the box.

Connect my speakers? If you have a sound card installed,

See the documentation that came

connect the speakers to the

with your speakers for more

connectors on the card. For the

information.

Dell Precision 650 computer, see

"Connect the speakers" on page 14

and for the Dell Precision 450

computer, see "Connect the

speakers" on page 23.

42 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

How Do I... Solution Where to Find Additional

Information

Find the right connectors for my

Your Dell Precision 650 computer

See the front and back view

USB or IEEE 1394 devices?

has six USB connectors (two on

graphics of your computer in your

the front and four on the back). It

User’s Guide. For help with

also has two IEEE 1394 connectors

locating your User’s Guide, see

(one on the front and one on the

"Finding Information and

back). See "Setting Up Your Dell

Assistance" on page 5.

Precision™ 650 Computer" on

page 9.

Your Dell Precision 450 computer

has six USB connectors (two on

the front and four on the back).

See "Setting Up Your Dell

Precision 450 Computer" on

page 18.

Locate information about the

Yo u r User’s Guide has a

Go to the Dell Support website at

hardware and other technical

specifications table that provides

support.dell.com and use one of

specifications for my computer?

more detailed information about

the following support tools: read

your computer and the hardware.

white papers on the latest

To locate your User’s Guide, see

technology or communicate with

"Finding Information and

other Dell users at the Dell forum

Assistance" on page 5.

chat room.

Find documentation for my

The following documentation is

If you lose your documentation, it

computer?

available for your computer:

is available on the Dell Support

User’s Guide

website at support.dell.com.

Setup and Quick Reference

Guide

System Information Guide

System Information Label

Service Manual

To locate these documents, see

"Finding Information and

Assistance" on page 5.

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 43

Opening the Computer Cover

. CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this

section, follow the safety instructions in the System Information

Guide.

1

Shut down the computer through the Start menu.

2 Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off. If your

computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when

you shut down your computer, turn them off now.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your

computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

3

Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the

computer.

4 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from electrical

outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

5 If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back

panel, remove the padlock.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your

computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

6

Lay the computer on its side as shown in the illustration.

NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the open cover—at

least 30 am (1 ft) of desktop space.

7

Open the computer cover:

a Slide the cover release latch toward the top of the computer.

b Raise the cover, and pivot it toward the front of the computer.

8 Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the

computer, such as the metal at the back of computer, before touching

anything inside your computer.

While you work, periodically touch any unpainted metal surface on

the computer to dissipate any static electricity that could harm

internal components.

44 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Dell Precision 650 Computer

cover release latch

security cable slot

padlock ring

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 45

Inside the Dell Precision 650 Computer

floppy drive

CD/DVD drive

hard drive

chassis intrusion switch

system board

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

microprocessor

airflow shroud

power supply

46 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Dell Precision 450 Computer

cover release latch

padlock ring

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 47

Inside the Dell Precision 450 Computer

CD/DVD drive

floppy drive

hard drive

chassis intrusion switch

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

system board

microprocessor

airflow shroud

power supply

48 Setup and Quick Reference Guide

Annotations for Dell Precision 650 in format PDF