Dell Precision T7400 (Late 2007) – page 2

Back Panel Connectors

12345678

11 10 9

1 parallel connector Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel

connector. If you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.

NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically

disabled if the computer detects an installed card containing

a parallel connector configured to the same address. For more

information, see "System Setup Options" in your User’s Guide.

2 mouse connector Plug a standard PS/2 mouse into the green mouse connector.

Turn off the computer and any attached devices before you

connect a mouse to the computer. If you have a USB mouse,

plug it into a USB connector.

3 IEEE 1394

Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such

connector

as digital video cameras and external storage devices.

4 line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a playback device

such as an MP3 player, CD drive, or VCR. On computers with

a sound card, use the connector on the card.

5 line-out connector Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and

most speakers with integrated amplifiers. On computers with

a sound card, use the connector on the card.

6 link integrity light Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps

network and the computer.

Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps

network and the computer.

Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps

(or 1-Gbps) network and the computer.

Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to

the network.

Quick Reference Guide 21

7 network adapter

To attach your computer to a network or broadband device,

connector

connect one end of a network cable to either a network jack or

your network or broadband device. Connect the other end of

the network cable to the network adapter connector on your

computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been

securely attached.

Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.

On computers with an additional network connector card, use

the connectors on the card and on the back of the computer

when setting up multiple network connections (such as

a separate intra- and extranet).

It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors

for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the

network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation.

8network

Flashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting or

activity light

receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic may

make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.

9 USB 2.0

It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for

connectors (5)

devices that you connect occasionally, such as flash memory

keys, cameras, or bootable USB devices.

Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain

connected, such as printers and keyboards.

10 keyboard

If you have a standard PS/2 keyboard, plug it into the purple

connector

keyboard connector. If you have a USB keyboard, plug it into

a USB connector.

11 serial

Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the

connectors (2)

serial port. If necessary, the address for this port can be

modified through the system setup program (see "System

Setup" in you User’s Guide).

22 Quick Reference Guide

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 from the

electrical outlet. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do

not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.

• Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove dust from

the slots and holes on your computer and from between the keys on the

keyboard.

NOTICE: Do not wipe the display screen with a soap or alcohol solution. Doing so

may damage the antiglare coating.

• To clean your monitor screen, lightly dampen a soft, clean cloth with water.

If possible, use a special screen-cleaning tissue or solution suitable for the

monitor’s antistatic coating.

• Wipe the keyboard, computer, and plastic part of the monitor with a soft

cleaning cloth moistened with water.

Do not soak the cloth or let water drip inside your computer or keyboard.

Mouse (Non-Optical)

1

Turn the retainer ring on the underside of your mouse counterclockwise,

and then remove the ball.

2

Wipe the ball with a clean, lint-free cloth.

3

Blow carefully into the ball cage to dislodge dust and lint.

4

Clean the rollers inside the ball cage with a cotton swab moistened lightly

with isopropyl alcohol.

5

Recenter the rollers in their channels, as needed. Ensure that fluff from

the swab is not left on the rollers.

6

Replace the ball and retainer ring, and then turn the retainer ring clockwise

until it clicks into place.

Quick Reference Guide 23

Floppy Drive

NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. The heads may become

misaligned and prevent the drive from operating.

Clean your floppy drive using a commercially available cleaning kit. These

kits contain pretreated floppy disks to remove contaminants that accumulate

during normal operation.

CDs and DVDs

NOTICE: Always use compressed air to clean the lens in the CD/DVD drive, and

follow the instructions that come with the compressed air. Never touch the lens

in the drive.

1

Hold the disc by its outer edge. You can also touch the inside edge of the

center hole.

NOTICE: To prevent damaging the surface, do not wipe in a circular motion around

the disc.

2

With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the unlabeled

side) in a straight line from the center to the outer edge of the disc.

For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild

soap. You can also purchase commercial products that clean discs and

provide some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning

products for CDs are safe to use on DVDs.

Troubleshooting Tools

Power Lights

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

safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide

.

The power button light located on the front of the computer illuminates and

blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:

• If the power light is green and the computer is not responding, "Diagnostic

Lights" on page 26.

• If the power light is blinking green, the computer is in standby mode. Press

a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume

normal operation.

24 Quick Reference Guide

• If the power light is off, the computer is either turned off or is not receiving

power.

– Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of

the computer and the electrical outlet.

– If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power

strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is

turned on.

– Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension

cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.

– Ensure that the electrical 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 "System Board Components" in

your

User’s Guide

).

• If the power light is blinking amber, the computer is receiving electrical

power, but an internal power problem might exist.

– Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power

at your location, if applicable.

– Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the

system board (see "System Board Components" in your

User’s Guide

).

• If the power light is steady amber, a device may be malfunctioning or

incorrectly installed.

– Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see "Removing the

Front Panel" in your

User’s Guide

).

– Remove and then reinstall any cards (see "Cards" in your

User’s Guide

).

• Eliminate interference. Some possible causes of interference are:

– Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables

– Too many devices on a power strip

– Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet

Quick Reference Guide 25

HARD-DISK READ FAILURE — Possible hard drive failure during hard-drive boot test

(see "Contacting Dell" in your User’s Guide for assistance).

K

EYBOARD FAILURE — Keyboard failure or the keyboard cable is loose (see "Keyboard

Problems" in your User’s Guide).

N

O BOOT DEVICE AVAILABLE — The system cannot detect a bootable device or partition.

• If the floppy drive is your boot device, ensure that the cables are connected and that

a bootable floppy disk is in the drive.

• If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the cables are connected and that

the drive is installed properly and partitioned as a boot device.

• Enter the system setup program and ensure that the boot sequence information is

correct (see "Entering System Setup"

in your User’s Guide

).

NO TIMER TICK INTERRUPT — System board failure or a chip on the system board

might be malfunctioning (see "Contacting Dell" in your User’s Guide for assistance).

N

ON-SYSTEM DISK OR DISK ERROR — Replace the floppy disk with one that has

a bootable operating system or remove the floppy disk from drive A and restart

the computer.

N

OT A BOOT DISKETTE — Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart your computer.

NOTICE - H

ARD DRIVE SELF MONITORING SYSTEM HAS REPORTED THAT

A PARAMETER HAS EXCEEDED ITS NORMAL OPERATING RANGE. DELL RECOMMENDS

THAT YOU BACK UP YOUR DATA REGULARLY. A PARAMETER OUT OF RANGE MAY OR

MAY NOT INDICATE A POTENTIAL HARD DRIVE PROBLEM.—S.M.A.R.T error,

possible HDD failure. This feature can be enabled or disabled in BIOS setup.

Hardware Troubleshooter

If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is

detected, but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter

to resolve the incompatibility.

Windows XP:

1

Click

Start

→

Help and Support

.

2

Ty p e

hardware troubleshooter

in the search field and press

<Enter> to start the search.

3

In the

Fix a Problem

section, click

Hardware Troubleshooter

.

4

In the

Hardware Troubleshooter

list, select the option that best describes

the problem and click

Next

to follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.

32 Quick Reference Guide

Windows Vista:

1

Click the Windows Vista start button

,

and click

Help and Support.

2

Ty p e

hardware troubleshooter

in the search field and press

<Enter> to start the search.

3

In the search results, select the option that best describes the problem and

follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.

Dell Diagnostics

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

safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide

.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

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

and Software Problems" (see "Troubleshooting" in your User’s Guide) and run

the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for assistance.

You can run the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and

Utilities disc.

See "System Setup" in your User’s Guide to review your computer’s configuration

information, and ensure that the device that you want to test displays in the

system setup program and is active.

NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell computers.

NOTE: Print the following procedures before you run the Dell diagnostics.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

The Dell Diagnostics is located on a separate diagnostic utility partition on

your hard drive.

NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, see "Contacting Dell" in

your User’s Guide.

1

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2

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

NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key is held down for extended

periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in

even intervals to open the Boot Device Menu.

Quick Reference Guide 33

NOTE: If at any time a message appears stating that no diagnostics utility

partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and

Utilities disc (see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities

Disc" on page 34)

.

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

wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop, and then shut down

your computer and try again.

3

At the

Boot Device Menu

, use the up- and down-arrow keys or press the

appropriate number on the keyboard to highlight

Boot to Utility Partition

,

and then press <Enter>.

NOTE: The Quickboot feature changes the boot sequence for the current

boot only. Upon restart, the computer boots according to the boot sequence

specified in the system setup program.

4

At the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

, left-click with the mouse, or press

<Tab> and then <Enter>, to select the test you want to run (see "Dell

Diagnostics Main Menu" on page 35).

NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they

appear and follow the instructions on the screen.

5 After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu.

6 Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart

the computer.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Disc

1

Turn on your computer.

2

Press the eject button on the front of the optical drive to open the drive tray.

3

Place the

Drivers and Utilities

disc in the center of the drive tray, and then

press the eject button or gently push on the tray to close it.

4

Restart the computer.

5

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

NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down

for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and

release <F12> in even intervals until the Boot Device Menu appears.

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

wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop, and then shut down

your computer and try again.

34 Quick Reference Guide

6

At the

Boot Device Menu

, use the up- and down-arrow keys or press the

appropriate number on the keyboard to highlight

Onboard or USB

CD-ROM

, and then press <Enter>.

NOTE: The Quickboot feature changes the boot sequence for the current

boot only. Upon restart, the computer boots according to the boot sequence

specified in the system setup program.

7

Press <1> to select the Dell Diagnostics.

8

At the

Dell Diagnostics Menu

, press <1> to select the Dell Diagnostics.

9

At the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

, left-click with the mouse, or press

<Tab> and then <Enter>, to select the test you want to run (see "Dell

Diagnostics Main Menu" on page 35).

NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they

appear and follow the instructions on the screen.

10 After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu.

11 Remove the Drivers and Utilities disc, close the Main Menu window to

exit the Dell Diagnostics, and then restart the computer.

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

The following tests can be run from the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu:

Option Function

Express Test Performs a quick test of system devices. The test typically

takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your

part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of

tracing the problem quickly.

Extended Test Performs a thorough check of system devices. The test

typically takes an hour or more and periodically requires

your input to answer specific questions.

Custom Test Tests a specific device in the system and can be used to

customize the tests you want to run.

Symptom Tree Lists a number of common symptoms and allows you to

select a test based on the symptom of the problem you

are having.

Quick Reference Guide 35

For any problem encountered during a test, a message appears with an error

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

description exactly as it appears and follow the instructions on the screen. If

you cannot resolve the problem, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your

User’s Guide).

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 provide additional information for tests run from the

Custom Test or Symptom Tree option:

Tab Function

Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions

encountered.

Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the

problem description.

Help Describes the test and any requirements for running

the test.

Configuration

Displays the hardware configuration for the selected device.

(Custom Test only)

The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for

all devices from the system setup program, memory, and

various internal tests, and it displays the information in the

device list in the left pane of the screen.

NOTE: 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, if applicable, by changing

the test settings.

(Custom Test only)

Troubleshooting

Follow these tips 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 on the screen, write down the exact message.

This message may help support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).

36 Quick Reference Guide

• If an error message occurs in a program, see the program’s documentation.

NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default

view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows

Classic view.

Battery Problems

CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed.

Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the

manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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

safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide

.

R

EPLACE THE BATTERY — If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information

after turning on the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up,

replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" in your User’s Guide). If the battery

still does not work properly, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your User’s Guide).

Drive Problems

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

safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide

.

E

NSURE THAT MICROSOFT WINDOWS RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE —

Windows XP:

•Click

Start

and click

My Computer

.

Windows Vista:

•Click

Start

and click

Computer

.

If the drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check

for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing

the drive.

T

EST THE DRIVE —

• Insert another disc to eliminate the possibility that the original drive is defective.

• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.

CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK —

See "Cleaning Your Computer

" on page 23.

C

HECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS

RUN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Restoring Your Operating System"

in your User’s Guide.

R

UN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 33.

Quick Reference Guide 37

Optical Drive Problems

NOTE: High-speed optical drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which

does not indicate a defect in the drive or the disc.

NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all

DVD titles work in all DVD drives.

A

DJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL —

• Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.

• Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up.

• Ensure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked.

CHECK THE SPEAKERS AND SUBWOOFER — See "Sound and Speaker Problems" on

page 48.

Problems Writing to an Optical Drive

CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS — The optical drive must receive a steady stream of data

during the writing process. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all

programs before you write to the optical.

T

URN OFF STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A DISC — Search for

the keyword standby in Windows Help and Support for information on power management

modes.

Hard Drive Problems

RUN CHECK DISK —

Windows XP:

1

Click

Start

and click

My Computer

.

2

Right-click

Local Disk C:

.

3

Click

Properties

→

Tools

→

Check Now

.

4

Click

Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors

and click

Start

.

Windows Vista:

1

Click

Start

and click

Computer

.

2

Right-click

Local Disk C:

.

3

Click

Properties

→

Tools

→

Check Now

.

The

User Account Control

window may appear. If you are an administrator on the

computer, click

Continue

; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the

desired action.

4

Follow the instructions on the screen.

38 Quick Reference Guide

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

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

safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide

.

NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not

operate while it is connected to a digital telephone network.

NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network adapter connector (see "Back

Panel Connectors" in your User’s Guide).

C

HECK THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS — If you cannot

open your e-mail attachments:

1

In Outlook Express, click

Tools

→

Options

→

Security

.

2

Click

Do not allow attachments

to remove the check mark, as needed.

CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION

CHECK THE TELEPHONE JACK

CONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK

USE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE —

• Verify that the telephone line is connected to the jack on the modem (the jack has

either a green label or a connector-shaped icon next to it).

• Ensure that you hear a click when you insert the telephone line connector into

the modem.

• Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone; then

listen for a dial tone.

• If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine,

fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, bypass them and use the telephone to

connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack. If you are using a line that is

3 meters (10 feet) or more in length, try a shorter line.

RUN THE MODEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL —

Windows XP:

1

Click

Start

→

All

Programs

→

Modem Helper

.

2

Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems.

Modem Helper is not available on certain computers.

Windows Vista:

1

Click

Start

→

All Programs

→

Modem Diagnostic Tool

.

2

Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems.

Modem diagnostics are not available on all computers.

Quick Reference Guide 39

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —

Windows XP:

1

Click

Start

→

Control Panel

→

Printers and Other Hardware

→

Phone and Modem

Options

→

Modems

.

2

Click the COM port for your modem, and then click

Properties

→

Diagnostics

→

Query Modem

to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.

If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.

Windows Vista:

1

Click

Start

→

Control Panel

→

Hardware and Sound

→

Phone and Modem

Options

→

Modems

.

2

Click the COM port for your modem, and then click

Properties

→

Diagnostics

→

Query Modem

to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.

If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.

ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET — Ensure that you have

subscribed to an Internet provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open,

click File. If Work Offline has a check mark next to it, click the check mark to remove

it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact your Internet service provider.

Error Messages

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

safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide

.

If the error message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or

the program that was running when the message appeared.

A

FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | —

Do not use these characters in filenames.

A

REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUND — The program that you are trying to open

is missing an essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program:

Windows XP:

1

Click

Start

→

Control Panel

→

Add or Remove Programs

→

Programs and Features

.

2

Select the program you want to remove.

3

Click

Uninstall

.

4

See the program documentation for installation instructions.

Windows Vista:

1

Click

Start

→

Control Panel

→

Programs

→

Programs and Features

.

2

Select the program you want to remove.

3

Click

Uninstall

.

4

See the program documentation for installation instructions.

40 Quick Reference Guide