Dell OptiPlex 990 Small Form Factor

Service Manual

Regulatory Model D03S

Regulatory Type D03S001
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your
computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if
instructions are not followed.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or
death.

Information in this publication is subject to change without notice.

© 2011 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is
strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell™, the DELL logo, Dell Precision™, Precision ON™,ExpressCharge™,
Latitude™, Latitude ON™, OptiPlex™, Vostro™, and Wi-Fi Catcher™ are trademarks of Dell Inc. Intel®,
Pentium®, Xeon®, Core™, Atom™, Centrino®, and Celeron® are registered trademarks or trademarks of Intel
Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. AMD® is a registered trademark and AMD Opteron™,
AMD Phenom™, AMD Sempron™, AMD Athlon™, ATI Radeon™, and ATI FirePro™ are trademarks of
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Microsoft®, Windows®, MS-DOS®, Windows Vista®, the Windows Vista start
button, and Office Outlook® are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries. Blu-ray Disc™ is a trademark owned by the Blu-ray Disc Association
(BDA) and licensed for use on discs and players. The Bluetooth® word mark is a registered trademark and
owned by the Bluetooth® SIG, Inc. and any use of such mark by Dell Inc. is under license. Wi-Fi® is a
registered trademark of Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance, Inc.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this publication to refer to either the entities claiming the
marks and names or their products, Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade
names other than its own.

2011 — 06

Rev. A00
Contents

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings..................................................................2

1 Working on Your Computer......................................................................7

Before Working Inside Your Computer.............................................................................7
Recommended Tools.........................................................................................................8
Turning Off Your Computer................................................................................................9
After Working Inside Your Computer................................................................................9

2 Cover..........................................................................................................11
Removing the Cover........................................................................................................11
Installing The Cover.........................................................................................................12

3 Front Bezel.................................................................................................13
Removing the Front Bezel................................................................................................13
Installing The Front Bezel................................................................................................14

4 Expansion Card Tab.................................................................................15

Removing the Expansion Card.........................................................................................15
Installing The Expansion Card.........................................................................................16

5 Optical Drive..............................................................................................17
Removing the Optical Drive.............................................................................................17
Installing The Optical Drive.............................................................................................18

6 Hard Drive..................................................................................................19
Removing the Hard Drive................................................................................................19
Installing The Hard Drive.................................................................................................20

7 Memory......................................................................................................21
Removing the Memory....................................................................................................21
 Installing The Memory.....................................................................................................22

8 Chassis Intrusion Switch........................................................................23

Removing the Chassis Intrusion Switch..........................................................................23
Installing The Intrusion Switch.......................................................................................24

9 Speaker......................................................................................................25
Removing the Speaker....................................................................................................25
Installing The Speaker.....................................................................................................26

10 Heat Sink..................................................................................................27
Removing the Heat Sink and Processor..........................................................................27
Installing The Heat Sink And Processor.........................................................................29

11 Coin-Cell Battery....................................................................................31
Removing the Coin-Cell Battery......................................................................................31
Installing The Coin-Cell Battery.......................................................................................32

12 Power-Switch Cable..............................................................................33
Removing the Power-Switch Cable................................................................................33
Installing the Power-Switch Cable..................................................................................34

13 Chassis Fan.............................................................................................35
Removing the System Fan...............................................................................................35
Installing The System Fan...............................................................................................36

14 Input/Output Panel.................................................................................37
Removing The Input/Output (I/O) Panel...........................................................................37
Installing The Input/Output (I/O) Panel............................................................................39

15 Power Supply..........................................................................................41
Removing the Power Supply...........................................................................................41
Installing The Power Supply...........................................................................................43
16 System Board..........................................................................................45
Removing the System Board...........................................................................................45
Installing The System Board...........................................................................................47

17 Drive Cage...............................................................................................49
Removing the Drive Cage................................................................................................49
Installing The Drive Cage................................................................................................50

18 Fan Shelter..............................................................................................53
Removing the Fan Shelter...............................................................................................53
Installing The Fan Shelter................................................................................................53

19 System Setup..........................................................................................55
System Setup..................................................................................................................55
Boot Menu.......................................................................................................................55
Boot Menu Enhancements..............................................................................................55
Timing Key Sequences....................................................................................................56
Beep Codes and Text Error Messages............................................................................57
Navigation.......................................................................................................................57
System Setup Options.....................................................................................................57

20 Troubleshooting......................................................................................69
Diagnostic LEDs..............................................................................................................69
Beep Codes.....................................................................................................................76
Error Messages...............................................................................................................79

21 Specifications.........................................................................................89
Technical Specifications.................................................................................................89

22 Contacting Dell.......................................................................................99
Contacting Dell ...............................................................................................................99
6
 1
Working on Your Computer
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential
damage and to help to ensure your personal safety. Unless otherwise noted,
each procedure included in this document assumes that the following
conditions exist:

• You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
• A component can be replaced or--if purchased separately--installed by
performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that
shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see
the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You
should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your
product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and
support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered
by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the
product.

CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist

grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface, such as a
connector on the back of the computer.

CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components
or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket.
Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.

7
 CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not
on the cable itself. Some cables have connectors with locking tabs; if you are
disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect
the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending
any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors
are correctly oriented and aligned.

NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently
than shown in this document.

To avoid damaging your computer, perform the following steps before you begin
working inside the computer.

1. Ensure that your work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer
cover from being scratched.

2. Turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer).

CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your
computer and then unplug the cable from the network device.

3. Disconnect all network cables from the computer.

4. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical
outlets.

5. Press and hold the power button while the computer is unplugged to
ground the system board.

6. Remove the cover.

CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by
touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the
computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to
dissipate static electricity, which could harm internal components.

Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

• Small flat-blade screwdriver

• Phillips screwdriver
• Small plastic scribe
• Flash BIOS update program media

8
Turning Off Your Computer
CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open
programs before you turn off your computer.

1. Shut down the operating system:

• In Windows 7:
Click Start , then click Shut Down.
• In Windows Vista:
Click Start , then click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start
menu as shown below, and then click Shut Down.

• In Windows XP:
Click Start → Turn Off Computer → Turn Off . The computer turns off
after the operating system shutdown process is complete.

2. Ensure that the computer and all attached devices are turned off. If your
computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you
shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for
about 6 seconds to turn them off.

After Working Inside Your Computer

After you complete any replacement procedure, ensure you connect any
external devices, cards, and cables before turning on your computer.

1. Replace the cover.

CAUTION: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device
and then plug it into the computer.

2. Connect any telephone or network cables to your computer.

3. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.

4. Turn on your computer.

5. Verify that the computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics.

9
10
 2
Cover
Removing the Cover
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.
2. Pull up the cover-release latch at the side of the computer.

3. Lift the cover upward to a 45–degree angle and remove it from the
computer.

11
Installing The Cover
1. Place the computer cover on the chassis.
2. Press down on the computer cover, until it clicks into place.
3. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

12
 3
Front Bezel
Removing the Front Bezel
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Pry the front bezel retention clips away from the chassis.

4. Rotate the bezel away from the computer to release the hooks on the
opposite edge of the bezel from the chassis.

13
Installing The Front Bezel
1. Insert the four hooks along the bottom edge of the front bezel into the slots
on the chassis front.
2. Rotate the bezel toward the computer to engage the front bezel retention
clips until they click into place.
3. Install the cover.
4. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

14
 4
Expansion Card Tab
Removing the Expansion Card
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Rotate the release tab on the card-retention latch upward.

5. Pull the release lever away from the PCIe x16 card until you release the
securing tab from the dent in the card. Then, ease the card up and out of its
connector and remove it from the computer.

15
6. Pull the release lever away from the PCIe x4 card (if any) to release the
securing tab from the dent in the card. Then, ease the card up and out of its
connector and remove it from the computer.

Installing The Expansion Card

1. Insert the PCIe x4 card into the connector on the system board and press
down to secure it in place.
2. Insert the PCIe x16 card (if any) into the connector on the system board and
press down to secure it in place.
3. Install the front bezel.
4. Install the cover.
5. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

16
 5
Optical Drive
Removing the Optical Drive
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.

2. Remove the cover.

3. Remove the data cable and power cable from the back of the optical drive.

4. Lift the blue tab and slide the optical drive inwards to remove it from the
computer.

5. Remove the optical drive from the bracket.

17
Installing The Optical Drive
1. Insert the optical drive into the bracket.
2. Lift the blue tab and slide the optical drive outwards to insert it into the
computer.
3. Connect the data cable and power cable to the optical drive.
4. Install the cover.
5. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

18
 6
Hard Drive
Removing the Hard Drive
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Remove the hard drive from the chassis.
4. Press the retention clips inwards and slide the hard-drive bracket from the
drive cage.

5. Flex the hard-drive bracket and then remove the single 3.5 inch hard drive
or two 2.5 inch hard drives from the bracket.

19
6. Release the screws that secure the 2.5 inch hard drive to the top of the
hard-drive bracket.

7. Release the screws that secure the 2.5 inch hard drive to the underside of
the hard-drive bracket.

Installing The Hard Drive

1. Tighten the screws to secures the two hard drives to the hard drive
bracket.
2. Flex the hard-drive bracket and then insert the single hard drive or two hard
drives into the bracket.
3. Press the retention clips inwards and slide the hard-drive bracket into the
drive cage.
4. Install the cover.
5. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

20
 7
Memory
Removing the Memory
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.

2. Remove the cover.

3. Remove the front bezel.

4. Remove the drive cage.

5. Release the memory-retention clips on each side of the memory modules.

6. Lift the memory modules out of the connectors on the system board.

21
Installing The Memory
1. Insert the memory modules into the connectors on the system board. Install
the memory modules in the order of A1 > B1 > A2 > B2.
2. Press down on the memory modules until the retention clips spring back to
secure them in place.
3. Install the drive cage.
4. Install the front bezel.
5. Install the cover.
6. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

22
 8
Chassis Intrusion Switch
Removing the Chassis Intrusion Switch
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Disconnect the intrusion-switch cable from system board.

4. Slide the intrusion switch inwards and remove it from the system board.

23
Installing The Intrusion Switch
1. Insert the intrusion switch into the chassis rear and slide it outward to
secure it.
2. Connect the intrusion-switch cable to the system board.
3. Install the cover.
4. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

24
 9
Speaker
Removing the Speaker
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.

2. Remove the cover.

3. Remove the front bezel.

4. Remove the drive cage.

5. Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board.

6. Unthread the speaker cable from the fan shelter clip.

25
7. Press the speaker securing tab, and slide the speaker towards the right of
the computer to release it.

8. Remove the speaker from the chassis.

Installing The Speaker

1. Place the speaker on the appropriate location of the chassis rear.

2. Press the speaker-securing tab and slide the speaker towards the left of
the computer to secure it.

3. Thread the internal speaker cable into the fan shelter clip.

4. Connect the speaker cable to the system board.

5. Install the drive cage.

6. Install the front bezel.

7. Install the cover.

8. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

26
 10
Heat Sink
Removing the Heat Sink and Processor
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the drive cage.
5. Disconnect the heat-sink assembly cable from the system board.

6. Release the Input/Output Board or the FlyWire cable from the routing
channel on the heat sink.

27
7. Loosen the captive screws in the order of 1,2,3 and 4.

8. Lift the heat sink assembly upwards, and remove it from the computer. Lay
the assembly with the fan facing downwards, and with the thermal grease
facing upwards.

9. Press the release lever down and then move it outward to release it from
the retention hook that secures it.

10. Lift the processor cover.

28
11. Lift the processor to remove it from the socket and place it in an antistatic
package.

Installing The Heat Sink And Processor

1. Insert the processor into the processor socket. Ensure the processor is
properly seated.
2. Lower the processor cover.
3. Press the release lever down and then move it inward to secure it with the
retention hook.
4. Place the heat sink assembly into the chassis.
5. Tighten the captive screws to secure the heat-sink assembly to the system
board.
6. Secure the Input/Output Board or the FlyWire cable to the routing channel
on the heat sink.
7. Connect the heat sink assembly cable to the system board.
8. Install the drive cage.
9. Install the front bezel.

29
10. Install the cover.
11. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

30
 11
Coin-Cell Battery
Removing the Coin-Cell Battery
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.

2. Remove the cover.

3. Remove the front bezel.

4. Press the coin-cell battery inward to allow the battery to pop up from the
socket.

5. Lift the coin-cell battery out of the computer.

31
Installing The Coin-Cell Battery
1. Place the coin-cell battery into its slot on the system board.
2. Press the coin-cell battery downwards till it is secured.
3. Install the front bezel.
4. Install the cover.
5. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

32
 12
Power-Switch Cable
Removing the Power-Switch Cable
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the drive cage.
5. Disconnect the power-switch cable from the system board.

6. Unthread the power-switch cable from the chassis clip.

7. Pry the power-switch cable away from the chassis.

33
8. Slide the power-switch cable out through the front of the computer.

Installing the Power-Switch Cable

1. Slide the power-switch cable in through the front of the computer.
2. Secure the power-switch cable to the chassis.
3. Thread the power-switch cable into the chassis clip.
4. Connect the power-switch cable to the system board.
5. Install the drive cage.
6. Install the front bezel.
7. Install the cover.
8. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

34
 13
Chassis Fan
Removing the System Fan
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the drive cage.
5. Remove the fan shelter.
6. Disconnect the fan cable from the system board.

7. Slide the grommets inward along the groove and pass through the chassis.

35
8. Lift and remove the system fan from the computer.

9. Pry up the grommets from the system fan and remove it.

Installing The System Fan

1. Insert the four grommets into the system fan.
2. Place the system fan in the chassis.
3. Pass the four grommets through the chassis and slide outward along the
grooves to secure them in place.
4. Connect the fan cable to the system board.
5. Install the fan shelter.
6. Install the drive cage.
7. Install the front bezel.
8. Install the cover.
9. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

36
 14
Input/Output Panel
Removing The Input/Output (I/O) Panel
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the drive cage.
5. Unthread the I/O panel or the FlyWire cable from the fan-shelter clip and
heat sink.

6. Disconnect the I/O panel or the FlyWire cable from the system board.

37
7. Remove the single screw that secures the I/O panel to the chassis.

8. Slide the I/O panel towards the right of the computer to release it from the
chassis.

9. Remove the I/O panel.

38
Installing The Input/Output (I/O) Panel
1. Insert the I/O panel into the slot on the chassis front.
2. Slide the I/O panel towards the left of the computer to secure to the
chassis.
3. Tighten the screw to secure the I/O panel to the chassis.
4. Connect the I/O panel or the FlyWire cable to the system board.
5. Thread the I/O panel or the FlyWire cable into the fan-shelter clip and the
routing on the heat sink.
6. Install the drive cage.
7. Install the front bezel.
8. Install the cover.
9. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

39
40
 15
Power Supply
Removing the Power Supply
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the drive cage.
5. Remove the fan shelter.
6. Disconnect the 4-pin power cable from the system board.

7. Unthread the 4–pin power cable from the chassis clips.

41
8. Disconnect the 24-pin power cable from the system board.

9. Remove the screws that secure the power supply, from the back of the
computer.

10. Push in on the blue release tab beside the power supply, and slide the
power supply towards the front of the computer.

11. Lift the power supply out of the computer.

42
Installing The Power Supply
1. Place the power supply in the chassis and slide outward to secure it.
2. Tighten the three screws securing the power supply to the back of the
computer.
3. Connect the power cable to the system board.
4. Thread the power cable into the chassis clips.
5. Connect the power cable to the system board.
6. Install the fan shelter.
7. Install the drive cage.
8. Install the front bezel.
9. Install the cover.
10. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

43
44
 16
System Board
Removing the System Board
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the drive cage.
5. Remove the expansion cards.
6. Remove the heat sink and processor.
7. Remove the fan shelter.
8. Disconnect all the cables connected to the system board, and move the
cables away from the chassis.

9. Lift and release the expansion-card latch, to gain access to the screws
securing the system board.

45
10. Remove the screws that secure the system board to the chassis.

11. Remove the 7–mm hex screw that secures the system board to the chassis.

12. Slide the system board towards the front of the computer.

46
13. Remove the system board from the chassis.

Installing The System Board

1. Align the system board to the port connectors on the rear of the chassis
and place the system board in the chassis.
2. Tighten the 7–mm hex screw securing the system board to the chassis.
3. Tighten the screws securing the system board to the chassis.
4. Close the expansion card latch.
5. Connect the cables to the system board.
6. Connect the intrusion switch cable, SATA cables, Input/Output board cable,
system fan cable, power switch cable, internal speaker cable, and the
power supply cables to the system board.
7. Install the fan shelter.
8. Install the heat sink and processor.
9. Install the expansion card.
10. Install the drive cage.
11. Install the front bezel.

47
12. Install the cover.
13. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

48
 17
Drive Cage
Removing the Drive Cage
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the data cable and power cable from the back of the optical drive.

5. Slide the drive-cage handle toward the back of the computer into the
unlocked position.

6. Rotate the drive cage upward using the handle and lift the drive cage free
off the chassis.

49
7. Remove the data cable and power cable from the back of the hard drive.

8. Remove the drive cage from the computer.

Installing The Drive Cage

1. Place the drive cage on the edge of the computer to allow access to the
cable connectors on the hard drive.

2. Connect the data cable and power cable to the back of the hard drive.

50
3. Flip over the drive cage and insert it into the chassis. The drive cage tabs
are secured by the slots in the chassis.
4. Slide the drive-cage handle toward the front of the computer into the
locked position.
5. Connect the data cable and power cable to the back of the optical drive.
6. Install the front bezel.
7. Install the cover.
8. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

51
52
 18
Fan Shelter
Removing the Fan Shelter
1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Unthread the cables in the fan shelter clip.

4. Lift the fan shelter free from the computer.

Installing The Fan Shelter

1. Insert the fan shelter into the computer.
2. Thread the cables into the fan shelter clip.

53
3. Install the cover.
4. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer.

54
 19
System Setup
System Setup
This computer offers you the following options:
• Access System Setup by pressing <F2>
• Bring up a one-time boot menu by pressing <F12>
Press <F2> to enter System Setup and make changes to the user-definable
settings. If you have trouble entering System Setup using this key, press <F2>
when the keyboard LEDs first flash.

Boot Menu
This feature gives users a quick and convenient mechanism to bypass the
System Setup-defined boot device order and boot directly to a specific device
(for example: floppy, CD-ROM, or hard drive).
Keystroke Function
<Ctrl><Alt><F8> one-time boot and diagnostics utility menu
<F12> one-time boot and diagnostics utility menu

Boot Menu Enhancements

The boot menu enhancements are as follows:
• Easier access — Although the <Ctrl><Alt><F8> keystroke still exists and can
be used to call up the menu, simply press <F12> during system boot to
access the menu.
• User prompting — Not only is the menu easy to access, when you are
prompted to use the keystroke on the BIOS splash screen (see image
below). The keystroke is not "hidden".
• Diagnostics options — The boot menu includes two diagnostic options, IDE
Drive Diagnostics (90/90 Hard Drive Diagnostics) and Boot to the Utility

55
 Partition. The benefit here is that you do not have to remember the
<Ctrl><Alt><D> and <Ctrl><Alt><F10> keystrokes (although they still work).
NOTE: The BIOS features an option to disable either or both of the keystroke
prompts under the System Security / Post Hotkeys submenu.

When you enter the <F12> or <Ctrl><Alt><F8> keystroke correctly, the computer
beeps. The key sequence invokes the Boot Device Menu.

Since the one-time boot menu only affects the current boot, it has the added
benefit of not requiring the technician to restore the customer's boot order after
completing troubleshooting.

Timing Key Sequences

The keyboard is not the first device initialized by Setup. As a result, if you press
a keystroke too early, you lock out the keyboard. When this happens, a
keyboard error message appears on the monitor, and you cannot restart the
system with the <Ctrl><Alt><Del> keys.
To avoid this scenario, wait until the keyboard is initialized before pressing the
keystroke. There are two ways to know that this has happened:
• The keyboard lights flash.
• The "F2=Setup" prompt appears in the top right-hand corner of the screen
during boot.
The second method is good if the monitor is already warmed up. If it is not, the
system often passes the window of opportunity before the video signal is
visible. If this is the case, rely on the first method—the keyboard lights—to
know the keyboard is initialized.

56
Beep Codes and Text Error Messages
The OptiPlex BIOS is capable of displaying error messages in plain English,
along with beep codes. If the BIOS determine the previous boot was
unsuccessful, it displays an error message similar to the following:

Previous attempts at booting the system have failed at

checkpoint ______. For help resolving this problem, please
note this checkpoint and contact Dell Technical Support.

Navigation
The computer setup can be navigated by either the keyboard or the mouse.
Use the following keystrokes to navigate the BIOS screens:
Action Keystroke
Expand and collapse field <Enter>, left- or right-arrow key, or +/–

Expand or collapse all fields <>

Exit BIOS <Esc> — Remain in Setup, Save/Exit,

Discard/Exit

Change a setting Left or right-arrow key

Select field to change <Enter>

Cancel modification <Esc>

Reset defaults <Alt><F> or Load Defaults menu option

System Setup Options

NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this
section may or may not appear.

General
System Information Displays the following information:

• System Information: Displays BIOS Version, Service Tag,

Asset Tag, Ownership Date, Manufacture Date, and the
Express Service Code.
• Memory Information: Displays Memory Installed, Memory
Available, Memory Speed, Memory Channels Mode,

57
General

Memory Technology, DIMM 1 Size, DIMM 2 Size, DIMM 3

Size, and DIMM 4 Size.
• Processor Information: Displays Processor Type, Core
Count, Processor ID, Current Clock Speed, Minimum Clock
Speed, Maximum Clock Speed, Processor L2 Cache,
Processor L3 Cache, HT Capable, and 64-Bit Technology.
• PCI Information: Displays SLOT1, SLOT2, SLOT3, SLOT4
• Device Information: Displays SATA-0, SATA-1, SATA-2,
SATA-3, and LOM MAC Address.

Boot Sequence Allows you to specify the order in which the computer
attempts to find an operating system. The options are:

• Diskette drive
• USB Storage Device
• CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive
• Onboard NIC
• SATA
• CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive

Boot List Option • Legacy

• UEFI

Date/Time Allows you to set the date and time. Changes to the system
date and time take effect immediately.

System Configuration
Integrated NIC Allows you to enable or disable the integrated network card.
You can set the integrated NIC to:

• Disabled
• Enabled (default)
• Enabled w/PXE
• Enabled w/ImageServer

NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed

devices, the items listed in this section may or may not
appear.

58
System Configuration
Serial Port Allows you to define the serial port settings. You can set the
serial port to:

• Disabled
• Auto
• COM1
• COM2
• COM3
• COM4

NOTE: The operating system may allocate resources even

though the setting is disabled.

SATA Operation Allows you to configure the operating mode of the integrated
hard drive controller.

• AHCI = SATA is configured for AHCI mode

• ATA = SATA is configured for ATA mode
• RAID ON = SATA is configured to support RAID mode
• Disabled = The SATA controller is hidden

Drives Allows you to enable or disable the various on-board drives:

• SATA-0
• SATA-1
• SATA-2
• SATA-3

Smart Reporting This field controls whether hard drive errors for integrated
drives are reported during system startup. This technology is
part of the SMART (Self Monitoring Analysis and Reporting
Technology) specification. This option is disabled by default.

USB Configuration This field configures the integrated USB controller. If Boot
Support is enabled, the system is allowed to boot any type of
USB Mass Storage Devices (HDD, memory key, floppy). USB-
aware OS always see USB Mass Storage devices irrespective
of this setting, provided the port is enabled.
If USB port is enabled, device attached to this port is enabled
and available for OS.

59
System Configuration
If USB port is disabled, the OS cannot see any device attached
to this port.

• Enable USB Controller

• Disable USB Mass Storage Dev
• Disable USB Controller

NOTE: USB keyboard and mouse always work in the BIOS

setup irrespective of these settings.

Miscellaneous Allows you to enable or disable various on-board devices.

Devices Enable PCI Slot — This option is enabled by default.

Video
Multi-Display Allows you to enable or disable Multi-Display. It should be
enabled for Windows 7 32/64-bit only. .
Enable Multi-Display — This option is disabled by default.

NOTE: The Video setting will only be visible when a video card is installed in the
system.

Security
Internal HDD-1 Allows you to set, change, or delete the password on the
Password system's internal hard disk drive (HDD). Successful changes to
this password take effect immediately.
By default, the drive will not have a password set

• Enter the old password

• Enter the new password
• Confirm new password

Strong Password This field enforces strong passwords.

Enforce strong password - This option is disabled by default.
Password These fields control the minimum and maximum number of
Configuration characters allowed for Admin and System passwords.

• Admin Password Min

• Admin Password Max
• System Password Min

60
Security

• System Password Max

Password Bypass Allows you to bypass the System (Boot) Password and the
internal HDD password prompts during a system restart.

• Disabled — Always prompt for the system and internal

HDD password when they are set. This option is disabled
by default.
• Reboot Bypass — Bypass the password prompts on
Restarts (warm boots).

NOTE: The system will always prompt for the system and
internal HDD passwords when powered on from the off
state (a cold boot). Also, the system will always prompt for
passwords on any module bay HDDs that may be present.

Password Change Allows you to determine whether changes to the System and
Hard Disk passwords are permitted when an administrator
password is set.
Allow Non-Admin Password Changes — This option is
enabled by default.
Non-Admin Setup This option lets you determine whether changes to the setup
Changes option are permitted when an administrator password is set.
Allow Wireless Switch Changes — This option is disabled by
default.
TPM Security This option lets you control whether the Trusted Platform
Module (TPM) in the system is enabled and visible to the
operating system.
TPM Security — This option is disabled by default.
NOTE: Activation, deactivation, and clear options are not
affected if you load the setup program's default values.
Changes to this option take effect immediately.

Computrace This field lets you Activate or Disable the BIOS module
interface of the optional Computrace Service from Absolute
Software.

• Deactivate — This option is disabled by default.

• Disable
• Activate

61
Security
Chassis Intrusion Allows you to enable or disable the chassis intrusion feature.
You can set this option to:

• Clear Intrusion Warning — Enabled by default if chassis

intrusion is detected.
• Disable
• Enable
• On-Silent — Enabled by default if chassis intrusion is
detected.

CPU XD Support Allows you to enable or disable he execute disable mode of

the processor. This option is enabled by default.

OROM Keyboard Allows you to determine whether you access the Option ROM
Access Configuration screens via hotkeys during boot. Specifically,
these settings are capable of preventing access to Intel RAID
(CTRL+I) or Intel Management Engine BIOS Extension (CTRL
+P/F12)

• Enable — User may enter OROM configuration screens via

the hotkey.
• One-Time Enable — User may enter OROM configuration
screens via the hotkeys on next boot only. After next boot,
the setting will revert to disabled.
• Disable — User may not enter OROM configuration
screens via the hotkey.

This option is set to Enable by default.

Admin Setup Lockout Allows you to enable or disable the option to enter Setup when
an Admin password is set. This option is not set by default.

Performance
Multi Core Support This field specifies whether the process will have one or all
cores enabled. The performance of some applications will
improve with the additional cores. This option is enabled by
default.

Intel® SpeedStep™ Allows you to enable or disable the Intel SpeedStep mode of
the processor. This option is enabled by default.

C States Control Allows you to enable or disable the additional processor sleep
states. This option is enabled by default.

62
Performance
Intel® TurboBoost™ Allows you to enable or disable Inel TurboBoost mode of the
processor.

• Disabled — Does not allow the TurboBoost driver to

increase the performance state of the processor above the
standard performance.
• Enabled — Allows the Intel Turbo driver to increase the
performance of the CPU or graphics processor.

This option is enabled by default.

Hyper-Thread Control Allows you to enable or disable the Hyper-Threading
Technology. This option is enabled by default.

Power Management
AC Recovery Determines how the system responds when AC power is re-
applied after a power loss. You can set the AC Recovery to:

• Power Off (default)

• Power On
• Last State

Auto On Time Allows you to set the option to automatically turn on the
computer. Time is kept in standard 12-hour format
(hour:minutes:seconds). Change the startup time by typing the
values in the time and AM/PM fields.

NOTE: This feature does not work if you turn off your
computer using the switch on a power strip or surge
protector or if Auto Power is set to disabled.

Deep Sleep Control Allows you to define the controls when Deep Sleep is enabled.

• Disabled
• Enabled in S5 only
• Enabled in S4 and S5

This option is Disabled by default.

Fan Control Override Controls the speed of the system fan. This option is disabled by
default.
NOTE: When enabled, the fan runs at full speed.

63
Power Management
Wake on LAN This option allows the computer to power up from the off state
when triggered by a special LAN signal. Wake-up from the
Standby state is unaffected by this setting and must be
enabled in the operating system. This feature only works when
the computer is connected to AC power supply.

• Disabled — Does not allow the system to power on by

special LAN signals when it receives a wake-up signal
from the LAN or wireless LAN.
• LAN Only — Allows the system to be powered on by
special LAN signals.

This option is Disabled by default.

POST Behavior
Numlock LED Allows you to enable or disable the Numlock feature when
your computer starts. This option is enabled by default.

Keyboard Errors Allows you to enable or disable the keyboard error reporting
when the computer starts. This option is enabled by default.

POST Hotkeys Allows you to specify the function keys to display on the
screen when the computer starts.
Enable F12 — Boot menu (enabled by default)
Fast Boot This option can speed up the boot process by bypassing some
compatibility steps:

• Minimal — The system boots quickly, unless the BIOS has

been updated, memory changed, or the previous POST did
not complete.
• Thorough — The system does not skip any steps in the
boot process.
• Auto — This allows the operating system to control this
setting (this works only when the operating system
supports Simple Boot Flag).

This option is set to Thorough by default.

Virtualization Support
Virtualization This option specifies whether a Virtual Machine Monitor
(VMM) can utilize the additional hardware capabilities

64
Virtualization Support
provided by Intel® Virtualization Technology. Enable Intel®
Virtualization Technology — This option is enabled by default.

VT for Direct I/O Enables or disables the Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) from
utilizing the additional hardware capabilities provided by
Intel® Virtualization technology for direct I/O. Enable Intel®
Virtualization Technology for Direct I/O — This option is
disabled by default.

Maintenance
Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of your computer.

Asset Tag Allows you to create a system asset tag if an asset tag is not
already set. This option is not set by default.

SERR Messages Controls the SERR message mechanism. This option is not set
by default. Some graphics cards require that the SERR
message mechanism be disabled.

Image Server
Lookup Method Specifies how the ImageServer looks up the server address.

• Static IP
• DNS (enabled by default)

NOTE: This field is only relevant when the "Integrated NIC"

control in the "System Configuration" group is set to
"Enabled with ImageServer".

ImageServer IP Specifies the primary static IP address of the ImageServer

with which the client software communicates. The default IP
address is 255.255.255.255.

NOTE: This field is only relevant when the "Integrated NIC"

control in the "System Configuration" group is set to
"Enabled with ImageServer" and when "Lookup Method" is
set to "Static IP".

ImageServer Port Specifies the primary IP port of the ImageServer with which
the client communicates. The default IP port is 06910.

65
Image Server

NOTE: This field is only relevant when the "Integrated NIC"

control in the "System Configuration" group is set to
"Enabled with ImageServer".

Client DHCP Specifies how the client obtains the IP address.

• Static IP
• DNS (enabled by default)

NOTE: This field is only relevant when the "Integrated NIC"

control in the "System Configuration" group is set to
"Enabled with ImageServer".

Client IP Specifies the static IP address of the client. The default IP

address is 255.255.255.255.

NOTE: This field is only relevant when the "Integrated NIC"

control in the "System Configuration" group is set to
"Enabled with ImageServer" and when "Client DHCP" is set
to "Static IP".

Client Subnet Mask Specifies the subnet mask of the client. The default setting is
255.255.255.255.

NOTE: This field is only relevant when the "Integrated NIC"

control in the "System Configuration" group is set to
"Enabled with ImageServer" and when "Client DHCP" is set
to "Static IP".

Client Gateway Specifies the gateway IP address for the client. The default
setting is 255.255.255.255.

NOTE: This field is only relevant when the "Integrated NIC"

control in the "System Configuration" group is set to
"Enabled with ImageServer" and when "Client DHCP" is set
to "Static IP".

License Status Displays the current license status.

System Logs
BIOS Events Allows you to clear the system event logs.

66
System Logs

• Clear Log

DellDiag Events Displays the DellDiag event log.

Thermal Events Displays the thermal event log and allows you to:

• Clear Log

Power Events Allows you to clear the power event logs.

• Clear Log

BIOS Progress Events Displays the BIOS Progress event log.

67
68
 20
Troubleshooting
Diagnostic LEDs
NOTE: The diagnostic LEDs only serve as an indicator of the progress through the
Power-on Self-Test (POST) process. These LEDs do not indicate the problem that
caused the POST routine to stop.

The diagnostic LEDs are located on the front of the chassis next to the power
button. These diagnostic LEDs are only active and visible during the POST
process. Once the operating system starts to load, they turn off and are no
longer visible.
The system now includes pre-POST and POST LEDs in an attempt to help
identifying a possible problem with the system easier and more accurate.
NOTE: The diagnostic lights will blink when the power button is amber or off, and
will not blink when it is blue. This has no other significance.

Diagnostic Light Patterns

LED

Power Button

Problem The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.

Description

Troubleshooting
• Re-seat the power cable in the power connector at the
Steps back of the computer and the electrical outlet.
• Bypass power strips, power extension cables, and
other power protection devices to verify that the
computer turns on properly.

69
 • Ensure that any power strips being used are plugged
into an electrical outlet and are turned on.
• 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.

LED

Power Button

Problem Description A possible system board failure has occurred.

Troubleshooting Steps Unplug the computer. Allow one minute for the power to drain.
Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet and press
the power button.

LED

Power Button

Problem A possible system board, power supply, or peripheral failure has

Description occurred.

Troubleshooting
• Power off computer, leaving the computer plugged in.
Steps Press and hold the power supply test button at the rear
of the power supply unit. If the LED next to the switch
illuminates, the problem may be with your system
board.
• If the LED next to the switch does not illuminate,
disconnect all internal and external peripherals, and
press and hold the power supply test button. If it
illuminates, there could be a problem with a peripheral.
• If the LED still does not illuminate, remove the PSU
connections from the system board, then press and
hold the power supply button. If it illuminates, there
could be a problem with the system board.

70
 • If the LED still does not illuminate, the problem is with
the power supply.

LED

Power Button

Problem Memory modules are detected, but a memory power failure has
Description occurred.

Troubleshooting
• If two or more memory modules are installed, remove
Steps the modules, then re-install one module and re-start
the computer. If the computer starts normally, continue
to install additional memory modules (one at a time)
until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled
all modules without error. If only one memory module is
installed, try moving it to a different DIMM connector
and re-start the computer.
• If available, install verified working memory of the
same type into your computer.

LED

Power Button

Problem Description BIOS may be corrupt or missing.

Troubleshooting Steps The computer hardware is operating normally but the BIOS
may be corrupt or missing.

LED

Power Button

71
Problem Description A possible system board failure has occurred.

Troubleshooting Steps Remove all peripheral cards from the PCI and PCI-E slots and
re-start the computer. If the computer boots, add the
peripheral cards back one by one until you find the bad one.

LED

Power Button

Problem Description Power connector not installed properly.

Troubleshooting Steps Re-seat the 2x2 power connector from the power supply unit.

LED

Power Button

Problem Description Possible peripheral card or system board failure has occurred.

Troubleshooting Steps Remove all peripheral cards from the PCI and PCI-E slots and
re-start the computer. If the computer boots, add the
peripheral cards back one by one until you find the bad one.

LED

Power Button

Problem Description A possible system board failure has occurred.

Troubleshooting Steps
• Disconnect all internal and external peripherals, and
re-start the computer. If the computer boots, add the
peripheral cards back one by one until you find the
bad one.

72
 • If the problem persists, the system board is faulty.

LED

Power Button

Problem Description A possible coin cell battery failure has occurred.

Troubleshooting Steps Remove the coin cell battery for one minute, reinstall the
battery, and restart.

LED

Power Button

Problem Description A possible processor failure has occurred.

Troubleshooting Steps Re-seat the processor.

LED

Power Button

Problem Description Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has
occurred.

Troubleshooting
• If two or more memory modules are installed, remove
Steps the modules, then re-install one module and re-start
the computer. If the computer starts normally,
continue to install additional memory modules (one at
a time) until you have identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.

73
 • If available, install working memory of the same type
into your computer.

LED

Power Button

Problem Description A possible hard drive failure has occurred.

Troubleshooting Steps Re-seat all power and data cables.

LED

Power Button

Problem Description A possible USB failure has occurred.

Troubleshooting Steps Re-install all USB devices and check all cable connections.

LED

Power Button

Problem Description No memory modules are detected.

Troubleshooting
• If two or more memory modules are installed, remove
Steps the modules, then reinstall one module and restart the
computer. If the computer starts normally, continue to
install additional memory modules (one at a time) until
you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all
modules without error.
• If available, install working memory of the same type
into your computer.

74
LED

Power Button

Problem Description Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or

compatibility error has occurred.

Troubleshooting Steps
• Ensure that no special requirements for memory
module/connector placement exist.
• Ensure that the memory you are using is supported
by your computer.

LED

Power Button

Problem Description A possible expansion card failure has occurred.

Troubleshooting
• Determine if a conflict exists by removing an
Steps expansion card (not a graphics card) and restarting
the computer.
• If the problem persists, reinstall the card you
removed, then remove a different card and restart the
computer.
• Repeat this process for each expansion card installed.
If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last
card removed from the computer for resource
conflicts.

LED

Power Button

75
Problem Description A possible system board resource and/or hardware failure has
occurred.

Troubleshooting
• Clear CMOS.
Steps
• Disconnect all internal and external peripherals, and
restart the computer. If the computer boots, add the
peripheral cards back one by one until you find the
bad one.
• If the problem persists, the system board / system
board component is faulty.

LED

Power Button

Problem Some other failure has occurred.

Description

Troubleshooting
• Ensure that the display/monitor is plugged into a
Steps discrete graphic card.
• Ensure that all hard drives and optical drive cables are
properly connected to the system board.
• If there is an error message on the screen identifying a
problem with a device ( hard drive), check the device
to make sure it is functioning properly.
• If the operating system is attempting to boot from a
device (optical drive), check system setup to ensure
the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed
on your computer.

Beep Codes
The computer can emit a series of beeps during start-up if the display cannot
show errors or problems. These series of beeps, called beep codes, identify
various problems. The delay between each beep is 300 ms, the delay between
each set of beeps is 3 sec, and the beep sound lasts 300 ms. After each beep
and each set of beeps, the BIOS should detect if the user presses the power
button. If so, BIOS will jump out from looping and execute the normal shutdown
process and power system.

76
Code 1-1-2

Cause Microprocessor register failure

Code 1-1-3

Cause NVRAM

Code 1-1-4

Cause ROM BIOS checksum failure

Code 1-2-1

Cause Programmable interval timer

Code 1-2-2

Cause DMA initialization failure

Code 1-2-3

Cause DMA page register read/write failure

Code 1-3-1 through 2-4-4

Cause DIMMs not being properly identified or used

Code 3-1-1

Cause Slave DMA register failure

Code 3-1-2

Cause Master DMA register failure

Code 3-1-3

Cause Master interrupt mask register failure

Code 3-1-4

Cause Slave interrupt mask register failure

Code 3-2-2
Cause Interrupt vector loading failure

77
Code 3-2-4

Cause Keyboard Controller Test failure

Code 3-3-1

Cause NVRAM power loss

Code 3-3-2

Cause NVRAM configuration

Code 3-3-4

Cause Video Memory Test failure

Code 3-4-1

Cause Screen initialization failure

Code 3-4-2

Cause Screen retrace failure

Code 3-4-3

Cause Search for video ROM failure

Code 4–2–1

Cause No time tick

Code 4–2–2

Cause Shutdown failure

Code 4–2–3

Cause Gate A20 failure

Code 4–2–4

Cause Unexpected interrupt in protected mode

Code 4–3–1
Cause Memory failure above address 0FFFFh

78
Code 4–3–3

Cause Timer-chip counter 2 failure

Code 4–3–4

Cause Time-of-day clock stopped

Code 4–4–1

Cause Serial or parallel port test failure

Code 4–4–2

Cause Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory

Code 4–4–3

Cause Math coprocessor test failure

Code 4–4–4

Cause Cache test failure

Error Messages
Address mark not found

Description The BIOS found a faulty disk sector or could not find a particular disk
sector.

Alert! Previous attempts at booting this system have failed at

checkpoint [nnnn]. For help in resolving this problem, please note
this checkpoint and contact Dell Technical Support.

Description The computer failed to complete the boot routine three consecutive times
for the same error. Contact Dell and report the checkpoint code (nnnn) to
the support technician

79
Alert! Security override Jumper is installed.

Description The MFG_MODE jumper has been set and AMT Management features are
disabled until it is removed.

Attachment failed to respond

Description The floppy or hard drive controller cannot send data to the associated
drive.

Bad command or file name

Description Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put spaces in the
proper place, and used the correct pathname.

Bad error-correction code (ECC) on disk read

Description The floppy or hard drive controller detected an uncorrectable read error.

Controller has failed

Description The hard drive or the associated controller is defective.

Data error

Description The floppy or hard drive cannot read the data. For the Windows operating
system, run the chkdsk utility to check the file structure of the floppy or
hard drive. For any other operating system, run the appropriate
corresponding utility.

80
Decreasing available memory

Description One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly seated. Re-
install the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.

Diskette drive 0 seek failure

Description A cable may be loose or the computer configuration information may not
match the hardware configuration.

Diskette read failure

Description The floppy disk may be defective or a cable may be loose. If the drive
access light turns on, try a different disk.

Diskette subsystem reset failed

Description The floppy drive controller may be faulty.

Gate A20 failure

Description One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly seated.

Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.

General failure

Description The operating system is unable to carry out the command. This message
is usually followed by specific information—for example, Printer out of
paper. Take the appropriate action to resolve the problem.

Hard-disk drive configuration error

Description The hard drive failed initialization.

81
Hard-disk drive controller failure

Description The hard drive failed initialization.

Hard-disk drive failure

Description The hard drive failed initialization.

Hard-disk drive read failure

Description The hard drive failed initialization.

Invalid configuration information-please run SETUP program

Description The computer configuration information does not match the hardware
configuration.

Invalid Memory configuration, please populate DIMM1

Description DIMM1 slot does not recognize a memory module. The module should be
re-seated or installed.

Keyboard failure

Description A cable or connector may be loose, or the keyboard or keyboard/mouse

controller may be faulty.

Memory address line failure at address, read value expecting

value

Description A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the

memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.

82
Memory allocation error

Description The software you are attempting to run is conflicting with the operating
system, another program, or a utility.

Memory data line failure at address, read value expecting value

Description A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the

memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.

Memory double word logic failure at address, read value

expecting value

Description A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the

memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.

Memory odd/even logic failure at address, read value expecting

value

Description A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the

memory modules and, if necessary, replace them

Memory write/read failure at address, read value expecting value

Description A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the

memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.

Memory size in CMOS invalid

Description The amount of memory recorded in the computer configuration

information does not match the memory installed in the computer.

83
Memory tests terminated by keystroke

Description A keystroke interrupted the memory test.

No boot device available

Description The computer cannot find the floppy disk or hard drive.

No boot sector on hard-disk drive

Description The computer configuration information in System Setup may be

incorrect.

No timer tick interrupt

Description A chip on the system board might be malfunctioning.

Non-system disk or disk error

Description The floppy disk in drive A does not have a bootable operating system
installed on it. Either replace the floppy disk with one that has a bootable
operating system, or remove the floppy disk from drive A and restart the
computer.

Not a boot diskette

Description The operating system is trying to boot to a floppy disk that does not have a
bootable operating system installed on it. Insert a bootable floppy disk.

Plug and play configuration error

Description The computer encountered a problem while trying to configure one or

more cards.

84
Read fault

Description The operating system cannot read from the floppy or hard drive, the
computer could not find a particular sector on the disk, or the requested
sector is defective.

Requested sector not found

Description The operating system cannot read from the floppy or hard drive, the
computer could not find a particular sector on the disk, or the requested
sector is defective.

Reset failed

Description The disk re-set operation failed.

Sector not found

Description The operating system cannot locate a sector on the floppy or hard drive.

Seek error

Description The operating system cannot find a specific track on the floppy disk or
hard drive.

Shutdown failure

Description A chip on the system board might be malfunctioning.

Time-of-day clock stopped

Description The battery might be dead.

85
Time-of-day not set-please run the System Setup program

Description The time or date stored in System Setup does not match the computer
clock.

Timer chip counter 2 failed

Description A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning.

Unexpected interrupt in protected mode

Description The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning or a memory module may

be loose.

WARNING: Dell's Disk Monitoring System has detected that drive

[0/1] on the [primary/secondary] EIDE controller is operating
outside of normal specifications. It is advisable to immediately
back up your data and replace your hard drive by calling your
support desk or Dell.

Description During initial startup, the drive detected possible error conditions. When
your computer finishes booting, immediately back up your data and
replace your hard drive (for installation procedures, see "Adding and
Removing Parts" for your computer type). If no replacement drive is
immediately available and the drive is not the only bootable drive, enter
System Setup and change the appropriate drive setting to None. Then
remove the drive from the computer.

Write fault

Description The operating system cannot write to the floppy or hard drive.

86
Write fault on selected drive

Description The operating system cannot write to the floppy or hard drive.

X:\ is not accessible. The device is not ready

Description The floppy drive cannot read the disk. Insert a floppy disk into the drive
and try again.

87
88
 21
Specifications
Technical Specifications
NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the

configuration of your computer, click Start (or Start in Windows XP) Help and
Support, and then select the option to view information about your computer.

Processor
Processor type • Intel Core i3 series
• Intel Core i5 series
• Intel Core i7 series
• Intel Pentium series
• Intel Celeron series

Total Cache Up to 8 MB cache depending on processor

type

Memory
Type DDR3

Speed 1333 MHz

Connectors

Desktop, Mini-Tower, Small Form four DIMM slots

Factor

Ultra Small Form Factor two DIMM slots

Capacity 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB

Minimum Memory 1 GB
Maximum memory

89
Memory
Desktop, Mini-Tower, Small Form 16 GB
Factor

Ultra Small Form Factor 8 GB

Video
Integrated • Intel HD Graphics (with Intel Celeron/
Pentium-class CPU-GPU combo)
• Intel HD Graphics 2000 (with Intel Core
i3 DC 65 W and Intel Core i5/i7 QC
vPRO 95 W-class CPU-GPU combo)

Discrete PCI Express x16 graphics adapter

Audio
Integrated four Channel High Definition Audio

Network
Integrated Intel 82579LM Ethernet capable of
10/100/1000 Mb/s communication

System Information
System Chipset Intel 6 Series Express Chipset

DMA Channels two 82C37 DMA controllers with seven

independently programmable channels

Interrupt Levels Integrated I/O APIC capability with 24

interrupts

BIOS Chip (NVRAM) 80 MB (10 MB)

Expansion Bus
Bus Type PCI 2.3, PCI Express 2.0, SATA 3.0 and 2.0,
USB 2.0

Bus Speed: PCI Express:

• x1-slot bidirectional speed – 500 MB/s

90
Expansion Bus

• x16-slot bidirectional speed – 16 GB/s

SATA: 1.5 Gbps, 3.0 Gbps, and 6 Gbps

Cards
PCI

Mini-Tower up to one full-height card

Desktop up to one low-profile card

Small Form Factor none

Ultra Small Form Factor none

PCI Express x1

Mini-Tower up to three full-height cards

Desktop up to three low-profile cards

Small Form Factor up to two low-profile cards

Ultra Small Form Factor none

PCI-Express x16

Mini-Tower up to two full-height cards

Desktop up to two low-profile cards

Small Form Factor up to two low-profile cards

Ultra Small Form Factor none

Mini PCI Express

Mini-Tower none

Desktop none

Small Form Factor none

Ultra Small Form Factor up to one half-height card

Drives
Externally Accessible (5.25–inch drive bays)

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Drives
Mini-Tower two
Desktop one
Small Form Factor one slim optical drive bay
Ultra Small Form Factor one slim optical drive bay
Internally Accessible:

3.5–inch SATA drive bays

Mini-Tower two
Desktop one
Small Form Factor one
Ultra Small Form Factor none

2.5–inch SATA drive bays

Mini-Tower two
Desktop one
Small Form Factor one
Ultra Small Form Factor one

External Connectors
Audio:

Back Panel two connectors for line-out and line-in/

microphone

Front Panel two connectors for microphone and

headphone

Network Adapter one RJ45 connector

Serial one 9-pin connector; 16550C compatible

Parallel one 25-pin connector (optional for mini-

tower)

USB 2.0

92
External Connectors
Mini-Tower, Desktop, Small Form Front Panel: 4
Factor

Back Panel: 6

Ultra Small Form Factor Front Panel: 2

Back Panel: 5

Video 15-pin VGA connector, 20-pin DisplayPort

connector

NOTE: Available video connectors may

vary based on the graphics card
selected.

System Board Connectors

PCI 2.3 data width (maximum) — 32 bits

Mini-Tower, Desktop one 120-pin connector

Small Form Factor, Ultra none

Small Form Factor

PCI Express x1 data width (maximum) —

one PCI Express lane

Mini-Tower, Desktop one 36-pin connector

Small Form Factor, Ultra none

Small Form Factor

PCI Express x16 (wired as x4) data width (maximum) — four PCI Express lanes

Mini-Tower, Desktop, one 164-pin connector

Small Form Factor

Ultra Small Form Factor none

PCI Express x16 data width (maximum) —

16 PCI Express lanes

Mini-Tower, Desktop, one 164-pin connector

Small Form Factor
Ultra Small Form Factor none

93
System Board Connectors
Mini PCI Express data width (maximum) —
one PCI Express lane and one USB
interface

Mini-Tower, Desktop, none

Small Form Factor
Ultra Small Form Factor one 52-pin connector

Serial ATA

Mini-Tower four 7-pin connectors

Desktop three 7-pin connectors

Small Form Factor three 7-pin connectors

Ultra Small Form Factor two 7-pin connectors

Memory

Mini-Tower, Desktop, four 240-pin connectors

Small Form Factor

Ultra Small Form Factor two 240-pin connectors

Internal USB

Mini-Tower, Desktop one 10-pin connector

Small Form Factor, Ultra none

Small Form Factor

System Fan one 5-pin connector

Front panel control

Mini-Tower, Desktop, one 34-pin and one 5-pin connector

Small Form Factor

Ultra Small Form Factor one 20-pin and one 14-pin connector

Thermal Mini-Tower one 2-pin connector

Sensor

Desktop, Small Form two 2-pin connectors

Factor, Ultra Small Form
Factor

94
System Board Connectors
Processor one 1155-pin connector

Processor Fan one 5-pin connector

Service mode jumper one 2-pin connector

Password clear jumper one 2-pin connector

RTC reset jumper one 2-pin connector

Internal speaker one 5-pin connector

Intruder connector one 3-pin connector

Power connector

Mini-Tower, Desktop, one 24-pin and one 4-pin connector

Small Form Factor

Ultra Small Form Factor one 8-pin, one 6-pin, and one 4-pin
connector

Controls and Lights

Front of the computer:

Power button light Blue light — Solid blue light

indicates power-on state; blinking
blue light indicates sleep state of
the computer.

Amber light — Solid amber light

when the computer does not start
indicates a problem with the
system board or power supply.
Blinking amber light indicates a
problem with the system board.

Drive activity light Blue light — Blinking blue light

indicates that the computer is
reading data from or writing data to
the hard drive.

Diagnostic lights Four lights located on the front

panel of the computer. For more
information on the diagnostic lights,

95
Controls and Lights
see the Service Manual at
support.dell.com/manuals.

Back of the computer:

Link integrity light on integrated Green — a good 10 Mbps

network adapter connection exists between the
network and the computer.
Orange — a good 100 Mbps
connection exists between the
network and the computer.
Yellow — a good 1000 Mbps
connection exists between the
network and the computer.
Off (no light) — the computer is not
detecting a physical connection to
the network.

Network activity light on integrated Yellow light — A blinking yellow

network adapter light indicates that network activity
is present.

Power supply diagnostic light Green light — The power supply is

turned on and is functional. The
power cable must be connected to
the power connector (at the back
of the computer) and the electrical
outlet.

NOTE: You can test the health

of the power system by
pressing the test button. When
the system power supply
voltage is within specification,
the self-test LED lights up. If the
LED does not light up, the
power supply may be defective.
AC power must be connected
during this test.

96
Power Wattage Maximum Voltage
Heat
Dissipation
Mini-Tower 265 W 1390 BTU/hr 100 VAC to 240 VAC, 50 Hz to 60 Hz, 5.0 A

Desktop 250 W 1312 BTU/hr 100 VAC to 240 VAC, 50 Hz to 60 Hz, 4.4 A

Small Form 240 W 1259 BTU/hr 100 VAC to 240 VAC, 50 Hz to 60 Hz, 3.6 A;
Factor 100 VAC to 240 VAC, 50 Hz to 60 Hz, 4.0 A

Ultra Small 200 W 758 BTU/hr 100 VAC to 240 VAC, 50 Hz to 60 Hz, 2.9 A
Form Factor

Coin-cell 3 V CR2032 lithium coin cell

battery

NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated by using the power supply wattage rating.

Physical Height Width Depth Weight

Mini-Tower 36.00 cm (14.17 17.50 cm (6.89 41.70 cm (16.42 8.87 kg (19.55 lb)
inches) inches) inches)

Desktop 36.00 cm (14.17 10.20 cm (4.01 41.00 cm (16.14 7.56 kg (16.67 lb)
inches) inches) inches)

Small Form 29.00 cm (11.42 9.26 cm (3.65 31.20 cm (12.28 5.70 kg (12.57 lb)
Factor inches) inches) inches)

Ultra Small 23.70 cm (9.33 6.50 cm (2.56 24.00 cm (9.45 3.27 kg (7.20 lb)
Form Factor inches) inches) inches)

Environmental
Temperature range:

Operating 10 °C to 35 °C (50 °F to 95 °F)

Storage –40 °C to 65 °C (–40 °F to 149 °F)

Relative humidity (maximum):

Operating 20% to 80% (non-condensing)

Storage 5% to 95% (non-condensing)

Maximum vibration:

Operating 0.26 GRMS

97
Environmental
Storage 2.2 GRMS

Maximum shock:

Operating 40 G

Storage 105 G
Altitude:

Operating –15.2 m to 3048 m (–50 ft to 10,000 ft)

Storage –15.2 m to 10,668 m (–50 ft to 35,000 ft)

Airborne contaminant level G1 or lower as defined by ANSI/ISA-

S71.04-1985

98
 22
Contacting Dell
Contacting Dell
To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues:

1. Visit support.dell.com.
2. Verify your country or region in the Choose a Country/Region drop-down
menu at the bottom of the page.
3. Click Contact Us on the left side of the page.
4. Select the appropriate service or support link based on your need.
5. Choose the method of contacting Dell that is convenient for you.

99