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Tools to Help Solve Problems

Dell Precision™ Workstation 470 and 670 Computers User's Guide

Troubleshooting Tips

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 technical support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).
  
  
• If an error message occurs in a program, see the program's documentation.
  
  

System Lights

Your power button light and hard-drive light may indicate a computer problem.

Power Light	Hard-Drive Light	Problem Description	Suggested Resolution
Solid green	N/A	Power is on, and the computer is operating normally.	No corrective action is required.
Blinking green	Blank	The computer is in the suspended state (Microsoft® Windows® XP).	Press the power button, move the mouse, or press a key on the keyboard to wake the computer. See "Power Management."
Blinks green several times and then turns off	N/A	A configuration error exists.	Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified.
Solid yellow	N/A	The Dell Diagnostics is running a test, or a device on the system board may be faulty or incorrectly installed.	If the Dell Diagnostics is running, allow the testing to complete. Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified. If the computer does not boot, contact Dell for technical assistance.
Blinking yellow	Blank	A power supply or system board failure has occurred.	Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified. See "Power Problems."
Blinking yellow	Solid green	A system board or VRM failure has occurred.	Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified.
Solid green and a beep code during POST	N/A	A problem was detected while the BIOS was executing.	See "Beep Codes" for instructions on diagnosing the beep code. Also, check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified.
Solid green power light and no beep code and no video during POST	N/A	The monitor or the graphics card may be faulty or incorrectly installed.	Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified. See "Video and Monitor Problems."
Solid green power light and no beep code but the computer locks up during POST	N/A	An integrated system board device may be faulty.	Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified. If the problem is not identified, contact Dell for technical assistance.

Diagnostic Lights

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the front panel. The lights can be yellow, green, or off. When the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts, all four lights display solid green. If the computer malfunctions, the color and sequence of the lights identify the problem.

Diagnostic Light Codes Before POST

Light Pattern		Problem Description	Suggested Resolution
	off off off off	No electrical power is supplied to the computer.	Connect the computer to an electrical outlet. Ensure that the front-panel power light is on. If the power light is off, ensure that the computer is connected to a working electrical outlet and then press the power button. If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.
	yellow off off off	The computer is in a normal off condition; the computer is connected to an electrical outlet.	Press the power button to turn the computer on. If the computer does not turn on, ensure that the front-panel power light is on. If the power light is off, ensure that the computer is connected to a working electrical outlet and then press the power button. If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.
	yellow yellow off off	The computer is in a reduced power or "sleep" state.	Use one of the appropriate methods to "wake up" the computer. See "Advanced Features." If the problem is not resolved and you are trying to wake the computer with a USB mouse or keyboard, substitute the mouse or keyboard with a working PS/2 mouse or keyboard and then try to wake the computer.
	yellow yellow yellow off	The BIOS is not executing.	Ensure that the processor is seated correctly and restart the computer. If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.
	off yellow off off	A possible power supply or power cable failure has occurred.	Perform the procedure in "Power Problems." If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.
	off off yellow off	A possible system board failure has occurred.	Contact Dell for technical assistance.
	yellow off yellow off	A processor and/or VRM mismatch exists.	Perform the procedure in "Processor Problems."
	green yellow yellow off	A possible VRM 0 failure has occurred.	Contact Dell for technical assistance.
	yellow green yellow green	A possible VRM 1 failure has occurred.	Perform the procedure in "Processor Problems."
	green green yellow off	A possible VRM 0 and VRM 1 failure has occurred.	Contact Dell for technical assistance.

Diagnostic Light Codes During POST

Light Pattern		Problem Description	Suggested Resolution
	yellow yellow green yellow	A possible processor failure has occurred.	Reinstall the processor and restart the computer.
	yellow yellow green green	Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.	Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory. Restart the computer. If the problem still exists, remove all the memory modules and install one memory module in memory module connector 1 (DIMM_1). Restart the computer. The following message appears: Alert! Operating in Debug Mode. Please Populate Memory in Pairs for Normal Operation. Press <F1> to boot to the operating system. Run the Dell Diagnostics. If the memory module passes, shut down the computer, remove the memory module, and then repeat the process with the remaining memory modules until a memory error occurs during start-up or diagnostic testing. If the first memory module tested is defective, repeat the process with the remaining modules to ensure that the remaining modules are not defective. When the defective memory module is identified, contact Dell for a replacement. NOTE: If necessary, the computer can operate in debug mode until new memory modules are installed.
	yellow green yellow yellow	A possible expansion card failure has occurred.	Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not the graphics card) and then restarting the computer. If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a different card, and then restart the computer. Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities"). If the problem persists, contact Dell.
	yellow green yellow green	A possible graphics card failure has occurred.	If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, reinstall it, and then restart the computer. If the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the computer. If the problem persists or the computer has integrated graphics, contact Dell.
	yellow green green yellow	A possible floppy or hard drive failure has occurred.	Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.
	yellow green green green	A possible USB failure has occurred.	Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer.
	green yellow yellow yellow	No memory modules are detected.	Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory. Restart the computer. If the problem still exists, remove all the memory modules and install one memory module in memory module connector 1. Restart the computer. The following message appears: Alert! Operating in Debug Mode. Please Populate Memory in Pairs for Normal Operation. Press <F1> to boot to the operating system. Run the Dell Diagnostics. If the memory module passes, shut down the computer, remove the memory module, and then repeat the process with the remaining memory modules until a memory error occurs during start-up or diagnostic testing. If the first memory module tested is defective, repeat the process with the remaining modules to ensure that the remaining modules are not defective. When the defective memory module is identified, contact Dell for a replacement. NOTE: If necessary, the computer can operate in debug mode until new memory modules are installed.
	green yellow yellow green	System board failure has occurred.	Contact Dell for technical assistance.
	green yellow green yellow	Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error exists.	Ensure that no special memory module requirements exist. Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer. Reinstall the memory modules and restart the computer. If the problem persists, contact Dell.
	green yellow green green	A possible expansion card failure has occurred.	Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer. If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a different card, and then restart the computer. Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities"). If the problem persists, contact Dell.
	green green yellow yellow	A possible system board resource and/or hardware failure has occurred.	Perform the procedures in "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities." If the problem persists, contact Dell.
	green green green yellow	Other failure has occurred.	Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive. If the problem persists, contact Dell.
	green green green green	The computer is in a normal operating condition after POST.	None.

Beep Codes

Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. One possible beep code (code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a memory problem.

If your computer beeps during start-up:

1. Write down the beep code on the Diagnostics Checklist.
   
   
2. Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause.
   
   
3. Contact Dell for technical assistance.
   
   

Code	Cause
1-1-2	Microprocessor register failure
1-1-3	NVRAM read/write failure
1-1-4	ROM BIOS checksum failure
1-2-1	Programmable interval timer failure
1-2-2	DMA initialization failure
1-2-3	DMA page register read/write failure
1-3	Video Memory Test failure
1-3-1 through 2-4-4	Memory not being properly identified or used
3-1-1	Slave DMA register failure
3-1-2	Master DMA register failure
3-1-3	Master interrupt mask register failure
3-1-4	Slave interrupt mask register failure
3-2-2	Interrupt vector loading failure
3-2-4	Keyboard Controller Test failure
3-3-1	NVRAM power loss
3-3-2	Invalid NVRAM configuration
3-3-4	Video Memory Test failure
3-4-1	Screen initialization failure
3-4-2	Screen retrace failure
3-4-3	Search for video ROM failure
4-2-1	No timer tick
4-2-2	Shutdown failure
4-2-3	Gate A20 failure
4-2-4	Unexpected interrupt in protected mode
4-3-1	Memory failure above address 0FFFFh
4-3-3	Timer-chip counter 2 failure
4-3-4	Time-of-day clock stopped
4-4-1	Serial or parallel port test failure
4-4-2	Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory
4-4-3	Math-coprocessor test failure
4-4-4	Cache test failure

Error Messages

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.

If the 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: Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs. Select the program you want to remove. Click the Change or Remove Program icon. See the program documentation for installation instructions.

Alert! Card-cage fan failure

Alert! chipset heatsink not detected — The chip set heat sink is not properly installed.

Alert! CPU 0 Fan Failure —   Alert! CPU 1 Fan Failure  —   Ensure that the cooling fan and airflow shroud are properly installed and working.

Alert! Error initializing PCI Express slot n (or bridge) — The computer encountered a problem while trying to configure a PCI Express card.

Alert! Memory configured incorrectly. Please enter setup for memory info details — See "Memory Problems."

Alert! Memory fan has failed or is not present. A memory fan is required for the current memory configuration. please see the documentation that came with your computer for more information. System halted! — See "Memory."

Alert! OS Install Mode enabled — Amount of available memory is limited to 256 MB.

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  —  Contact Dell and report the checkpoint code (nnnn) to the support technician.

Alert! Previous Fan Failures  —   Alert! Previous Processor Thermal Failure  —   Alert! Previous Shutdown Due to Thermal Event  —   Ensure that nothing is blocking the airflow vents and that all the fans are properly installed and operating correctly. Also, ensure that the processor heat sink is properly installed.

Alert! Previous Voltage Failure  —  See "Power Problems."

Alert! System Battery Voltage is Low  —  Replace the battery.

Alert! Uncorrectable Memory Error Previously Detected... Address xxxxxxxxh, Device DIMM_Y  —  See "Memory Problems."

Attachment failed to respond  —  See "Drive Problems."

Bad command or file name  —  Ensure that you spelled the command correctly, put spaces in the proper place, and used the correct path name.

Bad error-correction code (ECC) on disk read  —  See "Drive Problems."

bb/dd/f: Error allocating IRQ for PCI Device — bb/dd/f: Error allocating I/O Bar for PCI Device — bb/dd/f: Error allocating Mem BAR for PCI Device — bb/dd/f: Error allocating PMem BAR for PCI Device — bb/dd/f: Error allocating Upper Memory Block for PCI Device — where bb is the bus number,dd is the device number, and f is the function number. All numbers are in hexadecimal —   The computer encountered a problem while trying to configure an expansion card or integrated LegacySelect device. If the device number points to an expansion card, the card can be removed. If the device number points to an integrated device, disable the device in system setup.

Controller has failed  —  See "Drive Problems"

Data error  —  See "Drive Problems."

Decreasing available memory  —  See "Memory Problems."

Diskette drive 0 seek failure  —  See "Drive Problems."

Diskette read failure  —  See "Drive Problems."

Diskette subsystem reset failed  —  Run the Dell Diagnostics.

Diskette write protected  —  Slide the write-protect notch to the open position.

Drive not ready  —  Put a floppy disk in the drive.

Error: Memory configured incorrectly — See "Memory Overview" for memory installation guidelines.

Gate A20 failure  —  See "Lockups and Software Problems."

Hard-disk configuration error  —   Hard-disk controller failure  —   Hard-disk drive failure  —   Hard-disk drive failure  —   See "Drive Problems."

Insert bootable media  —  Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.

Invalid configuration information - please run SETUP program  —  Enter system setup and correct the computer configuration information.

Keyboard failure  — See "Keyboard Problems."

Memory address line failure at address, read value expecting value  —  See "Lockups and Software Problems."

Memory allocation error  —   Turn off the computer, wait 30 seconds, and then restart the computer. Try to run the program again. If the error message appears again, see the software documentation for additional troubleshooting suggestions.

Memory data line failure at address, read value expecting value  — Memory double word logic failure at address, read value expecting value  — Memory odd/even logic failure at address, read value expecting value  — Memory write/read failure at address, read value expecting value  — Memory size in CMOS invalid  —   See "Memory Problems."

No boot device available  —   If the floppy drive is your boot device, ensure 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 system setup and ensure that the boot sequence information is correct.

No boot sector on hard-disk drive  —  Enter system setup and ensure that the computer configuration information for the hard drive is correct. If the message continues to appear after you ensure that the information in system setup is correct, see your operating system documentation for reinstallation information.

No timer tick interrupt  —   Run the Dell Diagnostics.

Non-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.

Not a boot diskette  —  Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart your computer.

Not enough memory or resources. Close some programs and try again  —  Close all windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you might have to restart your computer to restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first.

Operating system not found  —  Contact Dell.

Power Supply fan failure —

Read fault  —   Requested sector not found  —   Reset failed  —   See "Drive Problems."

Sector not found  —   Run the Windows error-checking utility to check the file structure on the floppy disk or hard drive. See the "Windows Help and Support Center" for instructions. If a large number of sectors are defective, back up the data (if possible), and then reformat the floppy disk or hard drive.

Seek error  —  See "Drive Problems."

Shutdown failure  —  Run the Dell Diagnostics.

Time-of-day clock stopped  —   Time-of-day not set —   Enter system setup and correct the date or time. If the problem persists, replace the battery.

Timer chip counter 2 failed  —  Run the Dell Diagnostics.

Unexpected interrupt in protected mode  —  Run the Dell Diagnostics.

NOTICE: The [primary/secondary/primary serial] IDE [master/slave] hard 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  —  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  —   Write fault on selected drive  —   See "Drive Problems."

x:\ is not accessible. The device is not ready  —  The floppy drive cannot read the disk. Insert a floppy disk into the drive and try again.

Dell Diagnostics

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

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

NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.

Enter system setup, review your computer's configuration information, and then ensure that the device you want to test displays in system setup and is active.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
   
   
2. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
   
   

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD.

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

3. When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.
   
   
4. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
   
   

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD

1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.
   
   
2. Shut down and restart the computer.
   
   

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

If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in system setup.

3. When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM Device and press <Enter>.
   
   
4. Select the IDE CD-ROM Device option from the CD boot menu.
   
   
5. Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears.
   
   
6. Type 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.
   
   
7. Type 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.
   
   
8. Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.
   
   
9. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
   
   

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

1. After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.
   
   

Option	Function
Express Test	Performs a quick test of devices. This 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 devices. This test typically takes an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.
Custom Test	Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.
Symptom Tree	Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.

2. If a problem is 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 and follow the instructions on the screen.
   
   

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell.

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell, technical support will ask for your Service Tag.

3. If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information.
   
   

Tab	Function
Results	Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors	Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.
Help	Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.
Configuration	Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device. The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.
Parameters	Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.

4. When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD, remove the CD.
   
   
5. Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.
   
   

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.

NOTICE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your computer. Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:

• Upgrade your operating system.
  
  
• Reinstall your operating system.
  
  
• Connect or install a new device.
  
  

Identifying Drivers

If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.

Windows XP

1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
   
   
2. Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
   
   
3. Click System.
   
   
4. In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
   
   
5. Click Device Manager.
   
   
6. Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the device icon.
   
   

If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver.

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Drivers and Utilities CD provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback

If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.

1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
   
   
2. Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
   
   
3. Click System.
   
   
4. In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
   
   
5. Click Device Manager.
   
   
6. Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties.
   
   
7. Click the Drivers tab.
   
   
8. Click Roll Back Driver.
   
   

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.

Using the Drivers and Utilities CD

If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD).

Manually Reinstalling Drivers

1. After extracting the driver files to your hard drive as described in the previous section, click the Start button and right-click My Computer.
   
   
2. Click Properties.
   
   
3. Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
   
   
4. Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver.
   
   
5. Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.
   
   
6. Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver.
   
   
7. Click Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click Next.
   
   
8. Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously extracted the driver files.
   
   
9. When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.
   
   
10. Click Finish and restart your computer.
    
    

Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the "Windows Help and Support Center" for information on using System Restore.

NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.

Creating a Restore Point

1. Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
   
   
2. Click System Restore.
   
   
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
   
   

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories® System Tools, and then click System Restore.
   
   
2. Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.
   
   
3. Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.
   
   

The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.

4. Select a restore point and click Next.
   
   

If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.

5. Click Next.
   
   

The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts.

6. After the computer restarts, click OK.
   
   

To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.

Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories® System Tools, and then click System Restore.
   
   
2. Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.
   
   
3. Click Next.
   
   

The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.

4. After the computer restarts, click OK.
   
   

Enabling System Restore

If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:

1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
   
   
2. Click Performance and Maintenance.
   
   
3. Click System.
   
   
4. Click the System Restore tab.
   
   
5. Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.
   
   

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

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. In the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 operating system, you can also use Device Manager to resolve incompatibilities.

Windows XP

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

1. Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
   
   
2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.
   
   
3. Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.
   
   
4. In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and click Next.
   
   

Windows 2000

To resolve incompatibilities using Device Manager:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
   
   
2. In the Control Panel window, double-click System.
   
   
3. Click the Hardware tab.
   
   
4. Click Device Manager.
   
   
5. Click View and click Resources by connection.
   
   
6. Double-click Interrupt request (IRQ).
   
   

Incorrectly configured devices are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) or a red X if the device has been disabled.

7. Double-click any device marked with an exclamation point to display the Properties window.
   
   

The Device status area in the Properties window reports the cards or devices that need to be reconfigured.

8. Reconfigure the devices or remove the devices from the Device Manager. See the documentation that came with the device for information on configuring the device.
   
   

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

1. Click the Start button and click Help.
   
   
2. Click Troubleshooting and Maintenance on the Contents tab, click Windows 2000 troubleshooters, and then click Hardware.
   
   
3. In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer and click Next.
   
   

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

NOTICE: You must use Windows XP Service Pack 1 or later when you reinstall Windows XP.

NOTE: Desktop System Software (DSS) is a utility that provides updates and patches for your operating system. Use this utility if you installed a unique image on your computer or if you had to reinstall your operating system. DSS is available on your Drivers and Utilities CD and at support.dell.com.

Before You Begin

If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver.

NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.

To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:

• Dell™ Operating System CD
  
  
• Dell Drivers and Utilities CD
  
  

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the Drivers and Utilities CD to load any required drivers, including the drivers required if your computer has a RAID controller.

Reinstalling Windows XP

To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.

The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.

NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so.

NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.

Booting From the Operating System CD

1. Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
   
   
2. Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if Install Windows XP message appears.
   
   
3. Restart the computer.
   
   
4. Press <F12> immediately after the DELL™ logo appears.
   
   

If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the computer and try again.

5. Press the arrow keys to select CD-ROM, and press <Enter>.
   
   
6. When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.
   
   

Windows XP Setup

1. When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to select To set up Windows now.
   
   
2. Read the information on the Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement screen, and press <F8> to accept the license agreement.
   
   
3. If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current Windows XP data, type r to select the repair option, and remove the CD.
   
   
4. If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.
   
   
5. Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and follow the instructions on the screen.
   
   

The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer automatically restarts multiple times.

NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of your computer.

NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD.

6. When the Regional and Language Options screen appears, select the settings for your location and click Next.
   
   
7. Enter your name and organization (optional) in the Personalize Your Software screen, and click Next.
   
   
8. At the Computer Name and Administrator Password window, enter a name for your computer (or accept the one provided) and a password, and click Next.
   
   
9. If the Modem Dialing Information screen appears, enter the requested information and click Next.
   
   
10. Enter the date, time, and time zone in the Date and Time Settings window, and click Next.
    
    
11. If the Networking Settings screen appears, click Typical and click Next.
    
    
12. If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional and you are prompted to provide further information regarding your network configuration, enter your selections. If you are unsure of your settings, accept the default selections.
    
    

Windows XP installs the operating system components and configures the computer. The computer automatically restarts.

NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD.

13. When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click Next.
    
    
14. When the How will this computer connect to the Internet? message appears, click Skip.
    
    
15. When the Ready to register with Microsoft? screen appears, select No, not at this time and click Next.
    
    
16. When the Who will use this computer? screen appears, you can enter up to five users.
    
    
17. Click Next.
    
    
18. Click Finish to complete the setup, and remove the CD.
    
    
19. Reinstall the appropriate drivers with the Drivers and Utilities CD.
    
    
20. Reinstall your virus protection software.
    
    
21. Reinstall your programs.
    
    

NOTE: To reinstall and activate your Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite programs, you need the Product Key number located on the back of the Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite CD sleeve.

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