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Dell™ Dimension™ 4500C front door power button hard-drive light * On computers with integrated IEEE 1394 connectors. ** On computers with integrated PC Card connectors. parallel connector serial connector integrated video connector (see the setup diagram) diagnostic lights (4) keyboard connector USB 2.0 connectors (4)
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dimension, Inspiron, Latitude, OptiPlex, and Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation;...
Contents CAUTION: Safety Instructions General ......When Using Your Computer When Working Inside Your Computer Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Ergonomic Computing Habits Battery Disposal...
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Copying CDs ......Using Easy CD Creator Basic Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs Helpful Tips .
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Dell Diagnostics ......When to Use the Dell Diagnostics Starting the Dell Diagnostics Drivers .
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System Setup Program Screens Clearing Forgotten Passwords Replacing the Battery Dell Technical Support Policy Contents ........
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Contacting Dell ......Regulatory Information ..... .
CAUTION: Safety Instructions Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect your computer and working environment from potential damage. General • Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service technician.
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CAUTION: Safety Instructions • To avoid shorting out your computer when disconnecting a network cable, first unplug the cable from the network adapter on the back of your computer, and then from the network jack. When reconnecting a network cable to your computer, first plug the cable into the network jack, and then into the network adapter.
When Using Your Computer As you use your computer, observe the following safe-handling guidelines. CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on) removed. • Your computer is equipped with one of the following: –...
Before you open the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated. CAUTION: Do not attempt to service the computer yourself, except as explained in your online Dell™ documentation or in instructions otherwise provided to you by Dell. Always follow installation and service instructions closely.
When Using Your Computer • 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 microprocessor chip by its edges, not by its pins. CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed.
(continued) When Using Your Computer Battery Disposal Your computer uses a lithium coin-cell battery. The lithium coin-cell battery is a long-life battery, and it is very possible that you will never need to replace it. However, should you need to replace it, see page 103. Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste.
• My device documentation • How to set up a printer • How to troubleshoot and solve problems • How to add parts • How to contact Dell • Warranty information • Express Service Code and Service Tag Number ®...
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The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including: • Knowledge Base — hints, tips, and online courses • Customer Forum — online discussion with other Dell customers • Upgrades — upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system •...
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What Are You Looking For? • Tips on using Windows • How to clean my computer • How to use my mouse and keyboard ® • How to use Windows • Documentation for my computer and devices Find it Here Te l l M e H o w H e l p F i l e Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support.
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F i n d i n g I n f o r ma t i o n f o r Yo u r C o m p u te r...
S E C T I O N 1 S e t t i n g U p Connecting the AC Adapter Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand Setting Up a Printer Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device (Optional) Transferring Information to a New Computer Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to the Internet Copying CDs...
Connecting the AC Adapter Setting Up Connect the AC adapter to the plug on the AC power cable. CAUTION: If you decide to connect the green ground wire to an do not permit electrical outlet, wire and power leads because electrical shock, fire, or damage to your computer can occur (see the following figure).
Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand To attach the stand: Rotate the computer to an upside-down position. Insert the screw into the bottom of the stand. Align the two tabs and the screw on the stand with the tab holes and screw hole in the bottom of the computer.
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To remove the stand: Setting Up Place the computer in the upright position. Turn the computer over so that the stand is at the top. Loosen the screw and lift the stand away. Place the computer in a horizontal position until you reattach the stand.
Setting Up a Printer NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer. See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to: • Obtain and install updated drivers • Connect the printer to the computer •...
Connecting a USB Printer HINT: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on. Setting Up parallel connector on computer screws (2) parallel printer cable notches (2) Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.
USB printer cable Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device (Optional) IEEE 1394 devices can move large amounts of data between computers and peripheral devices and are ideal for use with multimedia devices, such as digital video cameras. Your computer provides a IEEE 1394 connector on both the front and back panels (see "Front and Back View of the Computer"...
HINT: The connector can accept six-pin IEEE 1394 devices with the use of an adapter. Transferring Information to a New Computer The Microsoft Settings Transfer wizard to move data from the source computer to the new computer. You can move data such as: •...
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On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CD, and then click Next. When the Now go to your old computer screen appears, go to your old or source computer. To copy data from the old computer: Insert the Windows XP Operating System CD into your CD or DVD drive.
Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to a Network Adapter Before you connect your computer to a network, the computer must have a network adapter installed and a network cable connected to it. To connect a network cable: HINT: Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to...
Click Checklist for creating a network. Complete the checklist and required preparations, and return to the Network Setup Wizard. Follow the instructions on the screen. Connecting to the Internet To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN.
If you do not have an MSN Explorer or AOL icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP: HINT: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP .
Windows XP Help and Support Center (see "Finding Help Information" on page 38). The documentation is also provided on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, which is included with your computer. Each Easy CD Creator Basic project program also has thorough online help files.
Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs Your CD-RW drive writes to two different types of recording media—CD-R and CD-RW discs. Use blank CD-R (CD-Recordable) disks to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R disc, you cannot write to that disc again without changing your method of recording (see the Roxio documentation for more information).
How to Copy a CD The procedure assumes that your computer is equipped with a single CD-RW drive (without an additional CD drive). If your computer is equipped with both types of drives, see the Roxio documentation for instructions on how to copy CDs from a CD drive to a CD-RW drive. Click the Start button, point to All Programs→...
You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through the system setup program. For more information on accessing the system setup program, see page 100. For more information on Hyper-Threading, search the Knowledge Base on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. Turning Off Your Computer Setting Up ®...
S E C T I O N 2 S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s Finding Solutions Finding Help Information Battery Problems Drive Problems E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems Error Messages General Problems IEEE 1394 Problems Keyboard Problems Mouse Problems...
So l vi n g Pro b l em s See page 51. Press a key or move the Tell Me How mouse. See the help file for information on standby mode. Get technical assistance from Dell. See page 105. See page 43.
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See page 55. See page 54. See page 52. See page 41. See page 48. See page 47. See page 39. See page 49. See page 53. See page 43. See page 44. See page 41. See page 41. See page 44. So l vi n g Pro b l em s...
Drive Problems CD drive problems D J U S T T H E I N D O W S V O L U M E C O N T R O L the lower-right corner of your screen. • Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up.
Problems writing to a CD-RW drive HINT: If you disable standby mode to write to a CD-RW drive, remember C D -R W to reenable standby mode Me How help file or search for the keyword standby in Windows Help. To access when you finish writing to help files, see page 38.
Hard drive problems H E C K I S K Click the Start button, and then click My Computer. Right-click the drive letter (local disk) that you want to scan for errors, and then click Properties. Click the Tools tab. Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
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directory for instructions on deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up networking connection properties. Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet.
General Problems A program stops responding to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then press the power button again to turn on the computer. You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
A solid blue screen appears — If the computer does not respond to a U R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F keystroke or a proper shutdown, press the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off.
Support Guide provided with your computer for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell. website or e-mail service, call Dell for technical assistance (see page 105). See the Service and Support Guide provided with your computer for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.
Control Panel icon, Windows recognizes the device. F Y O U H A V E P R O B L E M S W I T H A — Contact Dell (see page 105). D E V I C E F Y O U H A V E P R O B L E M S W I T H A —...
computer, and try using the keyboard. If the new keyboard works, the original keyboard is faulty. Mouse Problems C O M P U T E R So l vi n g Pro b l em s H E C K T H E K E Y B O A R D C A B L E •...
F Y O U C O N N E C T E D T H E M O U S E A F T E R T U R N I N G O N T H E C O M P U T E R R E M O V E T H E P O W E R C A B L E A N D T H E N R E C O N N E C T T H E M O U S E —...
Unplug or Eject Hardware icon in the Windows taskbar. Ensure that the card is listed. Contact Dell (see page 105). So l vi n g Pro b l em s H E C K T H E N E T W O R K L I G H T S O N T H E B A C K O F T H E C O M P U T E R...
(see page 83). • Ensure that the power supply cables are securely connected to the system board (see page 83). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 105). — Your computer may be in standby or ®...
— Ensure that the electrical outlet is ® I N D O W S — See page 67. — See page 70. — See the scanner HINT: Dell does not cover the scanner’s warranty. If you need technical assistance for your scanner, call the scanner’s manufacturer.
instructions. Sound and Speaker Problems HINT: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. ® Windows volume setting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate distortion.
U N T H E S P E A K E R D I A G N O S T I C S diagnostics. See the speaker documentation for diagnostics instructions. E I N S T A L L T H E A U D I O S O U N D H E C K F O R I N T E R R U P T R E Q U E S T C O N F L I C T S Video and Monitor Problems...
the computer. If the screen is difficult to read instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test. card, ensure that you connected your monitor cable to the correct video connector. system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor.
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— Restore the original E S T O R E T H E R E C O M M E N D E D S E T T I N G S resolution and refresh rate settings. See the Tell Me How help file for instructions. To access help files, see page 38.
S E C T I O N 3 A d v a n c e d Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g Diagnostic Lights Using System Restore Dell Diagnostics Drivers Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Reinstalling Windows® XP...
• If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see page 90). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 105). • Be sure that there are no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements (see page 90).
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Then move the memory module to another connector and restart the computer. • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 105). Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not the video card) (see page 86) and then restarting the computer.
Corrective Action • Ensure that the cables are properly connected from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive to the system board (see page 83). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 105).
Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then click System Restore. Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected, and then click Next. 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.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" (see page 35) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. Running the Dell Diagnostics may help you resolve the problem without contacting Dell.
NOTICE: Only use the Dell Diagnostics to test your Dell™ computer. Using this program with other computers can result in error messages. Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Dell Dimension ResourceCD as explained below.
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If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see page 105). 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.
Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings. When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the ResourceCD, remove the CD. 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.
NOTICE: The Dell Support website and your provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
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Using the Dell Dimension ResourceCD If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore (see page 62) does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the Dell Dimension ResourceCD: With the Windows desktop displayed, insert the ResourceCD into the CD or DVD drive.
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Microsoft detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured. To check for conflicts on a computer running Windows XP: You can also use the Windows XP Hardware Troubleshooter: Advanced Troubleshooting ® ®...
NOTICE: The Windows XP operating system. The options can potentially overwrite files installed by Dell and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, Dell does not recommend that you reinstall your operating system unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.
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Advanced Troubleshooting Read the information in the License Agreement window, and then press <F8> on your keyboard to agree with the license information. If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current Windows XP data, type option, and then go to step 16.
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When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click the green arrow icon at the bottom of the screen to continue. Follow the directions on the screen to finish. Remove the CD from the drive. Reinstall the appropriate drivers (see page 67). Reinstall your virus protection software.
S E C T I O N 4 A d d i n g Pa r t s Front and Back View of the Computer Reattaching the Front Door Opening the Computer Cover Looking Inside Your Computer Adding PC Cards (Optional) Adding Other Cards Adding or Replacing a Video Card Adding Memory...
Front and Back View of the Computer Front View HINT: The front-panel door does not close when you are using certain PC Cards or IEEE 1394, USB, or headphone connectors. breakaway hinges (2) To prevent damage to your computer, the front door is designed to "break away" if it is opened too far.
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USB 2.0 connectors (2) For quick connections, Dell recommends using the front USB connectors for USB devices such as digital cameras, gaming controllers, and scanners. Use the back-panel USB connectors for USB devices that are seldom disconnected, such as USB mouse and keyboard devices.
Back View HINT: The front-panel door is removable; if you remove it or accidentally knock it off its hinges, it snaps back in place. For instructions on how to reattach the door, see page 79. parallel connector Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.
Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers. 11 microphone connector Use the pink microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program. 12 USB 2.0 connectors (4) Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, joystick, and computer speakers into any of the USB connectors.
Opening the Computer Cover A d d i n g Par ts Press inward on the front door until it clips to both hinge arms. hinge arms (2) in closed position front door CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 9.
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Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board. Disconnect all cables from the computer, and then remove the computer stand (see page 21). NOTICE: Ensure that there is sufficient space to support the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space.
Looking Inside Your Computer heat sink and blower assembly card slots A d d i n g Par ts CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 9. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
Adding PC Cards (Optional) You can add PC Cards to computers with integrated PC Card connectors. PC Card Types The PC Card slot has two connectors that support four combinations of HINT: "Type" of card refers to its thickness, not cards: its functionality.
If you encounter too much resistance when you insert the card, do not force the card. Check the card's orientation, and try again. Your computer recognizes most PC Cards and automatically loads the appropriate device driver for use with the computer. If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, install them with the CD that accompanied the PC Card.
Adding Other Cards The computer’s card connectors allow you to install different types of devices such as modems and network adapters. A d d i n g Par ts CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 9.
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If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create an empty card-slot opening. If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
Adding or Replacing a Video Card Removing a Video Card A d d i n g Par ts CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 9. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
notch lever card clip AGP connector PCI connector Installing a Video Card NOTICE: You must use low-profile cards for your computer. A full-size card can damage the computer or the card. To add or replace the card, press the card lever toward the PCI connector and gently press the card into the AGP connector until it clicks into place.
For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, look under "Memory" in "Technical Specifications" on page 97. HINT: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty. A d d i n g Par ts CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 9.
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Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector. notch memory module cutouts (2) NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the connector while you apply equal force to each end of the module. Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position.
Closing the Computer Cover A d d i n g Par ts Reinstall the video card (see page 88). Close the computer cover (see page 92). Attach the computer stand (see page 21). NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
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Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. Adding Pa rts...
S E C T I O N 5 A p p e n d i x Specifications Standard Settings Clearing Forgotten Passwords Replacing the Battery Dell Technical Support Policy Contacting Dell Regulatory Information...
Specifications Microprocessor Microprocessor type L1 cache L2 cache System Information System chip set DMA channels Interrupt levels System BIOS chip System clock Expansion Bus Bus types Bus speed AGP connector AGP connector size AGP connector data width (maximum) AGP video bus protocols PCI connectors PCI connector size PCI connector data width...
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Memory Architecture Memory connectors Memory capacities Minimum memory Maximum memory Memory type Drives Externally accessible Internally accessible Available devices Ports and Connectors Externally accessible: Serial Parallel IEEE 1394 Video Keyboard Mouse Headphone Audio Network Internally accessible: Primary IDE channel Secondary IDE channel DDR SDRAM 128-, 256-, and 512-MB non-ECC DDR SDRAM...
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Video Video controller Audio Audio controller Controls and Lights Power control Power light Hard-drive access light Diagnostic code lights Power DC power supply: Backup battery Physical Height x Width x Depth (With stand) Weight Appendix Intel integrated AGP graphics (low-profile AGP video card also supported) ADI 1981A push button...
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Environmental Temperature: Operating Storage Relative humidity Maximum vibration: Operating Storage Maximum shock: Operating Storage Altitude: Operating Storage At 35°C (95°F), the maximum operating altitude is 914 m (3000 ft). 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F) –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) 20% to 80% (noncondensing) 0.25 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1/2 octave/min 0.5 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1/2 octave/min...
Standard Settings The system setup program contains the standard settings for your computer. NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user, don’t change the settings for this program. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly. See the following figure for an example of the main program screen. Appendix...
Viewing Settings Turn on (or restart) your computer. When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press <F2> immediately. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft down your computer and try again.
Clearing Forgotten Passwords If you forget your user or setup password, you cannot operate your computer or change settings in the system setup program until you clear the forgotten password(s). Appendix CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 9.
Attach the computer stand (see page 21). NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. Turning on your computer with the PSWD jumper installed reenables the password feature.
Dell Technical Support Policy See the Service and Support Guide supplied with your computer. Appendix NOTICE: To avoid damage to the system board while you pry the battery loose, be sure to insert the plastic screwdriver between the battery and the socket (not the system board).
Contacting Dell When you need to contact Dell, use the telephone numbers, codes, and electronic addresses provided in the following table. If you need assistance in determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international operator. See the Service and Support Guide supplied with your computer for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.