hit counter script
Dell OptiPlex SX280 User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Dell Manuals
  4. Desktop
  5. OptiPlex SX280
  6. User manual
Dell OptiPlex SX280 User Manual

Dell OptiPlex SX280 User Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for OptiPlex SX280:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual See also: Quick Reference Manual
Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280 User's Guide
Documentation for Your
Computer
Finding Information for Your Computer
Technical Specifications
System Board Components
Cleaning Your Computer
Advanced Features
Hyper-Threading
Jumper Settings
LegacySelect Technology Control
Manageability
Password Protection
Power Management
Security
System Setup
Troubleshooting Tools and
Utilities
Dell Diagnostics
Power Adapter Light
System Lights
Diagnostic Lights
Beep Codes
Error Messages
Resolving Software and Hardware
Incompatibilities
Reinstalling Drivers and the
Operating System
Drivers
Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore
Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP
 
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
 
NOTE:
A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
 
NOTICE:
A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
 
CAUTION:
A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
    
 

Abbreviations and Acronyms

 
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the "Glossary."
 
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2004 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
About Your Computer
Front View
Side View
Back View
Back-Panel Connectors
Connecting a VGA Monitor
Connecting Two Monitors
Inside Your Computer
Cable Cover (Optional)
Connecting the Power Adapter
Badge
Adding and Removing Parts
Before You Begin
Removing the Computer Cover
Battery
Chassis Intrusion Switch
Chassis Speaker
Hard Drive
Memory
Module Bay
Processor
Replacing the Computer Cover
Solving Problems
Battery Problems
Power Problems
Drive Problems
Printer Problems
Keyboard Problems
Restoring Default Settings
Lockups and Software Problems
Serial or Parallel Device Problems
Memory Problems
Sound and Speaker Problems
Mouse Problems
Video and Monitor Problems
Network Problems
Additional Information
Microsoft® Windows® XP Features
Getting Help
FCC Notices (U.S. Only)
Glossary
Warranty

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Dell OptiPlex SX280

Summary of Contents for Dell OptiPlex SX280

  • Page 1: Abbreviations And Acronyms

    For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the "Glossary."   If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2004 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
  • Page 2 Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

  • Page 3: About Your Computer

    Back to Contents Page   About Your Computer Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280 User's Guide   Front View   Connecting Two Monitors   Side View   Inside Your Computer   Back View   Cable Cover (Optional)   Back-Panel Connectors   Connecting the Power Adapter   Connecting a VGA Monitor   Badge   NOTICE: To ensure proper ventilation, do not block the cooling vents.

  • Page 4: Side View

    Side View     1  vents  The vents, which are on each side of the computer, allow air to flow through your computer. To ensure proper ventilation, do not block these cooling vents.   Back View     1  diagnostic lights  See "Diagnostic Lights"...

  • Page 5: Connecting A Vga Monitor

     Dell recommends the use of Category 5 wiring and connectors for our customers' networks.  network activity  The amber light flashes when the computer is transmitting or receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light light appear to be in a steady "on" state.

  • Page 6: Inside Your Computer

    Inside Your Computer   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.   CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the power adapter before removing the cover.  ...

  • Page 7: Connecting The Power Adapter

      1  release button 1.  If a security device is installed in the security cable slot, remove the device. 2.  Press on the release button, grasp the cable cover, and slide the cover to the left until it stops, and then lift the cable cover up and away.  ...
  • Page 8 CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.   The badge on the front of your computer can be rotated. To rotate the badge:  Remove the computer cover. 2.

  • Page 9: Advanced Features

    Back to Contents Page Advanced Features Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280 User's Guide    Hyper-Threading   Password Protection   Jumper Settings   Power Management   LegacySelect Technology Control   Security   Manageability   System Setup   Hyper-Threading   Hyper-Threading is an Intel® technology that can enhance overall computer performance by allowing one physical processor to function as two logical processors, capable of performing certain tasks simultaneously.

  • Page 10: Clearing Forgotten Passwords

     CLR    Real-time clock reset CMOS      jumpered    unjumpered   Clearing Forgotten Passwords   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.   NOTICE: This process erases both the system and admin passwords. 1.

  • Page 11: Legacyselect Technology Control

     The system battery has reached a voltage of 2.2V or lower. Battery Low   For more information about Dell's ASF implementation, see the ASF User's Guide and the ASF Administrator's Guide, which are available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.  ...

  • Page 12: Password Protection

      A managed system is one that has Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation set up on a network that uses IT Assistant. For information about Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation, see the Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation User's Guide available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

  • Page 13: Typing Your System Password

    If the new system password is less than 32 characters, the whole field fills with placeholders. Then the option heading changes to Verify Password, followed by another empty 32-character field in square brackets. 5.  To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.  ...

  • Page 14: Admin Password

      If Not Set is displayed, the system password is deleted. If Not Set is not displayed, press <Alt><b> to restart the computer, and then repeat steps 3 through 5.   To assign a new password, follow the procedure in "Assigning a System Password."...

  • Page 15: Disabling A Forgotten Password And Setting A New Password

     Enter system setup. 2.  Type the admin password at the prompt. 3.  Highlight Admin Password and press the left- or right-arrow key to delete the existing admin password.   The setting changes to Not Set.   To assign a new admin password, perform the steps in "Assigning a System Password."...

  • Page 16: Chassis Intrusion Detection

      Security   Chassis Intrusion Detection   NOTE: When the admin password is enabled, you must know the admin password before you can reset the Chassis Intrusion setting.   This feature detects that the chassis was opened and alerts the user. To change the Chassis Intrusion setting:  Enter system setup.

  • Page 17: Entering System Setup

    It is recommended that you write down the system setup screen information for future reference. Entering System Setup 1.  Turn on (or restart) your computer. 2.  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® Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
  • Page 18 System Info    Identifies the processor type and whether the computer's processor supports Hyper-threading or 64-bit processing, and displays the CPU bus speed, clock speed, and L2 cache. CPU Info    Indicates the amount of installed memory, computer memory speed, channel mode (dual or single), and memory technology. Memory Info  ...
  • Page 19    Quiet (default) - the hard drive operates at its most quiet setting.  Performance - the hard drive operates at its maximum speed.  Bypass - your computer does not test or change the current acoustics mode setting.  Suggested - the hard drive operates at the level suggested by the drive manufacturer. Performance  NOTE: Switching to performance mode may cause the drive to be noisier, but its performance is not affected.

  • Page 20: Changing Boot Sequence For The Current Boot

      You can use this feature, for example, to tell the computer to boot from the CD drive so that you can run the Dell Diagnostics on the Drivers and Utilities CD, but you want the computer to boot from the hard drive when the diagnostic tests are complete. You can also use this feature to restart your computer to a USB...

  • Page 21: Changing Boot Sequence For Future Boots

    device such as a floppy drive, memory key, or CD-RW drive.   NOTE: If you are booting to a USB floppy drive and you have a floppy drive installed in the module bay, you must first set the diskette drive to OFF in system setup.
  • Page 22 Back to Contents Page   Battery Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280 User's Guide   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.   CAUTION: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components.
  • Page 23   1  location of the battery connector 7.  Replace the hard drive. 8.  Replace the computer cover. 9.  Replace the cable cover, if used.   NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 10.

  • Page 24: Replacing The Chassis Intrusion Switch

    Back to Contents Page   Chassis Intrusion Switch Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280 User's Guide   Replacing the Chassis Intrusion Switch   Resetting the Chassis Intrusion Detector   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
  • Page 25 2.  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® Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again. 3.  Press the down-arrow keys to move to the Security option in system setup.

  • Page 26: Cleaning Your Computer

    Back to Contents Page   Cleaning Your Computer Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280 User's Guide   Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor   Mouse   Floppy Drive   CDs and DVDs CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.  ...
  • Page 27 NOTICE: Always use compressed air to clean the lens in the CD/DVD drive, and follow the instructions that come with the compressed air. Never touch the lens in the drive.   If you notice problems, such as skipping, with the playback quality of your CDs or DVDs, try cleaning the discs. 1.

  • Page 28: Replacing The Computer Cover

    Back to Contents Page   Replacing the Computer Cover Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280 User's Guide   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. 1.  Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer.

  • Page 29: Removing The Computer Cover

    Back to Contents Page   Removing the Computer Cover Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280 User's Guide   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.   CAUTION: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components.

  • Page 30: Fcc Notices (U.s. Only)

      FCC Identification Information Most Dell computer systems are classified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as Class B digital devices. To determine which classification applies to your computer system, examine all FCC registration labels located on the bottom, side, or back panel of your computer, on card-mounting brackets, and on the cards themselves.

  • Page 31: Finding Information For Your Computer

      Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD)  Drivers for my computer  My computer documentation  Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer when shipped from Dell. You can use the  My device documentation CD to reinstall...
  • Page 32  Service contract for my computer  How to use Windows XP   Windows Help and Support Center  Documentation for my computer  Documentation for devices (such as a 1.  Click the Start button and click Help and Support. modem) 2.  Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon. 3.

  • Page 33: Getting Help

      When prompted by Dell's automated telephone system, enter your Express Service Code to route the call directly to the proper support personnel. If you do not have an Express Service Code, open the Dell Accessories folder, double-click the Express Service Code icon, and follow the directions.

  • Page 34: Autotech Service

      AutoTech Service   Dell's automated technical support service—AutoTech—provides recorded answers to the questions most frequently asked by Dell customers about their portable and desktop computers.   When you call AutoTech, use your touch-tone telephone to select the subjects that correspond to your questions.

  • Page 35: Problems With Your Order

      If you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if you would like to place an order, visit the Dell website at www.dell.com. For the telephone number to call to speak to a sales specialist, see the contact numbers for your region.

  • Page 36: Contacting Dell

    Toll-free numbers are for use within the country for which they are listed.   When you need to contact Dell, use the electronic addresses, telephone numbers, and codes provided in the following table. If you need assistance in determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international operator.
  • Page 37  Customer Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia)  604 633 4966  Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)  604 633 4949  Country Code: 673  Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia)  604 633 4955  Canada (North York, Ontario)  Online Order Status: www.dell.ca/ostatus     AutoTech (automated technical support)  toll-free: 1-800-247-9362  International Access Code:  TechFax  toll-free: 1-800-950-1329  Customer Care (Home Sales/Small Business)  toll-free: 1-800-847-4096...
  • Page 38  02  2186 27 14  City Code: 2  TechFax  02  2186 27 28  Switchboard  02  2186 27 11  Denmark (Copenhagen)  Website: support.euro.dell.com       E-mail Support (portable computers): den_nbk_support@dell.com      International Access Code: 00  E-mail Support (desktop computers): den_support@dell.com      Country Code: 45  E-mail Support (servers): Nordic_server_support@dell.com       Technical Support  7023 0182  Customer Care (Relational)
  • Page 39  Germany (Langen)  Website: support.euro.dell.com     E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com     International Access Code: 00  Technical Support  06103 766-7200  Country Code: 49  Home/Small Business Customer Care  0180-5-224400  Global Segment Customer Care  06103 766-9570  City Code: 6103  Preferred Accounts Customer Care  06103 766-9420  Large Accounts Customer Care  06103 766-9560...
  • Page 40  Country Code: 81  Technical Support outside of Japan (Dimension and Inspiron)  81-44-520-1435  City Code: 44  Technical Support (Dell Precision™, OptiPlex™, and Latitude™)  toll-free:0120-198-433  Technical Support outside of Japan (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude)  81-44-556-3894  Technical Support (Axim™)  toll-free: 0120-981-690  Technical Support outside of Japan (Axim)  81-44-556-3468  Faxbox Service  044-556-3490...
  • Page 41  Home/Small Business Sales Fax  020 674 47 75  Relational Sales Fax  020 674 47 50  Switchboard  020 674 50 00  Switchboard Fax  020 674 47 50  New Zealand  E-mail (New Zealand): nz_tech_support@dell.com      E-mail (Australia): au_tech_support@dell.com      International Access Code: 00  Home and Small Business  0800 446 255  Country Code: 64  Government and Business  0800 444 617...
  • Page 42     E-mail: swe_support@dell.com     International Access Code: 00  E-mail Support for Latitude and Inspiron:    Swe-nbk_kats@dell.com  Country Code: 46  E-mail Support for OptiPlex: Swe_kats@dell.com     City Code: 8  E-mail Support for Servers: Nordic_server_support@dell.com     Technical Support  08 590 05 199  Relational Customer Care  08 590 05 642...
  • Page 43  Dell Outlet Store (Dell refurbished computers)  toll-free: 1-888-798-7561  Software and Peripherals Sales  toll-free: 1-800-671-3355  Spare Parts Sales  toll-free: 1-800-357-3355  Extended Service and Warranty Sales  toll-free: 1-800-247-4618  Fax  toll-free: 1-800-727-8320  Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Speech-Impaired  toll-free: 1-877-DELLTTY  (1-877-335-5889)  U.S. Virgin Islands  General Support  1-877-673-3355  Venezuela  General Support  8001-3605  ...
  • Page 44 Back to Contents Page   Glossary Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280 User's Guide  A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  K  L  M  N  O  P  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Z   Terms in this Glossary are provided for informational purposes only and may or may not describe features included with your particular computer.   AC — alternating current — The form of electricity that powers your computer when you plug the AC adapter power cable in to an electrical outlet.
  • Page 45 L1 cache — Primary cache stored inside the processor. L2 cache — Secondary cache which can either be external to the processor or incorporated into the processor architecture. carnet — An international customs document that facilitates temporary imports into foreign countries. Also known as a merchandise passport. CD —...
  • Page 46 — A connector on the system board (in some computers) where you insert an expansion card, connecting it to the system bus. Express Service Code — A numeric code located on a sticker on your Dell™ computer. Use the Express Service Code when contacting Dell for assistance.  Express Service Code service may not be available in some countries.
  • Page 47 help file — A file that contains descriptive or instructional information about a product. Some help files are associated with a particular program, such as Help in Microsoft Word. Other help files function as stand-alone reference sources. Help files typically have a filename extension of .hlp or .chm. hibernate mode —...
  • Page 48 — A device that allows your computer to communicate with other computers over analog telephone lines. Three types of modems include: external, PC Card, and internal. You typically use your modem to connect to the Internet and exchange e-mail. module bay — A bay that supports devices such as optical drives, a second battery, or a Dell TravelLite™ module. monitor — The high-resolution TV-like device that displays computer output.
  • Page 49 — An I/O port often used to connect devices such as a handheld digital device or digital camera to your computer. Service Tag — A bar code label on your computer that identifies your computer when you access Dell Support at support.dell.com or when you call Dell for customer service or technical support.
  • Page 50 surge protectors — Prevent voltage spikes, such as those that may occur during an electrical storm, from entering the computer through the electrical outlet. Surge protectors do not protect against lightning strikes or against brownouts, which occur when the voltage drops more than 20 percent below the normal AC-line voltage level.
  • Page 51   W — watt — The measurement of electrical power. One W is 1 ampere of current flowing at 1 volt. WHr — watt-hour — A unit of measure commonly used to indicate the approximate capacity of a battery. For example, a 66-WHr battery can supply 66 W of power for 1 hour or 33 W for 2 hours.

  • Page 52: Installing A Hard Drive

    Back to Contents Page   Hard Drive Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280 User's Guide   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.   CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the power supply before removing the hard drive.
  • Page 53   1  drive 2  drive rails (2) 3  screws (4)   NOTICE: Serial ATA data and power connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin on one connector matches a tab or a filled-in hole on the other connector. When connecting cables to a drive, ensure that the connectors are oriented properly before you attach the cables to the drive.
  • Page 54   For instructions, see the documentation that came with your operating system. 17.  Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics. 18.  Install your operating system on the hard drive.   For instructions, see the documentation that came with your operating system.

  • Page 55: Memory Installation Guidelines

    For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, look under "Memory" in the Technical Specifications section.   NOTICE: Before you install new memory modules, download the most recent BIOS for your computer from the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.  ...
  • Page 56   1  cutouts (2) 4  notch 2  connector 5  securing clips (2) 3  memory module 6  memory connectors on system board 3.  Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector.   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.

  • Page 57: Removing Memory

    Then repeat steps 5, 6, and 7. 11.  When the System Memory total is correct, press <Esc> to exit system setup. 12.  Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the memory modules are operating properly.  ...

  • Page 58: Module Bay

    You can install a Dell™ portable device such as a floppy drive, CD/DVD drive, or second hard drive in the module bay.   Your Dell computer ships with either a CD/DVD drive or an airbay (filler blank) installed in the module bay. You can secure a device in the module bay by two methods:  locking switch (accessed by opening the cover)  device screw...

  • Page 59: Securing A Device In The Module Bay

      1  device latch release     NOTICE: Do not place any heavy objects on top of the computer. Doing so may cause difficulty in removing a module device. 4.  Pull the device by the latch release to remove the device from the module bay.  ...
  • Page 60 1.  To secure a device in the module bay, your computer is equipped with a module locking switch. To access this switch, remove the computer cover.   2.  You may also secure a device in the module bay by using a device screw (packaged separately).  ...

  • Page 61: Before You Begin

      NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.   NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs;...
  • Page 62  ...
  • Page 63 Back to Contents Page   Processor Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280 User's Guide   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.   CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
  • Page 64   1  top of heat sink 3  retention base 2  heat sink 4  lever c.  Gently lift the heat sink from the processor.   NOTICE: Lay the heat sink down on its top, with the thermal grease facing upward. 4.  Pull the release lever straight up until the processor is released, and then remove the processor from the socket.  ...
  • Page 65   If you are installing a processor replacement kit from Dell, return the processor to Dell in the same package in which your replacement kit was sent. 11.  Place one end of the heat sink under the tab on the retention base on the side opposite the lever (see the illustration). Lower the heat sink onto the processor so that the heat sink fits securely under the tab on the other end of the retention base.
  • Page 66 ALERT! Cover was previously removed.  Reset the chassis intrusion detector by changing the Chassis Intrusion option to On or On-Silent.   NOTE: If an admin password has been assigned by someone else, contact your network administrator for information on resetting the chassis intrusion detector.

  • Page 67: Reinstalling Drivers And The Operating System

    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.

  • Page 68: Using Microsoft Windows Xp System Restore

      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.

  • Page 69: Creating A Restore Point

    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.

  • Page 70: Reinstalling Microsoft Windows Xp

    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.
  • Page 71 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.

  • Page 72: Solving Problems

    "Cleaning Your Computer." Check the cable connections Check for Software and Hardware Conflicts Run the Dell Diagnostics   CD and DVD drive problems   NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives.

  • Page 73: Keyboard Problems

      Running the Dell IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics  —   The Dell IDE Hard Drive Diagnostics is a utility that tests the hard drive to troubleshoot or confirm a hard drive failure. 1.  Turn on your computer (if your computer is already on, restart it). 2.   When F2 = Setup appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <Ctrl><Alt><d>.

  • Page 74: Memory Problems

    Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, floppy disks, or CDs Save and close any open files or programs and shut down your computer through the Start menu Run the Dell Diagnostics  —  If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a software problem.

  • Page 75: Mouse Problems

        Windows XP 1.  Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware. 2.  Click Mouse. 3.  Try adjusting the settings. Run the Dell Diagnostics Check for Software and Hardware Conflicts   Network Problems  ...

  • Page 76: Printer Problems

    properly.  Unplug the power adapter from the computer and from the power outlet, wait one minute, and then reconnect the power adapter to the power outlet and to the computer.  Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. If the power light is blinking yellow  —...

  • Page 77: Sound And Speaker Problems

     See the device's documentation for the recommended settings. Then enter system setup and go to the Legacy Select option setting. Ensure that the Serial Port setting or the Parallel Port setting matches the recommended settings. Run the Dell Diagnostics   Sound and Speaker Problems   Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.

  • Page 78: If The Screen Is Difficult To Read

      NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.   Check the monitor cable connection  —     Ensure that your monitor is properly connected (see the Quick Reference Guide that came with your computer).  If you are using a graphics extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is defective.  Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.
  • Page 79 Back to Contents Page   Chassis Speaker Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280 User's Guide CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.   CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
  • Page 80 5.  Connect the speaker cable to the connector on the system board. 6.  Replace the computer cover. 7.  Replace the cable cover, if used.   NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack, and then plug it into the computer. 8.

  • Page 81: Technical Specifications

     USB 1.1 and 2.0  Memory module connector size  DDR2 — 240 pins Drives  Externally accessible bay  one bay for a Dell IDE or USB D-module portable device  Internally accessible bay  one bay for a Serial ATA hard drive Connectors  Externally accessible:  Serial (data terminal equipment [DTE])
  • Page 82 connectors on the front of the computer.  USB  five USB 2.0-compliant connectors on the back I/O panel; two on the front panel  Internally accessible:  Primary hard drive  serial ATA port  Fans  two 5-pin connectors  Chassis intrusion switch  one 3-pin connector Key Combinations  <Ctrl><Alt><Del>...
  • Page 83  Operating  –16 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)  Storage  –16 to 10,600 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)   Back to Contents Page  ...

  • Page 84: System Board Components

    Back to Contents Page   System Board Components Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280 User's Guide     1  fan shroud power connector (FAN1)  password jumper (PSWD) 2  optional speaker connector (SPEAKER)  Clear CMOS jumper (CLR_CMOS) 3  system board speaker 10  standby power indicator (AUX_LED) 4  channel B memory connector (CHB_DIMM) 11  fan shroud power connector (FAN2) 5  channel A memory connector (CHA_DIMM) 12  hard drive power cable connector (ATA_PWR)

  • Page 85: Troubleshooting Tools And Utilities

    Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.   If you experience a problem with your computer, run the Dell Diagnostics and perform the checks in this section before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

  • Page 86: Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

    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. Your computer's Service Tag is listed in the System Info option in system setup.

  • Page 87: System Lights

     Solid yellow  The Dell Diagnostics is running a test, or a device  If the Dell Diagnostics is running, allow the testing to on the system board may be faulty or incorrectly complete.

  • Page 88: Beep Codes

    3.  If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer. 4.  If the problem persists, contact Dell.  A possible floppy or hard drive  Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.    yellow green failure has occurred.

  • Page 89: Error Messages

    2.  Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause.  Contact Dell for technical assistance.   Code Cause  1-1-2  Microprocessor register test in process  1-1-3  NVRAM read/write test in process or failure  1-1-4  ROM BIOS checksum in progress o r failure  1-2-1...
  • Page 90   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. WARNING: Dell's Disk Monitoring System has detected that drive [0/1] on the [primary/secondary] EIDE controller is operating...

  • Page 91: Resolving Software And Hardware Incompatibilities

    It is advisable to immediately back up your data and replace your hard drive by calling your support desk or Dell  —   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.

  • Page 92: Warranty

      Dell Inc. ("Dell") manufactures its hardware products from parts and components that are new or equivalent to new in accordance with industry- standard practices. For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the Product Information Guide or separate paper warranty document that shipped with your computer.

  • Page 93: Microsoft® Windows® Xp Features

    Back to Contents Page   Microsoft® Windows® XP Features Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX280 User's Guide   Transferring Information to a New Computer   User Accounts and Fast User Switching   Setting Up a Home and Office Network   Transferring Information to a New Computer   The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Files and Settings Transfer wizard to move data from the source computer to the new computer.

  • Page 94: User Accounts And Fast User Switching

    When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen appears. 3.  Click Finished and restart the new computer.   User Accounts and Fast User Switching   Adding User Accounts   After the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system is installed, the administrator or a user with administrator rights can create additional user accounts. 1.

  • Page 95: Network Setup Wizard

    Network Setup Wizard   The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a home or small office. 1.  Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard. 2.

Table of Contents