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Dell OptiPlex GX520  User Manual

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Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide
 
 
 Mini Tower Computer
 Desktop Computer
 Small Form Factor Computer
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Summary of Contents for Dell OptiPlex GX520 

  • Page 1 Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide    Mini Tower Computer  Desktop Computer  Small Form Factor Computer  ...

  • Page 2: Advanced Features

    The system battery has reached a voltage of 2.2 V 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 3: Chassis Intrusion Detection

     Change the state of your computer, such as updating its BIOS or shutting it down remotely. 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 4: Assigning A System Password

    System Password NOTICE: If you leave your computer running and unattended without having a system password assigned, or if you leave your computer unlocked so that someone can disable the password by changing a jumper setting, anyone can access the data stored on your hard drive.  ...

  • Page 5: Administrator Password

    NOTE: You can use Password Status in conjunction with System Password and Admin Password to further protect your computer from unauthorized changes.   Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password   Enter system setup.   2. Highlight System Password and press .  ...

  • Page 6: Disabling A Forgotten Password And Setting A New Password

    Entering System Setup   1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.   2. When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press  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 7: System Setup Options

      Key Functions — This field appears below the Option Field and lists keys and their functions within the active system setup field.   System Setup Options NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not appear. System Lists the computer name, BIOS version, and service tag.
  • Page 8 Enables or disables the front-panel USB connectors. The default setting is On. To disable the front-panel connectors, select Off. USB Disable Enables and disables the integrated USB controller Controller Off — The USB controller is disabled On — The USB controller is enabled No Boot —...

  • Page 9: Boot Sequence

    NOTE: The option only appears for a hard drive installed in the module bay that supports hard-drive passwords. If no hard drive is installed in the module bay, or if one is installed that does not support a hard-drive password, this option will not display. This option locks the system password field with the administrator password.

  • Page 10: Booting To A Usb Device

    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 device such as a floppy drive, memory key, or CD drive.

  • Page 11: Clearing Forgotten Passwords

     Clearing Forgotten Passwords   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTICE: This process erases both the system and administrator passwords.   1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin."...

  • Page 12: Clearing Cmos Settings

      The real-time clock is being reset (jumpered temporarily).    jumpered    unjumpered   Replace the computer cover.   4. Connect your computer and monitor to electrical outlets, and turn them on.   5. After the Microsoft® Windows® desktop appears on your computer, shut down your computer.

  • Page 13: Power Management

    1. Click the Start button, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.   2. Click Hardware and click Device Manager.   3. In the Device Manager window, click the plus (+) sign next to the processor type. If Hyper- Threading is enabled, the processor is listed twice. You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through system setup.

  • Page 14: Replacing The Battery

    Back to Contents Page   Battery Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Replacing the Battery  Replacing the Battery   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. NOTICE: 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 15 1 system battery 2 positive side of battery connector 3 battery socket tab 4 battery socket NOTICE: To avoid damage to the battery connector, you must firmly support the connector while replacing the battery.   1. Install the new system battery. a.

  • Page 16: Before You Begin

    Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins. 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.
  • Page 17 4. If applicable, remove the computer stand (for instructions, see the documentation that came with the stand) and the cable cover, if attached.   CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.  ...
  • Page 18 Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
  • Page 19   3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.   4. If applicable, remove the computer stand (for instructions, see the documentation that came with the stand) and the cable cover, if attached.  ...

  • Page 20: Chassis Intrusion Switch

    Back to Contents Page   Chassis Intrusion Switch Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Removing the Chassis Instrusion Switch   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 located in the Product Information Guide.

  • Page 21: Replacing The Chassis Intrusion Switch

     Resetting the Chassis Intrusion Detector   1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.   2. When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press  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 22   4. Press to restart the computer and implement your changes. Back to Contents Page  ...

  • Page 23: Cleaning Your Computer

    Back to Contents Page   Cleaning Your Computer Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.   Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor   CAUTION: Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water.
  • Page 24 some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are safe to use on DVDs. Back to Contents Page  ...

  • Page 25: Replacing The Computer Cover

    Back to Contents Page   Replacing the Computer Cover Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 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 all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way.

  • Page 26: Notes, Notices, And Cautions

    ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. 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 27: Finding Information

      NOTE: The Quick Reference Guide is optional and may not ship with your computer.   NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at support.dell.com.  Warranty information   Dell™ Product Information Guide  Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)  Safety instructions  Regulatory information  Ergonomics information  End User License Agreement...
  • Page 28 DSS utility. DSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel® Pentium® M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. The software automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.
  • Page 29  ...

  • Page 30: Getting Help

    Dell's Express Service Code system may not be available in all countries. 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 31: Problems With Your Order

     Product Information 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 32: Before You Call

    In certain countries, technical support specific to Dell Inspiron™ XPS computers is available at a separate telephone number listed for participating countries. If you do not see a telephone number listed that is specific for Inspiron XPS computers, you may contact Dell through the technical support number listed and your call will be routed appropriately.
  • Page 33 E-mail for French-speaking Customers:    Belgium (Brussels) support.euro.dell.com/be/fr/emaildell/ Technical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only 02 481 92 96 International Access Code: 00 Technical Support for all other Dell computers 02 481 92 88 Country Code: 32 Technical Support Fax 02 481 92 95 Customer Care 02 713 15 .65 City Code: 2 Corporate Sales 02 481 91 00...
  • Page 34 Switchboard 22537 2711 Website: support.euro.dell.com     E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/dk/da/emaildell/    Technical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only 7010 0074 Technical Support for all other Dell computers 7023 0182 Denmark (Copenhagen) Customer Care (Relational) 7023 0184 International Access Code: 00 Home/Small Business Customer Care 3287 5505...
  • Page 35      E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/fr/fr/emaildell/      Home and Small Business      Technical Support for Inspiron XPS computers only 0825 387 129 Technical Support for all other Dell computers 0825 387 270 Customer Care 0825 823 833 France (Paris) (Montpellier) Switchboard 0825 004 700 Switchboard (calls from outside of France) 04 99 75 40 00...
  • Page 36 0120-198-226 Technical Support outside of Japan (Dimension and Inspiron) 81-44-520-1435 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 Japan (Kawasaki) Technical Support (PDAs, projectors, printers, routers) toll-free: 0120-981-690...
  • Page 37 Transaction Sales (Xiamen, China) 29 693 115 Website: support.ap.dell.com   Malaysia (Penang) Technical Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude) toll-free: 1 800 88 0193 Technical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and Electronics and Accessories) toll-free: 1 800 88 1306 International Access Code: 00 Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault) toll-free: 1800 88 1386...
  • Page 38 Grenadines Website: support.ap.dell.com   Singapore (Singapore) Technical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and Electronics and Accessories) toll-free: 1800 394 7430 Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision) toll-free: 1800 394 7488 International Access Code: 005 Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault) toll-free: 1800 394 7478 Country Code: 65 Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4949...
  • Page 39 Transaction Sales toll-free: 00801 65 1228   Corporate Sales toll-free: 00801 651 227 Website: support.ap.dell.com   Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision) toll-free: 1800 0060 07 Thailand Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault) toll-free: 1800 0600 09  International Access Code: 001 Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4949 Country Code: 66 Corporate Sales toll-free: 1800 006 009...
  • Page 40 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 toll-free: 1-800-727-8320 toll-free: 1-877-DELLTTY Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Speech-Impaired (1-877-335-5889) U.S. Virgin Islands General Support 1-877-673-3355 Venezuela General Support 8001-3605 Back to Contents Page...
  • Page 41 Back to Contents Page   Glossary Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide Terms in this Glossary are provided for informational purposes only and may or may not describe features included with your particular computer.  A   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 42   bootable disk — A disk that you can use to start your computer. In case your hard drive is damaged or your computer has a virus, ensure that you always have a bootable CD or floppy disk available.   bps —...
  • Page 43   Control Panel —  A Windows utility that allows you to modify operating system and hardware settings, such as display settings.   controller — A chip that controls the transfer of data between the processor and memory or between the processor and devices.  ...
  • Page 44 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.   extended display mode —...
  • Page 45 FCC — Federal Communications Commission — A U.S. agency responsible for enforcing communications-related regulations that state how much radiation computers and other electronic equipment can emit.   floppy drive — A disk drive that can read and write to floppy disks.  ...
  • Page 46 Hz — hertz — A unit of frequency measurement that equals 1 cycle per second. Computers and electronic devices are often measured in kilohertz (kHz), megahertz (MHz), gigahertz (GHz), or terahertz (THz).  I   IC — Industry Canada — The Canadian regulatory body responsible for regulating emissions from electronic equipment, much as the FCC does in the United States.
  • Page 47 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 48  N   network adapter — A chip that provides network capabilities. A computer may include a network adapter on its system board, or it may contain a PC Card with an adapter on it. A network adapter is also referred to as a NIC (network interface controller).  ...
  • Page 49   processor — A computer chip that interprets and executes program instructions. Sometimes the processor is referred to as the CPU (central processing unit).   program — Any software that processes data for you, including spreadsheet, word processor, database, and game packages. Programs require an operating system to run.
  • Page 50 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 51 system tray — See notification area.  T   TAPI — telephony application programming interface — Enables Windows programs to operate with a wide variety of telephony devices, including voice, data, fax, and video.   text editor — A program used to create and edit files that contain only text; for example, Windows Notepad uses a text editor. Text editors do not usually provide word wrap or formatting functionality (the option to underline, change fonts, and so on).
  • Page 52  W   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 53: Ddr2 Memory Overview

     Desktop Computer Specifications  Small Form Factor Computer Specifications NOTICE: Before you install new memory modules, download the most recent BIOS for your computer from the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.  DDR2 Memory Overview Dual-channel DDR2 memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size. If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed with the same amount of memory in each channel, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance.

  • Page 54: Removing Memory

    If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module.
  • Page 55 Then repeat steps 5, 6, and 7.   9. When the System Memory total is correct, press to exit system setup.   10. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the memory modules are operating properly. Back to Contents Page  ...
  • Page 56  Small Form Factor Computer Specifications   NOTICE: Before you install new memory modules, download the most recent BIOS for your computer from the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.  DDR2 Memory Overview Dual-channel DDR2 memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size. If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed with the same amount of memory in each channel, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance.
  • Page 57 If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module.
  • Page 58 Then repeat steps 5, 6, and 7.   9. When the System Memory total is correct, press to exit system setup.   10. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the memory modules are operating properly. Back to Contents Page  ...

  • Page 59: About Your Mini Tower Computer

    Back to Contents Page   Mini Tower Computer Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   About Your Mini Tower Computer   Inside Your Computer  About Your Mini Tower Computer   Front View CD/DVD drive Insert a CD or DVD (if applicable) into this drive. floppy drive Insert a floppy disk into this drive.

  • Page 60: Back View

    Windows Device Manager. For more information about sleep modes and exiting from a power-saving mode, see "Power Management." "System Lights" for a description of light codes that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer. hard-drive This light flickers when the hard drive is in use. activity light headphone Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of...
  • Page 61 parallel Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If connector you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.   NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically disabled if the computer detects an installed card containing a parallel connector configured to the same address.

  • Page 62: Inside Your Computer

     Inside Your Computer   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.   CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the computer cover. NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do not accidentally disconnect cables from the system board.

  • Page 63: Jumper Settings

    memory module connectors (DIMM_1, DIMM_2) 15 PCI connector (SLOT2) serial ATA drive connectors (SATA0, SATA2) 16 PCI connector (SLOT3) front-panel connector (FNT_PANEL) 17 serial connector (SER2) CD drive analog audio cable connector for optional analog audio cable (CD_IN) 18 floppy drive connector (DSKT) power connector (POWER) 19 standby power indicator (AUX_PWR) CD/DVD drive connector (IDE)

  • Page 64: Pci And Pci Express Cards And Serial Port Adapters

     Two PCI card slots  One PCI Express x1 card slot NOTE: Your Dell computer uses only PCI and PCI Express slots. ISA cards are not supported.   PCI Cards   Installing a PCI Card   1. Follow the procedures in "Before You...
  • Page 65   4. Set the card retention mechanism aside in your work area.   5. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 5.   6. 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.  ...

  • Page 66: Removing A Pci Card

    6. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening. If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell. NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.

  • Page 67: Installing A Pci Express Card

    1 card fully seated 2 card not fully seated 3 bracket within slot 4 bracket caught outside of slot   8. Gently press down on the card retention mechanism to secure the adapter bracket in place.   9. Close the card retention latch by snapping it into place. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
  • Page 68 1 card retention latch 4 card-edge connector 2 alignment guide 5 card connector 3 card 6 release tab   2. Gently push the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. The latch will remain in the open position.  ...

  • Page 69: Removing A Pci Express Card

    1 card fully seated 2 card not fully seated 3 bracket within slot 4 bracket caught outside of slot   9. Before you replace and lower the card retention mechanism, ensure that:  The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.  The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.

  • Page 70: Installing A Serial Port Adapter

    4. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening. If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell. NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
  • Page 71 1 card retention latch 2 alignment guide   2. Gently push the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. The latch will remain in the open position.   3. Open the card retention mechanism that secures the adapter bracket and cards in place from the top: a.

  • Page 72: Removing A Serial Port Adapter

    NOTICE: Do not route cables over or behind any installed cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.   8. Connect the adapter cable to the serial-port adapter connector (SER2) on the system board.  ...

  • Page 73: Removing The Computer Cover

    Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Removing the Computer Cover  Removing the Computer Cover   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.   CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the computer cover.

  • Page 74: General Installation Guidelines

    Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Drives  Drives Your computer supports:  Two serial ATA hard drives  Two floppy or optional Zip drives  Two CD or DVD drives NOTE: Due to the limited number of drive bays and IDE controllers on this computer, you will not be able to connect all supported devices at once.

  • Page 75: Power Cable Connectors

    1 colored stripe on IDE cable 2 interface cable connector 3 interface connector Most interface 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.

  • Page 76: Removing A Hard Drive

    CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the computer cover. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.
  • Page 77   2. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer. NOTE: If your replacement hard drive does not have the plastic hard-drive bracket attached, remove the bracket from the existing drive by unsnapping it from the drive.

  • Page 78: Adding A Second Hard Drive

    See the documentation for your operating system for instructions.   12. Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics.   13. If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, install your operating system on the hard drive.

  • Page 79: Drive-Panel Inserts

      8. Attach the serial ATA connector removed in step 5 to the first hard drive.   9. Locate an unused serial ATA connector on the system board and attach a drive cable to this connector and to the second hard drive. 1 hard-drive cable 2 hard-drive cable on system board 3 power cable...
  • Page 80 drive panel release tab drive-panel insert   3. Select the drive-panel insert in front of the drive bay that you want to use.   4. Gently press the release tab of the insert to remove it from the drive panel. 1 CD/DVD-drive panel insert 2 floppy-drive panel insert 3 holder for shoulder screws...

  • Page 81: Removing The Floppy Drive

    Floppy Drive   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.   CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the computer cover.  ...

  • Page 82: Removing A Cd/Dvd Drive

      Enter system setup and use the Diskette Drive option to enable your new floppy drive.   7. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics.   CD/DVD Drive   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.

  • Page 83: Installing A Cd/Dvd Drive

      2. Disconnect the power and CD/DVD drive cables from the back of the drive.   3. Remove the CD/DVD drive by sliding and holding the drive release latch downward. Then slide the drive out of the computer. CD/DVD drive drive release latch  ...
  • Page 84 Replace the computer cover.   9. Update your configuration information in system setup by setting the appropriate Drive option (0 or 1) under Drives.   10. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics. Back to Contents Page  ...
  • Page 85 Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Drives  Drives Your computer supports:  Two serial ATA hard drives  Two floppy or optional Zip drives  Two CD or DVD drives NOTE: Due to the limited number of drive bays and IDE controllers on this computer, you will not be able to connect all supported devices at once.
  • Page 86 1 colored stripe on IDE cable 2 interface cable connector 3 interface connector Most interface 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.
  • Page 87   CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the computer cover.   NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.
  • Page 88 1. Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation.   2. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer. NOTE: If your replacement hard drive does not have the plastic hard-drive bracket attached, remove the bracket from the existing drive by unsnapping it from the drive.
  • Page 89 See the documentation for your operating system for instructions.   12. Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics.   13. If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, install your operating system on the hard drive.
  • Page 90   8. Attach the serial ATA connector removed in step 5 to the first hard drive.   9. Locate an unused serial ATA connector on the system board and attach a drive cable to this connector and to the second hard drive. 1 hard-drive cable 2 hard-drive cable on system board 3 power cable...
  • Page 91 drive panel release tab drive-panel insert   3. Select the drive-panel insert in front of the drive bay that you want to use.   4. Gently press the release tab of the insert to remove it from the drive panel. 1 CD/DVD-drive panel insert 2 floppy-drive panel insert 3 holder for shoulder screws...
  • Page 92 Floppy Drive   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.   CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the computer cover.  ...
  • Page 93   Enter system setup and use the Diskette Drive option to enable your new floppy drive.   7. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics.   CD/DVD Drive   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
  • Page 94   2. Disconnect the power and CD/DVD drive cables from the back of the drive.   3. Remove the CD/DVD drive by sliding and holding the drive release latch downward. Then slide the drive out of the computer. CD/DVD drive drive release latch  ...
  • Page 95 Replace the computer cover.   9. Update your configuration information in system setup by setting the appropriate Drive option (0 or 1) under Drives.   10. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics. Back to Contents Page  ...

  • Page 96: Removing The I/O Panel

    Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   I/O Panel  I/O Panel   Removing the I/O Panel   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.   CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
  • Page 97 Back to Contents Page  ...

  • Page 98: Removing The Processor

    NOTICE: If you are installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, remove the heat sink assembly from the shroud and discard the original heat sink. If you are not installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink when you install your new processor.

  • Page 99: Installing The Processor

    center cover latch processor cover processor socket release lever NOTICE: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket.   5. Gently remove the processor from the socket. Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor.
  • Page 100 If you are not installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink assembly when you replace the processor. If you installed a processor replacement kit from Dell, remove the original heat sink assembly from the shroud and return it with the processor to Dell in the same package in which your replacement kit was sent.

  • Page 101: Replacing The Power Supply

    Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Power Supply  Power Supply   Replacing the Power Supply   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTICE: 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 102: Dc Power Connectors

    9. Reconnect the DC power cables to the power supply.   10. Connect the AC power cable to the AC power connector.   Replace the computer cover.   DC Power Connectors   DC Power Connector P1       Pin Number Signal name 18-AWG Wire +3.3 VDC...
  • Page 103 Black VCC (+5 V) VCC (+5 V) VCC (+5 V) Black *Use 22-AWG wire instead of 18-AWG wire.   DC Power Connector P2       Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire Black Black +12 VDC Yellow +12 VDC Yellow  ...
  • Page 104       Pin Number Signal Name 22-AWG Wire +5 VCD Black Black +12 VDC Yellow   DC Power Connectors P8 and P9       Pin Number Signal name 18-AWG Wire +12 VDC Yellow Black Black +5 VDC Back to Contents Page  ...

  • Page 105: Mini Tower Computer Specifications

    Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Mini Tower Computer Specifications  Mini Tower Computer Specifications   Microprocessor Microprocessor type Intel® Pentium® or Celeron® processor Level 1 (L1) cache 32 KB Level 2 (L2) cache 512-KB, 1-MB, or 2-MB pipelined-burst, eight-way set associative, write-back SRAM  ...
  • Page 106 devices per channel with one channel   Expansion Bus Bus type PCI 2.3 SATA 1.0a and 2.0 USB 2.0 PCI Express 1.0a Bus speed PCI: 33 MHz SATA: 1.5 Gbps and 3.0 Gbps USB: 480 Mbps PCI Express x1: 5 Gbps Cards: full-height cards supported PCI:...
  • Page 107 (during system tart-up only) or displays a boot device menu that allows the user to enter a device for a single boot (during system start- up only) as well as options to run hard-drive and system diagnostics   Controls and Lights Power control push button...

  • Page 109: Fcc Notices (U.s. Only)

    Using shielded cables ensures that you maintain the appropriate EMC classification for the intended environment. For parallel printers, a cable is available from Dell. If you prefer, you can order a cable from Dell on the World Wide Web at accessories.us.dell.com/sna/category.asp?category_id=4117.

  • Page 110: Fcc Identification Information

    The following information is provided on the device or devices covered in this document in compliance with FCC regulations:  Model numbers: DCTR, DCNE, and DCSM  Company name: Dell Inc. One Dell Way Round Rock, Texas 78682 USA 512-338-4400 Back to Contents Page...
  • Page 111 Using shielded cables ensures that you maintain the appropriate EMC classification for the intended environment. For parallel printers, a cable is available from Dell. If you prefer, you can order a cable from Dell on the World Wide Web at accessories.us.dell.com/sna/category.asp?category_id=4117.
  • Page 112 The following information is provided on the device or devices covered in this document in compliance with FCC regulations:  Model numbers: DCTR, DCNE, and DCSM  Company name: Dell Inc. One Dell Way Round Rock, Texas 78682 USA 512-338-4400 Back to Contents Page...

  • Page 113: 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 optional Drivers and Utilities CD may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your computer.

  • Page 114: Using The Optional Drivers And Utilities Cd

    If this is your first time to use the Drivers and Utilities CD, the Installation window opens to inform you that the CD will begin the installation. Click OK and respond to the installation program prompts to complete the installation.   2. Click Next at the Welcome Dell System Owner screen.   3. Choose the appropriate selections for System Model, Operating System, Device Type, and Topic.

  • Page 115: Restoring The Computer To An Earlier Operating State

    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.  ...

  • Page 116: Reinstalling 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 117   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.  ...

  • Page 118: Replacing The System Board

    Back to Contents Page   Replacing the System Board Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Removing the System Board   1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.   2. Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your computer, turn them off now.

  • Page 119: Desktop System Board Screws

    1 mini tower system board 2 screws (10)   Desktop System Board Screws 1 desktop system board 2 screws (10)   Small Form Factor System Board Screws...
  • Page 120 1 small form factor system board 2 screws (8) Place the system board assembly that you just removed next to the replacement system board to ensure it is identical.   Replacing the System Board   1. Gently align the board into the chassis and slide it toward the back of the computer.  ...

  • Page 121: About Your Desktop Computer

    If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown. Dell badge This badge can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer. To rotate the badge, place your fingers around the outside of the badge, press firmly, and turn the badge.

  • Page 122: Back View

      Back View 1 card slots Access connectors for any installed PC Cards. 2 back-panel Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector. connectors 3 power Insert the power cable into this connector. connector 4 voltage Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch. selection switch To help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection...

  • Page 123: Inside Your Computer

    It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation. network This light flashes yellow when the computer is transmitting or receiving activity light network data.

  • Page 124: System Board Components

    System Board Components fan connector (FAN) 11 chassis intrusion switch connector (INTRUDER) processor connector (CPU) 12 password jumper (PSWD) power connector (12VPOWER) 13 battery socket (BATT) memory module connectors (DIMM_1, DIMM_2) 14 PCI connector (SLOT3) serial ATA drive connector (SATA0) 15 PCI riser connector (SLOT2) front-panel connector (FNT_PANEL) 16 serial connector (SER2)
  • Page 125 RTCRST The real-time clock has not been reset.   The real-time clock is being reset (jumpered temporarily).    jumpered    unjumpered Back to Contents Page  ...

  • Page 126: Installing A Pci Card

    You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis. Your Dell™ computer supports a serial port adapter and provides two low-profile PCI card slots for PCI cards: NOTE: Your Dell computer uses only PCI slots. ISA cards are not supported.   PCI Cards  ...

  • Page 127: Removing A Pci Card

      CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any cards.   6. Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot. 1 card fully seated 2 card not fully seated 3 bracket within slot...

  • Page 128: Installing A Pci Card In The Riser-Card Cage

    5. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening. If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell. NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
  • Page 129 1 riser-card cage 2 handle   4. 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. Grasp the card by its corners, and ease it out of its connector.

  • Page 130: Removing A Pci Card From The Riser-Card Cage

    1 riser-card cage 3 riser board 2 slots 4 system board connectors   10. Reconnect any cables that you removed in step   11. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card. NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.
  • Page 131 6. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening. If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell. NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
  • Page 132   12. If you removed an network adapter card:  Enter system setup, select Network Controller, and change the setting to On. b.  Connect the network cable to the integrated network connector on the back panel of the computer.   Serial Port Adapters  ...
  • Page 133 Removing a Serial Port Adapter   1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin."   2. Gently push the release tab on the adapter retention latch.   3. Disconnect the cable that connects the adapter to the system board.   4.
  • Page 134   10. Connect any disconnected cables.   Replace the computer cover.   12. Install any drivers required for the serial port adapter.   Removing a Serial Port Adapter From the Riser-Card Cage   1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin."...

  • Page 135: Removing The Computer Cover

    Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Removing the Computer Cover  Removing the Computer Cover   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 computer cover.

  • Page 136: General Installation Guidelines

    Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Drives  Drives Your computer supports:  One serial ATA hard drive  One optional ATA hard drive  One optional floppy drive  One optional CD or DVD drive 1 CD/DVD drive 2 floppy drive 3 hard drive  ...

  • Page 137: Cd/Dvd Drive

    Most interface 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. Keyed connectors ensure that the pin-1 wire in the cable (indicated by the colored stripe along one edge of the IDE cable—serial ATA cables do not use a colored stripe) goes to the pin-1 end of the connector.

  • Page 138: Installing A Cd/Dvd Drive

    1 drive release latch 2 CD/DVD drive   3. Disconnect the power and CD/DVD drive cables from the back of the drive.   Installing a CD/DVD Drive   1. Unpack the drive and prepare it for installation. Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select setting.

  • Page 139: Removing A Floppy Drive

    8. Update your configuration information by setting the appropriate Drive option (0 or 1) under Drives. See "System Setup" for more information.   9. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics.   Floppy Drive   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

  • Page 140: Installing A Floppy Drive

    1 drive release latch 2 floppy drive   4. Disconnect the power and floppy-drive cables from the back of the floppy drive.   Installing a Floppy Drive   1. If you are installing a new drive: a.  Use a small flat-edge screw driver on the back side of the drive-panel insert to gently pop off the insert. b.
  • Page 141   Enter system setup and set the Diskette Drive option to enable your new floppy drive.   10. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics.   Hard Drive   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

  • Page 142: Installing A Hard Drive

      Installing a Hard Drive   1. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.
  • Page 143 14. Partition and logically format your drive before you proceed to the next step. For instructions, see the documentation that came with your operating system.   15. Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics.   16. Install your operating system on the hard drive.

  • Page 144: Removing The I/O Panel

    Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   I/O Panel  I/O Panel   Removing the I/O Panel   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.   CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
  • Page 145  ...

  • Page 146: Removing The Processor

    2 captive screw housing (2) NOTICE: If you are installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, discard the original heat sink. If you are not installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink when you install your new processor.

  • Page 147: Installing The Processor

    center cover latch processor cover processor socket release lever NOTICE: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket.   5. Gently remove the processor from the socket. Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor.
  • Page 148 If you are not installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink assembly when you replace the processor. If you installed a processor replacement kit from Dell, return the original heat sink assembly and processor to Dell in the same package in which your replacement kit was sent.
  • Page 149 3 captive screw housing (2)   Replace the computer cover. Back to Contents Page  ...
  • Page 150 Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Power Supply  Power Supply   Replacing the Power Supply   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTICE: 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 151   11. Replace the CD/DVD drive.   12. Connect the AC power cable to the connector.   Replace the computer cover.   DC Power Connectors   DC Power Connector P1       Pin Number Signal name 18-AWG Wire +3.3 VDC Orange +3.3 VDC Orange...
  • Page 152 VCC (+5V) VCC (+5V) Black *Use 22-AWG wire instead of 18-AWG wire.   DC Power Connector P2       Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire Black Black +12 VDC Yellow +12 VDC Yellow   DC Power Connector P3    ...
  • Page 153 Pin Number Signal name 18-AWG Wire +3.3 VDC Orange Black +5 VDC Black +12 VDC Yellow Back to Contents Page  ...

  • Page 154: Desktop Computer Specifications

    Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Desktop Computer Specifications  Desktop Computer Specifications   Microprocessor Microprocessor type Intel® Pentium® or Celeron® processor Level 1 (L1) cache 32 KB Level 2 (L2) cache 512-KB, 1-MB, or 2-MB pipelined-burst, eight-way set associative, write-back SRAM   Memory...
  • Page 155 devices per channel with one channel   Expansion Bus Bus type PCI 2.3 SATA 1.0a and 2.0 USB 2.0 Bus speed PCI: 33 MHz SATA: 1.5 Gbps and 3.0 Gbps USB: 480 Mbps Cards half-length, full-height cards supported with optional riser-card cage Default: no riser-card cage: low-profile cards supported PCI:  ...
  • Page 156 or starts embedded system setup (during system start- up only) automatically starts the computer from the network environment specified by the remote boot environment (PXE) rather than from one of the devices in the system setup Boot Sequence option (during system start-up only) ...
  • Page 157 Back to Contents Page  ...

  • Page 158: About Your Small Form Factor Computer

    If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown. Dell badge The badge can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer. To rotate the badge, place your fingers around the outside of the badge, press firmly, and turn the badge.
  • Page 159   Back View 1 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI cards. 2 back-panel Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connector. connectors 3 power Insert the power cable into this connector. connector 4 voltage Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch. selection switch To help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection...
  • Page 160 card. It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation. network Flashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting or receiving activity light network data.
  • Page 161 3 power supply and fan 7 power button 4 hard drive 8 front panel door   System Board Components 1 fan connector (FAN) 10 chassis intrusion switch connector (INTRUDER) 2 processor connector (CPU) 11 password jumper (PSWD) 3 power connector (12VPOWER) 12 battery socket (BATT) 4 memory module connectors (DIMM_1 and DIMM_2) 13 PCI connector (SLOT2) 5 serial ATA drive connector (SATA0)
  • Page 162   (default) Password features are disabled.   RTCRST The real-time clock has not been reset. (default)   The real-time clock is being reset (jumpered temporarily).    jumpered    unjumpered Back to Contents Page  ...
  • Page 163 Your Dell™ computer supports a serial port adapter and provides one low-profile PCI card slot for one PCI card. NOTE: Your Dell computer uses only a PCI slot. ISA cards are not supported.  PCI Cards If you are replacing a card, uninstall the driver for the existing card. See the documentation that came with the card for instructions.
  • Page 164 1 fully seated card 2 not fully seated card 3 bracket within slot 4 bracket caught outside of slot   8. If applicable, before replacing the card retention mechanism, ensure that:  The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.  The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.
  • Page 165 4. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening. If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell. NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
  • Page 166 Back to Contents Page  ...
  • Page 167 Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Removing the Computer Cover  Removing the Computer Cover   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 computer cover.
  • Page 168 Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Drives  Drives Your computer supports:  One serial ATA drive  One FlexBay drive (floppy drive or Media Card Reader)  One CD or DVD drive 1 FlexBay for optional floppy drive or Media Card Reader 2 CD/DVD drive 3 hard drive  ...
  • Page 169 NOTICE: When you connect an IDE interface cable, do not place the colored stripe away from pin 1 of the connector. Reversing the cable prevents the drive from operating and could damage the controller, the drive, or both.   Power Cable Connectors 1 power cable 2 power input connector  ...
  • Page 170 NOTICE: Do not pull the drive out of the computer by the drive cables. Doing so may cause damage to cables and the cable connectors.   5. Lift the drive out of the computer and disconnect the power and hard-drive cables from the drive. 1 securing tabs (2) 2 hard drive  ...
  • Page 171 1 drive 2 release tabs (2) 3 hard drive bracket   4. Connect the power and hard-drive cables to the drive. 1 power cable 2 serial ATA data cable   5. Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.  ...
  • Page 172 13. Partition and logically format your drive before you proceed to the next step. For instructions, see the documentation that came with your operating system.   14. Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics.   15. Install your operating system on the hard drive.
  • Page 173   6. Remove the two screws from the side of drive and remove the drive bracket. Then disconnect the CD/DVD drive cable from the back of the drive. 1 screws (2) 2 drive bracket 3 CD/DVD drive 4 CD/DVD drive cable  ...
  • Page 174 8. See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.   Enter system setup and select the appropriate Drive option.   10. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics.   Floppy Drive   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
  • Page 175 1 cable release tab 2 data-cable edge connector 3 data-cable pull tab   7. Pull up on the drive release latch and slide the floppy drive towards the back of the computer. Then lift up to remove the drive from the computer.  ...
  • Page 176 9. Enter and use the Diskette Drive option to enable your new floppy drive. See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.   10. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics. Back to Contents Page  ...
  • Page 177 Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   I/O Panel  I/O Panel   Removing the I/O Panel   CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.   CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the computer cover.
  • Page 178 2 captive screws in housing (2) NOTICE: If you are installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, discard the original heat sink. If you are not installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink when you install your new processor.
  • Page 179 center cover latch processor cover processor socket release lever NOTICE: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket.   5. Gently remove the processor from the socket. Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor.
  • Page 180 If you are not installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink assembly when you replace the processor. If you installed a processor replacement kit from Dell, return the original heat sink assembly and processor to Dell in the same package in which your replacement kit was sent.
  • Page 181 3 captive screw in housing (2)   Replace the computer cover. Back to Contents Page  ...

  • Page 182: Small Form Factor Computer Specifications

    Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide   Small Form Factor Computer Specifications  Small Form Factor Computer Specifications   Microprocessor Microprocessor type Intel® Pentium® or Celeron® processor Level 1 (L1) cache 32 KB Level 2 (L2) cache 512-KB, 1-MB, or 2-MB pipelined-burst, eight-way set associative, write-back SRAM  ...
  • Page 183   Expansion Bus Bus type PCI 2.2 SATA 1.0a and 2.0 USB 2.0 Bus speed PCI: 33 MHz SATA: 1.5 and 3.0 Gbps USB: 480 Mbps Cards: low-profile cards supported PCI: connector connector size 120 pins connector data width (maximum) 32 bits  ...
  • Page 184 amber light — Blinking amber indicates a problem with an installed device; solid amber indicates an internal power problem (see "Power Problems"). Hard-drive access light green Link light solid green light indicates network connection Link integrity light (on integrated network adapter) green light for 10-Mb operation;...

  • Page 185: Notes, Notices, And Cautions

    ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. 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 186: Solving Problems

    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 187: Problems Writing To A Cd/Dvd-Rw Drive

      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 .

  • Page 188: Lockups And Software Problems

    Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: If you installed a unique image on your computer or if you had to reinstall your operating system, run the DSS utility. DSS is available on your Drivers and Utilities CD and at support.dell.com. ® ® NOTE:...

  • Page 189: Other Software 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.  Memory Problems NOTE: Your computer might emit a series of beeps (beep code) during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems.

  • Page 190: Network Problems

    Mouse Port option is set to On. 2.  Exit system setup and restart the computer.   Reinstall the mouse driver   Run the Dell Diagnostics   Check for software and hardware conflicts  Network Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.

  • Page 191: Printer Problems

      If the power light is off  —  The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.  Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.  If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned on.

  • Page 192: Restoring Default Settings

    Serial Port #1 setting (or the Serial Port #2 settings if you have an optional serial port adapter installed) or the LPT Port Mode setting matches the recommended settings.   Run the Dell Diagnostics  Sound and Speaker Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.

  • Page 193: No Sound From Headphones

     Enter system setup and ensure that the Audio Controller option is set to On. Exit system setup and restart your computer. Enter system setup   Run the Dell Diagnostics   Check for software and hardware conflicts   No sound from headphones  ...

  • Page 194: If The Screen Is Difficult To Read

      Check the monitor power light  —  If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that the monitor is turned on. If the power light is lit or blinking, the monitor has power. If the power light is blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.  ...
  • Page 195 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 196   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 .
  • Page 197 Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: If you installed a unique image on your computer or if you had to reinstall your operating system, run the DSS utility. DSS is available on your Drivers and Utilities CD and at support.dell.com. ® ® NOTE:...
  • Page 198 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.  Memory Problems NOTE: Your computer might emit a series of beeps (beep code) during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems.
  • Page 199 Mouse Port option is set to On. 2.  Exit system setup and restart the computer.   Reinstall the mouse driver   Run the Dell Diagnostics   Check for software and hardware conflicts  Network Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
  • Page 200   If the power light is off  —  The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.  Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.  If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned on.
  • Page 201 Serial Port #1 setting (or the Serial Port #2 settings if you have an optional serial port adapter installed) or the LPT Port Mode setting matches the recommended settings.   Run the Dell Diagnostics  Sound and Speaker Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
  • Page 202  Enter system setup and ensure that the Audio Controller option is set to On. Exit system setup and restart your computer. Enter system setup   Run the Dell Diagnostics   Check for software and hardware conflicts   No sound from headphones  ...
  • Page 203   Check the monitor power light  —  If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that the monitor is turned on. If the power light is lit or blinking, the monitor has power. If the power light is blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.  ...
  • Page 204 ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. 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 205 ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. 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 206: Troubleshooting Tools And Utilities

    2. When the DELL™ logo appears, press  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 (optional). 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 207: 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 208: Diagnostic Lights

    If the computer does not boot, contact Dell for technical assistance. Blinking yellow A power supply or system board failure has occurred. "Power Problems." Solid green and a beep code during A problem was detected while the BIOS was executing.

  • Page 209: Beep Codes

    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.   Contact Dell for technical assistance.  ...

  • Page 210: Error Messages

    4.  See the program documentation for installation instructions.   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.   Attachment failed to respond  —...
  • Page 211   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.

  • Page 212: Resolving Software And Hardware Incompatibilities

    Dell Diagnostics.   WARNING: Dell's Disk Monitoring System has detected that drive [0/1] on the [primary/secondary] EIDE controller is operating outside of normal specifications. It is advisable to immediately back up your data and replace your hard drive by calling your support desk or Dell  —  If no replacement drive is immediately available and the drive is not the only bootable drive,...
  • Page 213   2. Click Performance and Maintenance and click System.   3. Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.   4. In the Device Manager list, check for devices that are incorrectly configured. Incorrectly configured devices are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) or a red X if the device has been disabled.  ...
  • Page 214 2. When the DELL™ logo appears, press  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 (optional). 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 215 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 216 If the computer does not boot, contact Dell for technical assistance. Blinking yellow A power supply or system board failure has occurred. "Power Problems." Solid green and a beep code during A problem was detected while the BIOS was executing.
  • Page 217 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.   Contact Dell for technical assistance.  ...
  • Page 218 4.  See the program documentation for installation instructions.   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.   Attachment failed to respond  —...
  • Page 219   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.
  • Page 220 Dell Diagnostics.   WARNING: Dell's Disk Monitoring System has detected that drive [0/1] on the [primary/secondary] EIDE controller is operating outside of normal specifications. It is advisable to immediately back up your data and replace your hard drive by calling your support desk or Dell  —  If no replacement drive is immediately available and the drive is not the only bootable drive,...
  • Page 221 1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.   2. Click Performance and Maintenance and click System.   3. Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.   4. In the Device Manager list, check for devices that are incorrectly configured. Incorrectly configured devices are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) or a red X if the device has been disabled.
  • Page 222 Back to Contents Page Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide Back to Contents Page  ...

  • Page 223: Warranty

    Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 User's Guide 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 224: Microsoft® Windows® Xp Features

    Back to Contents Page   Microsoft® Windows® XP Features Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 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. You can move data such as:  E-mails...

  • Page 225: User Accounts And Fast User Switching

     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. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.  ...
  • Page 226 1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories® Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.   2. On the welcome screen, click Next.   3. Click Checklist for creating a network. NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP SP1.
  • Page 227 Back to Contents Page   Microsoft® Windows® XP Features Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX520 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. You can move data such as:  E-mails...
  • Page 228  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. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.  ...
  • Page 229 1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories® Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.   2. On the welcome screen, click Next.   3. Click Checklist for creating a network. NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP SP1.

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