Dell Dimension 4500S Manual

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Dell™ Dimension™ 4500S
Technical Overview
Controls and Lights
Solving Problems
Advanced Troubleshooting
Technical Specifications
System Setup Program
Adding and Replacing Parts
Documentation
Hints, Notices, and Cautions
HINT:
A HINT 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
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2002 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dimension are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel, Celeron, a n d Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated, which may be registered in certain
jurisdictions.
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 Computer Corporation
disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision
Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited
viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
September 2002 Rev. A02
Tell Me How
help file.
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Summary of Contents for Dell Dimension 4500S

  • Page 1: Abbreviations And Acronyms

    Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dimension are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel, Celeron, a n d Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation;...
  • Page 2: Advanced Troubleshooting

    If the problem persists or the computer has integrated video, see "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance. If the problem persists or the computer has integrated video, see "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
  • Page 3: Beep Codes

    If the monitor cannot display errors or problems, during POST the computer might emit a series of beeps, or beep code, that identifies the problem. Reseating the memory modules may fix the POST beep code errors listed below. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
  • Page 4: System Messages

    C: Drive Failure Cache memory is not operating. See "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining Cache Memory Bad, Do technical assistance. Not Enable Cache An error is occurring on the timer on the system See "Contacting Dell"...
  • Page 5: Using System Restore

    stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the keyboard. The operating system cannot be located on drive A Enter the system setup program and confirm that drive A or drive C is No ROM Basic or drive C.
  • Page 6: Reinstalling Drivers

    Using the Dell Dimension ResourceCD If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the Dell Dimension ResourceCD: 1.  With the Windows desktop displayed, insert the ResourceCD into the CD or DVD drive.
  • Page 7: Reinstalling Windows

    The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling your Windows XP operating system. The options can potentially overwrite files installed by Dell and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, Dell does not recommend that you reinstall your operating system unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.
  • Page 8  Reinstall the appropriate drivers. 18.  Reinstall your virus protection software. 19.  Reinstall your other software programs. See the documentation supplied with the software for instructions. Back to Contents Page  ...
  • Page 9: Finding Information For Your Computer

    Back to Contents Page Documentation Dell™ Dimension™ 4500S   Finding Information for Your Computer   Printed Documentation   Online Documentation Finding Information for Your Computer   What Are You Looking For? Find it Here A diagnostic program for my computer ResourceCD  Drivers for my computer...
  • Page 10: Printed Documentation

    Online discussions with other users and technical support Documentation for my computer The Dell | Support website provides several online tools, including: Knowledge Base — hints, tips, and online courses Customer Forum — online discussion with other Dell customers Upgrades — upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system Customer Care —...
  • Page 11 Viewing the Tell Me How Help File 1. Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support.  2. Click User and system guides, and then click User's guides.  3. Click Tell Me How. Back to Contents Page  ...
  • Page 12: Adding And Replacing Parts

    Back to Contents Page Adding and Replacing Parts Dell™ Dimension™ 4500S      Safety Instructions      Hard Drive      Shutting Down the Computer      Floppy Drive      Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand      CD/DVD Drive      Opening the Computer Cover      Replacing the Microprocessor   ...
  • Page 13: Shutting Down The Computer

    Be sure that nothing rests on your computer's cables and that the cables are not located where they can be stepped on or tripped over. Do not spill food or liquids on your computer. If the computer gets wet, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" in the Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
  • Page 14: Attaching And Removing The Computer Stand

    1.  Save and close any open files and exit any open programs. 2.  Click the Start button and then click Turn off Computer. 3.  Click Turn off. The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes. 4.  Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power. Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand The computer can be used in either a vertical or horizontal position.
  • Page 15: Looking Inside Your Computer

    CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the "Safety Instructions." CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.  Shut down the computer. 2.  Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets. NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  • Page 16 Adding or Removing Cards CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the "Safety Instructions." CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.  Shut down the computer.
  • Page 17   8.  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 top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
  • Page 18: Adding Memory

    You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, look under "Memory" in "Technical Specifications." HINT: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.  Shut down the computer.
  • Page 19: Front-Panel Inserts

     Attach the computer stand (optional). NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 12.  Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. 13.
  • Page 20: Hard Drive

    Hard Drive CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the "Safety Instructions." CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. CAUTION: 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 21 NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer. NOTICE: When you unpack the drive, do not set it on a hard surface, which may damage the drive. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.
  • Page 22: Floppy Drive

    top into place. (Operating the computer without a hard-drive shroud does not affect its performance.)  Close the computer cover.  Attach the computer stand (optional). NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 18.
  • Page 23 9.  If the replacement drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive. Attach the bracket to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket rails and then inserting and tightening all four screws (two screws on each rail).
  • Page 24: Cd/Dvd Drive

    To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. HINT: Drives sold by Dell come with their own operating software and documentation. After you install a drive, refer to the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing and using the drive software.
  • Page 25: Replacing The Microprocessor

      9.  Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position. 10.  Connect the power and data cables to the drive.   11.  If you are installing a drive that has its own controller card, install the controller card in a card slot. 12.
  • Page 26 NOTICE: Do not discard the original heat sink and securing clips unless you are installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell. If you are not installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink, blower, and securing clips when installing your new microprocessor.
  • Page 27 If you are not installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original blower/heat-sink assembly when you replace the microprocessor. If you are installing a microprocessor replacement kit from Dell, return the microprocessor to Dell in the same package in which your replacement kit was sent.
  • Page 28: Replacing The System Board

    24.  Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. If you are installing a microprocessor replacement kit from Dell, return the original heat sink assembly and microprocessor package to Dell in the same package in which your replacement kit was sent. Your microprocessor replacement kit should include a replacement microprocessor heat sink and one replacement securing clip.
  • Page 29: Replacing The Power Supply

    Set the jumper on the replacement system board so it is identical to the one on the existing board. 3.  Orient the replacement board by aligning the notches on the bottom to the tabs on the computer floor. 4.  Slide the board toward the back of the computer until it clicks into place. 5.
  • Page 30: Replacing The Battery

    11.  Lift the power supply up and out of the computer. Replacing the Power Supply 1.  Slide the power supply into place. 2.  Reconnect the DC power cables. 3.  Connect the AC power cable to the AC power connector on the back of the power supply. 4.
  • Page 31: Closing The Computer Cover

    10.  Access the system setup program and restore the settings you recorded in step Closing the Computer Cover 1.  Ensure that all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way. Do not route cables over the drive cage—they can prevent the cover from closing properly.
  • Page 32: Solving Problems

    If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery. If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for the correct number to call. Drive Problems Floppy drive problems  ...
  • Page 33: E-Mail, Modem, And Internet Problems

    NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You may accidentally misalign the heads, which can render the drive inoperable.   Clean the drive — Use a commercially available cleaning kit. CD drive problems HINT: High-speed CD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise. This does not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD.  ...
  • Page 34: Error Messages

    Operating system not found — Contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for the correct number to call. The file being copied is too large for the destination drive —...
  • Page 35: A Program Stops Responding

    If you cannot solve your problem by using the Dell | Support website or e-mail service, call Dell for technical assistance (see "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for the correct number to call). See "Dell Technical Support Policy" in the Dell Owner's Manual for a...
  • Page 36: General Hardware Problems

    General hardware problems If your computer exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, a device conflict may exist: Your computer locks up, particularly while using a specific device. A recently added device does not work. A sound card emits noise or demonstrates other problems. Unintelligible characters print from the printer.
  • Page 37: Network Problems

    If the problem persists, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for the correct number to call. If the power light is steady amber — The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.
  • Page 38: Printer Problems

    Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet Printer Problems HINT: Dell does not cover the printer's warranty. If you need technical assistance for your printer, call the printer's manufacturer. See the printer documentation for the correct phone number.  ...
  • Page 39: Video And Monitor Problems

    speakers. Ensure that the subwoofer and the speakers are turned on — See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate distortion. Adjust the Windows volume control — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.
  • Page 40  ...
  • Page 41: Technical Specifications

    Back to Contents Page Technical Specifications Dell™ Dimension™ 4500S     Microprocessor      Video     System Information      Audio     Expansion Bus      Controls and Lights     Memory      Power     Drives      Physical     Ports and Connectors      Environmental     Microprocessor ®...
  • Page 42 Ports and Connectors Externally accessible: Serial 9-pin connector; 16550C-compatible Parallel 25-hole connector (bidirectional) Video 15-hole connector Keyboard 6-pin mini-DIN connector or USB connector Mouse 6-pin mini-DIN connector or USB connector two front-panel and four back-panel USB 2.0–compliant connectors Headphone front-panel miniature jack Audio three miniature jacks for line-in, line-out, and microphone Internally accessible:...
  • Page 43 Altitude: Operating –15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)* Storage –15.2 to 10,670 m (–50 to 35,000 ft) * At 35°C (95°F), the maximum operating altitude is 914 m (3000 ft). Back to Contents Page  ...
  • Page 44: Viewing Settings

      Viewing Settings 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. System Setup Program Screens The system setup program screens display the current configuration information for your computer.
  • Page 45 Options – A scrollable box listing options that define the configuration of your computer (including installed hardware, power conservation, and security features). Fields to the right of the listed options contain settings or values. The settings and values that you can change are brighter on the screen. All other settings and values are set by the computer and cannot be changed.
  • Page 46: Clearing Forgotten Passwords

    Diskette Interface Sets diskette interface options. The default is Auto. PC Speaker Turns the PC speaker off and on. The default is On. Primary Video Controller Sets the primary video controller. The default is Auto. Video DAC Snoop Turns the video DAC Snoop off and on. The default is Off. The following table shows Power Management option information.
  • Page 47  ...
  • Page 48: Technical Overview

    Back to Contents Page Technical Overview Dell™ Dimension™ 4500S   Internal View   System Board Connectors and Sockets   Power Supply   DC Power Connectors Internal View CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, read "Safety Instructions." NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do not inadvertently disconnect cables from the system board.
  • Page 49: Power Supply Dc Connector Pin Assignments

    Power Supply Your computer is equipped with one of the following 180-W power supply units (see "Safety Instructions" for more information): A fixed-voltage power supply — Computers with a fixed-voltage power supply do not have a voltage selection switch on the back panel and operate at only one voltage (see the regulatory label on the outside of the computer for its operating voltage).
  • Page 50: Dc Power Connector P1

    DC Power Connector P1     Pin Number Signal name 18-AWG Wire +3.3 VDC Orange +3.3 VDC Orange Black +5 VDC Black +5 VDC Black POK* Gray +5 VFP Purple +12 VDC Yellow +3.3 VDC Orange –12 VDC* Blue Black PS ON* Green Black...
  • Page 51: Dc Power Connector P5

      Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire Black Black +12 VDC Yellow +12 VDC Yellow DC Power Connectors P2, P3, and P4     Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire +12 VDC Yellow Black Black +5 VDC DC Power Connector P5  ...
  • Page 52: Controls And Lights

    Back to Contents Page Controls and Lights Dell™ Dimension™ 4500S   Computer Stand   Front View   Back View Computer Stand The computer can be used in either a vertical or horizontal position. See "Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand" for more information.   Front View Front View With Front-Panel Door Closed  ...
  • Page 53: Headphone Connector

    Check the documentation that came with the device or contact the USB device manufacturer for more information. Although any USB device can be attached to either the front- or back-panel USB connectors, Dell recommends using the front-panel USB connectors for devices that you frequently connect and disconnect, such as USB digital cameras and gaming controllers.
  • Page 54 line-out connector Use the green line-out connector (available on computers with integrated sound) to attach headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers. On computers with a sound card, the line-out connector is on the card. microphone connector Use the pink microphone connector (available on computers with integrated sound) to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

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